AD 2026-16-03

52231 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 155 / Thursday, August 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57– 010, Revision 14, dated November 17, 2025; and Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57–014, Revision 3, dated November 17, 2025. (o) New Exceptions to Service Information Specifications (1) Where paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57–010, Revision 14, dated November 17, 2025, specifies a compliance time ‘‘the effective date of AD 2018–11–14,’’ this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. (2) Where paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57–014, Revision 3, dated November 17, 2025, specifies a compliance time ‘‘Within 18 months after the effective date of AD 2018–11–14,’’ this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. (p) Credit for Previous Actions (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57– 010, Revision 12, dated June 21, 2018; or Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57–010, Revision 13, dated November 5, 2024. (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57– 014, Revision 2, dated July 9, 2018. (3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (k) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57– 010, Revision 13, dated November 5, 2024. (4) For Group 1 and 2 airplanes identified in Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57–010, Revision 14, dated November 17, 2025: This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (l) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57– 010, Revision 11, dated April 3, 2017; Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57–010, Revision 12, dated June 21, 2018; or Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57–010, Revision 13, dated November 5, 2024. (5) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (m) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57– 014, Revision 1, dated April 12, 2017; or Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57–014, Revision 2, dated July 9, 2018. (q) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, AIR–770, West Certification 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (r) of this AD. Information may be emailed 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) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by The Boeing ODA that has been authorized by the Manager, AIR– 770, West Certification Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (3) AMOCs approved for AD 2018–11–14 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. (4) Except as required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(B)( 3 ), (g)(1)(i)(C)( 3 ), (g)(1)(i)(D)( 3 ), (g)(1)(ii)(A)( 3 ), (g)(1)(ii)(B)( 3 ), (g)(1)(iii)(A)( 3 ), (g)(1)(iii)(B)( 3 ), (g)(1)(iv), (g)(2), (h)(2)(iii), (h)(3)(iii), (k), (l)(1)(i)(B)( 3 ), (l)(1)(i)(C)( 3 ), (l)(1)(i)(D)( 3 ), (l)(1)(ii)(A)( 3 ), (l)(1)(ii)(B)( 3 ), (l)(1)(iii)(A)( 3 ), (l)(1)(iii)(B)( 3 ), (l)(1)(iv), (l)(2), (m)(2)(iii), and (m)(3)(iii), of this AD: For material that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (q)(4)(i) and (ii) of this AD apply. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) Steps not labeled 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 RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. (r) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Sarah Illg, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: 206–231–3517; email: Sarah.A.Illg@faa.gov. (s) 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 September 17, 2026. (i) Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57–010, Revision 14, dated November 17, 2025. (ii) Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57–014, Revision 3, dated November 17, 2025. (4) The following material was approved for IBR on July 10, 2018 (83 FR 25885, June 5, 2018). (i) Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57–010, Revision 11, dated April 3, 2017. (ii) Aviation Partners Boeing Service Bulletin AP767–57–014, Revision 1, dated April 12, 2017. (5) For Aviation Partners Boeing material identified in this AD, contact Aviation Partners Boeing, 555 Andover Park West, Suite 200, Tukwila, Washington 98188; telephone 206–830–7699; email certification@aviationpartners.com; website aviationpartnersboeing.com. (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 August 5, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–16504 Filed 8–12–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2025–3420; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–00225–R; Amendment 39–23433; AD 2026–16–03] 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 AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the legs of the side supports of the tail rotor transmission fan. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the side supports of the tail rotor transmission fan for cracks and, depending on the results, replacing both side supports. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Aug 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13AUR1.SGM 13AUR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULE

