AD 2026-03-08 ACTIVE

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-07- 06, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. AD 2025-07-06 required measuring the axial play of the rotating scissors spherical bearings and depending on the results, accomplishing corrective action and reporting inspection results. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-07-06 a determination was made that repetitive inspections for axial play measurements on non-rotating scissors spherical bearings are necessary. This AD retains all of the actions required in AD 2025-07-06 and extends the definition of an affected part to include all serial numbered non-rotating scissors spherical bearings. This AD also prohibits installing affected rotating and non- rotating scissors spherical bearings unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Final rule; request for comments.

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: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2025-07-06, Amendment 39-23008 (90 FR 15306, April 10, 2025); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-03-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23257; Docket No. FAA-2026-0743; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01764-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 10, 2026. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2025-07-06, Amendment 39-23008 (90 FR 15306, April 10, 2025) (AD 2025-07-06). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6230, Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by report of excessive axial play of the scissors spherical bearings (rotating and non-rotating). The FAA is issuing this AD to address excessive axial play of the scissors spherical bearings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2025-0264, dated November 26, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0264). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0264 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0264 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0264 refers to its effective date, or January 21, 2025 (the effective date of EASA AD 2025-0018), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where Table 3 in appendix 1 of EASA AD 2025-0264 refers to October 24, 2024 (the effective date of EASA AD 2024-0206-E), this AD requires using January 17, 2025 (the effective date of AD 2024-26-01). (4) Where paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2025-0264 specifies to report inspection results to AH [Airbus Helicopters] within certain compliance times, for this AD, report inspection results at the applicable times specified in paragraphs (h)(4)(i) or (ii) of this AD. (i) For an inspection done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 7 days after the inspection. (ii) For an inspection done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 7 days after the effective date of this AD. (5) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0264. (i) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (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: AMOC@faa.gov. (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 Steven Warwick, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5225; email: steven.r.warwick@faa.gov. (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 2025-0264, dated November 26, 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: ADs@easa.europa.eu; 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 fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on February 4, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. Issued on February 4, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-03520 Filed 2-20-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under ADDRESSES . Include "Docket No. FAA-2026-0743; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01764-R" at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule. 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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Steven Warwick, 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 a series of ADs, originally issuing EASA Emergency AD 2024-0206-E, dated October 22, 2024 (EASA Emergency AD 2024-0206-E), to correct an unsafe condition identified as excessive axial play of the rotating scissors spherical bearings. To address this unsafe condition, the FAA issued AD 2024-26-01 Amendment 39-22915 (90 FR 20, January 2, 2025) (AD 2024-26-01), which required a one-time measurement of the axial play of the rotating scissors spherical bearings, and depending on the results, accomplishing corrective action and reporting inspection results. Subsequently, EASA issued EASA AD 2025-0018, dated January 14, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0018) which superseded EASA Emergency AD 2024-0206-E, due to the manufacturer issuing revised material, which extended the list of the affected parts to all serial numbers, reduced the initial inspection compliance time, and established repetitive inspections for certain axial play measurements. The FAA did not issue an AD corresponding to EASA AD 2025-0018. Additionally, EASA superseded AD 2025-0018 and issued EASA AD 2025-0040, dated February 14, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0040), which prompted the FAA to issue AD 2025-07-06, Amendment 39-23008 (90 FR 15306, April 10, 2025) (AD 2025-07-06). EASA AD 2025-0040 stated the manufacturer revised the applicable material by amending the initial inspection compliance time and adding reporting requirements when the axial play exceeds 0.20 mm. AD 2025-07-06 retained some of the actions required in AD 2024-26-01 and also revised the initial compliance time, extended the definition of an affected part to all serial numbered rotating scissors spherical bearings, extended the reporting requirements, and required repetitive inspections. The FAA issued AD 2025-07-06 to address excessive axial play of the rotating scissors spherical bearings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control of the helicopter. Actions Since AD 2025-07-06 Was Issued Since the FAA issued AD 2025-07-06, EASA superseded EASA AD 2025-0040 and issued EASA AD 2025-0264, dated November 26, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0264) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that it has been determined that the required inspections for axial play measurements are also necessary for the non-rotating scissors spherical bearings. Since the issuance of AD 2025-07-06, the FAA received a comment from one individual that is outside the scope of this AD. The comment disposition below specifically explains and addresses this comment. