[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 6 (Friday, January 9, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 929-931]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-00247]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 6 / Friday, January 9, 2026 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 929]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0008; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01103-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report of a leak on a gas cylinder within the
emergency life raft system (ELRS) container assembly due to geometrical
gaps between the burst disk and the valve body. This proposed AD would
require replacing the ELRS container assembly. This proposed AD would
prohibit installing an affected ELRS container assembly unless certain
requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by February 23, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0008; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this proposed 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.
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Williams, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (316) 946-4134; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-0008; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-01103-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Matthew Williams, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, issued EASA AD 2025-0130, dated June 4, 2025 (EASA AD
2025-0130), to correct an unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters Model
H160-B helicopters. EASA AD 2025-0130 states that an occurrence was
reported of a leak on a gas cylinder within the ELRS container
assembly. Subsequent investigation revealed that this leakage was due
to geometrical gaps between the burst disk and the valve body. This
condition, if not addressed, could result in the failure of the release
of the life rafts during an emergency landing on water and consequently
prevent a timely egress from the helicopter, which could result in
injury to helicopter occupants.
EASA AD 2025-0130 specified procedures for replacement of an
affected ELRS container assembly and prohibited the installation of
affected ELRS container assembly unless certain requirements are met.
EASA then revised EASA AD 2025-0130 and issued EASA AD 2025-0130R1,
dated June 16, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0130R1) (also referred to as the
MCAI) to specify that the amendment A or higher identification in the
definition of
[[Page 930]]
affected ELRS container assembly relates to a gas cylinder and not to
the ELRS container assembly part number.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0008.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0130R1, which specifies procedures to
replace the ELRS container assembly having Airbus left-hand part number
(P/N) U256A80A1005 or right-hand P/N U256A80A1006 with a serviceable
ELRS container assembly and sending an affected ELRS container assembly
to a Safran Aerosystems repair facility for further corrective actions.
EASA AD 2025-0130R1 also prohibits installing an affected ELRS
container assembly on any helicopter unless certain requirements are
met. 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.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
(CAA) 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 is issuing
this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2025-0130R1, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD. See ``Differences Between this Proposed AD
and the MCAI'' for a discussion of the general differences included in
this AD.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
The MCAI specifies sending the affected ELRS container assembly to
a Safran Aerosystems repair facility, whereas this proposed AD would
allow sending the affected ELRS container assembly to a Safran
Aerosystems repair facility or an FAA-approved repair facility.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some CAA ADs as the primary
source of information for compliance with requirements for
corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with
manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to incorporate
EASA AD 2025-0130R1 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2025-0130R1 in its
entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in EASA AD 2025-0130R1 does not mean that operators need comply
only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2025-0130R1. Material required by
EASA AD 2025-0130R1 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov
under Docket No. FAA-2026-0008 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect nine helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Replace ELRS container assembly.... 2 work-hours x $85 per no definitive data on $170 $1,530
hour = $170. cost of affected part
or shipment of part.
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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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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.
[[Page 931]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2026-0008; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-01103-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by February 23, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2564, Life Raft.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a leak on a gas cylinder
within the emergency life raft system (ELRS) container assembly due
to geometrical gaps between the burst disk and the valve body. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the leakage of the gas cylinder
within the ELRS container assembly. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in the failure of the release of the life
rafts during an emergency landing on water and consequently prevent
a timely egress from the helicopter, which could result in injury to
helicopter occupants.
(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 2025-
0130R1, dated June 16, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0130R1).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0130R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0130R1 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0130R1 refers to flight hours (FH), this
AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0130R1
specifies to send the affected ELRS container assembly to a Safran
Aerosystems repair facility, this AD allows operators to send the
affected ELRS container assembly to Safran Aerosystems repair
facility or an FAA-approved repair facility.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0130R1.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0130R1
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not require this action.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199, provided there are no flights over water.
(k) 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 (l) 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.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Matthew Williams,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4134; email:
[email protected].
(m) 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 2025-0130R1,
dated June 16, 2025.
(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, 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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on January 7, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-00247 Filed 1-8-26; 8:45 am]
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