Federal Register #2026-13977

FAA Airworthiness Directive for Airbus Helicopters: LACU Inspection, EFS Modification, and RFM Revision

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a regulatory airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters models AS350B2, AS350B3, EC120B, and EC130B4: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEM Highlight: - Airbus Helicopters is the primary Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) affected - Directive Requirements: - Repetitive cleaning and inspection of the Lighting and Ancillaries Control Unit (LACU) for foreign object debris or dust - Modification of Emergency Floatation System (EFS) activation switches as a terminating action - Revision of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to include updated procedures - Prohibition on installing affected LACUs unless compliance requirements are met - Applicability: - All Airbus Helicopters models AS350B2, AS350B3, EC120B, and EC130B4, regardless of configuration - Reference: - Incorporates European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 20240018 by reference - No procurement of products or services is being solicited; this is a mandatory safety and compliance action for operators

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters models AS350B2, AS350B3, EC120B, and EC130B4. The AD addresses issues related to short-circuits caused by foreign object debris or dust inside the lighting and ancillaries control unit (LACU). It requires repetitive cleaning and inspection, modifications to the emergency floatation system activation switches, and revising the rotorcraft flight manual. The AD also prohibits installing affected LACUs unless certain conditions are met. The rule is effective August 14, 2026.

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