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 certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 28, 2026 (91 FR 31673). The NPRM was prompted by an MCAI, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2025-0263, dated November 26, 2025; corrected December 9, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0263) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that during maintenance on a helicopter, magnetization was observed on the solenoid valves for the three main servo-controls, the regulator block, and the tail servo-control. The MCAI also states that after further investigation, it was determined that diode 43D2 was not installed in the hydraulic circuit. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require performing a cut-off test of the rear rotor actuator valve and depending on the results of the test, the FAA proposed to require performing corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-4646.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the costs.

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 2025-0263, which specifies procedures for performing a cut-off test, and, if any discrepancy (failure of the test) is detected, replacing any affected diodes, or installing any missing diodes. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business ( printed page 52222) or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 12 helicopters of U.S. registry.

The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

The FAA estimates the following costs to do any installations or replacements that would be required based on the results of the test. The agency has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need these installations or replacements.

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:

(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.

The Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: