Federal Register #2026-07168

FAA Directive: Replacement of Main Gearbox Suspension Bar Fittings on Airbus Helicopters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is mandating a safety upgrade for specific Airbus Helicopters models to address a critical structural issue: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEM Highlight: - Airbus Helicopters is the sole OEM referenced for the affected helicopter models and replacement parts - Products/Services Requested: - Replacement of main gearbox (MGB) suspension bar front and rear attachment fittings, including screws, nuts, and washers - Applies to Airbus Helicopters models: AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D - Estimated 903 helicopters affected - All replacement parts must be new and never previously installed - No affected part may be reinstalled or reused - Procedures must follow EASA AD 20260021 and Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin AS35063310001 Issue 002 - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Strict prohibition on reusing or reinstalling affected parts - Compliance required within specified flight hours or time-in-service thresholds - Only new, OEM-certified parts are acceptable - Estimated compliance cost is $14,480 per helicopter, totaling approximately $13–$14 million for the U.S. fleet - Reference Documents: - EASA AD 20260021 - Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin AS35063310001 Issue 002 - Place of Performance/Delivery: - No centralized delivery; applies to all affected U.S.-registered helicopters - FAA offices in Westbury, NY; Fort Worth, TX; Des Moines, WA; and Washington, DC are listed as points of contact or oversight

Description

The FAA is issuing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters models AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D. This AD addresses a safety issue caused by a gap between bolted assemblies under the main gearbox suspension bar attachment fittings, which could lead to structural failure and loss of helicopter control. The directive requires replacing affected front and rear attachment fittings, screws, nuts, and washers with new parts and prohibits installing any affected parts unless they are new. Compliance is required by April 29, 2026, with comments accepted until May 30, 2026.

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