AD 2026-12-09

36080 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 115 / Tuesday, June 16, 2026 / Rules and Regulations paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025–0137 or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2025–0137. (i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals After the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD has been done, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including any life limits, are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the Ref. Publications section of EASA AD 2025–0137. (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 Matthew Williams, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946– 4134; email: matthew.t.williams@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 2025–0137, dated June 27, 2025; corrected October 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 June 11, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–12050 Filed 6–15–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–0006; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00735–R; Amendment 39–23379; AD 2026–12–09] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022–11– 08, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2022–11–08 required incorporating into maintenance records certain requirements (airworthiness limitations). Since the FAA issued AD 2022–11–08, it was determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing maintenance manual (MM) or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICAs) and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective July 21, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 21, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–0006; 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. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–0006. • 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–2026–0006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Matthew Williams, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946–4134; email: matthew.t.williams@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2022–11–08, Amendment 39–22058 (87 FR 33632, June 3, 2022), (AD 2022–11–08). AD 2022–11–08 applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2022–11–08 required incorporating into maintenance records certain requirements (airworthiness limitations). The FAA issued AD 2022– 11–08 to prevent failure of critical parts which could result in the loss of control of the helicopter. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on January 8, 2026 (91 FR 648). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2024–0133R1, dated June 27, 2025 (EASA AD 2024–0133R1) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA AD 2024–0133R1 states that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed. Additionally, EASA AD 2024–0133R1 advises that the airworthiness limitations and certification maintenance instructions are identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness and that AH [Airbus Helicopters] has issued applicable ALS revisions to specify new and more restrictive life limits and maintenance tasks, which includes repetitive checks and inspection requirements. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:37 Jun 15, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM 16JNR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

36081 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 115 / Tuesday, June 16, 2026 / Rules and Regulations In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of the existing MM or ICAs and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of critical parts and primary structural components, which if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the helicopter. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–0006. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received comments from three commenters. One commenter was an individual and two commenters were anonymous. The anonymous commenters submitted identical comments, and thus the FAA will address these comments together. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Support for the NPRM The individual commenter expressed support for the NPRM. Request for More Information on Required Actions and Incorporated Material The anonymous commenters requested further information regarding the compliance recording requirement. The anonymous commenters also requested further information regarding the airworthiness limitations section of the existing maintenance manual ( i.e. revision level and date) that is to be revised, and how these manuals are to be revised to include digital manuals. The anonymous commenters also stated that the corrective actions of the proposed rule are not clear and concise. The FAA infers that the requesters are seeking clarification on recording compliance for the proposed AD. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. Once the ALS section is revised, the AD has been fully complied with and the life limit or inspection change remains enforceable as a part of the ALS. Requiring revision of the ALS, rather than requiring individual repetitive inspections, is advantageous for operators. It allows them to record AD compliance once when they make the revision rather than after every inspection or replacement. Additionally, the FAA makes incorporated by reference (IBR) material 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. This AD also specifies instructions for revising the maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness by incorporating the limitations, tasks and associated thresholds and intervals described in the applicable ALS, which applies to either paper or digital versions. Furthermore, this AD only requires compliance with paragraph (3) of the EASA AD, therefore the corrective actions paragraph is not adopted. Therefore, the FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment. 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, including the MCAI referenced, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Relationship Between This AD and Other Relevant Rulemaking EASA AD 2024–0133R1 specifies that the manufacturer revised the ALS, for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters as applicable. The revised ALS for each model now incorporates the new and more restrictive tasks and limitations. The FAA is evaluating this issue and may take further rulemaking action to accommodate these ALS amendments. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024– 0133R1, which specifies procedures for replacing components before exceeding their life limits and accomplishing all applicable maintenance tasks within thresholds and intervals specified in the ALS as defined in EASA AD 2024– 0133R1. Depending on the results of the maintenance tasks, EASA AD 2024– 0133R1 specifies accomplishing corrective action(s) or contacting Airbus Helicopters for approved instructions and accomplishing those instructions. Additionally, EASA AD 2024–0133R1 specifies revising the Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) by incorporating the limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals described in the specified ALS, as applicable. Revising the AMP constitutes terminating action for the requirement to record accomplishment of the actions of replacing components before exceeding their life limits and accomplishing maintenance tasks within thresholds and intervals specified in the applicable ALS as required by EASA AD 2024–0133R1 for demonstration of AD compliance on a continued basis. 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 Where EASA AD 2024–0133R1 specifies revising the approved AMP within 12 months after the effective date of EASA AD 2024–0133R1, this AD requires revising the ALS of the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. EASA AD 2024–0133R1 applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350BB, whereas this AD does not because that model does not have an FAA type certificate. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 963 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:37 Jun 15, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM 16JNR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

