Rule2026-12048
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
June 16, 2026
Effective
July 21, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-01-04 for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. AD 2023-01-04 required, for helicopters with certain part- numbered tail rotor head (TRH) spider pitch change units installed, inspecting the pitch change spider nut (nut) for correct installation; marking a 2 to 5 mm wide black paint index mark and repetitively inspecting the alignment of the marking; and performing additional inspections and corrective actions if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-01-04, new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations were issued, which terminated the requirement for the repetitive inspections of the black paint index marking. This AD requires the same actions as AD 2023-01-04, except for the repetitive black paint index marking inspections and prohibits installing certain parts 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 115 (Tuesday, June 16, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 115 (Tuesday, June 16, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36083-36085]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-12048]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5387; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00399-R;
Amendment 39-23337; AD 2026-09-15]
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) 2023-01-04
for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters. AD 2023-01-04 required, for helicopters with certain part-
numbered tail rotor head (TRH) spider pitch change units installed,
inspecting the pitch change spider nut (nut) for correct installation;
marking a 2 to 5 mm wide black paint index mark and repetitively
inspecting the alignment of the marking; and performing additional
inspections and corrective actions if necessary. Since the FAA issued
AD 2023-01-04, new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations were
issued, which terminated the requirement for the repetitive inspections
of the black paint index marking. This AD requires the same actions as
AD 2023-01-04, except for the repetitive black paint index marking
inspections and prohibits installing certain parts unless certain
requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 21, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 21,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5387; 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 Airbus Helicopters material identified in this AD,
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052; phone: (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax: (972) 641-3775;
website: <a href="http://airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld">airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld</a>.
<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-2025-5387.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Williams, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (316) 946-4134; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3954584d4d515c4e174d174e5055555058544a795f5858175e564f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e78a8693938f8290c993c9908e8b8b8e868a94a7818686c9808891">[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 2023-01-04, Amendment 39-22298 (88 FR 6618,
February 1, 2023), (AD 2023-01-04). AD 2023-01-04 applied to Airbus
Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D,
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. AD
2023-01-04 required, for helicopters with certain part-numbered TRH
spider pitch change units installed, inspecting for correct
installation of the nut; marking a 2 to 5 mm wide black paint index
mark to identify the position of certain parts; and after the initial
marking, repetitively inspecting the alignment of the marking; and
additional inspections and corrective actions if necessary.
Additionally, AD 2023-01-04 prohibited installing an affected part on a
helicopter unless certain requirements were met. The FAA issued AD
2023-01-04 to detect improper installation of the nut and improper
alignment of a black index marking.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2025
(90 FR 58512). The NPRM was prompted by European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0282R1, Revision 1, dated July 10, 2024 (EASA AD
2021-0282R1) (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 the manufacturer revised the Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS), as applicable, which now includes the repetitive black
index marking checks (inspections).
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require the same actions as AD
2023-01-04, except the NPRM only proposed to require the initial black
paint index marking inspection, not the repetitive inspections. The FAA
also proposed to prohibit installing an affected part on a helicopter
unless certain requirements are met.
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No.
FAA-2025-5387.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from an individual commenter. The
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to the comment.
Request To Clarify Black Paint Index Mark Visual Inspection for New
Units
The commenter requested that the FAA add language to paragraph
(g)(2) of the proposed AD to clarify whether a 10 hour time-in-service
visual inspection of the black paint index mark is required on a pitch
change unit that is new or newly overhauled.
The FAA disagrees with the request to update paragraph (g)(2) of
this AD but
[[Page 36084]]
agrees to clarify that the repetitive black paint index mark visual
inspections are now integrated into the ALS for affected part numbers
350A33-2030-00, 350A33-2167-00, and 350A33-2167-01, in accordance with
the applicable ALS. No changes were made to this AD as a result of this
comment.
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 and technical corrections in paragraph (h) to
accurately reflect the parts installation limitations, 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 Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
No. AS350-05.01.03, and Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS355-05.00.86, both
Revision 1 and dated July 8, 2024, which include Figure 1 that
identifies the position of the TRH pitch change unit and of the bearing
spacer to be marked with a 2 to 5 mm wide black paint index mark. This
material also specifies procedures for inspecting the condition and
installation of the nut; and inspecting the application and alignment
of the black index mark on the TRH pitch change unit and the bearing
spacer.
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
The MCAI applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350BB, whereas this
AD does not because that model does not have an FAA type certificate.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 972 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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Inspect the nut............................ 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $0 $85 $82,620
$85.
Inspect alignment of marking............... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = 0 85 82,620
$85.
Place black paint marking.................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = 0 85 82,620
$85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any repairs/
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need these repairs or replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Inspect the TRH pitch change unit........ 13 work-hours x $85 per $0 $1,105.
hour = $1,105.
Replace bushes........................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour 5,918 6,003 per helicopter.
= $85.
