2026-22-08: Doors

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: 2026-22-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23510; Docket No. FAA-2025-7226; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01346-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 14, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5200, Doors. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of weaknesses in the locking mechanisms on the left-hand side swing and sliding doors. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of the sliding door star support, which could inhibit the operation of the sliding door from the inside, and delay the evacuation of passengers during an emergency. (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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2024-0232, dated December 5, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0232). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0232 (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0232 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0232 specifies to complete the actions within 24 months after its effective date, this AD requires completion within 460 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD. (3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0232 specifies performing a dye penetrant inspection, for the purposes of this AD, it is not permitted to use Type 2 colored dye penetrant for inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD. (4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0232 specifies discarding certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service. (5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0232 specifies "check", this AD requires replacing that text with "inspect". (6) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0232. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0232 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 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 Thanh Tran, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (562) 275-5304; 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 2024-0232, dated December 5, 2024. (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. 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 [email protected]. Issued on October 26, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-22780 Filed 11-6-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P