# Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
> **Rule** · Final rule. · Published 2025-12-08 · Effective 2026-01-12 · 90 FR 56679
## Document
- **Document number:** 2025-22234
- **Category:** airworthiness
- **Manufacturer:** Airbus
- **Type:** Rule
- **Action:** Final rule.
- **Citation:** 90 FR 56679
- **Publication date:** 2025-12-08
- **Effective date:** 2026-01-12
- **FAA docket:** Docket No. FAA-2025-1735
## Abstract

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-20- 16, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS 355-F, AS 355-F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters and certain Model AS 350B3 helicopters. AD 2021-20-16 required repetitive cleaning and visual and detailed inspections of the right-hand side of the vertical fin spar and vertical fin upper attachments for discrepancies (cracking) with corrective action, if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-20-16, Airbus Helicopters developed a modification of the upper fin assembly. This AD requires the same actions as AD 2021-20-16 and replacement of the upper fin assembly with a modified upper fin assembly, which constitutes a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/08/2025-22234/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters)
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