2026-20-07: Engine exhaust 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: 2026-20-07 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-23480; Docket No. FAA-2026-11789; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00908-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 16, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2026-0165, dated August 18, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0165). (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7800, Engine exhaust system. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a nozzle exhaust duct clamp separating from the engine nozzle duct and coming to rest on the tail rotor (TR) drive shaft, which caused damage to the TR drive shaft. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address damage to the TR drive shaft, which could result in loss of control of the helicopter around the yaw axis. (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 2026-0165. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2026-0165 (1) Where EASA AD 2026-0165 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2026-0165 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2026-0165 specifies "perform the detailed visual inspection for damage and crack(s)", this AD requires replacing that text with "perform the detailed visual inspection for physical damage including, but not limited to, cracks, gouges, tears, bulges, fractures, distortions, and creases." (4) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2026-0165. (i) No Reporting or Returning of Parts Requirement Although EASA AD 2026-0165 and the material referenced in EASA AD 2026-0165 specifies to submit certain information and return parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not require those actions. (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 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 (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 Evan Weaver, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 944-8910; email: evan.p.weaver@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 2026-0165, dated August 18, 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. 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 24, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-20100 Filed 9-30-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P