Proposed Rule2026-05574
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 23, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-09-03 and AD 2021-05-15, which apply to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. AD 2019-09-03 requires a one-time inspection of the jettisoning mechanism of the cabin doors. AD 2021-05-15 requires repetitive inspections, modifying the release system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door or modifying the design of the jettison system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-05-15, the manufacturer developed a prerequisite modification for certain helicopters, determined improved modification instructions were necessary for installation of the release system of the cabin lateral sliding plug door, and determined the compliance time could be extended. This proposed AD would require modifying the release system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door or modifying the design of the jettison system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door as a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. 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 55 (Monday, March 23, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 55 (Monday, March 23, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13794-13797]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-05574]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2720; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00668-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2019-09-03 and AD 2021-05-15, which apply to certain Airbus Helicopters
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. AD 2019-09-03
requires a one-time inspection of the jettisoning mechanism of the
cabin doors. AD 2021-05-15 requires repetitive inspections, modifying
the release system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door or modifying
the design of the jettison system of each cabin lateral sliding plug
door. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-05-15, the manufacturer developed a
prerequisite modification for certain helicopters, determined improved
modification instructions were necessary for installation of the
release system of the cabin lateral sliding plug door, and determined
the compliance time could be extended. This proposed AD would require
modifying the release system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door or
modifying the design of the jettison system of each cabin lateral
sliding plug door as a terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by May 7, 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-2026-2720; 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#98d9dcebd8fdf9ebf9b6fdedeaf7e8f9b6fded"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ebaaaf98ab8e8a988ac58e9e99849b8ac58e9e">[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 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: Aryanna Sanchez, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-5257; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#adccdfd4ccc3c3cc83d983deccc3cec5c8d7edcbcccc83cac2db"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="badbc8c3dbd4d4db94ce94c9dbd4d9d2dfc0fadcdbdb94ddd5cc">[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-2026-2720; Project Identifier
MCAI-2023-00668-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
[[Page 13795]]
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 Aryanna Sanchez, 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 FAA issued AD 2019-09-03, Amendment 39-19637 (84 FR 22693, May
20, 2019) (AD 2019-09-03), for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C,
AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. AD 2019-09-03 was prompted by
an MCAI originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2017-0022, dated February
8, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0022), which required an initial inspection and
repetitive inspections after certain maintenance tasks of the
jettisoning mechanism of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) door,
followed by corrective actions if needed. EASA AD 2017-0022 also
provided a terminating action for repetitive inspections by
incorporating MOD [modification] 0725366. During a scheduled test of
the jettisoning mechanism of the cabin lateral sliding plug door, a
failure was reported. Subsequent investigation of the affected
mechanism revealed that the cable of the jettison handle interfered
with the cable clamp. AD 2019-09-03 required a one-time inspection of
the jettisoning mechanism of the doors.
The FAA issued AD 2021-05-15, Amendment 39-21458 (86 FR 17290,
April 2, 2021) (AD 2021-05-15), for certain Airbus Helicopters Model
AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. AD 2021-05-15 was
prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA. EASA issued AD 2019-0064R1,
dated December 19, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0064R1) to supersede EASA AD
2017-0022. EASA AD 2019-0064R1 required an initial inspection and
repetitive inspections after certain maintenance task, describes
procedures for modifying the release system of each cabin lateral
sliding plug door, or modifying the design of the jettison system of
each cabin lateral sliding plug door to prevent the jettison handle
cable from interfering with the cable clamps. EASA AD 2019-0064R1
provided a terminating action for repetitive inspections by
incorporating MOD 0725366 or MOD 0725367.
AD 2021-05-15 requires modifying the release system of each cabin
lateral sliding plug door or modifying the design of the jettison
system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door. The FAA issued 2021-05-
15 to correct an unsafe condition identified as jamming of the door
jettisoning mechanism, which prevents the jettisoning of the affected
door in an emergency situation with possible obstruction of occupant
evacuation.
Actions Since AD 2021-05-15 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2021-05-15, EASA superseded EASA AD 2019-
0064R1 and issued EASA AD 2021-0139, dated June 11, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-
0139). EASA AD 2021-0139 was issued to provide updated instructions for
the installation of the various modifications. EASA then superseded
EASA AD 2021-0139 and issued EASA AD 2021-0139R1, dated May 10, 2023
(EASA AD 2021-0139R1) (also referred to as the MCAI).
The MCAI states the manufacturer received additional reports
regarding the difficulty of installing the MOD 0725366 on certain
helicopters, and the manufacturer developed MOD 0729230 as a
prerequisite to installing MOD 0725366 for certain helicopter
configurations. In addition, the manufacturer determined that the
compliance time to incorporate the modifications could be extended from
within 1,100 flight hours or 27 months to within 1,325 flight hours or
40 months.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the jettison handle cable
from interfering with the cable clamps, which could lead to jamming of
the door jettisoning mechanism, and prevent the jettisoning of the
affected door in an emergency situation with possible obstruction of
occupant evacuation.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2720.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2021-0139R1, which specifies procedures
for inspecting the jettisoning mechanism of the LH and RH side of the
cabin lateral sliding plug doors, and, ensuring the cables are not
contacting the cable clamps and accomplishing the applicable corrective
actions. EASA AD 2021-0139R1 also specifies procedures for modifying
the release system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door or modifying
the design of the jettison system of each cabin lateral sliding plug
door. EASA AD 2021-0139R1 specifies that the modification is a
terminating action for the repetitive inspections and gives credit for
the modification if it was accomplished using certain previously issued
service material as applicable to EASA AD 2021-0139R1.
