Proposed Rule2026-19987
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
September 30, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2026-10-16, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. AD 2026-10- 16 requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing maintenance manual (MM) or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. Since the FAA issued AD 2026-10-16, a determination was made that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks are necessary. This proposed AD would require incorporating these airworthiness limitations into the ALS of the existing MM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. 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 188 (Wednesday, September 30, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 188 (Wednesday, September 30, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61808-61811]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-19987]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-11795; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00539-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)
2026-10-16, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. AD 2026-10-
16 requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the
existing maintenance manual (MM) or instructions for continued
airworthiness (ICA) and the existing approved maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable. Since the FAA issued AD 2026-10-16, a
determination was made that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations and maintenance tasks are necessary. This proposed AD would
require incorporating these airworthiness limitations into the ALS of
the existing MM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by November 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-
[[Page 61809]]
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-2026-11795; 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#d59491a695b0b4a6b4fbb0a0a7baa5b4fbb0a0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5110152211343022307f3424233e21307f3424">[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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raymond Miller, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (316) 946-1490; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0b796a726664656f256d25666267676e794b6d6a6a256c647d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="93e1f2eafefcfdf7bdf5bdfefafffff6e1d3f5f2f2bdf4fce5">[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-2026-11795; Project
Identifier MCAI-2026-00539-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
Raymond Miller, 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 2026-10-16, Amendment 39-23356 (91 FR 36086, June
16, 2026) (AD 2026-10-16), for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. AD 2026-10-
16 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
2024-0134, dated July 10, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0134).
AD 2026-10-16 requires revising the ALS of the existing MM or ICA
and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable. The FAA issued AD 2026-10-16 to prevent failure of critical
parts and primary structural components, which if not addressed, could
result in loss of control of the helicopter.
Actions Since AD 2026-10-16 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2026-10-16, EASA superseded EASA AD 2024-
0134 and issued EASA AD 2026-0103, dated May 26, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-
0103) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations and requirements have been
developed. Additionally, the MCAI states that the airworthiness
limitations 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.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-11795.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2026-0103, which specifies 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 2026-0103. Depending on the results of
the maintenance tasks, EASA AD 2026-0103 requires accomplishing
corrective action(s) or contacting Airbus Helicopters for approved
instructions and accomplishing those instructions.
Additionally, EASA AD 2026-0103 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 specified in EASA AD 2026-0103 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.
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 2026-0103, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD. See ``Differences Between this
Proposed AD
[[Page 61810]]
and the MCAI'' for a discussion of the general differences included in
this proposed AD.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
Where EASA AD 2026-0103 specifies revising the approved AMP within
12 months after the effective date of EASA AD 2026-0103, this proposed
AD would require revising the ALS of the existing MM or ICA and the
existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable,
within 30 days after the effective date 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 2026-0103 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD
would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2026-0103 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 2026-0103 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 2026-0103. Material required by
EASA AD 2026-0103 for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
under Docket No. FAA-2026-11795 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 60 helicopters 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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Revise ALS............................ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $5,100
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 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 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 2026-10-16, Amendment 39-23356 (91
FR 36086, June 16, 2026); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2026-11795; Project Identifier
MCAI-2026-00539-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by November 16, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2026-10-16, Amendment 39-23356 (91 FR 36086,
June 16, 2026).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP 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 or 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) 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 AD 2026-0103,
dated May 26, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0103).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2026-0103
(1) Where EASA AD 2026-0103 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 2026-0103.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2026-0103 specifies ``Within
12 months after the
[[Page 61811]]
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 2026-0103 is on or before the applicable
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2026-0103 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
2026-0103.
(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 life limits, are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications''
section of EASA AD 2026-0103.
(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#33727e7c70735552521d545c45"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d495999b9794b2b5b5fab3bba2">[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 Raymond Miller,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-1490; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e694879f8b898882c880c88b8f8a8a8394a6808787c8818990"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d0a2b1a9bdbfbeb4feb6febdb9bcbcb5a290b6b1b1feb7bfa6">[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 2026-0103,
dated May 26, 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#78393c0b381d190b19561d0d0a170819561d0d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dd9c99ae9db8bcaebcf3b8a8afb2adbcf3b8a8">[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#92f4e0bcfbfce1e2f7f1e6fbfdfcd2fcf3e0f3bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9afce8b4f3f4e9eafff9eef3f5f4daf4fbe8fbb4fdf5ec">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 25, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-19987 Filed 9-29-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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