Replace a rotating plate................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour 27,375 27,460 per helicopter.
= $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:
[[Page 36085]]
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2023-01-04, Amendment 39-22298 (88
FR 6618, February 1, 2023); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2026-09-15 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23337; Docket No. FAA-
2025-5387; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00399-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 21, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2023-01-04, Amendment 39-22298 (88 FR 6618,
February 1, 2023).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with AS350B3e designation
are Model AS350B3 helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6420, Tail rotor
head.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an occurrence reported where, during an
inspection of a tail rotor head (TRH) pitch change unit, excessive
play and excessive wear were detected, due to an unwanted rotating
motion and updated airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks.
The FAA is issuing this AD to detect improper installation of the
pitch change spider nut (nut) and improper alignment of a black
index marking. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result
in loss of the TRH pitch change control 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) For helicopters with TRH pitch change unit, part number (P/
N) 350A33-2030-00, 350A33-2167-00, or 350A33-2167-01 installed,
within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of
this AD, inspect the nut for correct installation. If the nut is
missing or loose, before further flight, remove the bearing from the
TRH pitch change unit and do the following:
(i) Inspect the TRH pitch change unit for corrosion. If there is
any corrosion, before further flight, remove the affected part from
service and replace with an airworthy part.
Note 2 to paragraph (g)(1)(i): Airbus Helicopters Mechanical
Repair Manual (MRM) AS350 65-20-00-713, dated March 29, 2017, also
known as Work Card 65-20-00-713 MRM, and Airbus Aircraft Maintenance
Manual (AMM) AS350 65-21-00, 4-9b, dated May 16, 2019, also known as
Task 65-21-00, 4-9 AMM, specify disassembly and reassembly
information for the TRH pitch change unit.
(ii) Inspect for rotation and wear on the faces of the bushes.
For the purposes of this AD, indications of rotation and wear
include tearing, peening, metal pick-up, and hammering. If there is
any rotation or any wear on the faces of the bushes, before further
flight, remove the bushes from service and replace with airworthy
bushes.
(iii) Using 5X or higher power magnification, visually inspect
the rotating plate and the rotating plate threads for damage. For
the purposes of this AD, indications of damage include wear,
deformation, stripping, galling, and corrosion. If there is any
damage on the rotating plate or the rotating plate threads, before
further flight, remove the rotating plate from service and replace
with an airworthy rotating plate.
(iv) Identify the position of the TRH pitch change unit (item a)
and of bearing spacer (item b) by marking a 2 to 5 mm wide black
paint index mark (item C) with black paint as depicted in Figure 1,
Section B-B, of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
AS350-05.01.03, (ASB AS350-05.01.03 Rev 1), or Airbus Helicopters
ASB No. AS355-05.00.86 (ASB AS355-05.00.86 Rev 1), both Revision 1,
and dated July 8, 2024, as applicable to the model helicopter.
(2) Within 10 hours TIS after the initial marking required by
paragraph (g)(1)(iv) of this AD, visually inspect the alignment of
the marking. An example of a properly aligned marking is depicted in
Figure 1, Section B-B of ASB AS350-05.01.03 Rev 1 and ASB AS355-
05.00.86 Rev 1, as applicable to the model helicopter. If the black
paint index mark (item C) is misaligned, before further flight,
inspect the TRH pitch change unit by accomplishing the actions
required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(h) Parts Installation Limitations
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a TRH pitch
change unit P/N 350A33-2030-00, 350A33-2167-00, or 350A33-2167-01 on
any helicopter, unless you do the actions required by paragraphs
(g)(1)(i) through (iv) of this AD before further flight after
installation, and thereafter do the actions required by paragraph
(g)(2) of this AD at the times specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this
AD.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the initial inspections and
actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions
were performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus
Helicopters ASB No. AS350-05.01.03, or ASB No. AS355-05.00.86, both
Revision 0, and dated December 16, 2021.
(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)(1) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#12535f5d51527473733c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ca8b8785898aacababe4ada5bc">[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
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Matthew
Williams, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4134; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#87eae6f3f3efe2f0a9f3a9f0eeebebeee6eaf4c7e1e6e6a9e0e8f1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b3ded2c7c7dbd6c49dc79dc4dadfdfdad2dec0f3d5d2d29dd4dcc5">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (l)(3)
of this AD.
(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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-
05.01.03, Revision 1, dated July 8, 2024.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS355-05.00.86 Revision 1, dated
July 8, 2024.
(3) For Airbus Helicopters material identified in this AD,
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie,
TX 75052; phone: (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax: (972) 641-
3775; website: <a href="http://airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld">airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld</a>.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
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/">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/</a>ibr-locations or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#deb8acf0b7b0adaebbbdaab7b1b09eb0bfacbff0b9b1a8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2046520e494e5350454354494f4e604e4152410e474f56">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on June 11, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-12048 Filed 6-15-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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