Proposed Rule2026-18850
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Airplanes
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
September 15, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Model BO-209-150 FF, BO-209-150 FV, BO-209-150 RV, BO-209-160 FV, BO-209-160 RV, and B[ouml]lkow Jr. airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion damage on the rudder drive. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the rudder drive, corrective actions including replacement if corrosion is detected and the application of a corrosion inhibitor. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts. 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 177 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 177 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58390-58392]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-18850]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-8802; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01828-A]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Model BO-209-150 FF, BO-209-150
FV, BO-209-150 RV, BO-209-160 FV, BO-209-160 RV, and B[ouml]lkow Jr.
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion damage
on the rudder drive. This proposed AD would require repetitive
inspections of the rudder drive, corrective actions including
replacement if corrosion is detected and the application of a corrosion
inhibitor. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of
affected parts. 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 30, 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-2026-8802; 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 Airbus material identified in this proposed AD,
contact Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, Dr. Alexander Allen, Willy-
Messerschmitt-Strasse 1, 82024 Taufkirchen, Germany; phone: +49 (8459)
81-7883; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8cc0e5ebe4f8fbe9e5ebe4f8a1cde5feeffeedeaf8ccede5feeef9ffa2efe3e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="88c4e1efe0fcffede1efe0fca5c9e1faebfae9eefcc8e9e1faeafdfba6ebe7e5">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1100 Main, Kansas City, MO
64105. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jesse Wulf, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (847)
294-7183; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#761c1305051358045801031a103610171758111900"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cba1aeb8b8aee5b9e5bcbea7ad8badaaaae5aca4bd">[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-2026-8802; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-01828-A'' 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
this 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 Jesse
Wulf, 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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued
EASA AD 2025-0284, dated December 16, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0284) (also
referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on all Airbus
Defence and Space GmbH B[ouml]lkow Model BO 208 and BO 209 airplanes.
The MCAI states that corrosion damage has been reported on the
rudder drive installed on Model BO 209 airplanes. It further states
that due to the similarity of the rudder drive design, Model BO 208
airplanes may be subject to the same unsafe condition. This condition,
if not detected and corrected, could reduce the structural integrity of
the rudder drive, which could result in reduced control of the
airplane. The MCAI requires repetitive inspections of the affected
rudder drive, corrective actions if discrepancies are found, and the
application of a corrosion inhibitor.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>under
Docket No. FAA-2026-8802.
[[Page 58391]]
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Service Bulletin BO208-SB-002/2025, Issue
1, dated December 1, 2025, and Airbus Service Bulletin BO209-SB-002/
2025, Issue 2, dated December 1, 2025. This material specifies
procedures for repetitive inspections of the rudder drive (including
for blockage of the drainage hole), corrective actions including
replacement if corrosion is detected, and application of a corrosion
inhibitor. These documents are distinct because they apply to different
airplane models. 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
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 and material 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 the material already described, except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI/Material
Incorporated by Reference.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI/Material Incorporated
by Reference
The MCAI and material incorporated by reference apply to Model
B[ouml]lkow BO 208C Junior and B[ouml]lkow Junior airplanes, however,
this proposed AD would only apply to Model B[ouml]lkow Junior airplanes
and not Model B[ouml]lkow BO 208C Junior airplanes because that model
does not have an FAA type certificate. Additionally, the MCAI and
material incorporated by reference apply to Model B[ouml]lkow BO 209 S
airplanes; however, this proposed AD would not because that model does
not have an FAA type certificate.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect five airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
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 rudder drive.................. 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $850
hour = $170.
Apply corrosion inhibitor............. 1 work-hour x $85 per 50 135 675
hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacement that would be required based on the results of the proposed
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
airplanes that might need this replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace rudder drive.......................... 15 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,000 $2,275
$1,275.
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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
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 this 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.
