2026-20-03: Placards and Markings

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: 2026-20-03 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23476; Docket No. FAA-2026-3487; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01261-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 5, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC120B, and EC130B4 helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2025-0159, dated July 24, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0159). Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with AS350B3e designation are Model AS350B3 helicopters. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 1100, Placards and Markings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a determination that the instructions on how to open the sliding door emergency exit on affected helicopters are insufficient. The FAA is issuing this AD to address insufficient instructions for operating the sliding door emergency exit. This condition, if not addressed, could hinder the opening of the door during an emergency and could result in injury to occupants. (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 EASA AD 2025-0159. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0159 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0159 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0159 specifies to "discard", this AD requires replacing that text with "remove from service". (3) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0159. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0159 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 responsible Flight Standards District Office/certificate holding district office. (k) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Katherine Le, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5178; email: katherine.le@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 2025-0159, dated July 24, 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 September 23, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-20103 Filed 9-30-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P