Aviation Safety
AS355 helicopter operators face a July 21 maintenance deadline
The FAA's final rule replaces earlier requirements for six AS355 models. Crews must update the maintenance manual and inspection program to match the new life limits.
The FAA is tightening the rules for six Airbus Helicopters AS355 models. Operators have until July 21, 2026, to bring their maintenance records and inspection plans into line.
- Covers six Airbus Helicopters AS355 models
- Operators must update maintenance limits and inspection programs
- New rule takes effect July 21, 2026
- The FAA has issued a final rule superseding Airworthiness Directive 2022-19-13 for a specific Airbus Helicopters fleet
- The rule covers Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N and AS355NP helicopters, and it takes effect July 21, 2026
The FAA has issued a final rule superseding Airworthiness Directive 2022-19-13 for a specific Airbus Helicopters fleet. The rule covers Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N and AS355NP helicopters, and it takes effect July 21, 2026.
What operators have to revise
The agency said it determined that new, more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary to address an unsafe condition on the affected helicopters. That means operators must revise the airworthiness limitations section, or ALS, of the existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness, or ICAs, and update the approved maintenance or inspection program when applicable.
A narrow fleet, a firm deadline
This is not a broad Airbus overhaul. It applies only to the listed AS355 models, and by the compliance date, maintenance crews and fleet managers will need the revised limits in place to stay aligned with FAA requirements under 14 CFR Part 39.