AD 2026-16-04

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. Rules and Regulations Federal Register 52219 Vol. 91, No. 155 Thursday, August 13, 2026 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2026–3880; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–01428–R; Amendment 39–23434; AD 2026–16–04] 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 EC 155 B and EC 155 B1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a determination 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 (ICA) 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 September 17, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publications 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–2026–3880; 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–2026–3880. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Zakaria Abdi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946– 4141; email: zakaria.f.abdi@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 EC 155 B and EC 155 B1 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2026 (91 FR 24757). The NPRM was prompted by an MCAI, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2025–0191, dated September 4, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0191) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed. Additionally, the MCAI states that the airworthiness limitations are identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness and that AH [Airbus Helicopters] has issued applicable ALS revisions to specify instructions to determine the compliance time for the replacement of the upper attach beam. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of the existing MM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe conditions on these products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2026–3880. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the costs. 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– 0191, 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 2025–0191. Additionally, EASA AD 2025–0191 specifies procedures for 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 a 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 specified in EASA AD 2025–0191 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Aug 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13AUR1.SGM 13AUR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULE

52220 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 155 / Thursday, August 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI The MCAI requires revising the approved AMP within 12 months, whereas this AD requires revising the ALS of the existing approved MM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 30 days, and clarifies that if an incorporated limitation or threshold therein is reached before 30 days after the effective date of the final rule of this-AD, you still have up to 30 days after the effective date of this final rule to accomplish the corresponding task. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 16 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 Revise the ALS ....................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ......................................... $0 $85 $1,360 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: 2026–16–04 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–23434; Docket No. FAA–2026–3880; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–01428–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 EC 155 B and EC 155 B1 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 or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of certain 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 2025–0191, dated September 4, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0191). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025–0191 (1) Where EASA AD 2025–0191 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 2025–0191. (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025– 0191 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 2025–0191 is on or before the applicable ‘‘limitations’’ and ‘‘associated thresholds’’ as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025–0191 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 2025–0191. (i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals After revising the airworthiness limitations section of the existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions ( e.g., inspections) and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits, are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the Ref. Publications section of EASA AD 2025–0191. (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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Aug 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13AUR1.SGM 13AUR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULE

52221 Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 155 / Thursday, August 13, 2026 / Rules and Regulations 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 Zakaria Abdi, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946– 4141; email: zakaria.f.abdi@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 2025–0191, dated September 4, 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. 2026–16506 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–2026–4646; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–01763–R; Amendment 39–23435; AD 2026–16–05] 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 certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of magnetization on the solenoid valves for the three main servo- controls, the regulator block, and the tail servo-control due to a diode not properly installed in the hydraulic circuit. This AD requires performing a cut-off test of the rear rotor actuator valve and, depending on the results of the test, performing corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. 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–2026–4646; 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 Konrad- Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: 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–2026–4646. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Aryanna Sanchez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222–4058; email: aryanna.t.sanchez@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 Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 28, 2026 (91 FR 31673). The NPRM was prompted by an MCAI, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2025–0263, dated November 26, 2025; corrected December 9, 2025 (EASA AD 2025–0263) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that during maintenance on a helicopter, magnetization was observed on the solenoid valves for the three main servo- controls, the regulator block, and the tail servo-control. The MCAI also states that after further investigation, it was determined that diode 43D2 was not installed in the hydraulic circuit. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require performing a cut-off test of the rear rotor actuator valve and depending on the results of the test, the FAA proposed to require performing corrective actions. 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–2026–4646. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the costs. 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– 0263, which specifies procedures for performing a cut-off test, and, if any discrepancy (failure of the test) is detected, replacing any affected diodes, or installing any missing diodes. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:47 Aug 12, 2026 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\13AUR1.SGM 13AUR1 khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with RULE