2026-02-01: Tail Rotor Drive Shaft

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-02-01 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-23237; Docket No. FAA-2025-0629; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01183-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 26, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC635T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any category. Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an EC135P3H designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters and helicopters with an EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3 helicopters. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6510, Tail Rotor Drive Shaft. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of ruptured and deformed flexible couplings. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect axial displacement of the tail rotor drive shaft that exceeds allowable limits. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in cracks and extensive deformation of flexible couplings, high vibration of the tail rotor drive shaft, and consequent reduced 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 2023-0197, dated November 10, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0197). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0197 (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0197 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2023-0197 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where paragraphs (2) and (6) of EASA AD 2023-0197 state "new", this AD requires replacing that text with "new (zero hours time-in-service)". (4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2023-0197 states "any discrepancy", for the purpose of this AD, discrepancy may be indicated by cracks, mechanical damage, deformation, delamination, corrosion, loose rivets, or damaged surface protection, where these discrepancies exceed the allowable limits as defined in the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0197. (5) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2023-0197 states "replace that flexible coupling", this AD requires replacing that text with "replace that flexible coupling with a new (zero hours time-in-service) flexible coupling". (6) Where paragraphs (4) and (6) of EASA AD 2023-0197 state "in accordance with the instructions of section 4.1 of the Accomplishment Procedure of the ASB", this AD requires replacing that text with "in accordance with the instructions of sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the Accomplishment Procedure of the material, referenced in EASA AD 2023-0197". (7) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2023-0197. (i) No Reporting or Returning of Parts Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0197 specifies to submit certain information and to send parts 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: AMOC@faa.gov. (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 Aaron Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5134; email: aaron.t.nguyen@faa.gov. (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 2023-0197, dated November 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: ADs@easa.europa.eu; 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 fr.inspection@nara.gov . Issued on January 14, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-01180 Filed 1-21-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P