Proposed Rule2026-17840
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
September 1, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-08-06, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. AD 2025-08-06 requires repetitively inspecting for a gap between the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing, replacing the MGB fan rotor bearings with serviceable bearings if necessary, and at a later compliance time replacing the MGB fan rotor bearing assembly with an improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-08-06, the FAA has determined that the compliance time for installing the improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly should be extended. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2025-08-06 and would increase the compliance time for installing the improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing any MGB fan rotor bearings and any MGB fan rotor bearing assembly, unless certain requirements are met. 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 168 (Tuesday, September 1, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 168 (Tuesday, September 1, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56081-56083]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-17840]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-8790; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01793-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)
2025-08-06, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J
helicopters. AD 2025-08-06 requires repetitively inspecting for a gap
between the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly rotor blade and
the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing, replacing the MGB
fan rotor bearings with serviceable bearings if necessary, and at a
later compliance time replacing the MGB fan rotor bearing assembly with
an improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly, which constitutes
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Since the FAA issued
AD 2025-08-06, the FAA has determined that the compliance time for
installing the improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly should be
extended. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD
2025-08-06 and would increase the compliance time for installing the
improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly. This proposed AD would also
prohibit installing any MGB fan rotor bearings and any MGB fan rotor
bearing assembly, unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by October 16, 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-2026-8790; 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#de9f9aad9ebbbfadbff0bbabacb1aebff0bbab"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2d6c695e6d484c5e4c0348585f425d4c034858">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Weir, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817)
222-4045; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2c4b49435e4b49024d025b49455e6c4a4d4d024b435a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3156545e4356541f501f46545843715750501f565e47">[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-2026-8790; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-01793-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 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
George Weir, 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 2025-08-06, Amendment 39-23019 (90 FR 19255, May
7, 2025) (AD 2025-08-06), for certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J
helicopters. AD 2025-08-06 was prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2022-0191, dated September 15, 2022 (EASA AD
2022-0191) to correct an unsafe condition identified as rotor burst of
the MGB fan, which could result in damage to the hydraulic lines and
flight controls, and loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2025-08-06 requires repetitively inspecting for a gap between
the MGB fan rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing
housing, replacing the MGB fan rotor bearings with serviceable bearings
if necessary, and at a later compliance time replacing the MGB fan
rotor bearing assembly with an improved assembly, which constitutes
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA issued AD
2025-08-06 to prevent rotor burst of the MGB fan, damage to the
hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
Actions Since AD 2025-08-06 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2025-08-06, EASA superseded EASA AD 2022-
0191 and issued EASA AD 2022-0191R1, dated December 9, 2025 (EASA AD
2022-0191R1) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that the
manufacturer determined that the compliance time for the required
modification can be extended due to
[[Page 56082]]
industrial constraints linked to the availability of replacement parts.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-8790.
Explanation of Retained Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2025-08-06, this proposed AD would retain the
requirements of AD 2025-08-06. Those requirements are referenced in
EASA AD 2022-0191R1, which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of
this proposed AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0191R1, which specifies procedures
for repetitively inspecting for play (a gap) between the MGB fan rotor
blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing. If there
is play that does not meet the minimum requirement, EASA AD 2022-0191R1
requires replacing the affected MGB fan rotor bearings with serviceable
bearings (both rear and front). EASA AD 2022-0191R1 also specifies
procedures for replacing the MGB fan bearing assembly with an improved
assembly, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. Additionally, EASA AD 2022-0191R1 prohibits installing any
MGB fan rotor bearings unless they are serviceable bearings and also
prohibits installing any MGB fan bearing assembly unless it is an
improved MGB fan bearing assembly.
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 accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2022-0191R1, as incorporated by reference, described
previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed 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 proposes to incorporate
EASA AD 2022-0191R1 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2022-0191R1 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 2022-0191R1 does 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 2022-0191R1. Material required by
EASA AD 2022-0191R1 for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
under Docket No. FAA-2026-8790 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 3 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per U.S.
product operators
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Inspect MGB fan bearing assembly.......... 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $170 $510
$170.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements that
would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replace MGB fan rotor bearings..... 6 work-hours x $85 Up to $1,938 (both Up to $2,448.
per hour = $510. bearings).
Modify fan bearing assembly........ 8 work-hours x $85 Up to $17,521........ Up to $18,201.
per hour = $680.
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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
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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 2025-08-06, Amendment 39-23019 (90
FR 19255, May 7, 2025); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2026-8790; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-01793-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by October 16, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2025-08-06, Amendment 39-23019 (90 FR 19255,
May 7, 2025) (AD 2025-08-06).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6322, Rotorcraft
cooling fan system.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the development of a modification for an
improved main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly rotor bearing
assembly and the determination that the compliance time for
installation should be increased. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent rotor burst of the MGB fan. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in damage to the hydraulic lines and flight
controls and 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 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 (EASA) AD
2022-0191R1, dated December 9, 2025 (EASA AD 2022-0191R1).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0191R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0191R1 refers to August 11, 2020 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2020-0171, dated July 28, 2020), this AD
requires using June 11, 2025 (the effective date of AD 2025-08-06).
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0191R1 refers to September 29, 2022 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2022-0191, dated September 15, 2022), this
AD requires using June 11, 2025 (the effective date of AD 2025-08-
06).
(3) Where EASA AD 2022-0191R1 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(4) Where EASA AD 2022-0191R1 refers to flight hours (FH), this
AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191R1
specifies to send the fan-bearing assembly to an approved D-level
maintenance center, this AD does not require that action.
(6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0191R1.
(i) No Reporting or Returning of Parts Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191R1
specifies to submit certain information and return parts to the
manufacturer, this AD does not require those actions.
(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#ca8b8785898aacababe4ada5bc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6e2f23212d2e080f0f40090118">[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 George Weir,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-4045; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c0a7a5afb2a7a5eea1eeb7a5a9b280a6a1a1eea7afb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f592909a879290db94db82909c87b5939494db929a83">[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 2022-0191R1,
dated December 9, 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#3a7b7e497a5f5b495b145f4f48554a5b145f4f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f1b0b582b194908290df9484839e8190df9484">[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 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#5137237f383f2221343225383e3f113f3023307f363e27"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7513075b1c1b06051016011c1a1b351b1407145b121a03">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on August 26, 2026.
Paul R. Bernado,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-17840 Filed 8-31-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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