2026-16-03: Tail Rotor Drive 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: 2026-16-03 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23433; Docket No. FAA-2025-3420; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00225-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 17, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6500, Tail Rotor Drive System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the legs of the side support of the tail rotor transmission fan. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct a cracked side support of the tail rotor transmission fan. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the legs supporting the tail rotor transmission fan and displacement of the tail rotor transmission fan assembly, which could lead to the failure of the engine and main gearbox cooling function, loss of the tail rotor drive, and 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 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 2025-0052, dated February 28, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0052). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0052 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0052 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0052 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025-0052 specifies "replace both affected parts in accordance with the instructions of the ASB", this AD requires replacing that text with "remove both affected parts from service and replace with new (zero hours time-in-service) parts in accordance with the instructions of the ASB". (4) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0052. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although EASA AD 2025-0052 and the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0052 specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are not allowed. (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 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 2025-0052, dated February 28, 2025. (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. 2026-16505 Filed 8-12-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P