Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8368-8370]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-03518]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-0746; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01628-R; 
Amendment 39-23260; AD 2026-04-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by a 
report that the measured resistance value of the pyrotechnic cartridge 
of the engine fire extinguisher was out of tolerance. This AD requires 
repetitively inspecting the pyrotechnical cartridge and, depending on 
the results of the inspection, accomplishing corrective actions. This 
AD also prohibits an affected pyrotechnical cartridge from being 
installed 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 March 10, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 10, 
2026.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by April 9, 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 regulations.gov. 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 regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-0746; 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 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material 
identified in this final rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet 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, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, 
Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-0746.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Weir, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 
222-4045; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments using a method 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-0746; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2025-01628-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The 
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 
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 final rule 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 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this final rule.

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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to George 
Weir, 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 2025-0231, dated October 21, 2025 
(EASA AD 2025-0231) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition on all Airbus Helicopters Model SA 330 J helicopters. 
The MCAI states that during a scheduled maintenance visit, the measured 
resistance value of the pyrotechnic cartridge of the engine fire 
extinguisher was found out of tolerance.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address degradation of the 
pyrotechnic cartridge, which could result in failure of the cartridge 
to activate the engine fire extinguisher in the case of an engine fire 
with consequent damage to the helicopter or injury to occupants.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-0746.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0231, which specifies procedures for 
repetitively inspecting pyrotechnical cartridge part number (P/N) 
704A38710044 (Manufacturer P/N 12-12-11556-1) and P/N 704A38710045 
(Manufacturer P/N 12-12-11555-1), and having a serial number identified 
in Table 1--Affected Parts of EASA AD 2025-0231. Based on the 
inspection results, EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies procedures for 
replacing affected parts with serviceable parts. EASA AD 2025-0231 also 
prohibits installing an affected pyrotechnical cartridge on any 
helicopter unless certain requirements are met.

[[Page 8369]]

    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 AD after determining that the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 
2025-0231, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except 
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of 
this 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, EASA AD 2025-0231 is incorporated 
by reference in this AD. This AD requires compliance with EASA AD 2025-
0231 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. 
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular 
section in EASA AD 2025-0231 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 2025-0231. Material required by 
EASA AD 2025-0231 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov 
under Docket No. FAA-2026-0746 after this AD is published.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment 
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that 
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the 
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because failure of the pyrotechnic cartridge to activate the engine 
fire extinguisher in the case of an engine fire could result in damage 
to the helicopter or injury to occupants. Due to the undetermined level 
of degradation of the pyrotechnic cartridge on the affected 
helicopters, an inspection is necessary within 3 months after the 
effective date of this AD. This compliance time is shorter than the 
time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the 
final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and 
comment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 37 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect pyrotechnic cartridge............  4 work-hours x $85 per hour           $0         $340         $12,580
                                            = $340.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements that 
would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency 
has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need 
this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Action                                Labor cost              Parts cost   Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace pyrotechnical cartridge..............  4 work-hours x $85 per hour =          $2,710              $3,050
                                                $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 8370]]

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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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:

2026-04-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23260; Docket No. FAA-
2026-0746; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01628-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 10, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2600; Fire 
protection system.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that the measured resistance 
value of the pyrotechnic cartridge of the engine fire extinguisher 
was out of tolerance. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and 
address degradation of the pyrotechnic cartridge. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the 
cartridge to activate the engine fire extinguisher in the case of an 
engine fire with consequent damage to the helicopter or injury to 
occupants.

(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 2025-0231, 
dated October 21, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0231).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0231

    (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0231 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (3) Where EASA AD 2025-0231 defines serviceable part as 
``Pyrotechnical cartridge, eligible for installation in accordance 
with approved AH [Airbus Helicopters] instructions, which is not an 
affected part; or an affected part which, within 7 days before 
installation, passed an inspection (no discrepancy found) in 
accordance with the instructions of the ASB'', this AD requires 
replacing that text with ``Pyrotechnical cartridge, eligible for 
installation in accordance with the original issue of the alert 
service bulletin listed in in Ref. Publications, which is not an 
affected part; or an affected part which, within 7 days before 
installation, passed an inspection (no discrepancy found) in 
accordance with the original issue of the alert service bulletin 
listed in Ref. Publications''.
    (4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies 
``check'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``inspect''.
    (5) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies ``Within 
3 months after the effective date of this AD, or within 6 months 
since the last check of the measured resistance value accomplished 
on that affected part in accordance with the instructions of the 
applicable SA 330 Maintenance Manual work card MDE 26.20.602, 
whichever occurs first'', this AD requires replacing that text with 
``Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD''.
    (6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies 
discarding parts, this AD does not require that action.
    (7) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2025-0231.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies 
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
require those actions.

(j) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(k) 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 (l) of 
this AD and email to: [email protected].
    (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.

(l) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact George Weir, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-4045; email: 
[email protected].

(m) 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 2025-0231 
dated October 21, 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: [email protected]; 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, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, 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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on February 9, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-03518 Filed 2-20-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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