Helicopter Manuals Get FAA's Routine Safety Overhaul
Published Date: 10/5/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or maintain Airbus AS350 helicopters, the FAA wants you to update your maintenance manuals with new, stricter safety rules to keep flying safe. These changes replace older rules and must be followed to prevent problems. Comments on this proposal are open until November 19, 2026, so act fast if you have thoughts or questions!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Must follow new, stricter life limits and tasks
You must comply with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2026-0102 as incorporated by reference, which requires replacing components before exceeding their life limits and accomplishing maintenance tasks within the thresholds and intervals specified in the ALS. Depending on task results, the EASA AD may require corrective actions or contacting Airbus Helicopters for approved instructions.
You must revise your maintenance limits
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, or AS350D in the U.S., you must revise the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of your maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and your approved maintenance/inspection program. The FAA estimates this revision action takes 1 work-hour at $85 per helicopter and would affect 1,191 U.S.-registered helicopters for a total estimated cost of $101,235.
U.S. deadline is much faster: 30 days
Where EASA required revising the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months, the FAA would require U.S. operators to revise the ALS and approved maintenance or inspection program within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. That shortened deadline requires you to act faster to update manuals and programs.
AS350BB model not covered by FAA AD
EASA AD 2026-0102 applies to the AS350BB model, but this FAA proposed AD does not apply to the AS350BB because that model does not have an FAA type certificate. If you operate an AS350BB in the U.S., this FAA AD would not impose these requirements on that model.
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
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20393, Airworthiness Directives; DG Aviation GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by DG Flugzeugbau GmbH) Gliders
If you own a DG Aviation GmbH DG-1000T glider, the FAA wants you to update your flight manual and check your propeller adapter ring. You can fix the problem by installing a new design part, which lets you remove the 'Motor INOP' signs. Comments on this proposal are open until November 19, 2026, and these changes help keep your glider safe without big costs.
Next: 2026-20439, Presidential Determination on the Revocation of Presidential Determinations Related to Lebanon
The President has officially canceled several old rules that were put in place to protect airplanes flying to and from Lebanon from being hijacked. This change means those security restrictions are no longer needed, and all related regulations must be removed right away. This affects airlines and government agencies by clearing the way for smoother operations without those specific security limits.