Federal Register #2026-16507

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 and Boeing 767-300/300F

This opportunity summary covers new airworthiness directives (ADs) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 and Boeing Model 767-300/300F series airplanes. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs Involved: - Airbus Helicopters - The Boeing Company - Products/Services Requested: - For Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2: - Cut-off test of rear rotor actuator valve (12 helicopters affected) - Corrective actions including replacement or installation of diodes in hydraulic solenoid valves - For Boeing Model 767-300/300F series: - High frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for fatigue cracking in lower outboard wing skin - Repairs as needed for airplanes with Aviation Partners Boeing winglets installed or removed - Unique or Notable Requirements: - The Airbus directive addresses magnetization issues in hydraulic solenoid valves due to a missing diode, requiring both testing and potential hardware correction - The Boeing directive supersedes a previous AD, expanding inspection and repair requirements for fatigue cracking, specifically targeting aircraft with modifications involving Aviation Partners Boeing winglets - No specific part numbers or procurement of new products/services are listed; the directives mandate compliance actions and maintenance procedures for continued airworthiness

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of magnetization on the solenoid valves for the three main servo-controls, the regulator block, and the tail servo-control due to a diode not properly installed in the hydraulic circuit. The AD requires performing a cut-off test of the rear rotor actuator valve and, depending on the results, performing corrective actions. The AD is effective September 17, 2026, and aims to prevent loss of efficiency of the yaw load compensator and hydraulic assistance, which could result in reduced control of the helicopter.

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