2026-03-02: Rotorcraft Tail Boom

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: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2014-13-09, Amendment 39-17885 (79 FR 41095, July 15, 2014); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-03-02 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-23251; Docket No. FAA-2026-0733; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01329-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 17, 2026. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2014-13-09, Amendment 39-17885 (79 FR 41095, July 15, 2014). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, and EC635T2+ helicopters, certificated in any category with mounting ring frame X9227, part number (P/N) L535H2120301, L535H2120303, or L535H2120304, installed, except those with frame reinforcement P/N L535H2100201 or L535H2100202 installed. Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an EC135P3H designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters. Helicopters with EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3 helicopters. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5302, Rotorcraft Tail Boom. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by fatigue crack found on the ring frame ring that attaches the fuselage tail boom structure to the tail rotor housing. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address fatigue cracking in the ring frame. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of a tail rotor 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 Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Perform all required actions within the compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0174R1, dated September 22, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0174R1). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0174R1 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0174R1 refers to its effective date or the effective date of August 19, 2025 [the effective date of EASA AD 2025-0174], this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0174R1 specifies compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025-0174R1 specifies to contact AHD for approved repair instructions and accomplish those actions accordingly, this AD requires accomplishing those actions using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; EASA; or AHD's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (4) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0174R1. This AD considers that modification an optional action and does not require it. (5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0174R1 specifies "if necessary, use a flashlight. A magnifying glass (at least x10 magnification) can be used", this AD requires replacing that text with "use a light source and at least 10X magnification". (6) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2025-0174R1 specifies that modification of a helicopter as required by paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0174R1 constitutes a terminating action for the repetitive inspections as required by paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2025-0174R1, this AD considers that modification an optional action and does not require this action. For this AD, the modification terminates the repetitive inspection requirement. (7) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0174R1. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0174R1 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action. (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 (k) 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 Shailesh Malla, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5584; email: shailesh.malla@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 2025-0174R1, dated September 22, 2025. (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 Pkwy., 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 28, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-01956 Filed 1-30-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P