Federal Register #FAA-2026-4657

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive for Airbus Helicopters AS355 Series – Tail Rotor Drive Fan Wheel and Impeller Second Stage Compliance

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, has proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service - OEM Highlight: - Airbus Helicopters is the sole OEM referenced - Products/Parts Affected: - Tail rotor drive fan wheel (part number 704A33691014, amendment C) - Impeller second stage (part number 704A33691015, amendment C) - Requirements: - Operators must verify serial numbers of affected parts - Log cards must be amended to ensure accurate traceability - A one-time borescope inspection is required for the affected components - Depending on inspection results, parts may need to be replaced or re-identified - Installation of the affected fan wheels and impeller second stages is prohibited - Compliance is required in accordance with referenced EASA AD 2024-0127 and Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB AS355.65.00.001, Issue 001 - No specific purchase quantities are listed, as this is a regulatory compliance action rather than a procurement of new products

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. This AD addresses the incorrect identification of tail rotor drive fan wheels and impeller second stages during production. It requires verifying serial numbers and log cards, performing a one-time borescope inspection, and depending on results, replacing or re-identifying certain parts. The AD also prohibits installation of certain fan wheels and impeller second stages on any helicopter to prevent unsafe conditions.

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