AD 2026-09-09

26901 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 92 / Wednesday, May 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking, damage, and corrosion in principal structural elements. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Retained Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program, With a New Terminating Action This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 2023–22–10, with a new terminating action. Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2023–0059, dated March 16, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0059). Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph. (h) Retained Exceptions to EASA AD 2023– 0059, With No Changes This paragraph restates the exceptions specified in paragraph (j) of AD 2023–22–10, with no changes. (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2023–0059. (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023–0059 specifies revising ‘‘the approved AMP’’ within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after December 26, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023–22–10). (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023–0059 is at the applicable ‘‘limitations’’ and ‘‘associated thresholds’’ as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023–0059, or within 90 days after December 26, 2023 (the effective date of AD 2023–22–10), whichever occurs later. (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2023–0059. (5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2023–0059. (i) Retained Restrictions on Alternative Actions and Intervals, With a New Exception This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 2023–22–10, with a new exception. Except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, after the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) or intervals are allowed unless they are approve as specified in the provisions of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2023– 0059. (j) New Revision of the Existing Maintenance or Inspection Program Except as specified in paragraph (k) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2025–0124. Accomplishing the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program required by this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. (k) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025–0124 (1) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2025–0124. (2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025–0124 specifies revising ‘‘the approved AMP,’’ within 12 months after its effective date, but this AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD. (3) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025–0124 is at the applicable ‘‘limitations’’ and ‘‘associated thresholds’’ as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025–0124, or within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (4) This AD does not adopt the provisions specified in paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2025–0124. (5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2025–0124. (l) New Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) and intervals are allowed unless the actions and intervals are approved as specified in the provisions of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2025–0124. (m) Additional AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (n) of this AD and email to: AMOC@faa.gov . Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Dassault Aviation’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA- authorized signature. (n) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Kimi Kim, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 781–238–7693; email: 9-AVS-AIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov. (o) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (3) The following material was approved for IBR on June 17, 2026. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025–0124, dated May 28, 2025. (ii) [Reserved] (4) The following material was approved for IBR on December 26, 2023 (88 FR 80567, November 20, 2023). (i) EASA AD 2023–0059, dated March 16, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (5) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (6) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (7) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on April 24, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–09536 Filed 5–12–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2025–2556; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00034–R; Amendment 39–23330; AD 2026–09–09] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021–23– 04 which applied to certain Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109E helicopters. AD 2021–23–04 required repetitive inspections of the intersection of the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:57 May 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13MYR1.SGM 13MYR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

26902 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 92 / Wednesday, May 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations lateral pylon and floor spar at station (STA) 1815 for cracking and, depending on the findings, repair. Since the FAA issued AD 2021–23–04, it was determined that additional helicopter models are affected by the unsafe condition. Additionally, the manufacturer has developed a modification that provides terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD continues to require repetitive inspections of the affected area for cracking and adds additional helicopter models to the applicability. This AD also requires modification of the affected area, which is terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective June 17, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 17, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2025–2556; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. • You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2025–2556. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Jacob Fitch, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222– 4130; email: jacob.fitch@faa.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021–23–04, Amendment 39–21802 (86 FR 68892, December 6, 2021) (AD 2021–23–04), which applied to Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109E helicopters. AD 2021–23– 04 required repetitive inspections of the intersection of the lateral pylon and floor spar at STA 1815 for cracking and, depending on the findings, repair. The FAA issued AD 2021–23–04 to address cracking in the intersection of the lateral pylon and floor spar at STA 1815 on the left- and right-hand sides, which, if not addressed, could affect the structural integrity of the helicopter. Since the FAA issued AD 2021–23–04, it was determined that additional helicopter models are affected by the unsafe condition. