AD 2026-10-20

33595 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2026 / Rules and Regulations 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026–11–08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39– 23369; Docket No. FAA–2026–2280; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–01562–T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 9, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A350–941 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025– 0210, dated September 24, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0210). (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a determination that double overcoating sealant was not applied during production on certain fasteners in the center wing box and belly faring junction for both left-hand and right- hand sides, and certain fasteners are susceptible to rotation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrect fastener installation. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of fastener clamping and crack of nut sealant cover, possibly resulting, in the case of a lightning strike, in a risk of a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements 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 2025–0210. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025–0210 (1) Where EASA AD 2025–0210 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where the definition of ‘‘Affected part’’ in EASA AD 2025–0210 specifies ‘‘as specified in the SB’’, this AD requires replacing that text with ‘‘as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A350–57–P094, dated June 17, 2025’’. (3) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2025–0210. (i) Additional AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety 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 Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) 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, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA- authorized signature. (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any material contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. (j) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Tak Kobayashi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (206) 231–3553; email: takahisa.kobayashi@faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025–0210, dated September 24, 2025. (ii) [Reserved] (3) 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. (4) 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. (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 22, 2026. Lona C. Saccomando, Acting Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–11215 Filed 6–3–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2025–2540; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–00158–R; Amendment 39–23360; AD 2026–10–20] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 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 D–3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Jun 03, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\04JNR1.SGM 04JNR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

33596 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2026 / Rules and Regulations a report of excessive vibrations in-flight due to an incorrect installation of the angular ball bearing of the control ring assembly. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the affected swashplates and, depending on the results of the inspection, corrective actions. This AD prohibits the installation of an affected swashplate on a 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 July 9, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 9, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2025–2540; 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 this 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–2025–2540. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Zain Jamal, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (847) 294– 7264; email: zain.jamal@faa.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 D–3 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 15, 2025 (90 FR 44347). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025–0029, dated February 7, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0029) (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 an occurrence of excessive vibrations in flight was reported. The MCAI further states that subsequent investigations revealed that an incorrect installation of the angular ball bearing of the control ring assembly caused wear of the axial bearing seat. This condition, if not addressed, could result in axial play between the swashplate bearing ring assembly and the control ring assembly and consequent reduced control of the helicopter. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection of the affected swashplates and, depending on the results of the inspection, corrective actions. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit the installation of an affected swashplate on a helicopter unless certain requirements are met, as specified in EASA AD 2025–0029. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2025–2540. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received comments from two commenters. The commenters were an individual who supported the NPRM without change, and the Citizens Rulemaking Alliance. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM from the Citizens Rulemaking Alliance 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. 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, 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 remove any reporting provisions 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. The FAA clarifies that this AD only incorporates by reference EASA AD 2025–0029, not the manufacturer service information referenced in that EASA AD. The FAA posted EASA AD 2025–0029 to the AD docket when the NPRM was published in the Federal Register . The material referenced in EASA AD 2025–0029 may only be posted before the final rule’s publication if it is already publicly available or if there is written consent from the owner of that material. Additionally, the FAA provided notice in the NPRM that the material referenced in EASA AD 2025– 0029 will be available in the AD docket after this AD is published. 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Jun 03, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\04JNR1.SGM 04JNR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