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-0743. Comment on AD 2025-07-06 The FAA gave the public the opportunity to comment on AD 2025-07-06. The FAA received one comment that was general, did not make a suggestion specific to the AD, and did not make a request the FAA can act on. This comment is outside the scope of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0264, which specifies procedures for measuring the axial play of the rotating and non-rotating scissors spherical bearings and depending on the results of these inspections, accomplishing additional inspections or replacing the affected part. EASA AD 2025-0264 also specifies reporting inspection results to Airbus Helicopters and prohibits installing an affected rotating and non-rotating scissors spherical bearing 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, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. AD Requirements This AD retains all requirements of AD 2025-07-06 and also requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2025-0264, described previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. 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 civil aviation authority 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, EASA AD 2025-0264 is incorporated by reference in this AD. This AD requires compliance with EASA AD 2025-0264 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2025-0264 does not mean that operators need to 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 2025-0264. Material required by EASA AD 2025-0264 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-0743 after this AD is published. Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq. ) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for "good cause," finds that those procedures are "impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest." Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause. An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the affected components are part of an assembly that is critical to the control of a helicopter. The FAA has no information pertaining to the extent of excessive axial play of the rotating or non-rotating scissors spherical bearings that may currently exist in helicopters or how quickly degradation may occur. As the affected parts have been expanded to include rotating and non-rotating scissors spherical bearings, all serial numbers, it is possible an initial inspection has not been performed on a helicopter where the unsafe condition exists. This excessive axial play of the rotating or non-rotating scissors spherical bearings is considered early for these parts. Accordingly, the initial actions required by this AD must be accomplished within a time period as short as 30 days for some helicopters. This compliance time is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b). In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and comment. Regulatory Flexibility Act The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Interim Action The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects nine helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: Estimated Costs Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Measurement of axial play 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 $0 $255 $2,295 Reporting inspection results 1 work hour × $85 per hour = $85 0 85 765 The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need these replacements: On-Condition Costs Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Replacement of the rotating scissor spherical bearing 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 $1,300 $1,470 Replacement of the non-rotating scissor spherical bearing 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 1,300 1,470 Paperwork Reduction Act A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524. 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, and (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2025-07-06, Amendment 39-23008 (90 FR 15306, April 10, 2025); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-03-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23257; Docket No. FAA-2026-0743; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01764-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 10, 2026. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2025-07-06, Amendment 39-23008 (90 FR 15306, April 10, 2025) (AD 2025-07-06). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6230, Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by report of excessive axial play of the scissors spherical bearings (rotating and non-rotating). The FAA is issuing this AD to address excessive axial play of the scissors spherical bearings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2025-0264, dated November 26, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0264). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0264 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0264 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0264 refers to its effective date, or January 21, 2025 (the effective date of EASA AD 2025-0018), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where Table 3 in appendix 1 of EASA AD 2025-0264 refers to October 24, 2024 (the effective date of EASA AD 2024-0206-E), this AD requires using January 17, 2025 (the effective date of AD 2024-26-01). (4) Where paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2025-0264 specifies to report inspection results to AH [Airbus Helicopters] within certain compliance times, for this AD, report inspection results at the applicable times specified in paragraphs (h)(4)(i) or (ii) of this AD. (i) For an inspection done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 7 days after the inspection. (ii) For an inspection done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 7 days after the effective date of this AD. (5) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0264. (i) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (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: AMOC@faa.gov. (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 Steven Warwick, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5225; email: steven.r.warwick@faa.gov. (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 2025-0264, dated November 26, 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: ADs@easa.europa.eu; 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 fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on February 4, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

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-2026-0743; 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 street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: - 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: ADs@easa.europa.eu; 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. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-0743.

Steven Warwick, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5225; email: steven.r.warwick@faa.gov .