AD 2026-04164
Published 2026-03-03 · 4 models · 9 US-registered tails affected · Federal Register
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Federal Register ↗
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of rupture of the scissors link of the rotating swashplate assembly due to a seized ball joint-cups assembly. This AD requires replacing the rotor shaft assembly, modifying the rotating swashplate assembly to replace each of the three ball joint-cups assemblies with one-piece self-lubricated spherical bearings, and modifying the scissors hinges and swashplate trunnions on the main rotor, as applicable, and applying an anti- corrosion agent, if applicable. This AD also prohibits installing a main rotor hub (MRH) assembly or rotor shaft assembly on a helicopter unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability · by US fleet size
Federal Register text
Verbatim; the Federal Register publication is the legally binding document. Cite: 91 FR 10311. View on Federal Register ↗
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 10311-10313] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2026-04164]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5034; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00951-R; Amendment 39-23268; AD 2026-04-08] RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of rupture of the scissors link of the rotating swashplate assembly due to a seized ball joint-cups assembly. This AD requires replacing the rotor shaft assembly, modifying the rotating swashplate assembly to replace each of the three ball joint-cups assemblies with one-piece self-lubricated spherical bearings, and modifying the scissors hinges and swashplate trunnions on the main rotor, as applicable, and applying an anti- corrosion agent, if applicable. This AD also prohibits installing a main rotor hub (MRH) assembly or rotor shaft assembly on a helicopter unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 7, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publications listed in this AD as of April 7, 2026.