AD Proposed for AStar Throttle Twist Grip

The FAA has proposed to supersede Airworthiness Directive AD 2020-24-07, issued December 8, 2020, which applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 helicopters (among others), and requires 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 proposed 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 proposed AD would retain the actions required by AD 2020-24-07 and mandate an additional modification, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would also expand the helicopter applicability, propose additional requirements for certain helicopters, and would prohibit installing affected microswitches or an affected twist grip with the affected microswitch. 

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directives driving this proposed 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 

You can view FAA’s proposed superseding AD here. Comments are due August 4, 2025.