Rule2026-12052
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) 2022-11- 08, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2022-11-08 required incorporating into maintenance records certain requirements (airworthiness limitations). Since the FAA issued AD 2022- 11-08, it was 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 (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 36080-36083]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-12052]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0006; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00735-R;
Amendment 39-23379; AD 2026-12-09]
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) 2022-11-
08, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. AD
2022-11-08 required incorporating into maintenance records certain
requirements (airworthiness limitations). Since the FAA issued AD 2022-
11-08, it was 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 (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-2026-0006; 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#82c3c6f1c2e7e3f1e3ace7f7f0edf2e3ace7f7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="86c7c2f5c6e3e7f5e7a8e3f3f4e9f6e7a8e3f3">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA
website at ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
under Docket No. FAA-2026-0006.
<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-2026-0006.
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#7a171b0e0e121f0d540e540d131616131b17093a1c1b1b541d150c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1c717d686874796b3268326b757070757d716f5c7a7d7d327b736a">[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 2022-11-08, Amendment 39-22058 (87 FR
33632, June 3, 2022), (AD 2022-11-08). AD 2022-11-08 applied to all
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3,
AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2022-11-08 required
incorporating into maintenance records certain requirements
(airworthiness limitations). The FAA issued AD 2022-11-08 to prevent
failure of critical parts which could result in the loss of control of
the helicopter.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on January 8, 2026
(91 FR 648). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2024-0133R1, dated June
27, 2025 (EASA AD 2024-0133R1) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued
by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union. EASA AD 2024-0133R1 states that new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations have been developed. Additionally, EASA AD
2024-0133R1 advises that the airworthiness limitations and
certification maintenance instructions are identified as mandatory for
continued airworthiness and that AH [Airbus Helicopters] has issued
applicable ALS revisions to specify new and more restrictive life
limits and maintenance tasks, which includes repetitive checks and
inspection requirements.
[[Page 36081]]
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 prevent failure of critical parts and
primary structural components, which if not addressed, could result in
loss of control of the helicopter.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0006.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from three commenters. One commenter was
an individual and two commenters were anonymous. The anonymous
commenters submitted identical comments, and thus the FAA will address
these comments together. The following presents the comments received
on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
The individual commenter expressed support for the NPRM.
Request for More Information on Required Actions and Incorporated
Material
The anonymous commenters requested further information regarding
the compliance recording requirement. The anonymous commenters also
requested further information regarding the airworthiness limitations
section of the existing maintenance manual (i.e. revision level and
date) that is to be revised, and how these manuals are to be revised to
include digital manuals. The anonymous commenters also stated that the
corrective actions of the proposed rule are not clear and concise.
The FAA infers that the requesters are 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 section 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 makes incorporated by reference (IBR)
material available in the AD docket when the final rule is published in
the Federal Register, following formal approval of the IBR by the
Office of the Federal Register. Materials may only be posted before the
final rule's publication if they are already publicly available or if
there is written consent from the owner of the IBR material. All
relevant materials incorporated by reference will be accessible in the
AD docket on Regulations.gov, which the public can access without
registration or fees. This AD also specifies instructions for revising
the maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness by
incorporating the limitations, tasks and associated thresholds and
intervals described in the applicable ALS, which applies to either
paper or digital versions.
Furthermore, this AD only requires compliance with paragraph (3) of
the EASA AD, therefore the corrective actions paragraph is not adopted.
Therefore, 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, including the MCAI referenced, this AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the
economic burden on any operator.
Relationship Between This AD and Other Relevant Rulemaking
EASA AD 2024-0133R1 specifies that the manufacturer revised the
ALS, for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, EC130B4, and
EC130T2 helicopters as applicable. The revised ALS for each model now
incorporates the new and more restrictive tasks and limitations. The
FAA is evaluating this issue and may take further rulemaking action to
accommodate these ALS amendments.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0133R1, 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 2024-0133R1.
Depending on the results of the maintenance tasks, EASA AD 2024-0133R1
specifies accomplishing corrective action(s) or contacting Airbus
Helicopters for approved instructions and accomplishing those
instructions.
Additionally, EASA AD 2024-0133R1 specifies 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 2024-0133R1 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 2024-0133R1 specifies revising the approved AMP
within 12 months after the effective date of EASA AD 2024-0133R1, 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.
EASA AD 2024-0133R1 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 963 helicopters of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
[[Page 36082]]
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 $0 $85 $81,855
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 2022-11-08, Amendment 39-22058 (87
FR 33632, June 3, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2026-12-09 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23379; Docket No. FAA-
2026-0006; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00735-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 21, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2022-11-08, Amendment 39-22058 (87 FR 33632,
June 3, 2022).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350B1, and AS350D 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) 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 2024-
0133R1, dated June 27, 2025 (EASA AD 2024-0133R1).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0133R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0133R1 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 2024-0133R1.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0133R1 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 2024-0133R1 is on or before the applicable
limitations and associated thresholds as incorporated by the
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0133R1 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
2024-0133R1.
(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 2024-0133R1.
(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#aeefe3e1edeec8cfcf80c9c1d8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e5a4a8aaa6a5838484cb828a93">[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#bcd1ddc8c8d4d9cb92c892cbd5d0d0d5ddd1cffcdadddd92dbd3ca"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b4d9d5c0c0dcd1c39ac09ac3ddd8d8ddd5d9c7f4d2d5d59ad3dbc2">[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.
[[Page 36083]]
(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 2024-0133R1,
dated June 27, 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#47060334072226342669223235283726692232"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="37767344775256445619524245584756195242">[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#5e382c7037302d2e3b3d2a3731301e303f2c3f70393128"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95f3e7bbfcfbe6e5f0f6e1fcfafbd5fbf4e7f4bbf2fae3">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on June 11, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-12052 Filed 6-15-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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