Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Engines

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 186 (Monday, September 28, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61133-61135]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-19762]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-7213; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00150-E; 
Amendment 39-23470; AD 2026-19-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-15-03 
for all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) Model Arrius 2B2 
engines. AD 2023-15-03 required revising the airworthiness limitations 
section (ALS) of the existing engine maintenance manual (EMM) or 
instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing 
approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by 
incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, 
including life limits. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-15-03, the 
manufacturer has revised the ALS of the existing maintenance and 
overhaul manuals, introducing new and more restrictive instructions and 
maintenance tasks. This AD requires updating the ALS of the existing 
EMM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, by incorporating the actions and associated thresholds 
and intervals, including life limits. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 2, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 2, 
2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-7213; 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]. 
You may find this 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, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. 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-2026-7213.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William McNicholas, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (781) 238-7776; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2023-15-03, Amendment 39-22515 (88 FR 
51223, August 3, 2023), (AD 2023-15-03). AD 2023-15-03 applied to all 
Safran Model Arrius 2B2 engines. AD 2023-15-03 required revising the 
ALS of the existing EMM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions and 
associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits. The FAA 
issued AD 2023-15-03 to prevent failure of life-limited parts, which if 
not addressed, could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of 
thrust control, and loss of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 10, 2026 (91 
FR 42680). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2026-0027, dated February 
11, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0027) (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 published a revised 
ALS introducing new and more restrictive tasks and limitations for 
certain life-limited parts. The more restrictive tasks and limitations 
include replacing life-limited parts before exceeding the applicable 
life limit, performing applicable maintenance tasks, and revising the 
approved aircraft maintenance program.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require updating the ALS of the 
existing EMM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions and associated 
thresholds and intervals, including life limits.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-7213.

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.

[[Page 61134]]

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 2026-0027, which specifies instructions 
for accomplishing the actions specified in the applicable ALS, 
including replacing life-limited parts, performing maintenance tasks, 
and revising the existing approved aircraft maintenance program by 
incorporating the limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and 
intervals described in the ALS.
    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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2026-0027 specifies revising the 
Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months after the effective 
date of EASA AD 2026-0027, this AD requires revising the ALS of the 
existing approved engine maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 212 engines installed on 
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the ALS.........................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour =            $0          $85         $18,020
                                          $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 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 2023-15-03, Amendment 39-22515 (88 
FR 51223, August 3, 2023); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2026-19-03 Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A.: Amendment 39-23470; 
Docket No. FAA-2026-7213; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00150-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 2, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2023-15-03, Amendment 39-22515 (88 FR 51223, 
August 3, 2023).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Model 
Arrius 2B2 engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
(Turbine/Turboprop).

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the 
airworthiness limitations section of the existing engine maintenance 
manual, introducing new and more restrictive tasks and limitations 
for certain life-limited parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of life-limited parts. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of 
thrust control, and loss of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, perform all 
required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2026-0027, 
dated February 11, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0027).
    (2) The action required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private 
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records 
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) 
and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 
CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2026-0027

    (1) Where EASA AD 2026-0027 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) This AD does not require compliance with paragraphs (1), 
(2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2026-0027.
    (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2026-0027 specifies ``Within 
12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved 
AMP,'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``Within 90 days 
after the effective date of this AD, revise the airworthiness 
limitations section of the existing engine maintenance manual or 
instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing

[[Page 61135]]

approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.''
    (4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2026-0027.

(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After performing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, 
including life limits, are allowed unless they are approved as 
specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of 
EASA AD 2026-0027.

(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: [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.

(k) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact William McNicholas, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238-7776; email: 
[email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 2026-0027, 
dated February 11, 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: [email protected]. You may find this material on the 
EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material at FAA, Airworthiness Products 
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. 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 September 16, 2026.
Hollister B. Thorson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-19762 Filed 9-25-26; 8:45 am]
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