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 30, 2025 (90 FR 46768). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2024–0004, dated January 5, 2024 (EASA AD 2024– 0004) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI states that Leonardo developed a modification to prevent cracking in the intersection of the lateral pylon and floor spar at STA 1815 on the left- and right-hand sides. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require repetitive inspections of the affected area for cracking and add additional helicopter models to the applicability. The NPRM also proposed to require modification of the affected area, which would be terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2025–2556. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received comments from the Citizens Rulemaking Alliance. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request To Issue an NPRM or Justify Forgoing Notice and Comment The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA either convert this action to an NPRM or provide its justification for finding good cause to bypass notice and comment procedures, reopen the comment period for at least 60 days, and commit to promptly superseding the AD with an NPRM while suspending enforcement of non- time-critical provisions pending comment. The commenter asserted the FAA has not adequately justified use of the good cause exemption to bypass notice and comment and the 30-day delayed effective date. The FAA notes the comment was submitted in response to an NPRM for which the FAA provided a 45-day comment period. This final rule is effective 35 days after its publication in the Federal Register . Therefore, no change to this AD is necessary. Request To Consider Impact on Small Entities The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA either provide the factual basis for its Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) certification that the AD will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities or prepare an initial regulatory flexibility analysis and consider less burdensome alternatives for small operators. The commenter stated that the FAA should also reopen the comment period for at least 60 days to allow comment on that analysis. The FAA has considered the AD’s impact on small businesses and provides the following factual basis for its RFA certification. The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, Public Law 96–354, 94 Stat. 1164 (5 U.S.C. 601–612), as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Public Law 104– 121, 110 Stat. 857, Mar. 29, 1996) and the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–240, 124 Stat. 2504, Sept. 27, 2010), requires Federal agencies to consider the effects of the regulatory action on small business and other small entities and to minimize any significant economic impact. The term ‘‘small entities’’ comprises small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. Small Entities to Which This AD Applies The FAA used the definition of small entities in the RFA for this analysis. The RFA defines small entities as small businesses, small governmental jurisdictions, or small organizations. In 5 U.S.C. 601(3), the RFA defines ‘‘small business’’ to have the same meaning as ‘‘small business concern’’ under section 3 of the Small Business Act. The Small Business Act authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:57 May 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13MYR1.SGM 13MYR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

26903 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 92 / Wednesday, May 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations define ‘‘small business’’ by issuing regulations. The SBA (2023) has established size standards for various types of economic activities, or industries, under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). These size standards generally define small businesses based on the number of employees or annual receipts. The following table provides the SBA size standards for all industries with at least 1 entity impacted by this AD. Note that the SBA definition of a small business applies to the parent company and all affiliates as a single entity. S MALL B USINESS S IZE S TANDARDS NAICS Code Description Size standard 238220 .......... Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors ................................................................... $19.0 million. 336411 .......... Aircraft Manufacturing .................................................................................................................... 1,500 employees. 336412 .......... Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing .......................................................................... 1,500 employees. 336413 .......... Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing ....................................................... 1,250 employees. 423860 .......... Transportation Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers .................................................. 175 employees. 481211 .......... Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation .............................................................. 1,500 employees. 481219 .......... Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation ........................................................................................ $25.0 million. 484110 .......... General Freight Trucking, Local .................................................................................................... $34.0 million. 488190 .......... Other Support Activities for Air Transportation ............................................................................. $40.0 million. 523910 .......... Miscellaneous Intermediation/Venture Capital Retiring ................................................................. $47.0 million. 523991 .......... Trust, Fiduciary, and Custody Activities ........................................................................................ $47.0 million. 525990 .......... Other Financial Vehicles ................................................................................................................ $40.0 million. 