Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, and EC130B4 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an occurrence of partial blocking of a pilot pedal. This proposed AD would require modifying and reidentifying an affected fuse cover and would prohibit installing an affected fuse cover on any helicopter. 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 211 (Tuesday, November 3, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 211 (Tuesday, November 3, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69230-69233]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-22400]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-13795; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00716-R]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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[[Page 69231]]

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, and EC130B4 
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an occurrence 
of partial blocking of a pilot pedal. This proposed AD would require 
modifying and reidentifying an affected fuse cover and would prohibit 
installing an affected fuse cover on any helicopter. 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 18, 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-2026-13795; 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 AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b8f9fccbf8ddd9cbd996ddcdcad7c8d996ddcd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f6b7b285b693978597d8938384998697d89383">[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: Michael M. 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#e38e8a808b82868fcd8ecd9a86908b8a828e81868fa3858282cd848c95"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a4c9cdc7ccc5c1c88ac98addc1d7cccdc5c9c6c1c8e4c2c5c58ac3cbd2">[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-2026-13795; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2026-00716-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 this 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

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2026-0052R2, dated September 24, 
2026 (EASA AD 2026-0052R2) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct 
an unsafe condition on certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS 350 B2, AS 
350 B3, and EC 130 B4 helicopters. The MCAI states that an occurrence 
of partial blocking of the pilot pedal was reported. The MCAI also 
states further investigation indicated that this event was caused by an 
interference between the left pedal of the pedal block and the 
partially detached fuse cover of the circuit breaker panel. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced yaw 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-2026-13795.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2026-0052R2, which specifies procedures 
for modifying and reidentifying a fuse cover with part number (P/N) 
350A76-2395-20, P/N 350A76-2395-21, or P/N 350A76-2395-23, installed on 
a certain part-numbered control unit, except those which have been 
modified and reidentified. EASA AD 2026-0052R2 also prohibits 
installing an affected fuse cover on any affected helicopter.
    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 ADDRESSES.

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 2026-0052R2, described previously, as incorporated by 
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text 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

[[Page 69232]]

AD 2026-0052R2 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD 
would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2026-0052R2 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 2026-0052R2 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 2026-0052R2. Material required by 
EASA AD 2026-0052R2 for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> 
under Docket No. FAA-2026-13795 after the FAA final rule is published.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 1,034 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modify and reidentify fuse cover.........  2 work-hours x $85 per hour          $27         $197        $203,698
                                            = $170.
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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 this 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2026-13795; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2026-00716-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by December 18, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, 
AS350B3, and EC130B4 helicopters, certified in any category, as 
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2026-0052R2, 
dated September 24, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0052R2).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3110, Instrument 
panel.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an occurrence of partial 
blocking of a pilot pedal. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
interference between the left pedal of the pedal block and the fuse 
cover. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
reduced yaw 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, EASA AD 2026-0052R2.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2026-0052R2

    (1) Where EASA AD 2026-0052R2 refers to March 26, 2026 [the 
effective date of the original issue of EASA AD 2026-0052R2], this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2026-0052R2 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2026-0052R2.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2026-0052R2 
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#bffef2f0fcffd9dede91d8d0c9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f6b7bbb9b5b6909797d8919980">[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) 946-4133; email: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6805010b00090d04460546110d1b000109050a0d04280e0909460f071e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="04696d676c6561682a692a7d61776c6d6569666168446265652a636b72">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

[[Page 69233]]

(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 2026-0052R2, 
dated September 24, 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#7435300734111507155a1101061b04155a1101"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fdbcb98ebd989c8e9cd398888f928d9cd39888">[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#c6a0b4e8afa8b5b6a3a5b2afa9a886a8a7b4a7e8a1a9b0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0365712d6a6d70736660776a6c6d436d6271622d646c75">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

    Issued on October 30, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-22400 Filed 11-2-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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