Proposed Rule2026-02923
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
February 13, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all AHD Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635T2+, MBB-BK 117 C-2, and MBB-BK 117 D- 2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the cable drum of the rescue hoist assembly. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the cable drum of certain rescue hoist assemblies for cracks and depending on the results, replacing or repairing the cable drum of the rescue hoist assembly. This proposed AD would also prohibit the operation and the installation of an affected rescue hoist assembly on a helicopter, unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 30 (Friday, February 13, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6795-6798]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-02923]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-1326; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00312-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all AHD Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635T2+, MBB-BK 117 C-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-
2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks on
the cable drum of the rescue hoist assembly. This proposed AD would
require repetitively inspecting the cable drum of certain rescue hoist
assemblies for cracks and depending on the results, replacing or
repairing the cable drum of the rescue hoist assembly. This proposed AD
would also prohibit the operation and the installation of an affected
rescue hoist assembly on a helicopter, unless certain requirements are
met. The FAA
[[Page 6796]]
is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by March 30, 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-2026-1326; 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#e4a5a097a481859785ca8191968b9485ca8191"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="86c7c2f5c6e3e7f5e7a8e3f3f4e9f6e7a8e3f3">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this material
on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<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: Steven Warwick, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-5225; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#295a5d4c5f4c47075b075e485b5e404a42694f4848074e465f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bdcec9d8cbd8d393cf93cadccfcad4ded6fddbdcdc93dad2cb">[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-2026-1326; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-00312-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
this 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
Steven Warwick, 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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2025-0055, dated March 11, 2025
(EASA AD 2025-0055) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition on AHD Model EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 P3,
EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, EC135 T3, EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1,
EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters. The MCAI states that cracks were
reported on a cable drum installed on certain part numbered Goodrich
rescue hoist assemblies. Additionally, the material referenced in the
MCAI states that Goodrich determined that this occurrence was isolated
to a batch of cable drums made from a plate material, which was
determined to have increased susceptibility to corrosion-induced
fatigue. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
corrosion-induced fatigue of the cable drum, and consequent injuries to
human load or individuals on the ground.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-1326.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2025-0055 specifies procedures for repetitively inspecting
the cable drum installed on the rescue hoist assembly for cracks longer
than 3 mm and, depending on the results, contacting the manufacturer
for approved repair instructions. Additionally, the MCAI allows the
installation of an affected rescue hoist assembly on a helicopter if it
meets certain requirements. Finally, the MCAI prohibits the operation
of an affected rescue hoist assembly after a certain effective date as
specified in the MCAI.
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, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI 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 require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2025-0055, 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
NPRM and the MCAI'' for a discussion of the general differences
included in this proposed AD.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
The MCAI applies to AHD Model EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, and
EC635 T3 helicopters, whereas this proposed AD would not because those
models do not have an FAA type certificate.
Where the MCAI specifies to contact the manufacturer for repair
instructions,
[[Page 6797]]
this proposed AD would require repairing an affected rescue hoist
assembly in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
International Validation Branch or Airbus Helicopters' Design
Organization Approval.
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 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 2025-0055 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD
would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2025-0055 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 2025-0055 does not mean that operators need to
comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement
refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance
with this proposed AD requirement is not limited to the section titled
``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2025-0055.
Material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0055 for compliance will be
available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-1326 after the
FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 476 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Visual inspection of the cable drum...... 1 work-hour x $85.00 per $0.00 $85 $40,460
hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need this replacement:
Estimated Costs for Optional Action
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replace rescue hoist assembly................ 3.5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $123,000 $123,298
$298.
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The FAA has no way of determining the cost to repair a rescue hoist
assembly or the number of helicopters that may require either repair or
replacement of the rescue hoist assembly if any cracks are found in the
cable drum that are of a certain length or more.
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 this 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Docket No. FAA-2026-1326;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00312-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 30, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2,
EC135T2+, EC135T3, and
[[Page 6798]]
EC635T2+ helicopters, all serial numbers (S/N) up to 1999; and Model
MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, all S/Ns,
certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an EC135P3H
designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters. Helicopters with a
EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3 helicopters.
Note 2 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an MBB-BK 117 C-2e
designation are Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Cabin
Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the cable drum of
the rescue hoist assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and
correct cable drums installed on certain rescue hoist assemblies
that have been manufactured with a certain plate material that could
result in corrosion-induced fatigue of the cable drum. This unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the cable
drum, and consequent injuries to human load or individuals on the
ground.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
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 2025-0055,
dated March 11, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0055).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0055
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0055 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0055 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025-0055 and the material
referenced in EASA AD 2025-0055 specifies to contact the
manufacturer for repair instructions, or where the material
specifies to contact Goodrich Hoist and Winch for further
instructions if any cracks or suspected cracks longer than 3 mm are
found, for this AD repair an affected rescue hoist assembly in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch or Airbus Helicopters' Design Organization
Approval.
(4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0055 specifies
``magnifying Glass 6x maximum,'' this AD requires replacing that
text with ``6X magnification or higher power.''
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0055.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0055 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 provided there are no external loads.
(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 emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#56171b19151630373778313920"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80c1cdcfc3c0e6e1e1aee7eff6">[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.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Steven Warwick,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5225; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a8dbdccddecdc686da86dfc9dadfc1cbc3e8cec9c986cfc7de"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d8abacbdaebdb6f6aaf6afb9aaafb1bbb398beb9b9f6bfb7ae">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 2025-0055,
dated March 11, 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#0243467142676371632c6777706d72632c6777"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c58481b685a0a4b6a4eba0b0b7aab5a4eba0b0">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find this 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 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#7f190d5116110c0f1a1c0b1610113f111e0d1e51181009"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d1b7a3ffb8bfa2a1b4b2a5b8bebf91bfb0a3b0ffb6bea7">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on February 10, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-02923 Filed 2-12-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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