52232 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 155 / Thursday, August 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations DATES : This AD is effective September 17, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 17, 2026. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2025–3420; 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– 91, West Building Fifth Floor, Room W58–213, 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–2025–3420. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Michael Yeshiambel, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946–4133; email: michael.m.yeshiambel@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 AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 30, 2025 (90 FR 46773). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025–0052, dated February 28, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0052) (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, following scheduled maintenance, of cracks in the legs of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) side supports of the tail rotor transmission fan installed on helicopters with the post-modification 07–9062 configuration. This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the legs supporting the tail rotor transmission fan and displacement of the tail rotor transmission fan assembly, which could lead to the failure of the engine and main gearbox cooling function, loss of the tail rotor drive, and consequent loss of control of the helicopter. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting the side supports of the tail rotor transmission fan for cracks and, depending on the results, replacing both side supports. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition of these products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2025–3420. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received comments from five commenters. The comments were from the Citizens Rulemaking Alliance, Elite Rotorcraft, Heli Chicago, and two individuals. The two individuals supported the NPRM without change. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request To Withdraw the Proposed AD Elite Rotorcraft and Heli Chicago stated that the unsafe condition can be derived from improper maintenance being performed and not following the manufacturer’s recommended balancing guidelines. Elite Rotorcraft and Heli Chicago stated they keep their fans balanced, which helps eliminate vibrations that cause cracks. Additionally, both commenters stated that the proposed AD is not warranted unless it addresses the core cause of the unsafe condition, which is the vibration level of the fan. The commenters stated that addressing the vibration level of the fan would eliminate the unsafe condition of cracking. Furthermore, Elite Rotorcraft and Heli Chicago requested that the FAA provide additional data and information relating to the unsafe condition. The FAA disagrees with the commenters’ suggestion that the proposed AD is not warranted. Under 14 CFR part 39, the FAA issues an airworthiness directive when an unsafe condition exists in the product, and the condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Multiple instances have been reported where, during scheduled maintenance, cracks or failures were discovered in the legs of both the LH and RH tail rotor supports. There is currently no definitive evidence that the unsafe condition is related to improper maintenance. The fact that the individual aircraft owned or operated by some commenters have not experienced cracking does not negate the existence of an unsafe condition that exists or may develop on these helicopters. Failure to detect and correct these cracks could cause the loss of all four support legs, displacing the fan assembly. This risks losing engine and main gearbox cooling, tail rotor drive, and overall helicopter control. Additionally, since Airbus Helicopters is still investigating the root cause of the cracking, at this time the FAA has not determined that the root cause of the cracking is fan vibration. As noted, the FAA considers this AD to be an interim action to detect and correct the unsafe condition. Should a final corrective action be identified in the future, the FAA will consider further rulemaking. The FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment. Request To Justify Forgoing Notice and Comment or Issue an NPRM The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA either provide its justification for finding good cause to bypass notice and comment procedures, convert this action to an NPRM, or stay enforcement to allow comments to substantiate the ‘‘before further flight’’ compliance time. 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 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 in the AD docket and affected parties for both commenting and compliance purposes. They also requested that the FAA reopen the comment period for at least 30 days VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Aug 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13AUR1.SGM 13AUR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULE

52233 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 155 / Thursday, August 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations after access to the IBR material is provided. The FAA notes that this AD only incorporates by reference EASA AD 2025–0052, not the manufacturer service information referenced in that EASA AD. The FAA posted EASA AD 2025–0052 to the AD docket when the NPRM was published in the Federal Register . The material referenced in EASA AD 2025–0052 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– 0052 will be available in the AD docket after this AD is published. 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 suspend the reporting requirement until PRA requirements are satisfied and then provide an opportunity to comment on the economic burden. 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 Consider Impact on Small Entities and To Provide Additional Cost Information The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA 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. The commenter also requested that the FAA add to the AD docket the cost methodology that supports its conclusion that the AD is not significant under Executive Order 12866. The commenter stated that the FAA’s economic analysis should also account for the cost of any downtime and operational impacts. The FAA recognizes that, in doing the actions required by an AD, operators might incur indirect or incidental costs in addition to the direct costs. The cost analysis in an AD typically describes only the direct costs of the specific actions required by an AD, which does not include indirect or incidental costs such as downtime, loss of revenue, planning, or