Federal Register #2026-06621

FAA Airworthiness Directive for Airbus Helicopters AS355 Series Tail Fin Spar Inspection and Correction

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, has issued an airworthiness directive (AD) targeting Airbus Helicopters AS355 series models due to a structural crack risk in the tail fin spar. - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service - OEMs and Vendors: - Airbus Helicopters (primary OEM for affected helicopters) - Dassault Aviation (mentioned for a related airplane manual revision) - European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) referenced for technical guidance - Products/Services Requested: - Repetitive inspections of vertical upper fin spars on Airbus Helicopters AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP - Corrective actions if cracks are found, including removal and replacement of upper fin assemblies - Installation of reinforced upper fin spar (part number 355A1405221751) as a terminating action - Prohibition on installation of certain upper fin assemblies to prevent unsafe conditions - Revision of airplane flight manual for Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000EX (secondary requirement) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with EASA AD 20230154R1 and FAA AD 20260708 - Installation of reinforced upper fin spar (P/N 355A1405221751) is required to terminate repetitive inspections - No specific purchase quantities or contract values are listed; this is a regulatory safety action, not a procurement - Locations: - FAA offices in Westbury, NY and Fort Worth, TX - U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations in Washington, DC - Airbus Helicopters facility in Grand Prairie, TX

Description

The FAA has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP. This AD addresses a structural crack found in the vertical attachment spar of the tail fin, requiring repetitive inspections and corrective actions as needed. It also prohibits the installation of certain upper fin assemblies to prevent unsafe conditions. The directive aims to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of these helicopter models.

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