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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 1 (Friday, January 2, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 1 (Friday, January 2, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9-11]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-24179]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-2273; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00689-R;
Amendment 39-23216; AD 2025-25-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This AD was prompted by a
determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations
are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance
manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing
approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by
incorporating new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 6, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 6,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-2273; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f7b6b384b792968496d9928285988796d99282"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ccdc8ffcce9edffeda2e9f9fee3fceda2e9f9">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA
website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-2273.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Yves Petiote, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (202) 975-4867; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c2bbb4a7b1ecb2a7b6abadb6a782a4a3a3eca5adb4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="156c6370663b6570617c7a6170557374743b727a63">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters
Model H160-B helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on September 8, 2025 (90 FR 43162). The NPRM was prompted by
EASA AD 2024-0223, dated November 26, 2024
[[Page 10]]
(EASA AD 2024-0223) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union. The MCAI states that the airworthiness limitations for Airbus
Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters, which are approved by EASA, are
currently defined and published in the Airbus Helicopters H160-B
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) document. EASA advises that
these instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued
airworthiness and that Revision 16 of Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B,
dated May 27, 2024, has been issued to introduce new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing
maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and the
existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by
incorporating new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of certain parts
which, if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the
helicopter.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-2273.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from one individual who supported the
NPRM without change.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0223, which specifies procedures for
replacing components before exceeding their life limits and
accomplishing all applicable maintenance tasks within thresholds and
intervals specified in the ALS. Depending on the results of the
maintenance tasks, EASA AD 2024-0223 specifies procedures for
accomplishing corrective action(s) or contacting Airbus Helicopters for
approved instructions and accomplishing those instructions.
Additionally, EASA AD 2024-0223 specifies procedures for revising
the Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) by incorporating the
limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals described
in the specified ALS, as applicable. Revising the AMP constitutes
terminating action for the requirement to record accomplishment of the
actions of replacing components before exceeding their life limits and
accomplishing maintenance tasks within thresholds and intervals
specified in the applicable ALS as specified in EASA AD 2024-0223 for
demonstration of AD compliance on a continued basis.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI requires, as individual tasks, replacing certain
components before exceeding applicable life limits, accomplishing
certain maintenance tasks within thresholds and intervals as specified
in the ALS, as defined within, and depending on the results,
accomplishing corrective action, whereas this AD does not because the
applicable ALS, along with the FAA regulatory framework, make it
unnecessary or inappropriate to adopt certain paragraphs of the MCAI.
The MCAI also requires revising the approved AMP by incorporating
the limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals
described in that ALS within 12 months, whereas this AD requires
revising the existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued
airworthiness and the existing approved maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, by incorporating the limitations, tasks, and
associated thresholds and intervals described in that ALS within 30
days, and clarifies that if the initial instance of an incorporated
limitation or threshold therein is reached before 30 days after the
effective date of the final rule of this AD, you still have up to 30
days after the effective date of the final rule of this AD to
accomplish the corresponding task.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects four helicopters of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Revise ALS............................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour $0 $85 $340
= $85.
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
[[Page 11]]
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2025-25-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23216; Docket No. FAA-
2025-2273; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00689-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 6, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of
certain parts which, if not addressed, could result in loss of
control of the helicopter.
(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2024-0223,
dated November 26, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0223).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0223
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0223 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in
paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2024-0223.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0223 specifies ``Within
12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved
AMP'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``Within 30 days
after the effective date of this AD, revise the airworthiness
limitations section of the existing maintenance manual or
instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing approved
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable''.
(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0223 is on or before the applicable
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0223 or within 30 days
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0223.
(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
No alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals,
including life limits, are allowed for compliance with paragraph (g)
of this AD unless they are approved as specified in the provisions
of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2024-0223.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9adbd7d5d9dafcfbfbb4fdf5ec"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="99d8d4d6dad9fff8f8b7fef6ef">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 Yves Petiote,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (202) 975-4867; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#18616e7d6b36687d6c71776c7d587e7979367f776e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e69f908395c89683928f899283a6808787c8818990">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 2024-0223,
dated November 26, 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#edaca99ead888c9e8cc388989f829d8cc38898"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="99d8ddead9fcf8eaf8b7fcecebf6e9f8b7fcec">[email protected]</span></a>; 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, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, 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 <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#94f2e6b9fdfae7e4f1f7e0fdfbfad4faf5e6f5baf3fbe2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8debffa0e4e3fefde8eef9e4e2e3cde3ecffeca3eae2fb">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on December 8, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-24179 Filed 12-31-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive ...
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