[[Page 58392]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus Defence and Space GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2026-8802; Project
Identifier MCAI-2025-01828-A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by October 30, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Model BO-
209-150 FF, BO-209-150 FV, BO-209-150 RV, BO-209-160 FV, BO-209-160
RV, and B[ouml]lkow Jr. airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2720, Rudder Control
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion damage on the
rudder drive. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct
corrosion damage in the rudder drive. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could reduce the structural integrity of the rudder drive
and result in reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Serviceable Part Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable part is an affected
rudder drive that is either:
(1) A new part (i.e., a part that has not been previously
installed on any airplane); or
(2) A part that has accumulated less than 5 years since the last
inspection, provided that no corrosion was found during that
inspection and corrosion inhibitor was applied in accordance with
step 5., section 7., of Airbus Service Bulletin BO208-SB-002/2025,
Issue 1, dated December 1, 2025 (Airbus SB BO208-SB-002/2025, Issue
1); or Airbus Service Bulletin BO209-SB-002/2025, Issue 2, dated
December 1, 2025 (Airbus SB BO209-SB-002/2025, Issue 2); as
applicable.
(h) Required Actions
(1) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5 years, remove the rudder and
perform an inspection of the rudder drive torsion tube for corrosion
using an endoscope and inspect the drainage hole for blockage in
accordance with steps 1. and 2., section 7., of Airbus SB BO208-SB-
002/2025, Issue 1; or Airbus SB BO209-SB-002/2025, Issue 2; as
applicable.
(2) If any corrosion is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace the
rudder drive with a serviceable part in accordance with step 3.,
section 7., of Airbus SB BO208-SB-002/2025, Issue 1; or Airbus SB
BO209-SB-002/2025, Issue 2; as applicable.
(3) After each inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this
AD and after any replacement required by paragraph (h)(2) of this
AD, before further flight, apply corrosion inhibitor to the inside
of the rudder drive in accordance with step 5., section 7., of
Airbus SB BO208-SB-002/2025, Issue 1; or Airbus SB BO209-SB-002/
2025, Issue 2; as applicable. Where step 5., section 7., of the
applicable service bulletin specifies using LPS 3 corrosion
inhibitor, an equivalent corrosion inhibitor may be used instead.
(4) Before further flight after accomplishing the actions
required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD, re-inspect the drainage
hole for blockage and clean it if necessary and reinstall the rudder
in accordance with steps 6. and 7. section 7., of Airbus SB BO208-
SB-002/2025, Issue 1; or Airbus SB BO209-SB-002/2025, Issue 2; as
applicable.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (h)(1) through (4) of this AD if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service
Bulletin BO209-SB-002/2025, Issue 1, dated August 21, 2025.
(j) Parts Installation
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an affected
part on any airplane that is not a serviceable part, as defined in
paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
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 (l) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0d4c40424e4d6b6c6c236a627b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="36777b79757650575718515940">[email protected]</span></a>. 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.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Jesse Wulf, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (847) 294-7183; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6c06091f1f09421e421b19000a2c0a0d0d420b031a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bfd5daccccda91cd91c8cad3d9ffd9dede91d8d0c9">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 Service Bulletin BO208-SB-002/2025, Issue 1, dated
December 1, 2025.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin BO209-SB-002/2025, Issue 2, dated
December 1, 2025.
(3) For Airbus material identified in this AD, contact Airbus
Defence and Space GmbH, Dr. Alexander Allen, Willy-Messerschmitt-
Strasse 1, 82024 Taufkirchen, Germany; phone: +49 (8459) 81-7883;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9bd7f2fcf3efecfef2fcf3efb6daf2e9f8e9fafdefdbfaf2e9f9eee8b5f8f4f6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f3bf9a949b8784969a949b87deb29a819081929587b3929a81918680dd909c9e">[email protected]</span></a>.
(4) You may view this material at FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1100 Main, Kansas City, MO
64105. 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#5c3a2e7235322f2c393f283533321c323d2e3d723b332a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1472663a7d7a67647177607d7b7a547a7566753a737b62">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 10, 2026.
Hollister B. Thorson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-18850 Filed 9-14-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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