Superseding AD Issued for AStar Vertical Fin Spar

The FAA has adopted a new airworthiness directive (AD 2025-24-04) to supersede AD 2021-20-16, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 and AS355 helicopters. AD 2021-20-16 was issued in October 2021 and required repetitive cleaning and visual and detailed inspections of the right-hand side of the vertical fin spar and vertical fin upper attachments for discrepancies (cracking) with corrective action, if necessary.  

Since the FAA issued AD 2021-20-16, Airbus Helicopters developed a modification of the upper fin assembly. The new superseding AD requires the same actions as AD 2021-20-16 and would also require replacement of the upper fin assembly with a modified upper fin assembly, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections. 

This AD is effective January 12, 2026 and can be viewed here.