AD Proposed for AStar Fuse Cover Blocking Pilot Pedal

The FAA has proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, and EC130B4 helicopters. The proposal was prompted by a report of a pilot pedal becoming partially blocked. Investigators found that a partially detached fuse cover on the circuit breaker panel had interfered with the left pedal of the pedal block. If not corrected, this condition could reduce yaw control of the helicopter. The proposed AD would incorporate European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2026-0052R2 by reference.

The proposed AD would require modifying and reidentifying fuse covers with P/N 350A76-2395-20, -21, or -23 installed on an affected control unit, unless already modified. It would also prohibit installing an affected fuse cover on any helicopter. Compliance times would follow EASA AD 2026-0052R2, except that the effective date of the FAA AD would replace EASA’s March 26, 2026 date and hours time-in-service (TIS) would replace flight hours. The FAA estimates that 1,034 U.S.-registered helicopters are affected, at a cost of about $197 per helicopter (2 work-hours plus $27 in parts). Comments are due December 18, 2026. You can view the proposed AD here.