532411 .......... Commercial Air, Rail, and Water Transportation Equipment Rental and Leasing ....................... $45.5 million. 541614 .......... Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services ............................................... $20.0 million. 621910 .......... Ambulance Services ...................................................................................................................... $22.5 million. 622110 .......... General Medical and Surgical Hospitals ....................................................................................... $47.0 million. 713990 .......... All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries .......................................................................... $9.0 million. 921120 .......... Legislative Bodies .......................................................................................................................... 50,000 population. To identify small entities, the FAA first identified the primary NAICS of the entity or parent company, and then used data from different sources ( e.g., company annual reports, Bureau of Transportation Statistics) to determine whether the entity meets the applicable size standard. The FAA provides the estimated number of small entities affected by this AD: E STIMATED N UMBER OF S MALL E NTITIES Category Number of entities Number of small entities Small entities % Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors ............................................................. 1 1 100 Aircraft Manufacturing .............................................................................................................. 1 0 0 Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing .................................................................... 1 1 100 Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing ................................................. 3 3 100 Transportation Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers ............................................ 1 1 100 Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation ........................................................ 7 6 86 Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation .................................................................................. 3 3 100 General Freight Trucking, Local .............................................................................................. 1 1 100 Other Support Activities for Air Transportation ....................................................................... 4 4 100 Miscellaneous Intermediation/Venture Capital Retiring ........................................................... 1 0 0 Trust, Fiduciary, and Custody Activities .................................................................................. 5 4 80 Other Financial Vehicles .......................................................................................................... 1 0 0 Commercial Air, Rail, and Water Transportation Equipment Rental and Leasing ................. 1 1 100 Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services ......................................... 1 1 100 Ambulance Services ................................................................................................................ 3 1 33 General Medical and Surgical Hospitals ................................................................................. 3 0 0 All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries .................................................................... 1 1 100 Legislative Bodies .................................................................................................................... 1 0 0 Total .................................................................................................................................. 39 28 72 Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance Requirements The FAA estimates operators will incur either an inspection cost of $1,394 annually or a one-time modification cost of $25,860 per helicopter. Once an operator incurs the one-time modification cost, the operator will no longer incur annual inspection costs. The FAA cannot estimate when each operator will incur this modification cost. In addition, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators. The FAA analyzes the cost of each compliance method relative to the annual revenue of each small entity. The following table shows the estimated compliance costs by each NAICS industry. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:57 May 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13MYR1.SGM 13MYR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

26904 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 92 / Wednesday, May 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations A VERAGE C OSTS OF C OMPLIANCE PER S MALL E NTITY Category Average annual revenue Average annual inspection cost Average one-time modification cost Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors ..................................................................... $3,000,000 $1,394 $25,860 Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing ............................................................................ 3,000,000 1,394 25,860 Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing ......................................................... 1,890,307 7,435 137,920 Transportation Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers .................................................... 3,000,000 1,394 25,860 Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation ................................................................ 690,175 1,626 30,170 Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation .......................................................................................... 158,213 1,394 25,860 General Freight Trucking, Local ...................................................................................................... 7,500,000 1,394 25,860 Other Support Activities for Air Transportation ............................................................................... 3,500,608 2,091 38,790 Trust, Fiduciary, and Custody Activities .......................................................................................... 1,914,808 3,137 58,185 Commercial Air, Rail, and Water Transportation Equipment Rental and Leasing ......................... 860,000 1,394 25,860 Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services ................................................. 