Old helicopter models get new safety rules, closing a loophole for maintenance

The US aviation regulator is updating safety rules for certain Airbus helicopters. This means maintenance manuals must now include new checks and schedules that were previously optional.

For years, some critical safety checks for these helicopters were only recommendations from the manufacturer, not mandatory requirements. This change forces operators to incorporate those checks into their official maintenance programs. It closes a gap where operators could legally skip important safety tasks.