FAA Orders Airbus Helicopter Cleaning Checks
Published Date: 7/10/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly Airbus Helicopters like the AS350B2, AS350B3, EC120B, or EC130B4, listen up! The FAA found that dust or debris can cause short circuits in a key control unit, so they’re requiring regular cleaning and inspections starting August 14, 2026. Some helicopters will also need switch upgrades and manual updates to stop the problem for good—this might cost some time and money but keeps everyone safer in the sky.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Prevents EFS Failure in Water Landings
The AD stems from a short-circuit risk caused by foreign object debris or dust in the LACU that could lead to loss of the emergency flotation system (EFS) and failure to activate during an emergency water landing. The required inspections, cleaning, and modifications are intended to prevent that unsafe condition.
Mandatory LACU Cleaning and Inspections
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters AS350B2, AS350B3, EC120B, or EC130B4, the FAA requires repetitive cleaning and inspection of the lighting and ancillaries control unit (LACU). The AD is effective August 14, 2026, and the FAA estimates each inspection takes 2 work-hours (2 x $85/hr = $170) and that 576 U.S.-registered helicopters are affected (total cost per inspection cycle: $97,920).
EFS Switch Modification Ends Inspections
For some affected helicopters, you must modify the emergency flotation system (EFS) activation switches and revise the rotorcraft flight manual; doing so is a terminating action that ends the repetitive cleaning and inspection requirement. The FAA estimates the modification takes 16 work-hours (16 x $85/hr = $1,360) and totals $783,360 for all 576 U.S.-registered helicopters.
Prohibition on Installing Affected Parts
The AD prohibits installing certain affected LACUs and emergency flotation system (EFS) components on any helicopter unless the AD's requirements are met. The AD also requires removing from service parts that the referenced EASA material says to discard.
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