FAA · Airworthiness Directive
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-24-07 for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2020-24-07 required modifying and inspecting the throttle twist grip (twist grip). Since the FAA issued AD 2020-24-07, there have been reports of the engine remaining in idle when the twist grip was turned to the "FLIGHT" mode. This AD retains the actions required by AD 2020-24-07 and adds a modification that constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD also expands the helicopter applicability, provides additional requirements for certain helicopters, and prohibits installing affected microswitches or an affected twist grip with the affected microswitch. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability
Aircraft makes and models this AD applies to, sorted by US-registered fleet size.
Federal Register text
Verbatim from the Federal Register publication — required actions, compliance times, parts/serial numbers, and methods of compliance. The Federal Register is the legally binding document; this rendering is for readability. Cite: 90 FR 44962.
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 179 (Thursday, September 18, 2025)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 44962-44964] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2025-18083]
[[Page 44962]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-1108; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00428-R; Amendment 39-23140; AD 2025-18-13] RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-24-07 for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2020-24-07 required modifying and inspecting the throttle twist grip (twist grip). Since the FAA issued AD 2020-24-07, there have been reports of the engine remaining in idle when the twist grip was turned to the ``FLIGHT'' mode. This AD retains the actions required by AD 2020-24-07 and adds a modification that constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD also expands the helicopter applicability, provides additional requirements for certain helicopters, and prohibits installing affected microswitches or an affected twist grip with the affected microswitch. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 23, 2025. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 23, 2025.