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 the same modifications as AD 2021-
05-15 and would also require accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2023-0139R1, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD.
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 incorporates EASA AD 2023-
0139R1 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would,
therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2023-0139R1 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 2023-0139R1 does
[[Page 13796]]
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 2023-0139R1. Material required by EASA AD 2023-0139R1 for
compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-
2026-2720 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 12 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Inspecting cable clamps............ 1 work hour x $85 per $0........................... $85.......................... $1,020.
hour = $85.
Modify the release................. 214 work-hours x $85 Up to $122,500............... Up to $140,690............... Up to $1,688,280.
per hour = $18,190.
Modify the jettison system......... 214 work-hours x $85 Up to $122,500............... Up to $140,690............... Up to $1,688,280.
per hour = $18,190.
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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 2019-09-03, Amendment 39-19637 (84
FR 22693, May 20, 2019); and Airworthiness Directive 2021-05-15,
Amendment 39-21458 (86 FR 17290, April 2, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2026-2720; Project Identifier
MCAI-2023-00668-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by May 7, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
(1) This AD replaces AD 2019-09-03, Amendment 39-19637 (84 FR
22693, May 20, 2019) (AD 2019-09-03).
(2) This AD replaces AD 2021-05-15, Amendment 39-21458 (86 FR
17290, April 2, 2021) (AD 2021-05-15).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-
0139R1, dated May 10, 2023 (EASA AD 2021-0139R1).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5200, Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that the cabin lateral sliding
plug door failed its emergency jettisoning test; subsequent
investigation revealed that the jettison handle cable interfered
with the cable clamps. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this
condition, which could lead to jamming of the door jettisoning
mechanism, preventing the jettisoning of the affected door in an
emergency situation, and possibly obstructing occupant evacuation.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0139R1.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0139R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0139R1 refers to June 25, 2021 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2021-0139, dated June 11, 2021), this AD
requires using the effective date of May 7, 2021 (the effective date
of AD 2021-05-15).
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0139R1 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service
(TIS).
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0139R1 specifies
``During the next jettisoning test of the cabin lateral sliding plug
door, or within 110 FH, whichever occurs first after 22 February
2017 [the effective date of EASA AD 2017-0022], and, thereafter,
during accomplishment of each maintenance task listed in paragraph
1.E.2 of the inspection ASB, inspect the affected parts in
accordance with the instructions of section 3 of the inspection
ASB'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``During the next
jettisoning test of the cabin lateral sliding plug door, or within
110 hours TIS, whichever occurs first after June 24, 2019 [the
effective date of AD 2019-09-03], and, thereafter, during the
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accomplishment of each maintenance task (adjustments as per
Maintenance
Manual (MET) Work Card 52-11-01-601, cable change, removal of
the cable clamp, etc.) identified in paragraph 1.E.2 Compliance in
Service of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB 332-
52.00.56 Revision 1, dated April 11, 2019, is accomplished inspect
the affected parts as defined in EASA AD 2021-0139R1 in accordance
with the instructions of section 3 of the inspection ASB referenced
in EASA 2021-0139R1''.
(4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0139R1 specifies ``in
accordance with the instructions of section 3 of the modification
ASB'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``in accordance with
section 3.B.2 through 3.B.3. of the modification ASB''.
(5) If the modification specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD
2021-0139R1 is done, it must be done at the compliance time
specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0139R1.
(6) Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2021-0139R1
specifies to discard or scrap certain parts, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2021-0139R1
specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters, or a qualified Airbus
Helicopters Group Technician, or by a customer technician previously
qualified by Airbus Helicopters to perform certain actions, this AD
requires performing those actions using a method approved by the
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus
Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(8) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2021-0139R1
specifies ``check'', this AD requires replacing that text with
``inspection''.
(9) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2021-0139R1.
(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#37767a78747751565619505841"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fdbcb0b2bebd9b9c9cd39a928b">[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 Aryanna Sanchez,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5257; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#61001318000f0f004f154f12000f0209041b210700004f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e382919a828d8d82cd97cd90828d808b8699a3858282cd848c95">[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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0139R1,
dated May 10, 2023.
(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#dd9c99ae9db8bcaebcf3b8a8afb2adbcf3b8a8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2c6d685f6c494d5f4d0249595e435c4d024959">[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#3e584c1057504d4e5b5d4a5751507e505f4c5f10595148"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="472135692e2934372224332e2829072926352669202831">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 18, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-05574 Filed 3-20-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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