Rule2026-19762
Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Engines
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 28, 2026
Effective
November 2, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-15-03 for all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) Model Arrius 2B2 engines. AD 2023-15-03 required revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine maintenance manual (EMM) or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-15-03, the manufacturer has revised the ALS of the existing maintenance and overhaul manuals, introducing new and more restrictive instructions and maintenance tasks. This AD requires updating the ALS of the existing EMM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits. 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 61133-61135]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-19762]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-7213; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00150-E;
Amendment 39-23470; AD 2026-19-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-15-03
for all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) Model Arrius 2B2
engines. AD 2023-15-03 required revising the airworthiness limitations
section (ALS) of the existing engine maintenance manual (EMM) or
instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing
approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by
incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals,
including life limits. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-15-03, the
manufacturer has revised the ALS of the existing maintenance and
overhaul manuals, introducing new and more restrictive instructions and
maintenance tasks. This AD requires updating the ALS of the existing
EMM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, by incorporating the actions and associated thresholds
and intervals, including life limits. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 2, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 2,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-7213; 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#79383d0a391c180a18571c0c0b160918571c0c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b3f2f7c0f3d6d2c0d29dd6c6c1dcc3d29dd6c6">[email protected]</span></a>.
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, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. 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-2026-7213.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William McNicholas, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (781) 238-7776; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#493e202525202824673f67242a27202a212625283a092f2828672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7007191c1c19111d5e065e1d131e1913181f1c1103301611115e171f06">[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 2023-15-03, Amendment 39-22515 (88 FR
51223, August 3, 2023), (AD 2023-15-03). AD 2023-15-03 applied to all
Safran Model Arrius 2B2 engines. AD 2023-15-03 required revising the
ALS of the existing EMM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions and
associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits. The FAA
issued AD 2023-15-03 to prevent failure of life-limited parts, which if
not addressed, could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of
thrust control, and loss of the helicopter.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 10, 2026 (91
FR 42680). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2026-0027, dated February
11, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0027) (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 the manufacturer published a revised
ALS introducing new and more restrictive tasks and limitations for
certain life-limited parts. The more restrictive tasks and limitations
include replacing life-limited parts before exceeding the applicable
life limit, performing applicable maintenance tasks, and revising the
approved aircraft maintenance program.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require updating the ALS of the
existing EMM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions and associated
thresholds and intervals, including life limits.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-7213.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
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.
[[Page 61134]]
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 2026-0027, which specifies instructions
for accomplishing the actions specified in the applicable ALS,
including replacing life-limited parts, performing maintenance tasks,
and revising the existing approved aircraft maintenance program by
incorporating the limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and
intervals described in the ALS.
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 paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2026-0027 specifies revising the
Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months after the effective
date of EASA AD 2026-0027, this AD requires revising the ALS of the
existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 212 engines installed on
helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Revise the ALS......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $0 $85 $18,020
$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 2023-15-03, Amendment 39-22515 (88
FR 51223, August 3, 2023); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2026-19-03 Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A.: Amendment 39-23470;
Docket No. FAA-2026-7213; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00150-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 2, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2023-15-03, Amendment 39-22515 (88 FR 51223,
August 3, 2023).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Model
Arrius 2B2 engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine
(Turbine/Turboprop).
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the
airworthiness limitations section of the existing engine maintenance
manual, introducing new and more restrictive tasks and limitations
for certain life-limited parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent failure of life-limited parts. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of
thrust control, and loss 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, perform all
required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2026-0027,
dated February 11, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0027).
(2) The action required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records
showing compliance with this AD 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 2026-0027
(1) Where EASA AD 2026-0027 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not require compliance with paragraphs (1),
(2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2026-0027.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2026-0027 specifies ``Within
12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved
AMP,'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``Within 90 days
after the effective date of this AD, revise the airworthiness
limitations section of the existing engine maintenance manual or
instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing
[[Page 61135]]
approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.''
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2026-0027.
(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After performing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals,
including life limits, are allowed unless they are approved as
specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of
EASA AD 2026-0027.
(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#490804060a092f2828672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="185955575b587e7979367f776e">[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 William McNicholas,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238-7776; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#42352b2e2e2b232f6c346c2f212c2b212a2d2e2331022423236c252d34"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6e19070202070f03401840030d00070d0601020f1d2e080f0f40090118">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 2026-0027,
dated February 11, 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#5c1d182f1c393d2f3d7239292e332c3d723929"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="78393c0b381d190b19561d0d0a170819561d0d">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the
EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. 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="caacb8e4a3a4b9baafa9bea3a5a48aa4abb8abe4ada5bc">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 16, 2026.
Hollister B. Thorson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-19762 Filed 9-25-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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