Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-15308, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-16- 12, which applied to all Airbus SAS Model A319-151N, -153N, -171N, and -173N airplanes; Model A320-251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, and -273N airplanes; and Model A321-251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, - 252NX, -253NX, -271NX, -272NX, -253NY, and -271NY airplanes. AD 2025- 16-12 required revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) and the existing FAA-approved minimum equipment list (MEL), allowed replacement of each affected high-pressure bleed valve (HPV) as an optional terminating action, and prohibited the installation of affected parts. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-16-12, the FAA has determined that repetitive replacement of the HPV clips is necessary to address the unsafe condition. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2025-16-12 and requires repetitive replacement of each affected HPV clip. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-15239, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-19- 14, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, 777- 200LR, 777-300ER, and 777F series airplanes. AD 2024-19-14 required repetitive inspections and bond resistance measurement of the bonding jumpers on the first fuel feed tube installed immediately forward of the wing front spar at the left and right main fuel tank penetrations and applicable corrective actions. This AD was prompted by a determination that additional inspections are required to address the unsafe condition. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections (DETs), repetitive bond resistance measurement, and applicable on- condition actions. This AD also expands the applicability and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate a certain airworthiness limitation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-15072, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that certain passenger seat assemblies were not correctly installed in the seat tracks. This proposed AD would require a detailed inspection of the seat track fittings of each left and right side track-mounted passenger seat assembly for correct installation and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15231, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 135 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles; Extension of Comment Period
In response to a request from Varnum LLP (Varnum), NHTSA is announcing a 30-day extension of the public comment period for the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published on June 26, 2026 proposing to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light vehicle brake systems." The proposed modifications would distinguish how regulations apply to vehicles with and without manually operated driving controls. The comment period for the NPRM was originally scheduled to end on July 27, 2026. It will now end on August 26, 2026.
Next: 2026-15294, Implementation of Fish and Fish Product Import Provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act
NMFS is soliciting public input to inform potential revisions to the implementing regulations pursuant to the import provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NMFS is initiating a comprehensive review of the import regulations to increase efficiency of the program while ensuring that the objectives of the statute are met.