2026-05-06: Tail 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: 2026-05-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23279; Docket No. FAA-2025-5043; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00780-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 Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS 332L1, and SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6400, Tail rotor system. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks found on arms of the tail rotor pitch change spider due to a load increase originating from degraded bearing stacks. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent degradation of bearing stacks. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to structural failure of the tail rotor assembly, which could result in reduced or 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 AD 2024-0250, dated December 20, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0250). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0250 (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0250 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2024-0250 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0250 specifies "check", for this AD replace that text with "inspection". (4) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0250. (i) No Reporting or Return of Parts Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0250 specifies to submit certain information and to return parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not require those actions. (j) Special Flight Permit 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 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 (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 responsible Flight Standards Office. (l) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Michael Yeshiambel, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4133; email: michael.m.yeshiambel@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 2024-0250, dated December 20, 2024. (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 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 February 26, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-04919 Filed 3-12-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P