14,730,000 1,394 25,860 Ambulance Services ........................................................................................................................ 17,740,000 1,394 25,860 All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries ............................................................................ 520,000 1,394 25,860 Average .................................................................................................................................... 2,977,165 2,440 45,255 Significant Alternatives Considered The FAA evaluated the alternative of not promulgating this AD but ultimately deemed that this alternative would create a significant safety hazard. Since the issuance of AD 2021–23–04, which affected certain Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109E helicopters, it has been determined that the risk of structural cracking at the intersection of the lateral pylon and floor spar extends to additional helicopter models. Relying on the existing requirements would leave these additional models unmonitored. By expanding the applicability and requiring the modification, this AD addresses the unsafe condition and prevents potential structural failure, ensuring a level of safety that the alternative of no action could not provide. RFA Conclusions Based on average compliance costs, the FAA has determined that the financial impacts of this AD are not disproportionate to small entities. Therefore, the FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment. Request To Comply With the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA revise the AD to comply with the PRA if reporting is required or make any reporting provisions voluntary until PRA requirements are satisfied. The FAA notes that paragraph (i) of this AD specifies that this AD does not require reporting. If an AD were to require reporting, the preamble of the AD would include a paragraph titled ‘‘Paperwork Reduction Act’’ that would provide the applicable OMB control number, required PRA statements, and the estimated time to collect the required information (burden). Any costs associated with the reporting requirement would be included in the Costs of Compliance section in the preamble of the AD. Therefore, the FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment. Request To Make Incorporation by Reference (IBR) Materials Reasonably Available The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance stated that the FAA’s current practices for IBR frequently fail to meet the legal and regulatory standards for reasonable availability. The commenter called on the FAA to guarantee that all IBR materials are easily and freely accessible to the public and affected parties for the duration of the comment period and to reopen the comment period for at least 60 days to accommodate this access. The FAA’s practices comply with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act and 1 CFR part 51. The FAA makes IBR materials available in the AD docket when the final rule is published in the Federal Register , following formal approval of the IBR by the Office of the Federal Register. Materials may only be posted before the final rule’s publication if they are already publicly available or if there is written consent from the owner of the IBR material. All relevant materials incorporated by reference will be accessible in the AD docket on Regulations.gov , which the public can access without registration or fees. The FAA also provides summaries and access details in the preamble and regulatory text, makes materials available for inspection at FAA and National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) offices, offers publisher contact information, and obtains formal IBR approval from the Office of the Federal Register. These efforts are intended to ensure that all IBR materials meet the ‘‘reasonably available’’ standard required by 1 CFR part 51. Therefore, the FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment. Request To Provide the Regulatory Evaluation The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA add to the AD docket the regulatory evaluation of the proposed AD and reopen the comment period for at least 60 days to allow for public input on the additional cost information. The FAA’s practice is to add the regulatory evaluation of the proposed AD in the NPRM, not as a separate document in the AD docket. In the Costs of Compliance section of the NPRM, the FAA disclosed the estimated number of work hours, the number of helicopters affected on the U.S. registry (which has been updated in this final rule), estimated parts cost, and the aggregate costs for the U.S. fleet. The FAA has revised the Costs of Compliance section to clarify costs of this AD. Since the FAA provided the regulatory evaluation in the NPRM, and the commenter did not provide additional information for the FAA to consider in its analysis, it is not necessary to reopen the comment period or provide additional information in the AD docket. Conclusion These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority of another country and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, that authority VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:57 May 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13MYR1.SGM 13MYR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

26905 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 92 / Wednesday, May 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024– 0004, which specifies procedures for repetitive inspections of STA 1815 for cracking; fluorescent liquid penetrant inspections of any cracking to determine the extent of the cracking, or other damage, such as deformation or corrosion; and modifying the affected area by reinforcing the fuselage, which provides terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 81 helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators will incur an annual inspection cost of $1,394 ($510 per inspection cycle) until they make the modification, and then they will incur a one-time modification cost of $25,860 per helicopter ($12,930 per fuselage side). Once an operator incurs a one-time modification cost, the operator will no longer incur inspection costs. The FAA does not estimate when operators would need to modify their helicopter. E STIMATED C OMPLIANCE C OSTS Action Labor costs Parts cost Cost per product Total cost to U.S. operators Inspection ....................... Up to 6 work-hours × $85 1 per hour = $510 per inspection cycle. $0 .................................. $1,394 annually 2 .......... $112,914 annually. Modification .................... 