2026-04-01: Fire protection 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: 2026-04-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23260; Docket No. FAA-2026-0746; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01628-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 10, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2600; Fire protection system. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report that the measured resistance value of the pyrotechnic cartridge of the engine fire extinguisher was out of tolerance. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address degradation of the pyrotechnic cartridge. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the cartridge to activate the engine fire extinguisher in the case of an engine fire with consequent damage to the helicopter or injury to occupants. (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 2025-0231, dated October 21, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0231). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0231 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0231 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where EASA AD 2025-0231 defines serviceable part as "Pyrotechnical cartridge, eligible for installation in accordance with approved AH [Airbus Helicopters] instructions, which is not an affected part; or an affected part which, within 7 days before installation, passed an inspection (no discrepancy found) in accordance with the instructions of the ASB", this AD requires replacing that text with "Pyrotechnical cartridge, eligible for installation in accordance with the original issue of the alert service bulletin listed in in Ref. Publications, which is not an affected part; or an affected part which, within 7 days before installation, passed an inspection (no discrepancy found) in accordance with the original issue of the alert service bulletin listed in Ref. Publications". (4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies "check", this AD requires replacing that text with "inspect". (5) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies "Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, or within 6 months since the last check of the measured resistance value accomplished on that affected part in accordance with the instructions of the applicable SA 330 Maintenance Manual work card MDE 26.20.602, whichever occurs first", this AD requires replacing that text with "Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD". (6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies discarding parts, this AD does not require that action. (7) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0231. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0231 specifies to submit certain information 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: [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. (l) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact George Weir, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-4045; email: [email protected]. (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 2025-0231 dated October 21, 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: [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, 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 February 9, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-03518 Filed 2-20-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P