Proposed rule · 2026-04526

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS 350B2, AS 350B3, EC120B, and EC 130 B4 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a short-circuit due to foreign object debris (FOD) or dust inside the lighting and ancillaries control unit (LACU). This proposed AD would require repetitively cleaning and inspecting the affected LACU for FOD. Depending on the configuration of your helicopter, this proposed AD would also require modifying the emergency floatation system (EFS) activation switches and revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for your helicopter, which would constitute terminating action for the proposed repetitive cleaning and inspection requirements. Additionally, this proposed AD would prohibit installing an affected LACU on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.