33597 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2026 / Rules and Regulations Request To Consider Impact on Small Entities The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA prepare an initial regulatory flexibility analysis that takes into account parts, labor, aircraft downtime, and specific small entity impacts. Additionally, the commenter requested that the FAA adopt less burdensome alternatives for small operators, such as explicit AMOC alternatives, temporary ferry flight allowances, and flexible compliance intervals. The FAA has considered the AD’s impact on small entities and provides the following factual basis for its Regulatory Flexibility Act (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 (Pub. L. 104–121, 110 Stat. 857, Mar. 29, 1996) and the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 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 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. Note that the SBA definition of a small business applies to the parent company and all affiliates as a single entity. This AD impacts 21 entities, including 6 small entities. The table below displays the industries with affected entities, along with the number of affected entities and the number of small entities impacted in each industry. N UMBER OF S MALL E NTITIES A FFECTED BY INDUSTRY NAICS Code Description Size standard Number of entities Number of small entities Percent small entities % 221118 ........... Other Electric Power Generation ................. 650 employees ..................... 1 0 0 221122 ........... Electric Power Distribution ........................... 1,100 employees .................. 1 0 0 238220 ........... Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors. $19.0 million ......................... 1 1 100 336411 ........... Aircraft Manufacturing .................................. 1,500 employees .................. 1 0 0 481211 ........... Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation. 1,500 employees .................. 3 3 100 481219 ........... Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation ...... $25.0 million ......................... 2 0 0 621498 ........... All Other Outpatient Care Centers ............... $25.5 million ......................... 1 1 100 621910 ........... Ambulance Services .................................... $22.5 million ......................... 6 1 17 622110 ........... General Medical and Surgical Hospitals ...... $47.0 million ......................... 2 0 0 N/A ................. Government Jurisdiction .............................. 50,000 population ................. 3 0 0 The following table displays the high- case cost impact of the AD on all six small entities. H IGH -C ASE AD C OST I MPACT ON S MALL E NTITIES Small entity number NAICS industry Revenue High-case cost Cost as a share of revenue % 1 ................. Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation ........................................ $500,000 $9,420 1.88 2 ................. Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation ........................................ 12,510,000 18,840 0.15 3 ................. Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation ........................................ 15,290,000 9,420 0.06 4 ................. Ambulance Services ................................................................................................ 17,740,000 37,680 0.21 5 ................. All Other Outpatient Care Centers .......................................................................... 1,040,000 9,420 0.91 6 ................. Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors ............................................. 17,590,000 9,420 0.05 RFA Conclusions While the FAA has determined that this AD affects a substantial number of small entities, the high-case compliance cost of the AD requirements relative to each small entity’s annual revenue is minimal. In the high-case scenario, the AD’s cost as a percentage of annual revenue imposes a cost no greater than 1.88 percent. Therefore, as provided in section 605(b), the FAA certifies that this AD will not result in a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Jun 03, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\04JNR1.SGM 04JNR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

33598 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2026 / Rules and Regulations 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 ). 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 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 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 2025– 0029, which specifies procedures for a one-time inspection of swashplates having part number D623M2050102 and a serial number up to 0487 inclusive and, depending on the inspection results, accomplishing corrective actions and contacting Airbus Helicopters for approved repair instructions. Corrective actions include inspecting the control ring assembly and, depending on the results, repair or replacement of the control ring assembly or repair of the surface protection of the control ring assembly. The MCAI also allows the accomplishment of corrective actions using the instructions of the applicable Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) 62–32–00, 6–7. Corrective actions specified in the applicable AMM include the examination of bolts, single row ball bearings, bushings, and washers and, depending on the results, repair or replacement of these parts, as applicable. Additionally, the MCAI allows the installation of an affected swashplate on a helicopter if it is inspected before it is installed, and if any corrective actions are completed in accordance with the instructions of the service material. 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. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI The MCAI applies to Model MBB– BK117 D–3m helicopters, whereas this AD does not because that model does not have an FAA type certificate. The MCAI requires reporting inspection results to the manufacturer, whereas this AD does not. The MCAI does not apply to helicopters where it cannot be determined that a swashplate has been inspected, whereas this AD applies to those helicopters. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 55 helicopters of the U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that following costs to comply with this AD. E STIMATED C OSTS FOR R EQUIRED A CTIONS Action Labor cost 1 Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Inspect swashplate ........................... 4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 ............................ $0 $340 $18,700 The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition actions that would be required based on the results of any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need these on-condition actions. However, the FAA estimates the low- and high- case costs for each helicopter. If a helicopter only incurs required costs (low-case scenario), each helicopter will incur $340 in compliance costs. If a helicopter incurs all required and on- condition costs (high-case scenario), each helicopter could incur up to $9,420 in compliance costs. E STIMATED C OSTS OF O N -C ONDITION A CTIONS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Inspect control ring assembly .............................. 4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 ................... $0 ........................... $340 Repair or replace control ring assembly .............. Up to 64 work-hours × $85 hour = $5,440 .......... Up to $3,300 .......... Up to $8,740. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Jun 03, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\04JNR1.SGM 04JNR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

