Several AStar ADs Proposed For Revised Airworthiness Limitations

The FAA has proposed to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-01-04, which applies to various Airbus Helicopters AS350 and AS355 helicopters. AD 2023-01-04 requires, for helicopters with certain part-numbered tail rotor head spider pitch change units installed, inspecting the spider pitch change nut (nut) for correct installation; marking a 2 to 5 mm wide black paint index mark and repetitively inspecting the alignment of the marking; and performing additional inspections and corrective actions if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-01-04, the manufacturer revised the Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS), which now includes the repetitive black index marking inspections. This proposed AD would require the same actions of AD 2023-01-04, except for the repetitive black paint index marking inspection (since this is now incorporated into the ALS) and would prohibit installing certain parts unless certain requirements are met. You can view this proposed AD here; comments are due February 2, 2026.

The FAA has proposed to supersede AD 2022-11-08, which applies to various AS350 helicopters. AD 2022-11-08 requires incorporating into maintenance records certain requirements (airworthiness limitations). Since the FAA issued AD 2022-11-08, it was determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the ALS of the existing maintenance manual (MM) or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICAs) and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. You can view this proposed AD here; comments are due February 23, 2026.

The FAA has proposed to adopt a new AD for AS350B2 and AS350B3 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This proposed AD would require revising the ALS of the existing MM or ICAs and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program. You can view this proposed AD here; comments are due February 23, 2026.