Rule2026-01182
Airworthiness Directives; PZL-Swidnik S.A. Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
January 22, 2026
Effective
February 6, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain PZL-Swidnik S.A. (Swidnik) Model PZL W-3A helicopters. This AD was prompted by the detection of corrosion on the main rotor blade (MRB) attachment bolts. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the MRB attachment bolts and, depending on the results of the inspection, repairing or replacing any affected bolts. This AD also requires reporting the inspection results and prohibits installing any MRB attachment bolt unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 14 (Thursday, January 22, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 14 (Thursday, January 22, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2687-2690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-01182]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0012; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00483-R;
Amendment 39-23238; AD 2026-02-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; PZL-Swidnik S.A. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain PZL-Swidnik S.A. (Swidnik) Model PZL W-3A helicopters. This AD
was prompted by the detection of corrosion on the main rotor blade
(MRB) attachment bolts. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the
MRB attachment bolts and, depending on the results of the inspection,
repairing or replacing any affected bolts. This AD also requires
reporting the inspection results and prohibits installing any MRB
attachment bolt unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 6, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 6,
2026.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 9, 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-2026-0012; 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:
<bullet> For PZL-[Sacute]widnik S.A material identified in this AD,
contact Swidnik, Al. Lotnik[oacute]w Polskich 1, 21-045 [Sacute]widnik,
Poland; phone: (+48) 81722 5000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b5e5f998f6c0c6c1dad8d0c7e6c0c5c5dac7c19bf4e2f5d9d0dadbd4c7d1dad6dad8c5d4dbcc9bd6dad8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f3f23422c1a1c1b00020a1d3c1a1f1f001d1b412e382f030a00010e1d0b000c00021f0e0116410c0002">[email protected]</span></a>; or at <a href="https://www.pzlswidnik.pl/en/home">https://www.pzlswidnik.pl/en/home</a>.
<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
[[Page 2688]]
availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is
also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-0012.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Hein, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316)
946-4116; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#08696c696526606d6166486e6969266f677e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2e4f4a4f4300464b47406e484f4f00494158">[email protected]</span></a>.
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-2026-0012; Project
Identifier MCAI-2024-00483-R'' 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
<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 final rule.
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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Adam
Hein, 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.
Background
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued
EASA AD 2024-0166, dated August 21, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0166) (also
referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on PZL Model
PZL W-3A and PZL W-3AS helicopters. The MCAI states that during
replacement of the MRBs on a PZL W-3A helicopter, corrosion of the MRB
attachment bolts was found. The MCAI further states the affected MRB
attachment bolts had been installed for 7 months and had accumulated
243 flight hours (FH), which is far below the defined service life
limit of 2,700 FH for this critical part. The MCAI states this is an
interim action and specifies that further action may follow.
The unsafe condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
cracks and failure of one or more of the MRB attachment bolts and
result in loss of an MRB and consequent 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-2026-0012.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed PZL-[Sacute]widnik Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB-
37-24-347, dated July 11, 2024 (PZL ASB-37-24-347). This material
specifies procedures for repetitively removing, cleaning, and
inspecting part number (P/N) 37.21.000.50.00 MRB attachment bolts for
surface or pitting corrosion, or mechanical damage and baked-on grease.
If any of these conditions exist, PZL ASB-37-24-347 specifies either
repairing the MRB attachment bolt if its condition is within
acceptable/repairable criteria or replacing it if its condition exceeds
acceptable/repairable criteria. PZL ASB-37-24-347 also specifies
reporting all inspection results to Swidnik.
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 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, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI and material referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the
material already described. This includes removing and cleaning each
MRB attachment bolt, and depending on the inspection results, repairing
or removing any bolt that is outside the repairable limits. This AD
also requires reporting inspection results to the manufacturer and
prohibits installing a P/N 37.21.000.50.00 MRB attachment bolt on any
helicopter unless it has been inspected in accordance with the AD
requirements.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI applies to Swidnik Model PZL W-3AS helicopters, whereas
this AD does not because that model does not have an FAA type
certificate.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
There are currently no domestic operators of these products.
