Federal Register #FAA-2026-7231

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive for Airbus Helicopters – Main Rotor Pitch Rod Inspection and Modification

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing an updated airworthiness directive (AD) for a broad range of Airbus Helicopters models to address safety concerns with main rotor pitch rod upper links. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch - OEM Highlight: - Airbus Helicopters is the primary Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) involved - Products/Services Requested: - Application of alignment markings and repetitive visual inspections of main rotor pitch rod upper links - Corrective actions for any identified unsafe conditions - Optional modification using a new pitch rod lever axis attachment screw (Part Number: 350A31187320) as a terminating action to repetitive inspections - Prohibition on installation of certain affected screws unless compliance requirements are met - Notable Requirements: - Compliance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0064 is required - Visual inspections may be performed by pilots - The directive affects approximately 1,302 U.S. helicopters across multiple Airbus models - No specific purchase quantities are provided; the focus is on compliance and safety actions rather than procurement of large quantities - The estimated inspection cost is $85 per helicopter - The directive supersedes previous AD 2022-01-01 and applies immediately upon adoption

Description

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-01-01, which applies to various Airbus Helicopters models. The AD requires application of alignment markings and repetitive inspections of the main rotor pitch rod upper links, with corrective actions as needed. The proposed AD retains these actions and allows a new modification as a terminating action to inspections and corrective actions. It also prohibits installing certain affected pitch rod lever axis attachment screws unless specific requirements are met to address unsafe conditions related to loss of tightening torque and increased vibration during flight.

View original listing