Federal Register #2026-21932

FAA proposed airworthiness directive for Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 and EC130B4 models

The FAA proposal sets safety requirements for certain Airbus Helicopters aircraft; it is a regulatory action, not a procurement opportunity. - Government agencies and offices - Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Validation Branch. - The attachment also references the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Sector Miami, for a separate proposed temporary safety regulation. - OEM and referenced organizations - Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter France) is the helicopter manufacturer and publisher of the referenced service bulletins. - The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is referenced in connection with the originating safety information. - Aircraft and equipment in scope - Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 helicopters, except those equipped with an ARRIEL 2D engine, and EC130B4 helicopters fitted with starter generator P/N 200SGL130Q or 200SGL130Q-4. - No quantities are specified; the FAA estimates 781 U.S.-registered helicopters would be affected. - Proposed operator actions - Within 100 hours of time in service, revise the applicable rotorcraft flight manual supplement to limit maximum continuous generator current to 180 amps and install a placard reading “MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS GENERATOR LOAD = 180A.” - Follow Airbus Helicopters service bulletins AS350 No. 01.00.57 Revision 2 and EC130 No. 04A002 Revision 2. - The proposal would prohibit installing the specified starter generators unless the required actions are completed. The safety concern is reduced engine surge margin, which could lead to engine failure and loss of helicopter control. - A separate Coast Guard proposal in the attachment concerns a temporary safety regulation for the E1 Miami Grand Prix; it is not part of the helicopter equipment requirements.

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive 2013-01-05 for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters. The proposed rule would revise the rotorcraft flight manual supplement to limit starter generator operating current to 180 amps and require installation of a placard showing the revised limitation. The applicability would add helicopters with specified starter generators and exclude certain helicopters with an ARRIEL 2D engine. The FAA states that the action is intended to address an unsafe condition that could reduce engine surge margin and lead to engine failure and loss of helicopter control.

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