# Proposed AD FAA-2026-8790: Airbus Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Comment period closed
- Products: Airbus Helicopters SA330J
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: September 1, 2026, 91 FR 56081
- Comments due: October 16, 2026
- Docket: FAA-2026-8790 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2026-8790, where comments are filed)
- Project: MCAI-2025-01793-R
- FR document: 2026-17840
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/39/0e/390eb34dac4a88d2af45d75aabcdddd483a43ab929ff657514feb74decf3749e (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-01/pdf/2026-17840.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/01/2026-17840/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FR-ADNPRM-2026-17840-00000000000.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2026-8790

## Summary

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-08-06, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. AD 2025-08-06 requires repetitively inspecting for a gap between the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing, replacing the MGB fan rotor bearings with serviceable bearings if necessary, and at a later compliance time replacing the MGB fan rotor bearing assembly with an improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-08-06, the FAA has determined that the compliance time for installing the improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly should be extended. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2025-08-06 and would increase the compliance time for installing the improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing any MGB fan rotor bearings and any MGB fan rotor bearing assembly, unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- Sep 1, 2026: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2026-17840, comments due Oct 16, 2026 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/01/2026-17840/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters)

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