Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-01-05, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters (Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters. AD 2013-01-05 requires revising the Limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) supplement to reduce the starter generator operating current to 180 amperes (amps) and installing a placard in the instrument panel to indicate the revised limitation. Since the FAA issued AD 2013-01-05, the manufacturer determined the applicability needs to be revised to add helicopters equipped with certain part numbered starter generators and to remove helicopters with certain engines installed. This proposed AD would require revising the Limitations section of the RFM supplement of the existing RFM for the helicopter, to reduce the starter generator operating current to 180 amps and installing a placard in the instrument panel indicating the revised limitation. 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 207 (Wednesday, October 28, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 207 (Wednesday, October 28, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67784-67786]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-21932]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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


Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 207 / Wednesday, October 28, 2026 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 67784]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-11818; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00490-R]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-01-05, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters (Eurocopter 
France) Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters. AD 2013-01-05 requires 
revising the Limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) 
supplement to reduce the starter generator operating current to 180 
amperes (amps) and installing a placard in the instrument panel to 
indicate the revised limitation. Since the FAA issued AD 2013-01-05, 
the manufacturer determined the applicability needs to be revised to 
add helicopters equipped with certain part numbered starter generators 
and to remove helicopters with certain engines installed. This proposed 
AD would require revising the Limitations section of the RFM supplement 
of the existing RFM for the helicopter, to reduce the starter generator 
operating current to 180 amps and installing a placard in the 
instrument panel indicating the revised limitation. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by December 14, 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-2026-11818; 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 Helicopter material identified in this proposed 
AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, 
TX 75052; phone: (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax: (972) 641-3775; 
website: <a href="http://airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld">airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld</a>.
    <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: Michael Yeshiambel, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (316) 946-4133; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a0cdc9c3c8c1c5cc8ecd8ed9c5d3c8c9c1cdc2c5cce0c6c1c18ec7cfd6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="98f5f1fbf0f9fdf4b6f5b6e1fdebf0f1f9f5fafdf4d8fef9f9b6fff7ee">[email&#160;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-2026-11818; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2026-00490-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 
Michael Yeshiambel, 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 2013-01-05, Amendment 39-17319 (78 FR 7641, 
February 4, 2013) (AD 2013-01-05), for certain Airbus Helicopters 
(Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters. AD 2013-01-
05 was prompted by an MCAI originated by the European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2006-0337, dated 
November 7, 2006, (EASA AD 2006-0337) to correct an unsafe condition 
identified as excessive power consumption of the starter generator, 
which reduces the engine surge margin and could result in engine 
failure.
    AD 2013-01-05 requires revising the Limitations section of the RFM

[[Page 67785]]

supplement 29 to reduce the maximum current of the starter generator to 
180 amps and installing a placard on the instrument panel below the 
vehicle engine multifunction display indicating the starter generator 
reduced limitation: ``MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS GENERATOR LOAD = 180A'' The 
FAA issued AD 2013-01-05 to prevent the engine surge margin being 
reduced, which can result in engine failure and loss of control of the 
helicopter.

Actions Since AD 2013-01-05 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2013-01-05, EASA superseded EASA AD 2006-
0337 and issued EASA AD 2026-0089, dated May 7, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-
0089) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that the 
manufacturer revised the applicability to add starter generators having 
part number 200SGL130Q-4 and to remove certain helicopters equipped 
with an ARRIEL 2D engine.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-11818.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) AS350 No. 
01.00.57 Revision 2 and Airbus ASB EC130 No. 04A002 Revision 2 and, 
both dated April 15, 2026, which specify procedures for installing a 
placard on the instrument panel below the Vehicle Engine Multifunction 
Display (VEMD).
    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 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 revising the Limitations section of 
the RFM supplement of the existing RFM for the helicopter and 
installing a placard in the instrument panel to indicate the revised 
limitation.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 781 helicopters of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Cost per    Cost on U.S.
                  Action                            Labor cost           Parts cost    product       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install placard..........................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour          $228         $313        $244,453
                                            = $85.
Revise RFM supplement....................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour             0           85          66,385
                                            = $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

    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 2013-01-05, Amendment 39-17319 (78 
FR 7641, February 4, 2013); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2026-11818; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2026-00490-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by December 14, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-01-05, Amendment 39-17319 (78 FR 7641, 
February 4, 2013) (AD 2013-01-05).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 helicopters, 
except those equipped with an ARRIEL 2D engine, and all Model 
EC130B4 helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2420, AC generation 
system.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the determination that the power drawn 
by the engines from certain starter generators is

[[Page 67786]]

above the declared consumption capacity. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to prevent the engine surge margin being reduced. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in an engine failure and 
loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    For helicopters with a starter generator having part number (P/
N) 200SGL130Q or P/N 200SGL130Q-4 installed, within the next 100 
hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the following:
    (1) Revise Paragraph 2, Limitations, of the rotorcraft flight 
manual (RFM) supplement 29, page 1 of the existing RFM for the 
helicopter using pen and ink, reduce the maximum current of the 
starter generator to 180 amps Max. continuous.
    (2) Install a placard, indicating the starter generator reduced 
limitation: ``MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS GENERATOR LOAD = 180A'' in 
accordance with Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
AS350 No. 01.00.57, or Airbus Helicopters ASB EC130 No. 04A002 both 
Revision 2 and dated April 15, 2026, as applicable.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, do not install starter 
generator part number (P/N) 200SGL130Q or P/N 200SGL130Q-4 on any 
helicopter, unless the actions in paragraph (g) of this AD are 
accomplished.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in this AD 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 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#692824262a290f0808470e061f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7f6faf8f4f7d1d6d699d0d8c1">[email&#160;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 Michael Yeshiambel, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4134; email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9ef3f7fdf6fffbf2b0f3b0e7fbedf6f7fff3fcfbf2def8ffffb0f9f1e8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="caa7a3a9a2abafa6e4a7e4b3afb9a2a3aba7a8afa68aacababe4ada5bc">[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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) AS350 No. 
01.00.57 Revision 2, dated April 15, 2026.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB EC130 No. 04A002 Revision 2, dated 
April 15, 2026.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters material identified in this AD, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, 
TX 75052; phone: (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax: (972) 641-
3775; website: <a href="http://airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld">airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld</a>.
    (4) You may view this material at 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#d4b2a6fabdbaa7a4b1b7a0bdbbba94bab5a6b5fab3bba2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e18793cf888f9291848295888e8fa18f809380cf868e97">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

    Issued on October 23, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-21932 Filed 10-27-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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