36082 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 115 / Tuesday, June 16, 2026 / Rules and Regulations E STIMATED C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Revise ALS ..................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 $0 $85 $81,855 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 2022–11–08, Amendment 39–22058 (87 FR 33632, June 3, 2022); and ■ b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026–12–09 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–23379; Docket No. FAA–2026–0006; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00735–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 21, 2026. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2022–11–08, Amendment 39–22058 (87 FR 33632, June 3, 2022). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, and AS350D helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by new and more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of critical parts and primary structural components, which if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions 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 AD 2024–0133R1, dated June 27, 2025 (EASA AD 2024– 0133R1). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024–0133R1 (1) Where EASA AD 2024–0133R1 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) This AD does not adopt paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2024–0133R1. (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024– 0133R1 specifies, ‘‘Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved AMP’’, this AD requires replacing that text with ‘‘Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the airworthiness limitations section of the existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.’’ (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024–0133R1 is on or before the applicable limitations and associated thresholds as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024–0133R1 or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2024–0133R1. (i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals After the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD has been done, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including any life limits, are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the Ref. Publications section of EASA AD 2024– 0133R1. (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 Matthew Williams, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946– 4134; email: matthew.t.williams@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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:37 Jun 15, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM 16JNR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES

36083 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 115 / Tuesday, June 16, 2026 / Rules and Regulations (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 2024–0133R1, dated June 27, 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 June 11, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–12052 Filed 6–15–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2025–5387; Project Identifier MCAI–2024–00399–R; Amendment 39–23337; AD 2026–09–15] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023–01– 04 for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. AD 2023–01– 04 required, for helicopters with certain part-numbered tail rotor head (TRH) spider pitch change units installed, inspecting the pitch change spider nut (nut) for correct installation; marking a 2 to 5 mm wide black paint index mark and repetitively inspecting the alignment of the marking; and performing additional inspections and corrective actions if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2023–01–04, new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations were issued, which terminated the requirement for the repetitive inspections of the black paint index marking. This AD requires the same actions as AD 2023–01–04, except for the repetitive black paint index marking inspections and prohibits installing certain parts 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 21, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 21, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2025–5387; 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 Airbus Helicopters material identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone: (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax: (972) 641–3775; website: airbus.com/en/ products-services/helicopters/hcare- services/airbusworld. • 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–2025–5387. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Matthew Williams, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946–4134; email: matthew.t.williams@faa.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2023–01–04, Amendment 39–22298 (88 FR 6618, February 1, 2023), (AD 2023–01–04). AD 2023–01–04 applied to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. AD 2023–01–04 required, for helicopters with certain part-numbered TRH spider pitch change units installed, inspecting for correct installation of the nut; marking a 2 to 5 mm wide black paint index mark to identify the position of certain parts; and after the initial marking, repetitively inspecting the alignment of the marking; and additional inspections and corrective actions if necessary. Additionally, AD 2023–01–04 prohibited installing an affected part on a helicopter unless certain requirements were met. The FAA issued AD 2023–01–04 to detect improper installation of the nut and improper alignment of a black index marking. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2025 (90 FR 58512). The NPRM was prompted by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021– 0282R1, Revision 1, dated July 10, 2024 (EASA AD 2021–0282R1) (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 the manufacturer revised the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS), as applicable, which now includes the repetitive black index marking checks (inspections). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require the same actions as AD 2023– 01–04, except the NPRM only proposed to require the initial black paint index marking inspection, not the repetitive inspections. The FAA also proposed to prohibit installing an affected part on a helicopter unless certain requirements are met. You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2025–5387. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received a comment from an individual commenter. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to the comment. Request To Clarify Black Paint Index Mark Visual Inspection for New Units The commenter requested that the FAA add language to paragraph (g)(2) of the proposed AD to clarify whether a 10 hour time-in-service visual inspection of the black paint index mark is required on a pitch change unit that is new or newly overhauled. The FAA disagrees with the request to update paragraph (g)(2) of this AD but VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:37 Jun 15, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM 16JNR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULES