AD 2026-11-02

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

33601 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2026 / Rules and Regulations depending on the results of this inspection, performing a functional test up to five times or replacing the PLB battery pack with a new battery pack; and if necessary, correctly connecting the rope attached to the ELRS. EASA AD 2025–0162 also prohibits installing an affected PLB or the rope between an affected PLB and ELRS unless certain requirements are met. 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 12 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: E STIMATED C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Perform functional test of each PLB ............... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. $0 $85 $1,020 Inspect the wrist strap ..................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................. 0 85 1,020 The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements or corrections that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need these replacements or corrections. O N -C ONDITION C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Replace battery pack .................................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................... $2,173 $2,258 Replace a PLB ............................................................. 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................... 5,393 5,478 Attach wrist strap correctly ........................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................... 0 85 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: 2026–11–02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–23363; Docket No. FAA–2026–1337; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–01289–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 9, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model H160–B helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2562, Emergency Locator Beacon. (e) Unsafe Condition 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. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent operational failure of the PLB. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in delayed arrival of rescue services and timely medical assistance to injured crew members or passengers during an emergency use of the life-raft. (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– VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Jun 03, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\04JNR1.SGM 04JNR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1

33602 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2026 / Rules and Regulations 0162, dated July 29, 2025 (EASA AD 2025– 0162). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025–0162 (1) Where EASA AD 2025–0162 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2025–0162 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025–0162 specifies a ‘‘new’’, this AD requires replacing that text with ‘‘new (never installed) part’’. (4) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2025–0162. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025–0162 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action. (j) 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 (k) 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. (k) Additional Information For more information about this AD, 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. (l) 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 2025–0162, dated July 29, 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 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 19, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–11178 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–2026–2293; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–00684–T; Amendment 39–23364; AD 2026–11–03] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a failed extension of the inboard slats during the landing phase, which the crew alerting system (CAS) did not indicate to the flightcrew. This AD requires modifying the maintenance and avionics interface computer (MAIC) software and revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide improved procedures for addressing slat failures. 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–2026–2293; 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; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–2293. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Jonathan Duong, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516–228–7362; email: 9-AVS-AIR- BACO-COS@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 certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 10, 2026 (91 FR 11480). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025–0092, dated April 23, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0092) (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 Dassault Aviation has developed Dassault modification M2138 that introduces changes to the MAIC software to restore crew awareness about the inboard slat configuration in case of slat failures and published improved AFM procedures to cope with slat failures. EASA AD 2025– 0092 also stated that the AD is considered an interim action and further AD action may follow to expand the applicability to airplanes that have not embodied Dassault modification M1000. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require modifying the MAIC software and revising the existing AFM to provide improved procedures for addressing slat failures, as specified in EASA AD 2025–0092. The NPRM also specified that accomplishing the proposed actions would terminate the requirements of AD 2022–18–18, Amendment 39–22169 (87 FR 54131, September 2, 2022) only for Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes that have embodied Dassault modification M1000. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the failed extension of inboard slats during landing phase without flightcrew indication. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to reduced lift VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Jun 03, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\04JNR1.SGM 04JNR1 lotter on DSK8BHNXB4PROD with RULES1