Airbus helicopter bolts must be replaced, not just inspected, after manufacturer redesigns them

The US aviation regulator is requiring a physical modification to certain Airbus helicopters. Owners must now replace specific main gearbox suspension bar attachment bolts with a new design, rather than just inspecting them for wear.

For years, helicopter operators could keep using the original bolts as long as they passed inspections. This new rule means those parts are no longer considered safe, even if they look fine. It forces a costly physical upgrade on all affected helicopters, shifting from a maintenance-based approach to a mandatory hardware replacement.