FAA to Choppers: Inspect Those Rotor Rods, Round Two
Published Date: 7/29/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-01-01, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, EC130B4, EC130T2, SA 365 C1, SA 365 C2, SA 365 N, and SA 365 N1 helicopters. AD 2022-01-01 requires the application of alignment markings on, and repetitive inspections of, the main rotor (MR) pitch rod upper links and, depending on findings, the accomplishment of applicable corrective actions. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-01-01, the manufacturer designed a new pitch rod lever axis attachment screw and issued applicable modification material as an alternative option. This proposed AD would retain all the actions of AD 2022-01-01 and would allow the modification as a terminating action to the repetitive inspections and corrective actions. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing a certain affected pitch rod lever axis attachment screws unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Keep doing repeated pitch-rod inspections
If you own or operate one of the listed Airbus helicopter models in U.S. registry, you must continue to apply alignment markings and do repetitive visual inspections of the main rotor pitch rod upper links as required by the AD. The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 1,302 U.S.-registered helicopters and the basic inspection is estimated at 1 work-hour = $85 per inspection.
Optional screw modification ends inspections
The manufacturer’s modification (new pitch rod lever axis attachment screw) is allowed as an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA estimates the optional screw modification takes 4 work-hours (4 x $85 = $340) plus parts up to $506, for a total cost per helicopter of up to $846.
Restrictions on installing certain screws (P/N 350A31-1873-20)
The proposed AD would prohibit installing pitch rod lever axis attachment screw part number 350A31-1873-20 on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met. This affects maintenance and parts installation decisions for operators and repair facilities working on the listed helicopter models.
Pilots may perform the visual alignment check
For the visual inspection of the two alignment markings on each main rotor pitch rod upper link, an owner/operator pilot holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform the inspection and must record compliance in maintenance records under 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The FAA treats this visual check as doable by a pilot because it only involves ensuring the two red lines are aligned.
No special flight permits allowed for affected helicopters
The proposed AD states special flight permits under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 are not allowed for these helicopters. Operators cannot use special flight permits to move an affected helicopter for compliance or repair flights under this AD.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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