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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 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.
Submit comments: regulations.gov Effective date: 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.
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT Docket ID: FAA-2025-2542 RIN: 2120-AA64 CFR parts: 14 CFR Part 39 Effective date: July 21, 2026 Submit comments: regulations.gov Contact: Matthew Williams • Aviation Safety Engineer • (316) 946-4134 • matthew.t.williams@faa.gov • 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590