2026-07-12: Main rotor transmission mount

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: 2026-07-12 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23308; Docket No. FAA-2026-3479; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00085-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 29, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters, certificated in any category, that were delivered before January 1, 2026. Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with AS350B3e designation are Model AS350B3 helicopters. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6330, Main rotor transmission mount. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a gap between the bolted assemblies under the attachment fittings of the main gearbox (MGB) suspension bars. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent structural failure of the MGB attachment screws. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in detachment of the MGB suspension bars 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 2026-0021, dated January 29, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0021). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2026-0021 (1) Where EASA AD 2026-0021 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2026-0021 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where EASA AD 2026-0021 defines "affected part", this AD requires replacing that definition with "Front and rear attachment fittings, screws, nuts and washers of the MGB suspension bars, having a part number as defined in Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) AS350-63-31-0001 Issue 002, dated January 22, 2026 (EASB AS350-63-31-0001, Issue 002). The part number is identified as "Reference" in EASB AS350-63-31-0001, Issue 002, as applicable to the part". (4) This AD does not adopt paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (6), and (7) of EASA AD 2026-0021. (5) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2026-0021 specifies "before next flight after having accomplished the actions as required by paragraph (1), (3), or (4) of this AD, as applicable,", this AD requires replacing that text with "Within the compliance time as specified in Table 1 of EASA AD 2026-0021, as applicable, after the effective date of this AD". (6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2026-0021 specifies "discard", this AD requires replacing that text with "remove from service". (7) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2026-0021. (i) 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 (j) 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. (j) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Matthew Bloomer, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (847) 294-7524; email: [email protected]. (k) 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 2026-0021, dated January 29, 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 April 6, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-07168 Filed 4-13-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P