2026-16-01: Main rotor drive

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-16-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23431; Docket No. FAA-2026-4638; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00794-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 10, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD. (1) Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, and AS350B3 helicopters, with a helicopter manufacture date before May 15, 2023. (2) Model AS350D helicopters, with a helicopter manufacture date before May 15, 2023, except helicopters equipped with a Lycoming engine. (3) Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters, with a helicopter manufacture date before February 13, 2023. Note 1 to paragraph (c)(1): Helicopters with AS350B3e designation are Model AS350B3 helicopters. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6300, Main rotor drive. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of an incorrectly installed engine flange on the main gear box (MGB) engine coupling. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct the inverted installation of the engine flange on the MGB engine coupling. The unsafe condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in the loss of power transmission to the MGB and the main rotor and lead to 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 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 2023-0127, dated June 27, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0127). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0127 (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0127 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2023-0127 refers to flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0127 specifies discarding certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service. (4) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2023-0127. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although EASA AD 2023-0127 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action. (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 responsible 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 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. (k) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Aryanna Sanchez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (520) 990-9321; email: aryanna.t.sanchez@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 2023-0127, dated June 27, 2023. (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 July 30, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-16047 Filed 8-5-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P