time necessitated by other administrative actions since those costs might vary significantly among operators. The number of work hours necessary to do the required actions of an AD is provided by the manufacturer. This number represents the time necessary to perform only the actions actually required by an AD. The cost of parts or special tools, if necessary, to complete the actions required by an AD is also provided by the manufacturer. Further, when the FAA is informed that the manufacturer may cover some or all of the estimated costs of an AD under warranty, the FAA indicates that in the AD. In the Costs of Compliance section of the proposed AD, the FAA disclosed the number of affected helicopters on the U.S. registry (updated in this final rule) and the manufacturer-provided number of work hours and cost of parts necessary to complete repairs. Additionally, the FAA determined that this AD will not trigger downtime costs because the requirements of this AD can be performed during regularly scheduled maintenance. Since the FAA assessed and disclosed the total known costs of the AD requirements in the Costs of Compliance section of the proposed AD, and the commenter did not provide additional cost data for the FAA to consider in its cost analysis, it is not necessary to provide additional information in the AD docket. The FAA has also considered the AD’s impact on small entities 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 (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 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. 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. This AD affects 25 entities, of which 13 are small entities, 3 are not small entities, and the FAA was unable to obtain sufficient data to categorize the remaining 9 entities. The following table presents the numbers and industries of the 16 known entities affected by this AD: N UMBER OF E NTITIES AND S MALL ENTITIES A FFECTED NAICS code Category Number of entities Affected aircraft Number of small entities Percent of small entities 423860 .............. Transportation Equipment and Supplies (except Motor Vehicle) Merchant Wholesalers. 2 2 1 50 481219 .............. Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation .......................... 5 7 5 100 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Aug 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13AUR1.SGM 13AUR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULE

52234 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 155 / Thursday, August 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations N UMBER OF E NTITIES AND S MALL ENTITIES A FFECTED —Continued NAICS code Category Number of entities Affected aircraft Number of small entities Percent of small entities 488119 .............. Other Airport Operations .................................................. 5 7 5 100 488510 .............. Freight Transportation Arrangement ................................ 1 1 0 0 492110 .............. Couriers and Express Delivery Services ......................... 1 3 0 0 541611 .............. Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. 1 1 1 100 561320 .............. Temporary Help Services ................................................ 1 1 1 100 The following table presents the high- case cost impact of this AD on all 13 small entities. The high-case is defined by the cost of an inspection ($128 per helicopter), which then reveals that a replacement is necessary, costing $2,640. These costs are detailed in the ‘‘Costs of Compliance’’ section of this final rule. I MPACT OF AD ON S MALL E NTITIES NAICS code NAICS description Average annual revenues 1 Average high-case cost 2 Average percent of revenue 3 423860 .............. Transportation Equipment and Supplies (except Motor Vehicle) Merchant Wholesalers. $1,060,000 $2,768 0.26 481219 .............. Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation ...................................................... 869,362 3,875 0.49 488119 .............. Other Airport Operations .............................................................................. 1,019,898 3,875 0.68 541611 .............. Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Serv- ices. 226,340 2,768 1.22 561320 .............. Temporary Help Services ............................................................................ 223,050 2,768 1.24 1 Source: Dun & Bradstreet, D&B Hoovers, retrieved May 14, 2026. 2 Cost determined by multiplying the number of aircraft owned by all small entities in the NAICS category by the high-case cost and dividing by the number of entities. 3 Average percent revenue across all entities in the NAICS category. For example, for Other Airport Operations, the entities face a cost equal to 1.02%, 0.25%, 0.35%, 0.51%, and 1.28% of their total revenue, which averages out to 0.68%. This figure may be different than Average High- Case Cost divided by Average Annual Revenues and better reflects impact to individual entities. RFA Conclusions While the FAA has determined that this AD affects a substantial number of small entities, the high-case cost of compliance with this AD 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 1.24 percent. Therefore, as provided in 5 U.S.C. 605(b), the FAA certifies 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. 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, a change in the Costs of Compliance section (from 38 helicopters to 34 helicopters and corresponding cost 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– 0052, which specifies procedures for repetitive inspections of the LH and RH side supports of the tail rotor transmission fan, having part number (P/N) 355A34104006 (LH) and P/N 355A34104106 (RH) respectively, for cracks and, if any crack is found on any side support, replacement of both side supports. EASA AD 2025–0052 also specifies reporting the inspection results to the manufacturer. 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 requires reporting inspection results to the manufacturer, whereas this AD does not. Interim Action The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. The manufacturer is still investigating the root cause of the unsafe condition identified in this AD. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 34 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Aug 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13AUR1.SGM 13AUR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULE

