# 2026-22780: FAA Targets Airbus Helicopter Doors With New Locking Requirements

2026-22780, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, is a Federal Register rule from Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration published 2026-11-09, effective 2026-12-14; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-11-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22780
- As of: 2026-11-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-22780
- Title: Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Aviation Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 70779
- Published: 2026-11-09
- Effective: 2026-12-14
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: 2120-AA64
- Last updated: 2026-11-11

## In one line

FAA Targets Airbus Helicopter Doors With New Locking Requirements

## Summary

If you fly or work with Airbus Helicopters EC130B4 models, listen up! The FAA found weak spots in the locking parts of the left-side swinging and sliding doors and now requires fixes to make them safer. Starting December 14, 2026, these changes must be done, and you can’t install certain doors unless they meet new safety rules—keeping everyone flying safe without breaking the bank.

## Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters (AH) Model EC130B4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of weaknesses in the locking mechanisms on the left-hand side swinging and sliding door. This AD requires modifying the swing door star support and sliding door star support stringer. This AD also prohibits installing an affected composite door on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Effects PRIA read

- Mandatory door locking modification for EC130B4: cost, high. If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4, you must modify the left-hand swing door star support and the sliding door star support stringer. The AD is effective December 14, 2026, and the modification must be completed within 460 hours time-in-service after that date.
- Ban on installing affected composite doors: cost, low. You may not install an affected composite door on any EC130B4 helicopter unless the required modification described in the incorporated EASA AD is accomplished. This prohibition is effective as of December 14, 2026.
- Estimated U.S. compliance cost and fleet size: cost, high. The FAA estimates this AD affects 214 U.S.-registered EC130B4 helicopters. The estimated cost per helicopter is $2,342 (20 work-hours × $85/hour = $1,700 labor plus $642 parts), for a total estimated cost to U.S. operators of $501,188.
- Inspection and parts disposal rules changed: cost, low. For inspections required by this AD, it is not permitted to use Type 2 colored dye penetrant. Where the referenced EASA material specifies discarding certain parts, the FAA requires removing those parts from service instead.

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## Sources
- [2026-22780 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/11/09/2026-22780/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters)
- [2026-22780 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-11-09/pdf/2026-22780.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-22776, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22776)
- [Next: 2026-22781, Technical Corrections of Commercial Space Transportation Regulations](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22781)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22780 (as of 2026-11-11).