33599 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2026 / Rules and Regulations 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 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026–10–20 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39– 23360; Docket No. FAA–2025–2540; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–00158–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 9, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB–BK 117 D–3 helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6230, Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of an occurrence of excessive vibrations in-flight due to an incorrect installation of the angular ball bearing of the control ring assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect installation of the angular ball bearing. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in axial play between the swashplate bearing ring assembly and the control ring assembly and consequent reduced control 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025– 0029, dated February 7, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0029). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025–0029 (1) Where EASA AD 2025–0029 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2025–0029 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where EASA AD 2025–0029 defines ‘‘Affected part’’, this AD adds ‘‘including those where it cannot be determined if the ‘Supplementary Inspection-4000 FH’ has been accomplished on the swashplate’’ to the end of that definition. (4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025–0029 specifies ‘‘check’’, this AD requires replacing that text with ‘‘inspect’’. (5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025–0029 specifies ‘‘Tightening torque inspection of the hexagonal head bolts of the inner ring and outer ring’’, this AD requires replacing that text with ‘‘Tightening torque inspection of the hexagonal head bolts of the inner ring’’. (6) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025– 0029 specifies ‘‘in case of finding any discrepancy during the inspection of the control ring assembly, to accomplish the applicable corrective actions before next flight, or to contact AH [Airbus Helicopters] for approved repair instructions and, before next flight, to accomplish those instructions accordingly’’, this AD requires replacing that text with ‘‘in case of finding any discrepancy during the inspection of the control ring assembly, before further flight, accomplish the instructions or corrective actions in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters’ EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature’’. (7) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2025–0029. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025–0029 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require 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 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 (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 responsible Flight Standards Office. (l) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Zain Jamal, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (847) 294–7264; email: zain.jamal@faa.gov. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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 the AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025–0029, dated February 7, 2025. (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 this 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Jun 03, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\04JNR1.SGM 04JNR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

33600 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2026 / Rules and Regulations (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 19, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–11175 Filed 6–3–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–1337; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–01289–R; Amendment 39–23363; AD 2026–11–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160–B helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of a fully discharged personal locator beacon (PLB) battery installed on an emergency life-raft system (ELRS), as well as a report where the ropes connecting the two ELRS to the PLB were not correctly attached. This AD requires performing a functional test of the PLB and inspecting the rope connection to the ELRS. Depending on the results of the functional test, this AD requires performing the functional test again or replacing affected parts, and depending on the results of the rope inspection, correctly attaching the wrist strap of the PLB to the ELRS rope. This AD also prohibits the installation of a certain part-numbered PLB and the rope connection to the ELRS, unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective July 9, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 9, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–1337; 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–2026–1337. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Steven Warwick, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222–5225; email: steven.r.warwick@faa.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters Model H160–B helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 23, 2026 (91 FR 8393). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025–0162, dated July 29, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0162) (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 there have been reports of a fully discharged PLB battery that is installed on the ELRS. The MCAI further states an occurrence was reported where the connecting rope between the two ELRS and the PLB was not attached correctly. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require performing a functional test of the PLB and inspecting the rope connection to the ELRS. Depending on the results of the functional test, the FAA proposed to require performing the functional test again or replacing affected parts, and depending on the results of the rope inspection, correctly attaching the wrist strap of the PLB to the ELRS rope. The FAA also proposed to prohibit the installation of a certain part-numbered PLB and the rope connection to the ELRS, unless certain requirements are met. 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–2026–1337. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received one comment on the NPRM from an individual commenter. The commenter supported the NPRM without change. Additional Changes Made to This AD In the NPRM, the FAA incorrectly referenced EASA AD 2025–0165 in the Exceptions to EASA AD 2025–0162 paragraph (paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD). Accordingly, the FAA has revised paragraph (h)(2) of the Exceptions to EASA AD 2025–0162 paragraph of this AD to reference EASA AD 2025–0162. Further, the FAA incorrectly designated paragraph (i) of the proposed AD as the Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) paragraph. Accordingly, the FAA has revised the Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) paragraph to designate it as paragraph (j). The FAA has also redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly. 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 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, and any other changes described previously, 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 2025– 0162, which specifies procedures for inspecting PLB part number (P/N) U256M30T1001, with manufacturer P/N 500–32–2Y–H and the connecting rope between the PLB and the ELRS and, VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Jun 03, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\04JNR1.SGM 04JNR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1