2026-20-06: Main rotor gearbox

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: 2026-20-06 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-23479; Docket No. FAA-2026-11786; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00439-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, and EC635T2+ helicopters. Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an EC135P3H designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters. Helicopters with an EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3 helicopters. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6320, Main rotor gearbox. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a determination that in cases of loss of oil from the main gearbox (MGB), the low pressure caution or warning light might not activate. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent undetected loss of oil from the MGB. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the MGB and loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) 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 AD 2026-0080, dated April 17, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0080). (2) Insert the following language into the Normal section of the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for your helicopter: "WARNING: Pilots must vigilantly monitor the main gearbox oil pressures and temperatures. Main gearbox oil loss could occur without triggering cautions, warnings, or audio alerts. Catastrophic failure of the main gearbox could result in severe aircraft damage, injury, or death." (3) The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the existing RFM for the helicopter, as required by this AD, and must enter compliance into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2026-0080 (1) Where EASA AD 2026-0080 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2026-0080 refers to flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2026-0080 specifies "implement the updated procedures, as defined in this AD," this AD requires replacing that text with "amend the existing RFM for the helicopter by inserting a copy of the RFM TR [temporary revision] specified in EASA AD 2026-0080". (4) This AD does not adopt paragraph (2) or the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2026-0080. (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: 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. (j) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Anthony Kenward, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5257; email: anthony.b.kenward@faa.gov. (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 2026-0080, dated April 17, 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: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: 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 22, 2026. Paul R. Bernado, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-19757 Filed 9-25-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P