Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters (AH) Model EC130B4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of weaknesses in the locking mechanisms on the left-hand side swinging and sliding door. This AD requires modifying the swing door star support and sliding door star support stringer. This AD also prohibits installing an affected composite door on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met. 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 215 (Monday, November 9, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 215 (Monday, November 9, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70779-70781]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-22780]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-7226; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01346-R; 
Amendment 39-23510; AD 2026-22-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Helicopters (AH) Model EC130B4 helicopters. This AD was prompted 
by reports of weaknesses in the locking mechanisms on the left-hand 
side swinging and sliding door. This AD requires modifying the swing 
door star support and sliding door star support stringer. This AD also 
prohibits installing an affected composite door on any helicopter 
unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 14, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 14, 
2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-7226; 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#fbbabf88bb9e9a889ad59e8e89948b9ad59e8e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dd9c99ae9db8bcaebcf3b8a8afb2adbcf3b8a8">[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: Thanh Tran, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (562) 
275-5304; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#304458515e581e521e4442515e705651511e575f46"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9ce8f4fdf2f4b2feb2e8eefdf2dcfafdfdb2fbf3ea">[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 all Airbus Helicopters 
Model EC130B4 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on July 23, 2026 (91 FR 46325). The NPRM was prompted by an 
MCAI issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States 
of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2024-0232, dated December 5, 
2024 (EASA AD 2024-0232), (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI 
states that several incidents on the left-hand side swing and sliding 
doors have revealed some weaknesses in the locking mechanism. 
Additionally, the MCAI states that AH [Airbus Helicopters] Model 
EC130B4 helicopters that have embodied EC MOD [modification] 07 3796 
were erroneously excluded from the applicability of a previously issued 
EASA AD.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require, for all AH Model EC130B4 
helicopters, modifying the swing door star support and sliding door 
star support stringer and proposed to prohibit installing an affected 
composite door on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of the sliding door star 
support, which could inhibit the operation of the sliding door from the 
inside, and delay the evacuation of passengers during an emergency.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-7226.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from one anonymous commenter. The 
commenter supported the NPRM without change.

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. 
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 2024-0232, which specifies procedures for 
modifying the door locking/unlocking mechanism by installing a 
reinforcing bracket and replacing rod ends and prohibits installing a 
composite door on any helicopter unless this modification is 
accomplished. 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.

[[Page 70780]]

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    EASA AD 2024-0232 specifies to accomplish the modification of the 
locking/unlocking mechanism within 24 months. This AD requires the 
modification to be accomplished within 460 hours time-in-service (TIS) 
based on an average of 230 hours TIS per year. The FAA has determined 
this compliance time represents the maximum interval of time allowable 
for the affected helicopters to continue to safely operate before the 
modification is done.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 214 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perform modification................  20 work-hours x $85               $642           $2,342           $501,188
                                       per hour = $1,700.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

2026-22-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23510; Docket No. FAA-
2025-7226; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01346-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 14, 
2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5200, Doors.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of weaknesses in the locking 
mechanisms on the left-hand side swing and sliding doors. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address failure of the sliding door star support, 
which could inhibit the operation of the sliding door from the 
inside, and delay the evacuation of passengers during an emergency.

(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 2024-0232, 
dated December 5, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0232).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0232

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0232 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0232 specifies to 
complete the actions within 24 months after its effective date, this 
AD requires completion within 460 hours time-in-service after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0232 specifies 
performing a dye penetrant inspection, for the purposes of this AD, 
it is not permitted to use Type 2 colored dye penetrant for 
inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0232 specifies 
discarding certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from 
service.
    (5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0232 specifies 
``check'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``inspect''.
    (6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0232.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0232 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#21606c6e62614740400f464e57"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1455595b57547275753a737b62">[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 Thanh Tran, Aviation 
Safety

[[Page 70781]]

Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (562) 275-5304; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c4b0aca5aaaceaa6eab0b6a5aa84a2a5a5eaa3abb2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="017569606f692f632f7573606f416760602f666e77">[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 2024-0232, 
dated December 5, 2024.
    (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#b9f8fdcaf9dcd8cad897dccccbd6c9d897dccc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0243467142676371632c6777706d72632c6777">[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#b8deca96d1d6cbc8dddbccd1d7d6f8d6d9cad996dfd7ce"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="395f4b1750574a495c5a4d5056577957584b58175e564f">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

    Issued on October 26, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-22780 Filed 11-6-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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