Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-16047
FAA Airworthiness Directives for Airbus and Bell Helicopters – Inspections and Corrective Actions
Buyer
Federal Aviation Administration
Posted
August 06, 2026
Identifier
2026-16047
NAICS
488190
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, has issued new airworthiness directives (ADs) targeting specific helicopter models from Airbus Helicopters and Bell Textron Canada Limited. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs Involved: - Airbus Helicopters (primary OEM for AS350 and EC130 series) - Bell Textron Canada Limited (OEM for Model 505) - Products/Services Requested: - Inspection of main gear box (MGB) engine coupling for correct installation on Airbus Helicopters models (AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, EC130T2) - Estimated 4,102 helicopters affected - Corrective action: installation of a properly assembled or new engine flange if required - Visual inspection of washer installation on tail rotor pitch link assembly for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with procedures specified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0127 for Airbus models - No requirement to report inspection results to the manufacturer - One-time inspection and corrective action, not recurring - Aimed at preventing loss of power transmission and potential loss of control due to installation errors
Description
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of an incorrectly installed engine flange on the main gear box (MGB) engine coupling. The AD requires inspecting the MGB engine coupling for correct installation and, depending on the results, corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products to prevent loss of power transmission to the MGB and main rotor, which could lead to loss of control of the helicopter.