Federal Register #FAA-2025-7226

FAA-mandated door-locking modifications for Airbus Helicopters EC130B4 helicopters

The FAA issued an airworthiness directive requiring door-locking modifications on Airbus Helicopters EC130B4 helicopters. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); no specific office identified. - OEM: Airbus Helicopters, manufacturer of the affected EC130B4 helicopters. The technical requirements reference European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0232. - Required compliance work: Modify the swing-door star support and sliding-door star support stringer; reinforce the locking and unlocking mechanism with a bracket and replace rod ends. - The directive applies to all EC130B4 helicopters and is estimated to affect 214 U.S.-registered aircraft. It addresses a risk that door-locking weaknesses could impede opening the sliding door from inside and delay an emergency evacuation. - Affected composite doors may not be installed unless the required modification has been completed. - Compliance is required within 460 hours time-in-service after the directive takes effect. No specific calendar end date or contract duration is stated. - This is a regulatory compliance requirement, not a solicitation for a stated quantity of products or services.

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 helicopters. Prompted by reports of weaknesses in the locking mechanisms on the left-hand-side swinging and sliding doors, the directive requires modifying the swing door star support and sliding door star support stringer. It also prohibits installing an affected composite door on a helicopter unless specified requirements are met. The directive is intended to address a failure that could prevent operation of the sliding door from inside and delay passenger evacuation during an emergency.

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