2026-05-04: Main Rotor Head

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: 2026-05-04 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-23277; Docket No. FAA-2025-5393; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00157-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 17, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6220, Main Rotor Head. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a main rotor head (MRH) having the same part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) as another MRH due to incorrect modification instructions where the modified part S/N was not re-identified and the MRH can be operated with the wrong associated log card if accidently interchanged. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct the incorrect identification of S/Ns and P/Ns on MRHs which, if not addressed, could result in operation of an MRH and its critical parts beyond certified limits and lead to failure of certain parts and consequent 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 (EASA) AD 2025-0028, dated February 7, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0028). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0028 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0028 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0028 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where paragraphs (2) and (4) of EASA AD 2025-0028 specify discrepancy, for the purposes of this AD, a discrepancy can be defined as the serial number on the MRH [Main Rotor Head] not matching the serial number on the helicopters existing log card or equivalent record. (4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0028 specifies "check", this AD requires replacing that text with "inspect". (5) Where EASA AD 2025-0028 and the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0028 specifies "MRH log card", this AD requires replacing that text with "existing helicopter log card or equivalent record". (6) Where EASA AD 2025-0028 or the referenced material specifies to contact AH [Airbus Helicopters] to obtain approved instructions, or specifies a part is eligible for installation in accordance with AH instructions, this AD requires those actions done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (7) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0028. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0028 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (k) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Promita Dey, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (913) 563-8269; email: promita.dey@faa.gov. (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 2025-0028, dated February 7, 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 this 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 February 25, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-04921 Filed 3-12-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P