Federal Register #FAA-2026-13795

FAA proposes fuse-cover modifications for certain Airbus Helicopters

The FAA proposes safety requirements for fuse covers on certain Airbus Helicopters models to prevent interference with pilot controls. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); no specific office is identified. - Primary OEM: Airbus Helicopters, whose AS350B2, AS350B3, and EC130B4 helicopters are covered by the proposal. - Required products and work: Modify and reidentify affected fuse covers, and prohibit installing affected covers on covered helicopters. - Part numbers: 350A76-2395-20, 350A76-2395-21, and 350A76-2395-23. - Quantities are not specified. The FAA estimates 1,034 U.S.-registered helicopters could be affected. - Safety rationale and cost estimate: A partially detached fuse cover reportedly interfered with a pilot pedal, potentially reducing yaw control. Estimated compliance is two labor hours and $27 in parts per helicopter, or $197 per helicopter and $203,698 total for U.S. operators. - Other manufacturers mentioned in the attachment: Boeing and Embraer appear in references to separate FAA airworthiness-directive proposals; those proposals are not the Airbus fuse-cover action summarized here, and the Embraer details are incomplete. - Notable requirements: The proposal incorporates a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) directive with FAA-specified exceptions. EASA is a regulatory authority, not a product vendor.

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, and EC130B4 helicopters. Prompted by a report of partial blocking of a pilot pedal, the proposed directive would require modifying and reidentifying an affected fuse cover and prohibit installing an affected fuse cover on any helicopter. The proposal aims to prevent interference that could reduce helicopter yaw control. Comments are due December 18, 2026.

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