New Maintenance Rules Target Airbus AS355 Helicopter Fleet
Published Date: 6/16/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly or maintain Airbus AS355 helicopters, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules to make sure these choppers stay super safe by July 21, 2026. You’ll need to update your maintenance manuals with new, stricter checks—no extra costs mentioned, just smarter care to keep everyone flying safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Update Maintenance Limits Within 30 Days
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model AS355 (AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, or NP), you must revise the airworthiness limitations section of your maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and your approved maintenance or inspection program within 30 days after July 21, 2026. The AD requires doing the actions and compliance times specified in EASA AD 2024-0134 as incorporated by reference.
One-Time $85 Compliance Cost
The FAA estimates revising the airworthiness limitations will take 1 work-hour costing $85 per helicopter. The AD affects 34 U.S.-registered AS355 helicopters for a total estimated cost to U.S. operators of $2,890.
New AD Replaces Prior ADs for AS355
This new AD (AD 2026-10-16) replaces AD 2022-19-13 and states that accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2011-22-05 R1 and AD 2016-25-20 for Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. Operators who complete the new AD actions no longer need to comply with those earlier AD requirements for these models.
Effective Date and Initial Compliance Times
This AD is effective July 21, 2026. Where EASA AD 2024-0134 specifies certain timeframes, this FAA AD requires that revising the ALS and approved program be done within 30 days after the effective date, and initial compliance times for tasks are on or before the applicable limitations and associated thresholds or within 30 days after the effective date, whichever occurs later.
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If you own or work with Airbus Helicopters models AS350B2, AS350B3, EC130B4, or EC130T2, listen up! Starting July 21, 2026, you’ll need to update your helicopter’s maintenance manuals with new safety rules to keep flying safe. These changes might mean extra checks but are crucial to avoid unsafe conditions and keep your chopper in top shape.
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If you own or work with certain Airbus Helicopters like the AS350 or EC130 models, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules to make sure your helicopter’s maintenance manuals have the newest, stricter checks. These changes kick in on July 21, 2026, and might mean some extra work but keep everyone flying safer.