[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 64 (Friday, April 4, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14723-14726]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-05781]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2419; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00366-R;
Amendment 39-22992; AD 2025-06-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3,
AS350BA, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP,
EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a
manufacturer assessment that determined additional actions are
necessary to improve particle detection for main gearboxes (MGBs) with
certain planet gear bearings installed. This AD requires repetitively
inspecting the MGB bevel wheel and the MGB magnetic plug for particles
and prohibits installing an affected MGB unless certain requirements
are met. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 9, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 9, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2419; 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 EASA AD, any comments received,
and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: [email protected]. 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-2024-2419.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan McCully, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404)
474-5548; email: [email protected].
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 Model
AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 5, 2024 (89 FR
87821). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2023-0044, dated February 28,
2023, (EASA AD 2023-0044), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Union. EASA advises that after a
fleet design review for detection of particles in the MGB, it was
determined that additional maintenance actions are necessary to improve
detection of particles in the MGB.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting
the MGB bevel wheel for the presence of particles, repetitively
inspecting the MGB magnetic plug for particles, close monitoring of the
MGB magnetic plug if it has particles, and replacing the epicyclic
module if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit installing an
affected MGB unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing
this AD to detect and correct the presence of particles in the MGB,
which if not addressed, could result in reduced or loss of control of
the helicopter.
You may examine EASA AD 2023-0044 in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2419.
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 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, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the EASA AD referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data 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
EASA AD 2023-0044 requires repetitive borescope visual inspections
of the bevel wheel of the affected MGB for particles, collecting and
analyzing any found particles, and depending on the results, further
actions, accomplishing corrective action in accordance with the ASB
defined within, or contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] for further
corrective action. EASA AD 2023-0044 also requires accomplishing a
borescope visual inspection of the bevel wheel of the affected MGB for
particles following the detection of any particles at the MGB magnetic
plug during accomplishment of certain maintenance tasks and depending
on the results, taking corrective action. Lastly, EASA AD 2023-0044
prohibits installing an affected MGB on any helicopter unless it is a
serviceable part as defined within and 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.
Differences Between this AD and EASA AD 2023-0044
EASA AD 2023-0044 applies to Model AS350BB helicopters, whereas
this AD does not because that model is not FAA-type certificated.
Where Note 1 in the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0044
specifies the option of 1 mechanical technician and 1 crew member, for
this
[[Page 14724]]
AD, the pilot is only permitted to turn the tail rotor (b) because the
other actions specified in the note must be accomplished by persons
authorized under 14 CFR 43.3. Therefore, for the purpose of this AD,
the owner/operator (pilot) may turn the tail rotor (b) and must enter
compliance with the applicable paragraph of this AD in the helicopter
maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and
91.417(a)(2)(v). The pilot may perform this action because it only
involves turning the tail rotor (b). This action can be performed
equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This action is an exception to
the FAA's standard maintenance regulations.
This AD does not require complying with paragraph (2) of EASA AD
2023-0044. Instead, this AD requires repetitively inspecting the MGB
magnetic plug for particles and, if there is any particle,
accomplishing a borescope visual inspection, as specified in paragraphs
(h)(6)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0044 specifies
contacting Airbus Helicopters for a certain action, this AD requires
accomplishing action in accordance with a method approved the FAA,
EASA, or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 522 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this AD.
A repetitive visual borescope inspection of the MGB bevel wheel
will take 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and
$44,370 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
If necessary, collecting and performing a metallurgical analysis of
the detected particles will take 6 work-hours for an estimated cost of
$510 per helicopter, per analysis.
Repetitively inspecting the magnetic plugs of the MGB will take 1
work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $44,370 for
the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
If required, close monitoring will take 2 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter, per close monitoring cycle.
Accomplishing a visual borescope inspection of the MGB bevel wheel
as a result of an MGB magnetic plug inspection will take 1 work-hour
for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.
If necessary, replacing an epicyclic module will take 56 work-hours
and parts will cost $50,524 (overhauled) for an estimated cost of
$55,284 per module.
If necessary, replacing a bevel reduction module will take 56 work-
hours and parts will cost $18,500 (overhaled) for an estimated cost of
$23,260 per module.
Certain corrective action could vary significantly from helicopter
to helicopter. The FAA has no data to determine the costs to accomplish
the corrective action.
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.
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
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2025-06-04 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22992; Docket No. FAA-
2024-2419; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00366-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 9, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6320, Main Rotor
Gearbox.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an assessment performed by the
manufacturer which determined that additional actions are necessary
to improve particle detection for main gearboxes (MGBs) with certain
part-numbered planet gear bearings installed. The FAA is issuing
this AD to detect and correct particles in the MGB. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced or loss of
control of the helicopter.