120 work-hours per fuselage side × $85 per hour × 2 sides = $20,400 ($10,200 per side). $5,460 ($2,730 per side) $25,860 one-time cost .. $2,094,660 one-time cost. 1 The FAA estimated operators will incur $85 in costs per labor hour, which is the weighted average fiscal year (FY) 2026 fully loaded wage of an aircraft mechanic ($69.85) working 60% of the labor hours and a general and operations manager ($108.15) working 40% of the labor hours. The FAA estimated these wages by taking the average of the FY 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) air transportation industry average wage for aircraft mechanics and general and operations managers (See: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System, BLS (May 2024), data.bls.gov/oes/ ); multiplying each wage by a fringe benefit factor of 1.42 (See: Employer Cost for Employee Compensation—December 2024, BLS (2024), bls.gov/news.release/archives/ecec _ 03142025.pdf ); and adjusting these 2024 wages to 2026 dollars using an implicit Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Price Deflator of 2.8% (See: Gross Domestic Product: Implicit Price Deflator, FRED (2026) fred.stlouisfed.org/series/ GDPDEF ). 2 The FAA estimates the average helicopter will need 2.73 annual inspections. A helicopter must be inspected every 100 hours in service, and the average general aviation or part 135 helicopter operated 273.3 hours in calendar year 2024 (See: General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Sur- veys—CY 2024, faa.gov/data _ research/aviation _ data _ statistics/general _ aviation/cy2024 ). The FAA recognizes that operators might incur additional costs, such as helicopter downtime. However, the FAA cannot quantify these costs. According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings The FAA has determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: ■ a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021–23–04, Amendment 39–21802 (86 FR 68892, December 6, 2021); and ■ b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026–09–09 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39–23330; Docket No. FAA–2025–2556; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00034–R. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:57 May 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13MYR1.SGM 13MYR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

26906 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 92 / Wednesday, May 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 17, 2026. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2021–23–04, Amendment 39–21802 (86 FR 68892, December 6, 2021). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109E and A109S helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024–0004, dated January 5, 2024 (EASA AD 2024–0004). (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 5300, Fuselage structure. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the center fuselage frame assembly in the intersection of the lateral pylon and floor spar at station 1815 on the left- and right-hand sides and the subsequent development of a modification to that area to prevent cracking. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this cracking, which, if not addressed, could affect the structural integrity of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with EASA AD 2024– 0004. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024–0004 (1) Where EASA AD 2024–0004 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2024–0004 refers to the effective date of EASA AD 2020–0256, this AD requires using the effective date of AD 2021–23–04, which is January 10, 2022. (3) Where EASA AD 2024–0004 refers to its effective date and August 11, 2022 (the effective date of EASA AD 2022–0153, dated July 28, 2022), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (4) Where paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2024–0004 specify damage, for the purposes of this AD, damage includes, but is not limited to, corrosion or deformation. (5) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2024– 0004 specifies contacting Leonardo for approved repair instructions and accomplishing those instructions accordingly, this AD requires that corrective action be done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters’ EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (6) Where paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2024– 0004 specifies ‘‘the initial inspection’’, for this AD, replace that text with ‘‘any inspection’’. (7) Where paragraph (8) of EASA AD 2024– 0004 allows credit for repairs accomplished in accordance with the applicable Leonardo approved repair instructions, this AD does not allow that credit. (8) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024–0004 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service. (9) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2024–0004. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service material referenced in EASA AD 2024–0004 specifies submitting certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that action. (j) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD and email to: AMOC@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (l) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Jacob Fitch, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222–4130; email: jacob.fitch@faa.gov. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024–0004, dated January 5, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on May 7, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–09516 Filed 5–12–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–0730; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–01416–R; Amendment 39–23329; AD 2026–09–08] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 and MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a determination that a certain part-numbered standard MS18027 type hook may be subject to localized yielding in the mating threads when assembled to higher assembly torques. This AD requires modifying and re-identifying the affected part or replacing the affected part with a serviceable part. This AD also prohibits installing an affected part on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective June 17, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 17, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–0730; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:57 May 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13MYR1.SGM 13MYR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES