Rule2026-07171
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
April 14, 2026
Effective
May 19, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-05- 09, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. AD 2025-05-09 required revising the existing maintenance records by incorporating new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-05-09, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing maintenance manual (MM) or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. 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 71 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19068-19070]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-07171]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5038; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01035-R;
Amendment 39-23309; AD 2026-08-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-05-
09, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters.
AD 2025-05-09 required revising the existing maintenance records by
incorporating new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since
the FAA issued AD 2025-05-09, the FAA has determined that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires
revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing
maintenance manual (MM) or instructions for continued airworthiness
(ICA) and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 19, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 19,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5038; 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#93d2d7e0d3f6f2e0f2bdf6e6e1fce3f2bdf6e6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8acbcef9caefebf9eba4effff8e5faeba4efff">[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, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway,
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-2025-5038.
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#761712171b581e131f183610171758111900"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="79181d181457111c1017391f1818571e160f">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2025-05-09, Amendment 39-22981 (90 FR
14717, April 4, 2025) (AD 2025-05-09). AD 2025-05-09 applied to all
Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. AD 2025-05-09 required
revising the existing maintenance records by incorporating new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA issued AD 2025-05-09 to
prevent failure of certain parts, which if not addressed, could result
in loss of control of the helicopter.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 9, 2025
(90 FR 57012). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0127, dated May
28, 2025, (EASA AD 2025-0127) (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 new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations have been developed.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of the
existing MM or ICAs and the existing approved maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5038.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
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 2025-0127, 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 2025-0127.
Depending on the results of the maintenance tasks, EASA AD 2025-
[[Page 19069]]
0127 requires accomplishing corrective action(s) or contacting Airbus
Helicopters for approved instructions and accomplishing those
instructions.
Additionally, EASA AD 2025-0127 specifies procedures for 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 2025-0127 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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
EASA AD 2025-0127 specifies, as individual tasks, replacing certain
components before exceeding applicable life limits, accomplishing
certain maintenance tasks within thresholds and intervals as specified
in the ALS, as defined within, and depending on the results,
accomplishing corrective action, whereas this AD does not because the
applicable ALS, along with the FAA regulatory framework, make it
unnecessary or inappropriate to adopt certain paragraphs of the MCAI.
EASA AD 2025-0127 also requires revising the approved AMP by
incorporating the limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and
intervals described in that ALS within 12 months, whereas this AD
requires revising the existing maintenance records by incorporating the
limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals described
in that ALS within 30 days, and clarifies that if the initial instance
of an incorporated limitation or threshold therein is reached before 30
days after the effective date of this AD, you still have up to 30 days
after the effective date of this AD to accomplish the corresponding
task.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects six helicopters of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Revise the ALS...................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $510
hour = $85.
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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 has determined that 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:
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 2025-05-09, Amendment 39-22981 (90
FR 14717, April 4, 2025); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2026-08-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23309; Docket No. FAA-
2025-5038; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01035-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 19, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2025-05-09, Amendment 39-22981 (90 FR 14717,
April 4, 2025).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J
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) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2025-0127,
dated May 28, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0127).
[[Page 19070]]
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0127
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0127 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 2025-0127.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0127 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 2025-0127 is on or before the applicable
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0127 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
2025-0127.
(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 life limits, are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications''
section of EASA AD 2025-0127.
(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#8dccc0c2cecdebececa3eae2fb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="90d1dddfd3d0f6f1f1bef7ffe6">[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 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#3e5f5a5f5310565b57507e585f5f10595148"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="99f8fdf8f4b7f1fcf0f7d9fff8f8b7fef6ef">[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.
(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 2025-0127,
dated May 28, 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#8acbcef9caefebf9eba4effff8e5faeba4efff"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3e7f7a4d7e5b5f4d5f105b4b4c514e5f105b4b">[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, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway,
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#1a7c68347374696a7f796e7375745a747b687b347d756c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c0a6b2eea9aeb3b0a5a3b4a9afae80aea1b2a1eea7afb6">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on April 9, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-07171 Filed 4-13-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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