2026-09-09: Fuselage structure

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: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-23-04, Amendment 39-21802 (86 FR 68892, December 6, 2021); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-09-09 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39-23330; Docket No. FAA-2025-2556; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00034-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 17, 2026. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2021-23-04, Amendment 39-21802 (86 FR 68892, December 6, 2021). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109E and A109S helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0004, dated January 5, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0004). (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 5300, Fuselage structure. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the center fuselage frame assembly in the intersection of the lateral pylon and floor spar at station 1815 on the left- and right-hand sides and the subsequent development of a modification to that area to prevent cracking. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this cracking, which, if not addressed, could affect the structural integrity 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 EASA AD 2024-0004. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0004 (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0004 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2024-0004 refers to the effective date of EASA AD 2020-0256, this AD requires using the effective date of AD 2021-23-04, which is January 10, 2022. (3) Where EASA AD 2024-0004 refers to its effective date and August 11, 2022 (the effective date of EASA AD 2022-0153, dated July 28, 2022), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (4) Where paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2024-0004 specify damage, for the purposes of this AD, damage includes, but is not limited to, corrosion or deformation. (5) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2024-0004 specifies contacting Leonardo for approved repair instructions and accomplishing those instructions accordingly, this AD requires that corrective action be done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (6) Where paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2024-0004 specifies "the initial inspection", for this AD, replace that text with "any inspection". (7) Where paragraph (8) of EASA AD 2024-0004 allows credit for repairs accomplished in accordance with the applicable Leonardo approved repair instructions, this AD does not allow that credit. (8) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0004 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service. (9) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0004. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0004 specifies submitting certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that action. (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: AMOC@faa.gov. (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 Jacob Fitch, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-4130; email: jacob.fitch@faa.gov. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0004, dated January 5, 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 the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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 May 7, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-09516 Filed 5-12-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P