Rule2026-04164
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
March 3, 2026
Effective
April 7, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of rupture of the scissors link of the rotating swashplate assembly due to a seized ball joint-cups assembly. This AD requires replacing the rotor shaft assembly, modifying the rotating swashplate assembly to replace each of the three ball joint-cups assemblies with one-piece self-lubricated spherical bearings, and modifying the scissors hinges and swashplate trunnions on the main rotor, as applicable, and applying an anti- corrosion agent, if applicable. This AD also prohibits installing a main rotor hub (MRH) assembly or rotor shaft assembly on a helicopter 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 41 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10311-10313]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-04164]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5034; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00951-R;
Amendment 39-23268; AD 2026-04-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of rupture of the
scissors link of the rotating swashplate assembly due to a seized ball
joint-cups assembly. This AD requires replacing the rotor shaft
assembly, modifying the rotating swashplate assembly to replace each of
the three ball joint-cups assemblies with one-piece self-lubricated
spherical bearings, and modifying the scissors hinges and swashplate
trunnions on the main rotor, as applicable, and applying an anti-
corrosion agent, if applicable. This AD also prohibits installing a
main rotor hub (MRH) assembly or rotor shaft assembly on a helicopter
unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 7, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publications listed in this AD as of April 7,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5034; 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:
<bullet> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4001043300252133216e2535322f30216e2535"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="29686d5a694c485a48074c5c5b465948074c5c">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 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. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-5034.
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#91f0f5f0fcbff9f4f8ffd1f7f0f0bff6fee7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="107174717d3e7875797e507671713e777f66">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters. The
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 28, 2025 (90 FR
54596). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0116, dated May 19, 2025,
(EASA AD 2025-0116) (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 that an occurrence was reported of rupture of
the scissors link of the rotating swashplate assembly resulting from a
seized ball joint-cups assembly. The MCAI further states subsequent
investigation revealed the following probable causes: the cups and ball
joint that are normally paired were unpaired or mixed during an
overhaul; and the cups and ball joint assembly had not been properly
lubricated during overhaul. In addition, the cups and the ball joint
are made of tungsten carbide, whose failure mode can cause a sudden
seizure of the assembly. This condition, if not addressed, could lead
to loss of connection between rotor shaft and
[[Page 10312]]
rotating swashplate and consequent loss of control of the helicopter.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require Group 1 helicopters (as
defined in the MCAI) to replace the rotor shaft assembly, Group 2
helicopters (as defined in the MCAI) to modify the rotating swashplate
assembly to replace each of the three ball joint-cups assemblies with
one-piece self-lubricated spherical bearings or replace the MRH
assembly with an MRH assembly in post-mod 0728849 and post-mod 0743046
configurations, and AS332C and AS332L helicopters to modify the
scissors hinges and swashplate trunnions on the main rotor, as
applicable. The NPRM also proposed to require Group 3 helicopters (as
defined in the MCAI) to apply an anti-corrosion agent, if applicable.
Additionally, the NPRM proposed to prohibit installing a MRH assembly
or rotor shaft assembly on a helicopter unless certain requirements are
met.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5034.
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 2025-0116, which specifies procedures for
replacing the rotor shaft assembly, modifying the rotating swashplate
assembly, or replacing the MRH assembly as an alternative action for
certain helicopters, as applicable. EASA AD 2025-0116 also specifies
procedures for certain helicopters to incorporate modification 0743046
either before or concurrently with the modification of the rotating
swashplate assembly. Additionally, EASA AD 2025-0116 specifies
procedures for applying anti-corrosion agent on the parts, as
applicable. EASA AD 2025-0116 prohibits installing a MRH assembly or a
rotor shaft assembly unless it is a post-mod 0728849 configuration.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 12 helicopters of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
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Replace three ball joint-cups 3 work-hours x $85 = $9,861 $10,116 $121,392.
assemblies. $255.
Apply anti-corrosion agent........ 3 work-hours x $85 0 0 Up to $3,060.
per hour = $255.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for replacing the rotor shaft assembly with a rotor shaft
assembly that has incorporated modifications 0743714 and 0728849,
modifying the rotating swashplate assembly to incorporate modification
0743046, or for the optional action of replacing the MRH assembly with
an MRH assembly that has incorporated modifications 0728849 and 0743046
specified in this AD.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
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:
[[Page 10313]]
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:
2026-04-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23268; Docket No. FAA-
2025-5034; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00951-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 7, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6230, Main Rotor
Mast/Swashplate.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of the rupture of the scissors
link of the rotating swashplate assembly due to a seized ball joint-
cups assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the ball joint-
cups assembly from seizing. This condition, if not addressed, could
lead to loss of connection between rotor shaft and rotating
swashplate 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 2025-0116,
dated May 19, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0116).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0116
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0116 refers to September 5, 2024 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2024-0168), this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0116 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0116 refers to ``modify
that helicopter in accordance with the instructions of the Airbus
Helicopter SB 62.00.05'', this AD replaces that text with ``modify
that helicopter in accordance with the instructions of the Societe
Nationale Industrielle Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. 62.05,
Revision 2''.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0116.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0116 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(j) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95d4d8dad6d5f3f4f4bbf2fae3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9ddcd0d2deddfbfcfcb3faf2eb">[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 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#dbbabfbab6f5b3beb2b59bbdbabaf5bcb4ad"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="274643464a094f424e496741464609404851">[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 2025-0116,
dated May 19, 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#6322271023060210024d0616110c13024d0616"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="09484d7a496c687a68276c7c7b667968276c7c">[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 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#c4a2b6eaadaab7b4a1a7b0adabaa84aaa5b6a5eaa3abb2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="492f3b6720273a392c2a3d2026270927283b28672e263f">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on February 17, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-04164 Filed 3-2-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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