2026-22-01: Cabin equipment/furnishings

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: 2026-22-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23503; Docket No. FAA-2026-11816; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00790-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 12, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, AS355N, AS355NP, and EC130B4 helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Cabin equipment/furnishings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a release of the load on the cargo hook without manual release initiation by the pilot. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the unintended loss of the load on the cargo hook. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in in-flight loss of cargo load and cause injury to persons on the ground. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) 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 2026-0146, dated July 24, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0146). (2) For purpose of this AD, a "sling cycle" is defined as one landing with or without stopping the rotor or one external load-carrying operation; an external load-carrying operation occurs each time a helicopter picks up an external load and drops it off. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2026-0146 (1) Where EASA AD 2026-0146 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2026-0146 specifies "a 'visual check", this AD requires replacing that text with "an 'inspection". (3) Where EASA AD 2026-0146 specifies a "check for free play", this AD requires replacing that text with "inspection for free play". (4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2026-0146 specifies "mission", this AD requires replacing that text with "operation". (5) Where Note 1 of paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2026-0146 allows the check for free play to be accomplished by a suitably authorized pilot, this AD requires that action be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3. (6) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2026-0146. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2026-0146 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (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: [email protected]. (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 Anthony Kenward, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5152; email: [email protected]. (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 2026-0146, dated July 24, 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: [email protected]; 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 [email protected] . Issued on October 20, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-21856 Filed 10-26-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P