Fuselage — Mounts and Attachment — Checks / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected AS 350 helicopters must perform torque checks, sealing compound inspections, and measurements within specified flight hour compliance times starting from 5 February 2026. Any affected parts found must be replaced with serviceable parts before the next flight. Inspection results must be reported to Airbus Helicopters within 30 days of completion. Installation of only serviceable affected parts is permitted from the effective date.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0021 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters AS 350 series, including AS 350 B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, and D models delivered before 1 January 2026. The directive addresses the inspection and replacement of fuselage mounts and attachments, specifically the front and rear attachment fittings, screws, nuts, and washers of the Main Gear Box suspension bars. It mandates checks and replacements to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of these helicopters.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory torque checks, sealing compound inspections, measurements, and replacement of affected parts on the MGB suspension bars of AS 350 helicopters. It establishes compliance times based on flight hours and requires reporting of inspection results to Airbus Helicopters. The directive is considered an interim action with potential for further regulatory updates.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to structural failure of the MGB attachment screws and possible loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent accidents and ensure the structural integrity of the affected helicopters. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory conformity under EASA rules.
More for Airbus Helicopters AS 350
All 99- EASA AD 2025-0159R1Placards and Markings – Unlock Sliding Door – InstallationOct 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0052R2Instruments – Fuse Cover Attachment of Circuit Breaker Panel – ModificationSep 24, 2026
- EASA AD 2023-0214R1Fuselage – Tail Rotor Drive Shaft / Rear Transmission Bearing Support – Inspections / ModificationSep 16, 2026
- EASA AD 2024-0144R1Tail Rotor Drive – Shaft-Line – Check / Measurement / ModificationSep 16, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0146
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