Rule2026-12050
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a determination 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 (ICAs) 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 115 (Tuesday, June 16, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 115 (Tuesday, June 16, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36077-36080]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-12050]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0007; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01183-R;
Amendment 39-23378; AD 2026-12-08]
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 AS350B2, AS350B3, EC130B4, and EC130T2
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a determination 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
(ICAs) 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 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-2026-0007; 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,
[[Page 36078]]
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6b2a2f182b0e0a180a450e1e19041b0a450e1e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6021241320050113014e0515120f10014e0515">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find
the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.
<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-2026-0007.
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#523f3326263a37257c267c253b3e3e3b333f21123433337c353d24"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0f626e7b7b676a78217b2178666363666e627c4f696e6e21686079">[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 AS350B2, AS350B3, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. The NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on January 8, 2026 (91 FR 645). The
NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0137, dated June 27, 2025; corrected
October 29, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0137) (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. Additionally, the MCAI
advises that the airworthiness limitations are identified as mandatory
for continued airworthiness and that Airbus Helicopters has issued
applicable ALS revisions to specify new and more restrictive life
limits and maintenance tasks. 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.
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. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0007.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters. One commenter was an
individual, and the other commenter was anonymous. The following
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to
each comment.
Request To Not Incorporate the MCAI by Reference
The individual commenter requested that the FAA not incorporate by
reference EASA AD 2025-0137 for the basis of the FAA AD. The individual
commenter stated that ADs that incorporate the MCAI by reference are
time consuming for the operator and increase the likelihood of errors
due to complexity of the required actions when using multiple
references. The individual commenter also requested that the FAA begin
publishing its own, complete, single-source AD, which had been done
before using the concept of incorporating the MCAI by reference.
The FAA disagrees with both the request to not require compliance
with EASA AD 2025-0137 in the FAA AD and the request to discontinue the
method of requiring compliance with some foreign ADs issued by the
foreign state of design authority. In the FAA's ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed a process
to use some civil aviation authority ADs as the primary source of
information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs.
FAA ADs that require compliance with foreign ADs have been utilized
since 2018 for some products and since 2020 for Airbus Helicopters.
Incorporating information by reference is a common method of federal
rulemaking that is explicitly permitted under 1 CFR part 51. As stated
in the Incorporation by Reference Handbook, June 2023 Edition,
incorporation of relevant, usually technical information (such as the
MCAI) promotes efficiency. The FAA did not change this AD as a result
of this comment.
Request for More Information on Required Actions and Incorporated
Material
The anonymous commenter requested further information regarding the
compliance recording requirement. The anonymous commenter also stated
that the required actions of the proposed AD are not communicated well
due to the fact that the FAA AD does not incorporate several paragraphs
from the MCAI and only incorporates paragraph (3) of the MCAI. The
anonymous commenter questions what actions the AD requires and how to
record compliance with the AD. Additionally, the anonymous commenter
stated that paragraph (3) of the MCAI applicability is questionable as
owners and operators are not required to have an Aircraft Maintenance
Program (AMP).
The FAA infers that the requester is seeking clarification on
recording compliance for the proposed AD. This AD requires revising the
existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness
and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable. Once the ALS is revised, the AD has been fully complied
with and the life limit or inspection change remains enforceable as a
part of the ALS. Requiring revision of the ALS, rather than requiring
individual repetitive inspections, is advantageous for operators. It
allows them to record AD compliance once when they make the revision
rather than after every inspection or replacement.
Additionally, the FAA only requires compliance with paragraph (3)
of the incorporated material and therefore that is the only required
action. Furthermore, the FAA does not require revising the AMP and
instead requires revising the existing maintenance manual or
instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing approved
maintenance or inspection program. The FAA did not change 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, 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 2025-0137, which specifies replacing
components before exceeding their life limits and accomplishing all
applicable maintenance tasks within thresholds and intervals specified
in the ALS as
[[Page 36079]]
defined in EASA AD 2025-0137. Depending on the results of the
maintenance tasks, EASA AD 2025-0137 specifies accomplishing corrective
action(s) or contacting Airbus Helicopters for approved instructions
and accomplishing those instructions.
Additionally, EASA AD 2025-0137 specifies revising the 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 specified in EASA AD
2025-0137 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
Where EASA AD 2025-0137 specifies revising the approved AMP within
12 months after the effective date of EASA AD 2025-0137, this AD
requires revising the ALS of the existing approved maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, within 30 days after the effective
date of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,163 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 ALS................................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $0 $85 $98,855
$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
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2026-12-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23378; Docket No. FAA-
2026-0007; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01183-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 21, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3,
EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with AS350B3e designation
are Model AS350B3 helicopters.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 04, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by new or 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) 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 2025-0137,
dated June 27, 2025; corrected October 29, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0137).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0137
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0137 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 2025-0137.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0137 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 2025-0137 is on or before the applicable
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the
requirements of
[[Page 36080]]
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0137 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
2025-0137.
(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 any life limits, are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the Ref. Publications
section of EASA AD 2025-0137.
(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#a4e5e9ebe7e4c2c5c58ac3cbd2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d7969a989497b1b6b6f9b0b8a1">[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 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#92fff3e6e6faf7e5bce6bce5fbfefefbf3ffe1d2f4f3f3bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b0ddd1c4c4d8d5c79ec49ec7d9dcdcd9d1ddc3f0d6d1d19ed7dfc6">[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 2025-0137,
dated June 27, 2025; corrected October 29, 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#4a0b0e390a2f2b392b642f3f38253a2b642f3f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="08494c7b486d697b69266d7d7a677869266d7d">[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#81e7f3afe8eff2f1e4e2f5e8eeefc1efe0f3e0afe6eef7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5a3c28743334292a3f392e3335341a343b283b743d352c">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on June 11, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-12050 Filed 6-15-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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