2026-02-02: Main Rotor System

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: 2026-02-02 PZL-Swidnik S.A.: Amendment 39-23238; Docket No. FAA-2026-0012; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00483-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 6, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to PZL-Swidnik S.A. Model PZL W-3A helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6200: Main Rotor System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion on main rotor blade (MRB) attachment bolts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address corrosion on the MRB attachment bolts, which if not detected and corrected, could lead to cracks and failure of one or more of the attachment bolts, resulting in loss of an MRB and consequent loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD: (i) Remove each MRB attachment bolt part number (P/N) 37.21.000.50.00 and clean it, in accordance with Chapter II Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.2 of PZL-?widnik Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB-37-24-347, dated July 11, 2024 (PZL ASB-37-24-347). (ii) Inspect each cleaned MRB attachment bolt for surface corrosion, pitting corrosion, or mechanical damage (defects), and damaged or missing protective coating as specified in Attachment 1, Criteria for Assessing Bolt Serviceability, paragraphs 1. and 2., of PZL ASB-37-24-347. (iii) If there is any defect (surface corrosion, pitting corrosion, or mechanical damage), polish the affected area with sandpaper and determine if the MRB attachment bolt is within repairable limits as specified in Attachment 2, Bolt Repair, of PZL ASB-37-24-347. (A) If the MRB attachment bolt is within repairable limits, before further flight repair the bolt in accordance with Attachment 2 Bolt Repair, of PZL ASB-37-24-347. (B) If the MRB attachment bolt is beyond repairable limits, before further flight, remove the MRB attachment bolt from service and replace it with a serviceable bolt. (2) Thereafter, repeat the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) in accordance with the inspection intervals in table 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. Table 1 to Paragraph ( g )(2)-Inspection Intervals Inspection results and/or action(s) accomplished during the last inspections Repetitive intervals (hours TIS or calendar time, whichever occurs first) No defects of any bolt and no damaged or missing protective coating of any bolt were found or The damaged or missing protective coating of each discrepant and each repaired bolt has been renewed/applied or All the discrepant bolts or all the affected parts have been replaced with serviceable parts Within 300 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first, since the last inspection. No defects of any bolt were found and for which the protective coating was found damaged during the last inspection and the protective coating has not been renewed Within 25 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs first, since the last inspection. (3) Within 30 days after each inspection required by this AD, report the inspection results to PZL-Swidnik S.A. The report must include the information specified in Chapter VI, paragraph 2.3 of PZL ASB-37-24-347. (h) Parts Installation Limitation As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an MRB attachment bolt P/N 37.21.000.50.00, on any helicopter unless it has been inspected in accordance with the requirements of this AD. (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 Adam Hein, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4116; 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) PZL-?widnik Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB-37-24-347, dated July 11, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For PZL-Swidnik S.A. material identified in this AD, contact PZL-Swidnik S.A., 21-045, Swidnik, Poland; phone: +48 81 722 50 00; email: [email protected]; website: https://extranet.pzl.swidnik.pl. (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 January 12, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-01182 Filed 1-21-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P