Proposed Rule2026-00138
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
January 8, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-11-08, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2022-11-08 requires 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 proposed AD would require 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 proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 648-651]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-00138]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0006; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00735-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2022-11-08, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B,
AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2
helicopters. AD 2022-11-08 requires 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 proposed AD would require
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 proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by February 23, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> 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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> 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 NPRM, 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:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5c1d182f1c393d2f3d7239292e332c3d723929"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="83c2c7f0c3e6e2f0e2ade6f6f1ecf3e2ade6f6">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA
material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available
at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-0006.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Williams, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (316) 946-4134; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0b666a7f7f636e7c257f257c626767626a66784b6d6a6a256c647d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2b464a5f5f434e5c055f055c424747424a46586b4d4a4a054c445d">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-0006; Project Identifier
MCAI-2024-00735-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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
the proposal 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
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Matthew Williams, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
[[Page 649]]
Background
The FAA issued AD 2022-11-08, Amendment 39-22058 (87 FR 33632, June
3, 2022) (AD 2022-11-08), for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. AD
2022-11-08 was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA
issued AD 2021-0194R1, dated October 8, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0194R1) to
address the identification of certain parts needing maintenance
actions, including life limits and maintenance tasks.
AD 2022-11-08 requires incorporating into maintenance records
required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for the
helicopter, the requirements (airworthiness limitations) specified in
EASA AD 2021-0194R1. The FAA issued AD 2022-11-08 to address the
failure of certain parts, which could result in the loss of control of
the helicopter.
Actions Since AD 2022-11-08 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2022-11-08, EASA superseded EASA AD 2021-
0194R1, with EASA AD 2024-0133 dated July 10, 2024, which was then
superseded by EASA AD 2024-0133R1, dated June 27, 2025 (EASA AD 2024-
0133R1) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or
more restrictive airworthiness limitations have been developed.
Additionally, the MCAI 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. The FAA is issuing this proposed 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 <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0006.
Relationship Between This Proposed 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.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
(CAA) 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, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI and material referenced above. The FAA is issuing
this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of AD 2022-
11-08 and would require the actions specified in EASA AD 2024-0133R1,
described previously, as incorporated by reference, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this
proposed AD. See ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI''
for a discussion of the general differences included in this AD.
Differences Between This Proposed 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
proposed AD would require revising the ALS of the existing approved
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 30 days after
the effective date of this proposed AD.
EASA AD 2024-0133R1 applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350BB,
whereas this proposed AD would not because that model does not have an
FAA type certificate.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil CAA ADs as the
primary source of information for compliance with requirements for
corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with
manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to incorporate
EASA AD 2024-0133R1 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2024-0133R1 in its
entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in EASA AD 2024-0133R1 does not mean that operators need comply
only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2024-0133. Material required in
EASA AD 2024-0133R1 for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
under Docket No. FAA-2026-0006 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 963 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD.
[[Page 650]]
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise ALS............................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour $0 $85 $81,855
= $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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2022-11-08, Amendment 39-22058 (87
FR 33632, June 3, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2026-0006; Project Identifier
MCAI-2024-00735-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by February 23, 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2a6b6765696a4c4b4b044d455c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aaebe7e5e9eacccbcb84cdc5dc">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6cbc7d2d2cec3d188d288d1cfcacacfc7cbd5e6c0c7c788c1c9d0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b5d8d4c1c1ddd0c29bc19bc2dcd9d9dcd4d8c6f5d3d4d49bd2dac3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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.
[[Page 651]]
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1150556251747062703f7464637e61703f7464"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="38797c4b785d594b59165d4d4a574859165d4d">[email protected]</span></a>; 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, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, 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 <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9dfbefb3f4f3eeedf8fee9f4f2f3ddf3fceffcb3faf2eb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="84e2f6aaedeaf7f4e1e7f0edebeac4eae5f6e5aae3ebf2">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 5, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-00138 Filed 1-7-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on January 8, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.