2026-05-08: 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: 2026-05-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23281; Docket No. FAA-2026-2288; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00079-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 23, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B 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 the main rotor pitch rod rupturing during flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the structural failure of the main rotor lower and upper pitch rod end bearings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in structural failure of the main rotor pitch rod with 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 paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2026-0020, dated January 27, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0020). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2026-0020 (1) Where EASA AD 2026-0020 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2026-0020 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2026-0020 specifies to "before further flight, contact AH [Airbus helicopters] for the approved corrective actions(s) instructions, and within the compliance time specified therein", this AD requires replacing that text with "before further flight, repair any discrepancy using 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". (4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2026-0020 specifies to "Within 7 days", this AD requires replacing that text with "Within 10 days". (5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2026-0020 specifies "check", this AD requires replacing that text with "inspection". (6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2026-0020 specifies if a minimum of one out of roundness value is equal to or more than 0.3 mm (.012 in) "contact Airbus Helicopters for further instructions before resuming flights", this AD requires replacing that text with "before further flight, perform corrective actions using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA 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 2026-0020. (i) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (j) 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: [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. (k) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Evan Weaver, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4152; email: [email protected]. (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 2026-0020, dated January 27, 2026. (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 27, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-04451 Filed 3-5-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P