Federal Register #2026-20098

FAA Safety Directive for Airbus Helicopters AS355 Tail Rotor Drive Components

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a safety directive covering specified Airbus Helicopters AS355 models and tail rotor drive components. - Government buyer and issuing agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). - OEM: Airbus Helicopters. The directive applies to AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. - Affected components: - Tail rotor drive fan wheel, P/N 704A33691014 amendment C. - Impeller second stage, P/N 704A33691015 amendment C. - Operators must check component serial numbers and log-card information. Depending on the findings, they may need to perform a one-time borescope inspection and replace or re-identify affected parts. - Installation of the specified affected parts on any helicopter is prohibited. Compliance follows the timelines in the incorporated European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) directive, as modified by the FAA. - This is a safety regulation, not a request to purchase products or services; no purchase quantities are specified.

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration is adopting a new airworthiness directive for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. The directive addresses tail rotor drive fan wheels and impeller second stages that were incorrectly identified during production. It requires verification of serial numbers and amendment of affected parts’ log cards, with a one-time borescope inspection depending on findings; certain parts must be replaced or re-identified based on inspection results. It also prohibits installing certain fan wheels and impeller second stages on any helicopter, and takes effect November 5, 2026.

View original listing