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 EC130B4 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 23, 2026 (91 FR 46325). 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 2024-0232, dated December 5, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0232), (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that several incidents on the left-hand side swing and sliding doors have revealed some weaknesses in the locking mechanism. Additionally, the MCAI states that AH [Airbus Helicopters] Model EC130B4 helicopters that have embodied EC MOD [modification] 07 3796 were erroneously excluded from the applicability of a previously issued EASA AD.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require, for all AH Model EC130B4 helicopters, modifying the swing door star support and sliding door star support stringer and proposed to prohibit installing an affected composite door on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met. 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.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-7226.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received comments from one anonymous commenter. The commenter 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 2024-0232, which specifies procedures for modifying the door locking/unlocking mechanism by installing a reinforcing bracket and replacing rod ends and prohibits installing a composite door on any helicopter unless this modification is accomplished. 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. ( printed page 70780)

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

EASA AD 2024-0232 specifies to accomplish the modification of the locking/unlocking mechanism within 24 months. This AD requires the modification to be accomplished within 460 hours time-in-service (TIS) based on an average of 230 hours TIS per year. The FAA has determined this compliance time represents the maximum interval of time allowable for the affected helicopters to continue to safely operate before the modification is done.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 214 helicopters of U.S. registry.

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

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: