AD Issued for AStar Throttle Twist Grip

The FAA has superseded Airworthiness Directive AD 2020-24-07, issued December 8, 2020, which applied to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 helicopters (among others), and required modifying and inspecting the pilot’s and co-pilot’s throttle twist grip for proper operation. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-24-07, Airbus Helicopters developed another modification of the twist grip and additional corrective actions for helicopters already modified. 

This AD was prompted by reports of the engine remaining in idle when the twist grip was turned from the “IDLE” mode to the “FLIGHT” mode. This AD retains the actions required by AD 2020-24-07 and mandates an additional modification, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD also expands the helicopter applicability, adds additional requirements for certain helicopters, and prohibits installing affected microswitches or an affected twist grip with the affected microswitch. 

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directives driving this AD:  
EASA AD 2023-0133, dated July 5, 2023  
EASA AD 2023-0187, dated October 27, 2023  
EASA AD 2023-0187R1, dated March 20, 2025 

This superseding AD, AD 2025-18-13 is effective October 23, 2025.