Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 189 (Thursday, October 1, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 62307-62309]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-20098]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2026-4657; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00383-R; 
Amendment 39-23481; AD 2026-20-08]
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 Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N 
helicopters. This AD was prompted by the determination that the tail 
rotor drive fan wheels (fan wheels) and the impeller second stage have 
been incorrectly identified during production. This AD requires 
verifying the serial number and amendment of the log cards of the 
affected parts, and depending on the findings, performing a one-time 
borescope inspection to verify consistency between the log cards and 
the affected parts. Depending on the results of the inspection, this AD 
requires replacing or re-identifying certain parts. This AD also 
prohibits the installation of certain fan wheels and impeller second 
stages on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe conditions on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 5, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 5, 
2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No.FAA-2026-4657; 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-2026-4657.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Gronau, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (847) 294-7378; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 62308]]

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 AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. The 
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 18, 2026 (91 FR 
36771). 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 2024-0127, dated July 3, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0127) (also 
referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that it was determined that 
the fan wheel part number (P/N) 704A33691014 amdt [amendment] C and the 
impeller second stage P/N 704A33691015 amdt C have been incorrectly 
identified in production. Incorrect identification may cause the loss 
of traceability of the affected parts, which could lead to required 
inspections not being accomplished. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could lead to undetected fatigue failure of the affected 
parts and result in loss of control of the helicopter.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require verifying the serial 
number and amendment of the log cards of the affected parts, and 
depending on the findings, performing a one-time borescope inspection 
to verify consistency between the log cards and the affected parts, and 
depending on the inspection results, the FAA proposed to require 
replacing or re-identifying certain parts. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe conditions on these products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2026-4657.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received one comment from an anonymous commenter on the 
NPRM. The commenter's viewpoint was general in nature without a 
suggestion specific to the AD and did not make a request the FAA can 
act on. Therefore, this comment is considered outside the scope of this 
AD.

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 2024-0127, which specifies procedures for 
verifying the helicopter's existing log card to determine whether an 
affected fan wheel and impeller second stage are installed. Depending 
on the results, EASA AD 2024-0127 specifies procedures for performing a 
borescope inspection of the affected parts for further verification and 
either replacing affected parts or re-identifying the parts and 
amending their log cards. EASA AD 2024-0127 also prohibits installing 
an affected fan wheel or impeller second stage on any 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 the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects four 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review log card........................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour           $0           $85             $340
                                          = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements that 
will be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency has 
no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need these 
replacements:

                           On-Condition Costs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Cost per
            Action                 Labor cost      Parts cost   product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perform borescope inspection    1 work-hour x              $0        $85
 of the fan wheel.               $85 per hour =
                                 $85.
Perform borescope inspection    1 work-hour x               0         85
 of the impeller second stage.   $85 per hour =
                                 $85.
Replace fan wheel.............  2 work-hours x          1,534      1,704
                                 $85 per hour =
                                 $170.
Replace impeller second stage.  2 work-hours x          1,219      1,389
                                 $85 per hour =
                                 $170.
Perform balance of tail rotor   2 work-hours x              0        170
 drive shaft.                    $85 per hour =
                                 $170.
Re-identify the fan wheel or    1 work-hour x               0         85
 the impeller second stage.      $85 per hour =
                                 $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

[[Page 62309]]

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:

2026-20-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23481; Docket No. FAA-
2026-4657; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00383-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 5, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, 
AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6500, Tail rotor 
drive system.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the determination that the tail rotor 
drive fan wheel and impeller second stage have been incorrectly 
identified during production. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect 
and address incorrect identification of the affected parts. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, may cause the loss of 
traceability of the affected parts, which could lead to undetected 
fatigue failure of the affected parts and result in loss of 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2024-0127, 
dated July 3, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0127).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0127

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0127 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2024-0127 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (3) Where EASA AD 2024-0127 defines ``affected part'', this AD 
requires replacing that text with ``tail rotor drive fan wheel 
having part number (P/N) 704A33691014 amdt [amendment] C and 
impeller second stage P/N 704A33691015 amdt [amendment] C, and a 
serial number (S/N), as identified in the Log Card, listed as `S/N 
affected' in section 4.5 or 4.6 of the accomplishment procedure of 
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB AS355-65-00-0001, 
Issue 001 dated May 27, 2024''.
    (4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0127.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0127 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: [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 Andrew Gronau, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (847) 294-7378; email: 
[email protected].

(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 2024-0127, 
dated July 3, 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: [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 September 24, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-20098 Filed 9-30-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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