(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 2023-0044,
dated February 28, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0044).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0044
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0044 defines ``serviceable MGB'' as ``An
affected MGB which has accumulated less than 330 flight hours (FH)
since new (first installation on a helicopter), or since an
overhaul, or since an inspection in accordance with the instructions
of the ASB,'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``An
affected MGB which has accumulated less than 330 total hours time-
in-service since new (zero total hours time-in-service), since last
overhaul if
[[Page 14725]]
an overhaul has been accomplished, or since last inspection and any
specified corrective action in accordance with the instructions of
the ASB if an inspection and any specified corrective action by
following the instructions of the ASB have been accomplished.''
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0044 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(3) Where EASA AD 2023-0044 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(4) Where Note 1 in the material referenced in paragraph (1) of
EASA AD 2023-0044 specifies the option of 1 mechanical technician
and 1 crew member, for this AD, the pilot is only permitted to turn
the tail rotor (b). The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a
private pilot certificate may turn the tail rotor (b) and must enter
compliance with paragraph (g) of this AD in the helicopter
maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR
91.417, 121.380, or 135.43. All other actions specified in Note 1 in
the material referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0044 must
be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
(5) Where Note 2 in the material referenced in paragraph (1) of
EASA AD 2023-0044 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters for
further instructions if the bottom of the radius (a6) of the bevel
wheel (a3) or head screws (a4) (see Figure 2) are not clearly
visible, this AD requires, before further flight, accomplishing
action in accordance with a method approved by the FAA, EASA, or
Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(6) Instead of complying with paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-
0044, comply with the actions required by paragraphs (h)(6)(i) and
(ii) of this AD.
(i) After the effective date of this AD, and within the
compliance time intervals specified table 1 to paragraph (h)(6)(i)
of this AD, visually inspect the MGB magnetic plug for particles.
Note 1 to paragraph (h)(6)(i): Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM)
task 60-00-00, 6-2A, or AMM task 60-00-00, 6-2, or work card 60-00-
00-602, as applicable, provides information regarding inspecting the
MGB magnetic plug.
Table 1 to Paragraph (h)(6)(i)--MGB Magnetic Plug Inspections
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Initial compliance times (after
Helicopter model(s) the effective date of this AD) Interval compliance times
(hours TIS) (thereafter) (hours TIS)
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AS350B, AS350B1, AS350BA, and AS350D............. 5 30
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and 5 30
AS355NP.........................................
AS350B2 and AS350B3.............................. 10 100
EC130B4.......................................... 5 150
EC130T2.......................................... 5 150
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(ii) If there is any particle as a result of any MGB magnetic
plug inspection required by paragraph (h)(6)(i) of this AD, before
further flight, borescope inspect the bevel wheel of the affected
MGB for particles as required by paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0044.
If there is any particle as a result of the borescope inspection of
the bevel wheel, before further flight, collect and analyze the
particles as required by paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0044.
(7) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0044 specifies ``If,
during any inspection as required by paragraph (1) or (2) of this
AD,'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``If, during any
inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD.''
(8) Where the material referenced in paragraph (3) of EASA AD
2023-0044 specifies performing a metallurgical analysis and
contacting Airbus Helicopters if collected particles cannot be
characterized with Work Card 20-08-01-601, this AD does not require
contacting Airbus Helicopter but does require performing the
metallurgical analysis.
(9) This AD does not allow the ferry flight provision specified
in the material referenced in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0044;
for this AD, refer to paragraph (j) of this AD.
(10) Where the material referenced in paragraph (3) of EASA AD
2023-0044 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters if the damaged
module cannot be identified, this AD requires, before further
flight, accomplishing action in accordance with a method approved by
the FAA, EASA, or Airbus Helicopters' EASA DOA. If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(11) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2023-0044 states ``to
contact AH for corrective action(s) instructions, and within the
compliance time specified therein, to accomplish those instructions
accordingly,'' this AD requires replacing that text with
``accomplishing corrective actions in accordance with a method
approved by the FAA, EASA, or Airbus Helicopters' EASA DOA. If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.''
(12) Where paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2023-0044 states ``since new
(first installation a helicopter), or since an overhaul, or since an
inspection in accordance with the instructions of the ASB, as
applicable, and, thereafter, as required by this AD,'' this AD
requires replacing that text with ``since new (zero total hours
time-in-service), or since last overhaul if an overhaul has been
accomplished, or since last inspection and any specified corrective
action in accordance with the instructions of the ASB if an
inspection and any specified corrective action by following the
instructions of the ASB have been accomplished, and thereafter as
required by this AD.''
(13) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0044.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0044 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(j) Special Flight Permits
A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to permit a one-time, non-revenue flight to a
location where the actions required by this AD can be accomplished.
This flight must be performed with only essential flight crew.
(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. Information may be emailed 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) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dan McCully,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404) 474-5548; 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 2023-0044,
dated February 28, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
[[Page 14726]]
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 March 28, 2025.
Paul R. Bernado,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-05781 Filed 4-3-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P