Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC120B, and EC130B4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a determination that the instructions on how to open the sliding door emergency exit on affected helicopters are insufficient. This AD requires installing additional safety labels or replacing existing safety labels, as applicable. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Full Text

<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 189 (Thursday, October 1, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 189 (Thursday, October 1, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 62297-62299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-20103]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 189 / Thursday, October 1, 2026 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 62297]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-3487; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01261-R; 
Amendment 39-23476; AD 2026-20-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, 
AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, 
EC120B, and EC130B4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a 
determination that the instructions on how to open the sliding door 
emergency exit on affected helicopters are insufficient. This AD 
requires installing additional safety labels or replacing existing 
safety labels, as applicable. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 5, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 5, 
2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-3487; 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#4d0c093e0d282c3e2c6328383f223d2c632838"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80c1c4f3c0e5e1f3e1aee5f5f2eff0e1aee5f5">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>; 
website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 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: Katherine Le, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (817) 222-5178; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6803091c000d1a01060d46040d280e0909460f071e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="422923362a27302b2c276c2e27022423236c252d34">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, 
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC120B, and EC130B4 
helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 
15, 2026 (91 FR 20079). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0159, 
dated July 24, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0159) (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 a determination was made that the 
instructions on how to open the sliding door emergency exit on affected 
helicopters are insufficient.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require installing additional 
safety labels or replacing existing safety labels, as applicable. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-3487.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from one individual commenter. The 
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to the comment.

Request To Establish a Pre-Order Process for Safety-Label Kits

    The individual commenter requested that the FAA establish a 
procedure or policy for operators to pre-order the required safety-
label kits before the effective date of the proposed AD. The commenter 
stated that, because the proposed AD affects many helicopters, allowing 
operators to pre-order the kits would help avoid supply backlogs and 
facilitate timely compliance with the AD.
    The FAA acknowledges that advance planning and the availability of 
safety-label kits may help operators comply with this AD more 
efficiently. However, the FAA disagrees with the request to incorporate 
a pre-order procedure or policy into this AD. Establishing parts 
ordering or distribution policies is outside the scope of an AD and the 
FAA's regulatory authority. Additionally, the FAA cannot unilaterally 
mandate these procedures, as the FAA is not the state of design for the 
safety labels. Such a pre-order procedure could be established with the 
operators working with the design approval holder. Accordingly, the FAA 
has not changed this AD as a result of this comment.

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, and any other changes described previously, 
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

[[Page 62298]]

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 2025-0159, which specifies procedures for 
installing or replacing additional safety labels providing sliding door 
opening and closing instructions. 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

    The MCAI applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS 350 BB helicopters, 
whereas this AD does not because that model does not have an FAA type 
certificate.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,213 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install new labels or replace existing   1 work-hour x $85 per hour         $105          $190         $230,470
 labels.                                  = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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,
    (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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2026-20-03 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23476; Docket No. FAA-
2026-3487; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01261-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 5, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, 
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, 
AS355N, AS355NP, EC120B, and EC130B4 helicopters, certificated in 
any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
AD 2025-0159, dated July 24, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0159).
    Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with AS350B3e designation 
are Model AS350B3 helicopters.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 1100, Placards and 
Markings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a determination that the instructions on 
how to open the sliding door emergency exit on affected helicopters 
are insufficient. The FAA is issuing this AD to address insufficient 
instructions for operating the sliding door emergency exit. This 
condition, if not addressed, could hinder the opening of the door 
during an emergency and could result in injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    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 EASA AD 2025-0159.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0159

    (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0159 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0159 specifies 
to ``discard'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``remove 
from service''.
    (3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2025-0159.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0159 specifies 
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
require that action.

(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 responsible 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#0d4c40424e4d6b6c6c236a627b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2564686a66654344440b424a53">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

[[Page 62299]]

    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the responsible Flight Standards District Office/certificate 
holding district office.

(k) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Katherine Le, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5178; email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9df6fce9f5f8eff4f3f8b3f1f8ddfbfcfcb3faf2eb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ea818b9e828f9883848fc4868faa8c8b8bc48d859c">[email&#160;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 2025-0159, 
dated July 24, 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#3574714675505446541b5040475a45541b5040"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="28696c5b684d495b49064d5d5a475849064d5d">[email&#160;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#fa9c88d49394898a9f998e939594ba949b889bd49d958c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="066074286f6875766365726f6968466867746728616970">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

    Issued on September 23, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-20103 Filed 9-30-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>