FAA Proposes 180-Amp Limit Sticker for Certain Airbus Helicopters
Published Date: 10/28/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update safety rules for certain Airbus Helicopters to keep them flying safely. They’re asking owners to revise the flight manual and add a new sticker that limits the starter generator’s power to 180 amps. This update affects specific helicopter models and parts, and comments are open until December 14, 2026—so owners should act soon to avoid any costly issues.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory 180A limit: RFM change and placard
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 (except those with an ARRIEL 2D engine) or EC130B4 with a starter generator P/N 200SGL130Q or P/N 200SGL130Q-4, you must, within the next 100 hours time-in-service after the AD's effective date, revise Paragraph 2 (Limitations) of RFM supplement 29 to reduce the starter generator maximum continuous current to 180 amps and install a placard reading "MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS GENERATOR LOAD = 180A" following the April 15, 2026 Airbus Alert Service Bulletins.
Applicability expanded and narrowed
The rule applies to Model AS350B3 helicopters except those equipped with an ARRIEL 2D engine, and to all Model EC130B4 helicopters. The manufacturer revised applicability to add starter generator part number 200SGL130Q-4 and to remove helicopters equipped with an ARRIEL 2D engine.
Estimated compliance costs to U.S. operators
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 781 U.S.-registered helicopters. The agency estimates installing the placard costs 1 work-hour at $85 plus $228 in parts (total $313 per helicopter; $244,453 across U.S. operators) and revising the RFM supplement costs 1 work-hour at $85 (total $85 per helicopter; $66,385 across U.S. operators).
Ban on installing specified starter generators
As of the AD's effective date, you may not install starter generator P/N 200SGL130Q or P/N 200SGL130Q-4 on any helicopter unless you have first done the RFM revision and installed the placard as required in paragraph (g) of the AD.
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Key Dates
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