🚁Proposed Airworthiness Directive for Airbus Helicopters by FAA
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-20-16, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS 355-F, AS 355-F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters and certain Model AS 350B3 helicopters. AD 2021-20-16 requires repetitive cleaning and visual and detailed inspections of the right-hand side of the vertical fin spar and vertical fin upper attachments for discrepancies (cracking) with corrective action, if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-20-16, Airbus Helicopters developed a modification of the upper fin assembly. This proposed AD would require the same actions as AD 2021-20-16 and would also require replacement of the upper fin assembly with a modified upper fin assembly, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Agencies
- Transportation Department
- Federal Aviation Administration
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The regulatory text outlines a proposed AD affecting multiple helicopter models, necessitating compliance with inspection, modification, and maintenance protocols. This can result in significant operational costs, impacting financial planning and operational practices for owners and operators of affected aircraft.