Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-16506
FAA Airworthiness Directives for Airbus Helicopters EC 155 B/B1 and AS350B2: Maintenance Documentation Updates and Safety Testing
Buyer
Federal Aviation Administration
Posted
August 13, 2026
Identifier
2026-16506
NAICS
488190
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, has issued airworthiness directives targeting Airbus Helicopters models EC 155 B, EC 155 B1, and AS350B2 to address critical safety concerns. - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch - OEMs Involved: - Airbus Helicopters - Products/Services Requested: - Revision of the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) in maintenance manuals or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) for EC 155 B and EC 155 B1 helicopters - 16 instances of documentation updates required - Cut-off test of the rear rotor actuator valve for AS350B2 helicopters, including corrective actions if discrepancies are found - Notable Requirements: - Compliance with new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations to prevent structural failures and loss of control - Immediate testing and corrective action for AS350B2 helicopters due to potential magnetization issues from a missing diode in the hydraulic circuit - Direct reference to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards for compliance - No procurement of physical products or parts; focus is on regulatory compliance and maintenance actions
Description
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155 B and EC 155 B1 helicopters. This AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section of the existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program. The directive addresses unsafe conditions by implementing new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations to prevent failure of certain parts and primary structural components, which could result in loss of control of the helicopter. The AD is effective September 17, 2026.