Airbus helos get firewall brackets to stop fire spread
Published Date: 9/28/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to fix a safety issue on certain Airbus Helicopters because gaps in the engine seals could let fires spread and stop fire extinguishers from working well. They’re proposing to add angle-brackets to the engine firewalls to keep everyone safer. Helicopter owners need to comment by November 12, 2026, and get ready for these changes, which might cost some time and money but will boost safety big time.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory firewall modification for certain helicopters
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155 B, EC 155 B1, SA 365 N, or SA 365 N1, the FAA proposes you must modify the engine compartment firewalls by installing angle-brackets along the firewalls to improve sealing and reduce fire spread. The requirement would incorporate EASA AD 2026-0056 (dated March 16, 2026) and must be done within the compliance times specified in that AD.
Estimated compliance cost per helicopter and nationwide
The FAA estimates the modification takes 6 work-hours at $85/hour (labor $510) plus parts costing up to $32,360, for a total cost per helicopter up to $32,870. The FAA estimates 43 U.S.-registered helicopters are affected, with a total estimated cost to U.S. operators of $1,413,410.
No FAA reporting requirement for manufacturer submittals
Although the referenced EASA AD asks operators to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this FAA proposed AD explicitly does not require submitting that information. That means you would not be required by the FAA to send the manufacturer the reports called for in the EASA AD.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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