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b). In addition, for the
foregoing reason, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
[[Page 2689]]
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final
action is later identified, the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
There are no costs of compliance with this AD because there are no
helicopters with this type certificate on the U.S. Registry.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2026-02-02 PZL-Swidnik S.A.: Amendment 39-23238; Docket No. FAA-
2026-0012; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00483-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 6, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to PZL-Swidnik S.A. Model PZL W-3A helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6200: Main Rotor
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion on main rotor
blade (MRB) attachment bolts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
corrosion on the MRB attachment bolts, which if not detected and
corrected, could lead to cracks and failure of one or more of the
attachment bolts, resulting in loss of an MRB 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
(1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months,
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD:
(i) Remove each MRB attachment bolt part number (P/N)
37.21.000.50.00 and clean it, in accordance with Chapter II
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.2 of PZL-[Sacute]widnik
Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB-37-24-347, dated July 11, 2024 (PZL
ASB-37-24-347).
(ii) Inspect each cleaned MRB attachment bolt for surface
corrosion, pitting corrosion, or mechanical damage (defects), and
damaged or missing protective coating as specified in Attachment 1,
Criteria for Assessing Bolt Serviceability, paragraphs 1. and 2., of
PZL ASB-37-24-347.
(iii) If there is any defect (surface corrosion, pitting
corrosion, or mechanical damage), polish the affected area with
sandpaper and determine if the MRB attachment bolt is within
repairable limits as specified in Attachment 2, Bolt Repair, of PZL
ASB-37-24-347.
(A) If the MRB attachment bolt is within repairable limits,
before further flight repair the bolt in accordance with Attachment
2 Bolt Repair, of PZL ASB-37-24-347.
(B) If the MRB attachment bolt is beyond repairable limits,
before further flight, remove the MRB attachment bolt from service
and replace it with a serviceable bolt.
(2) Thereafter, repeat the actions required by paragraphs
(g)(1)(i) through (iii) in accordance with the inspection intervals
in table 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(2)--Inspection Intervals
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive intervals (hours
Inspection results and/or action(s) TIS or calendar time,
accomplished during the last inspections whichever occurs first)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
No defects of any bolt and no damaged or Within 300 hours TIS or 12
missing protective coating of any bolt months, whichever occurs
were found or The damaged or missing first, since the last
protective coating of each discrepant inspection.
and each repaired bolt has been renewed/
applied or All the discrepant bolts or
all the affected parts have been
replaced with serviceable parts.
[[Page 2690]]
No defects of any bolt were found and Within 25 hours TIS or 6
for which the protective coating was months, whichever occurs
found damaged during the last first, since the last
inspection and the protective coating inspection.
has not been renewed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Within 30 days after each inspection required by this AD,
report the inspection results to PZL-Swidnik S.A. The report must
include the information specified in Chapter VI, paragraph 2.3 of
PZL ASB-37-24-347.
(h) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an MRB
attachment bolt P/N 37.21.000.50.00, on any helicopter unless it has
been inspected in accordance with the requirements of this AD.
(i) 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 (j) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aaebe7e5e9eacccbcb84cdc5dc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="63222e2c20230502024d040c15">[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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Adam Hein, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (316) 946-4116; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#503134313d7e3835393e103631317e373f26"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9afbfefbf7b4f2fff3f4dafcfbfbb4fdf5ec">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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) PZL-[Sacute]widnik Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB-37-24-347,
dated July 11, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For PZL-Swidnik S.A. material identified in this AD, contact
PZL-Swidnik S.A., 21-045, Swidnik, Poland; phone: +48 81 722 50 00;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f9a9b5d4ba8c8a8d96949c8baa8c8989968b8dd7b8aeb9959c9697988b9d96d79a9694"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="82d2ceafc1f7f1f6edefe7f0d1f7f2f2edf0f6acc3d5c2eee7edece3f0e6edace1edef">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://extranet.pzl.swidnik.pl">https://extranet.pzl.swidnik.pl</a>.
(4) 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.
(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#5f392d7136312c2f3a3c2b3630311f313e2d3e71383029"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f69084d89f9885869395829f9998b698978497d8919980">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 12, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-01182 Filed 1-21-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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