[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 108 (Friday, June 6, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24064-24066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-10331]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0211; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00706-R;
Amendment 39-23035; AD 2025-10-01]
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
certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, and EC130B4
helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of broken cargo swing
frames and the determination to change an existing repetitive
inspection threshold. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the
cargo swing installation and frame and, depending on the results,
performing corrective action, as 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 July 11, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 11,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No.FAA-2025-0211; 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
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]; 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-2025-0211.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Warwick, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-5225; 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 certain Airbus
Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, and EC130B4 helicopters. The NPRM
was published in the Federal Register on February 25, 2025 (90 FR
10619). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2023-0107, dated May 26, 2023
(EASA AD 2023-0107) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union. The MCAI states there have been reports of a broken cargo swing
frame during a flight transition to hover, resulting in loss of the
load. Subsequent investigation revealed that the interval for the
repetitive inspections of the swing cargo installation, currently
defined in operating hours in the applicable aircraft maintenance
manual (AMM), must be based on sling cycles (SC), and that certain
cargo swing installations have been operated beyond the applicable
repetitive inspection interval based on SC.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting
the cargo swing installation and frame and, depending on the results,
performing corrective action, as specified in EASA AD 2023-0107. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0211.
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
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 2023-0107, which specifies procedures for
a one-time inspection of the cargo swing
[[Page 24065]]
installation and frame for an anomaly, which may be indicated by a
crack, distortion, scratch, hammering mark, or impact mark. Depending
on the results, EASA AD 2023-0107 specifies contacting AH [Airbus
Helicopters] for approved corrective action instructions and
accomplishing those instructions accordingly. 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 the MCAI
The material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0107 specifies that certain
procedures may be done by a pilot with correct training and
accreditation, whereas this AD requires those actions be accomplished
by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3. EASA AD 2023-0107 defines the
acronym ``SC'' as swing cycles, whereas this AD and the alert service
bulletin (ASB) referenced in EASA AD 2023-0107 define SC as sling
cycles. EASA AD 2023-0107 requires a one-time inspection, whereas this
AD requires repetitive inspections to require the updated threshold on
an on-going basis. Depending on the inspection results, EASA AD 2023-
0107 specifies contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] to obtain approved
corrective action instructions and accomplishing those instructions,
whereas this AD requires replacing the cargo swing frame.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,184 helicopters of U.S.
registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per hour. Based on these
numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
Visually inspecting the cargo swing installation and frame takes 2
work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $201,280
for the U.S. fleet. If required, dye penetrant inspecting the cargo
swing installation and frame takes 6 work-hours for an estimated cost
of $510 per helicopter. Replacing the cargo swing frame takes 4 work-
hours and the part costs $25,507, for an estimated cost of $25,847 per
helicopter.
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:
2025-10-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23035; Docket No. FAA-
2025-0211; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00706-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 11, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3,
and EC130B4 helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified
in European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2023-0107, dated May 26,
2023; corrected June 2, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0107).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Cabin
Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of broken cargo swing frames and
the determination to change an existing repetitive inspection
threshold. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of a cargo
swing frame. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
failure of a cargo swing frame, in-flight loss of load, and
consequent damage to and 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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2023-0107.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0107
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0107 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0107 defines SC as ``swing cycles,'' this
AD requires replacing that text with ``sling cycles.''
(3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0107 specifies
that certain procedures may be done by a pilot with correct training
and accreditation, this AD requires that those actions be
accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0107 states ``within the
compliance time specified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable,''
this AD requires replacing that text with ``within the compliance
time specified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable, and thereafter
at intervals not to exceed 12 months and 36 days or 550 SC,
whichever occurs first.''
(5) Where the AMM task, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0107,
specifies dye penetrant inspecting the cargo swing installation and
frame if in doubt if there is a crack, this AD requires dye
penetrant inspecting the cargo swing installation and frame if, as a
result of the visual inspection, there is a line having no visible
gap or misalignment to determine if the line is a scratch or a
crack.
Note 1 to paragraph (h)(5): Entering compliance into helicopter
maintenance records showing that a dye penetrant inspection was
performed improves the accuracy of maintenance records regarding use
of dye penetrant inspection dye.
[[Page 24066]]
(6) Instead of complying with paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-
0107, comply with the following, ``As a result of the actions
required by paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0107, if there is a
distortion, scratch, hammering mark, or impact mark that exceeds the
allowable limit, or any crack, gap, or misalignment, before further
flight, remove the cargo swing frame from service and replace it
with an airworthy cargo swing frame.''
(7) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0107.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0107 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199, provided no external cargo or person(s) is
hoisted.
(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 Steven Warwick,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5225; 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 2023-0107,
dated May 26, 2023; corrected June 2, 2023.
(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 this 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 May 7, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-10331 Filed 6-5-25; 8:45 am]
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