FAA Orders New Inspections on Airbus Helicopter Rotors
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly Airbus Helicopters like the AS-365 or EC155 models, the FAA wants you to do extra checks on the main rotor servo-controls to keep things safe. This new rule adds more inspections and requires you to report what you find to the manufacturer. You’ve got until August 17, 2026, to share your thoughts, and these steps might cost some time and money but keep your helicopter flying safely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Inspections and Repairs
If you operate an Airbus Helicopter Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, or SA-365N1, the FAA would require one-time and additional inspections of the main rotor (MR) servo-controls nut torque, and corrective actions depending on results. Corrective actions explicitly include replacing the lock-washer, applying torque/lockwire/sealing compound, inspecting or replacing the ball bearing end, and replacing the MR servo-control (a single MR servo-control part is listed at $41,039 and replacement of three could be up to $123,372). The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 63 U.S.-registered helicopters.
No Special Flight Permits Allowed
Special flight permits under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 are not allowed for helicopters subject to this AD, meaning operators may not be permitted to fly the helicopter under a special flight permit to a maintenance location while this AD is in effect.
Mandatory Reporting and Paperwork
Operators must report inspection results (including no findings) to Airbus Helicopters. If the inspection is done on or after the AD's effective date, reports must be submitted within 30 days after the inspection; if inspection was done before the AD's effective date, submit within 30 days after the AD effective date. The FAA estimates public reporting is about 1 hour per response and identifies OMB Control Number 2120-0056 for this mandatory collection.
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