52235 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 155 / Thursday, August 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations E STIMATED C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Inspect both side supports ..... 1.5 work-hours × $85 1 per hour = $128 ................................ $0 $128 $4,352 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 ). The FAA estimates the following costs to do any on-condition actions 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 on- condition actions: O N -C ONDITION C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Replace both side supports ............. 24 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,040 ................................................... $600 $2,640 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: 2026–16–03 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–23433; Docket No. FAA–2025–3420; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–00225–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 17, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6500, Tail Rotor Drive System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the legs of the side support of the tail rotor transmission fan. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct a cracked side support of the tail rotor transmission fan. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the legs supporting the tail rotor transmission fan and displacement of the tail rotor transmission fan assembly, which could lead to the failure of the engine and main gearbox cooling function, loss of the tail rotor drive, and consequent 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 2025–0052, dated February 28, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0052). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025–0052 (1) Where EASA AD 2025–0052 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2025–0052 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025– 0052 specifies ‘‘replace both affected parts in accordance with the instructions of the ASB’’, this AD requires replacing that text with ‘‘remove both affected parts from service and replace with new (zero hours time-in-service) parts in accordance with the instructions of the ASB’’. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Aug 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13AUR1.SGM 13AUR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULE

52236 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 155 / Thursday, August 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations (4) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2025–0052. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although EASA AD 2025–0052 and the material referenced in EASA AD 2025–0052 specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are not allowed. (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 Michael Yeshiambel, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946– 4133; email: michael.m.yeshiambel@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 2025–0052, dated February 28, 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 July 30, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026–16505 Filed 8–12–26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–7235; Project Identifier MCAI–2026–00679–E; Amendment 39–23441; AD 2026–16–11] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (Formerly BRP- Powertrain GMBH & CO KG and Bombardier-Rotax GmbH) Engines and Various Aircraft AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BRP- Rotax GmbH & Co KG (Rotax) Model 912 F2, 912 F3, 912 F4, 912 iSc2 Sport, 912 iSc3 Sport, 912 S2, 912 S3, 912 S4, 914 F2, 914 F3, and 914 F4 engines; and Model 912 A1, 912 A2, 912 A3, and 912 A4 engines included as part of the type- certificated aircraft type design for various aircraft. This AD was prompted by a report of an oil spray nozzle and certain screws that were not installed on the propeller gearbox. This AD requires a one-time visual inspection of the propeller gearbox to determine if the oil spray nozzle and certain screws are installed and, depending on the results, replacement of the propeller gearbox with a serviceable propeller gearbox. This AD also prohibits the installation of an affected propeller gearbox on any engine unless certain conditions are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective August 28, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 28, 2026. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by September 28, 2026. ADDRESSES : You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov . Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–7235; 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 street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For Rotax material identified in this AD, contact Rotax, Rotaxstrasse 1, Gunskirchen, Austria; phone: +43 7246 601 0; website: flyrotax.com. • You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. 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– 2026–7235. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Joseph Catanzaro, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228–7366; email: joseph.catanzaro@faa.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2026–7235; Project Identifier MCAI–2026–00679–E’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Aug 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13AUR1.SGM 13AUR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULE