Federal Register #FAA-2026-3487

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directives for Airbus Helicopters and Airbus SAS Airplanes

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, is proposing new airworthiness directives (ADs) for Airbus Helicopters and Airbus SAS airplanes to address identified safety concerns. - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Aircraft Certification Service, Airworthiness Products Section - OEMs and Vendors: - Airbus Helicopters (primary OEM for helicopter models) - Airbus SAS (primary OEM for airplane models) - Products/Services Requested: - Installation of additional safety labels on sliding door emergency exits for Airbus Helicopters models: - AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D - AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP - EC120B, EC130B4 - Estimated quantity: 1,213 safety labels (no part numbers specified) - Repetitive inspections for nominal design condition and cracking at center fuselage frame foot joint connections on Airbus SAS airplane models: - A321 251NX, 252NX, 253NX, 271NX, 272NX - Unique or Notable Requirements: - The helicopter AD is prompted by findings that current emergency exit instructions are insufficient, requiring improved safety label installation to enhance occupant safety and compliance. - The airplane AD addresses manufacturing deviations, mandating repetitive inspections and corrective actions as needed. - No specific part numbers are provided; the focus is on installation and inspection services rather than procurement of discrete products. - The FAA is seeking public comments on these proposed directives. - Key Locations: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Fort Worth, TX - FAA Aviation Safety Engineer Office, Westbury, NY - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Des Moines, WA - U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, Washington, DC

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters models including AS350B series, AS355 series, EC120B, and EC130B4. This AD addresses insufficient instructions on how to open the sliding door emergency exit, which could hinder door operation during emergencies. The proposed action requires installing additional safety labels to improve emergency exit operation and enhance occupant safety. Comments on this proposal are due by June 1, 2026.

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