Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 123 (Monday, June 29, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39005-39007]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-13063]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-2720; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00668-R; 
Amendment 39-23383; AD 2026-13-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-09-03 
and AD 2021-05-15 for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. AD 2019-09-03 required a one-time 
inspection of the jettisoning mechanism of the cabin lateral sliding 
plug doors. AD 2021-05-15 required repetitive inspections, modifying 
the release system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door, or 
modifying the design of the jettison system of each cabin lateral 
sliding plug door. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-05-15, the manufacturer 
developed a prerequisite modification for certain helicopters, 
determined improved modification instructions were necessary for 
installation of the release system of the cabin lateral sliding plug 
door, and determined the compliance time could be extended. This AD 
requires modifying the release system of each cabin lateral sliding 
plug door or modifying the design of the jettison system of each cabin 
lateral sliding plug door as a terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 3, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 3, 
2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-2720; 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: [email protected]; 
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. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-2720.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aryanna Sanchez, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (817) 222-5257; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2019-09-03, Amendment 39-19637 (84 FR 
22693, May 20, 2019) (AD 2019-09-03), and AD 2021-05-15, Amendment 39-
21458 (86 FR 17290, April 2, 2021) (AD 2021-05-15). AD 2019-09-03 and 
AD 2021-05-15 applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, 
AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters.
    AD 2019-09-03 required a one-time inspection of the jettisoning 
mechanism of the cabin lateral sliding plug doors. AD 2021-05-15 
required repetitive inspections, modifying the release system of each 
cabin lateral sliding plug door, or modifying the design of the 
jettison system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door.
    The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 23, 2026 
(91 FR 13794). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2021-0139R1, May 10, 
2023 (EASA AD 2021-0139R1) (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 the manufacturer received additional 
reports regarding the difficulty of installing the MOD 0725366 on 
certain helicopters, and the manufacturer developed MOD 0729230 as a 
prerequisite to installing MOD 0725366 for certain helicopter 
configurations. In addition, the manufacturer determined that the 
compliance time to incorporate the

[[Page 39006]]

modifications could be extended from within 1,100 flight hours or 27 
months to within 1,325 flight hours or 40 months.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require modifying the release 
system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door or modifying the design 
of the jettison system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door as a 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to prevent the jettison handle cable from interfering with the 
cable clamps, which could lead to jamming of the door jettisoning 
mechanism, preventing the jettisoning of the affected door in an 
emergency situation with possible obstruction of occupant evacuation.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-2720.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

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 2021-0139R1, which specifies procedures 
for inspecting the jettisoning mechanism of the left-hand (LH) and 
right-hand (RH) side of the cabin lateral sliding plug doors, and 
ensuring the cables are not contacting the cable clamps and 
accomplishing the applicable corrective actions. EASA AD 2021-0139R1 
also specifies procedures for modifying the release system of each 
cabin lateral sliding plug door or modifying the design of the jettison 
system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door. EASA AD 2021-0139R1 
specifies that the modification is a terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections and gives credit for the modification if it was 
accomplished using certain previously issued service material.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 12 helicopters of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect cable clamps............  1 work hour x $85   $0................  $85...............  $1,020.
                                   per hour = $85.
Modify the release..............  214 work-hours x    Up to $122,500....  Up to $140,690....  Up to $1,688,280.
                                   $85 per hour =
                                   $18,190.
Modify the jettison system......  214 work-hours x    Up to $122,500....  Up to $140,690....  Up to $1,688,280.
                                   $85 per hour =
                                   $18,190.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 has determined that 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2019-09-03, Amendment 39-19637 (84 
FR 22693, May 20, 2019); and Airworthiness Directive 2021-05-15, 
Amendment 39-21458 (86 FR 17290, April 2, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2026-13-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23383; Docket No. FAA-
2026-2720; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00668-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 3, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    (1) This AD replaces AD 2019-09-03, Amendment 39-19637 (84 FR 
22693, May 20, 2019) (AD 2019-09-03).

[[Page 39007]]

    (2) This AD replaces AD 2021-05-15, Amendment 39-21458 (86 FR 
17290, April 2, 2021) (AD 2021-05-15).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any category, as 
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-
0139R1, dated May 10, 2023 (EASA AD 2021-0139R1).

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that the cabin lateral sliding 
plug door failed its emergency jettisoning test; subsequent 
investigation revealed that the jettison handle cable interfered 
with the cable clamps. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this 
condition, which could lead to jamming of the door jettisoning 
mechanism, preventing the jettisoning of the affected door in an 
emergency situation, and obstructing occupant evacuation.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0139R1.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0139R1

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0139R1 refers to June 25, 2021 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2021-0139, dated June 11, 2021), this AD 
requires using the effective date of May 7, 2021 (the effective date 
of AD 2021-05-15).
    (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0139R1 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service 
(TIS).
    (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0139R1 specifies 
``During the next jettisoning test of the cabin lateral sliding plug 
door, or within 110 FH, whichever occurs first after 22 February 
2017 [the effective date of EASA AD 2017-0022], and, thereafter, 
during accomplishment of each maintenance task listed in paragraph 
1.E.2 of the inspection ASB, inspect the affected parts in 
accordance with the instructions of section 3 of the inspection 
ASB'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``During the next 
jettisoning test of the cabin lateral sliding plug door, or within 
110 hours TIS, whichever occurs first after June 24, 2019 [the 
effective date of AD 2019-09-03], and, thereafter, during the 
accomplishment of each maintenance task (adjustments as per 
Maintenance Manual (MET) Work Card 52-11-01-601, cable change, 
removal of the cable clamp, etc.) identified in paragraph 1.E.2 
Compliance in Service of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 
ASB AS332-52.00.56 Revision 1, dated April 11, 2019, is 
accomplished, inspect the affected parts as defined in EASA AD 2021-
0139R1 in accordance with the instructions of section 3 of the 
inspection ASB referenced in EASA AD 2021-0139R1''.
    (4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0139R1 specifies ``in 
accordance with the instructions of section 3 of the modification 
ASB'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``in accordance 
with section 3.B.2 through 3.B.3. of the modification ASB''.
    (5) If the modification specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 
2021-0139R1 is done, it must be done at the compliance time 
specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0139R1.
    (6) Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2021-0139R1 
specifies to discard or scrap certain parts, this AD does not 
include that requirement.
    (7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2021-0139R1 
specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters, or a qualified Airbus 
Helicopters Group Technician, or by a customer technician previously 
qualified by Airbus Helicopters to perform certain actions, this AD 
requires performing those actions using a method approved by the 
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus 
Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by 
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (8) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2021-0139R1 
specifies ``check'', this AD requires replacing that text with 
``inspection''.
    (9) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2021-0139R1.

(i) 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 (j) 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.

(j) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Aryanna Sanchez, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5257; email: 
[email protected].

(k) 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 2021-0139R1, 
dated May 10, 2023.
    (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 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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on June 16, 2026.
Christopher R. Parker,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-13063 Filed 6-26-26; 8:45 am]
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