# Federal Register #FAA-2026-11800

FAA proposal for updated airworthiness requirements for Airbus Helicopters AS350 models

**Buyer:** Federal Aviation Administration (Department of Transportation)
**Posted:** October 05, 2026
**Respond By:** November 20, 2026
**Identifier:** FAA-2026-11800

The FAA is proposing updated airworthiness requirements for specified Airbus Helicopters AS350 models.
- **Government buyer and action:** The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), within the U.S. Department of Transportation, proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive; this is a regulatory action, not a procurement or award.
- **OEM:** **Airbus Helicopters** is the manufacturer of the affected AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, and AS350D helicopters.
- **Requirements:** Operators would need to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks into applicable manuals and maintenance programs, replace components before their life limits, and complete specified maintenance tasks and corrective actions.
  - The proposal references European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2026-0102 as the basis for the requirements.
- **Purpose and scope:** The requirements are intended to prevent failures of critical parts and primary structural components that could cause loss of helicopter control. The FAA estimates 1,191 U.S.-registered helicopters would be affected.
- **Products, quantities, and value:** No products or services are being solicited, and no contract value is stated.

### Description

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive 2026-12-09, which applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, and AS350D helicopters. The proposal would require incorporating new and more restrictive airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks into the existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and the approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. The FAA states the action is intended to prevent failure of critical parts and primary structural components that could result in loss of helicopter control. Comments are due November 19, 2026.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/05/2026-20411/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters)