Rule2026-19757
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
September 28, 2026
Effective
October 13, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, and EC635T2+ helicopters. This AD was prompted by a determination that in cases of loss of oil from the main gearbox (MGB), the low pressure caution or warning light might not activate. This AD requires revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter by incorporating updated emergency, malfunction, and normal procedures. 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 186 (Monday, September 28, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 186 (Monday, September 28, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61113-61115]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-19757]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 186 / Monday, September 28, 2026 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 61113]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-11786; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00439-R;
Amendment 39-23479; AD 2026-20-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, and EC635T2+
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a determination that in cases of
loss of oil from the main gearbox (MGB), the low pressure caution or
warning light might not activate. This AD requires revising the
existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter by
incorporating updated emergency, malfunction, and normal procedures.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 13, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 13,
2026.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by November 12, 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-2026-11786; 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
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
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#b1f0f5c2f1d4d0c2d09fd4c4c3dec1d09fd4c4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f8b9bc8bb89d998b99d69d8d8a978899d69d8d">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: 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. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-11786.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Kenward, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-5257; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4e2f203a26212037602c60252b20392f3c2a0e282f2f60292138"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5c3d322834333225723e723739322b3d2e381c3a3d3d723b332a">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-11786; Project Identifier
MCAI-2026-00439-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule.
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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Anthony
Kenward, 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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2026-0080, dated April 17, 2026
(EASA AD 2026-0080) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition on all AHD Model EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135
P3, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, EC135 T3, EC635 P2+, EC635 T1, and
EC635 T2+ helicopters. The MCAI states a determination was made that in
a case of loss of oil from the MGB, the low pressure caution or warning
light might not activate. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
undetected loss of oil from the MGB. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in failure of the MGB and 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-2026-11786.
[[Page 61114]]
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2026-0080, which specifies procedures for
implementing the updated emergency, malfunction, and normal procedures.
As an alternate to updating the procedures, EASA AD 2026-0080 specifies
procedures for amending the existing RFM for the helicopter by
inserting a copy of the applicable RFM temporary revision. 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 AD after determining that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD
2026-0080, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this AD. See ``Differences Between this AD and the MCAI'' for a
discussion of the general differences included in this AD.
The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate may revise the existing RFM and must enter compliance into
the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)
and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The pilot may perform this action because it only
involves revising the RFM, which could be performed equally well by a
pilot or mechanic. This is an exception to the FAA's standard
maintenance regulations.
Differences Between This AD and the Referenced Material
The MCAI applies to AHD Model EC635 P2+ and EC635 T1, whereas this
AD does not, because those models do not have an FAA type certificate.
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, EASA AD 2026-0080 is incorporated
by reference in this AD. This AD requires compliance with EASA AD 2026-
0080 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in EASA AD 2026-0080 does not mean that operators need to
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 2026-0080.
Material required by EASA AD 2026-0080 for compliance will be available
at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-11786 after this AD is
published.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because the MGB is critical to the control of the helicopter, and
without the low pressure caution or warning light being activated, the
pilot would be unaware that the MGB was losing oil, which could cause
the MGB to fail and lead to loss of control of the helicopter.
Additionally, because failure of the MGB could occur during any phase
of flight, the RFM procedures must be incorporated within 14 days or 50
hours time-in-service, whichever occurs first, after the effective date
of this AD. These compliance times are shorter than the time necessary
for the public to comment and for publication of the final rule.
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and
comment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final
actions are later identified, the FAA might consider further
rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 106 helicopters of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per U.S.
product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise RFM............................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $0 $85 $9,010
$85.
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[[Page 61115]]
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
2026-20-06 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
23479; Docket No. FAA-2026-11786; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-
00439-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2,
EC135T2+, EC135T3, and EC635T2+ helicopters.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an EC135P3H
designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters. Helicopters with an
EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3 helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6320, Main rotor
gearbox.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that in cases of loss of
oil from the main gearbox (MGB), the low pressure caution or warning
light might not activate. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
undetected loss of oil from the MGB. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in failure of the MGB and loss of control of
the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with
all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2026-0080,
dated April 17, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0080).
(2) Insert the following language into the Normal section of the
existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for your helicopter:
``WARNING: Pilots must vigilantly monitor the main gearbox oil
pressures and temperatures. Main gearbox oil loss could occur
without triggering cautions, warnings, or audio alerts. Catastrophic
failure of the main gearbox could result in severe aircraft damage,
injury, or death.''
(3) The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate may revise the existing RFM for the helicopter, as
required by this AD, and must enter compliance into the helicopter
maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2026-0080
(1) Where EASA AD 2026-0080 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2026-0080 refers to flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2026-0080 specifies
``implement the updated procedures, as defined in this AD,'' this AD
requires replacing that text with ``amend the existing RFM for the
helicopter by inserting a copy of the RFM TR [temporary revision]
specified in EASA AD 2026-0080''.
(4) This AD does not adopt paragraph (2) or the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2026-0080.
(i) 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 (j) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7a3b3735393a1c1b1b541d150c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2a6b6765696a4c4b4b044d455c">[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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Anthony Kenward,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5257; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fc9d928894939285d29ed29799928b9d8e98bc9a9d9dd29b938a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8eefe0fae6e1e0f7a0eca0e5ebe0f9effceacee8efefa0e9e1f8">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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 2026-0080,
dated April 17, 2026.
(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#6b2a2f182b0e0a180a450e1e19041b0a450e1e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="88c9ccfbc8ede9fbe9a6edfdfae7f8e9a6edfd">[email protected]</span></a>; website: 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#d6b0a4f8bfb8a5a6b3b5a2bfb9b896b8b7a4b7f8b1b9a0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d2b4a0fcbbbca1a2b7b1a6bbbdbc92bcb3a0b3fcb5bda4">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 22, 2026.
Paul R. Bernado,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-19757 Filed 9-25-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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