[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 2, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28885-28889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-12377]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-1116; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00708-R; 
Amendment 39-23071; AD 2025-13-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This AD was prompted by 
occurrences of premature in-service degradation of the main rotor 
swashplate assembly (swashplate) bearing. This AD requires repetitively 
inspecting the swashplate bearing for the presence of grease, and 
depending on the inspection results, performing corrective actions. 
This AD requires performing certain operational checks, downloading and 
analyzing certain data, and, depending on the results of the 
operational checks, further corrective actions. This AD also requires 
repetitively performing one flight under specific conditions. 
Additionally, this AD requires inspecting grease on the swashplate 
bearing and, depending on the inspection results, applying a certain 
grease or replacing the grease. This AD allows installing certain part-
numbered swashplate bearings provided certain requirements are met. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES:  This AD is effective July 17, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 17, 
2025.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 18, 2025.

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-2025-1116; 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: [email protected]; 
website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA 
website at ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available at regulations.gov 
under Docket No. FAA-2025-1116.
     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: Aryanna Sanchez, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (817) 222-4058; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-1116; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2024-00708-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 Aryanna 
Sanchez, 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, has issued EASA AD 2024-0229, dated December 2, 2024 
(EASA AD 2024-0229) (also referred to as the MCAI) to correct an unsafe 
condition on Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. The MCAI 
states multiple occurrences were reported of premature in-service 
degradation of the swashplate bearing, which could have been due to the 
use of the wrong grease or a mixture of incompatible greases. The MCAI 
also states the health usage monitoring system (HUMS) has been 
effective to detect early degradation of the swashplate bearings; 
however, data shows that additional inspections and repetitive flights 
are needed to ensure HUMS data is analyzed on a regular basis to detect 
the degradation.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent premature swashplate bearing 
degradation. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
failure of the swashplate bearing and consequent reduced control of the 
helicopter.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-1116.

[[Page 28886]]

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0229, which specifies procedures for:
     repetitively inspecting the swashplate assembly and 
surrounding areas for the presence of black grease, and if abnormal 
grease is detected, performing corrective actions. Corrective actions 
include performing a functional test of the swashplate bearing and, 
depending on the results, replacing the main rotor mast assembly or 
repeating the functional tests.
     performing a check of the HUMS flight report and a check 
of the condition of the HUMS vibration overlimit monitoring operation, 
including downloading and analyzing the HUMS data of the swashplate 
bearing. If a discrepancy is detected, the MCAI specifies to contact AH 
[Airbus Helicopters] for corrective actions.
     repetitively performing one flight under specific 
conditions to verify the status of the HUMS vibration overlimit 
monitoring.
     identifying the type of grease that was applied during the 
last swashplate bearing lubrication and if incorrect grease was applied 
or if the grease is unknown, replacing it.
    EASA AD 2024-0229 allows an affected swashplate bearing to be 
installed on a helicopter provided the swashplate bearing is new and 
has not previously been installed on a helicopter.
    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 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 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 requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 
2024-0229, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except 
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of 
this AD. See ``Differences Between this AD and the MCAI'' for a 
discussion of the general differences included in this AD. The owner/
operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may 
perform the initial check of the HUMS flight report or repetitively 
perform one flight to verify the status of the HUMS vibration overlimit 
monitoring and must enter compliance with the applicable paragraph(s) 
of the AD into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 
CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The pilot may perform these actions 
because they only involve visually checking the HUMS flight report or 
performing a flight. These actions could be performed equally well by a 
pilot or a mechanic. This is an exception to the FAA's standard 
maintenance regulations.

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 (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, 
EASA AD 2024-0229 is incorporated by reference in this AD. This AD 
requires compliance with EASA AD 2024-0229 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 2024-0229 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 
2024-0229. Material required by EASA AD 2024-0229 for compliance will 
be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-1116 after 
this AD is published.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    Where the MCAI does not specify who is authorized to download and 
analyze the HUMS vibration overlimit checks, this AD requires those 
actions to be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
    Where the MCAI requires accomplishing corrective actions in 
accordance with the instructions of the service material, and within 
the compliance times specified in the service material referenced in 
the MCAI, this AD requires accomplishing the instructions or corrective 
actions in accordance with a method approved by the FAA, EASA; or 
Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
    Where material referenced in the MCAI does not specify who may 
perform a functional test or who may perform the dedicated maintenance 
instructions for any other exceedance, this AD does not allow those 
procedures to be performed by a pilot (owner/operator) and requires 
those procedures to be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 
43.3.
    Where the material referenced in the MCAI allows ``operations and 
maintenance'' to analyze a flight report, perform a check of the HUMS 
vibration overlimit monitoring operation, download and transfer HUMS 
data to Airbus Helicopters, and perform one flight to verify the status 
of the HUMS vibration overlimit monitoring, this AD only allows a pilot 
to perform the initial check of the HUMS flight report for the presence 
of a reported event and to repetitively perform one flight to verify 
the status of the HUMS vibration overlimit monitoring.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final 
action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.

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 several occurrences have already been reported of in-service 
degradation on these swashplate bearings, which are critical to the 
control of the helicopter. Additionally, the cause of the unsafe 
condition is still being investigated and the reporting requirements 
may be crucial to

[[Page 28887]]

understanding the root cause. In light of this, the initial action 
required by this AD must be accomplished before further flight or 
within 15 hours time-in-service for some helicopters, which 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 the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects nine helicopters of U.S. 
registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per hour. Based on these 
numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
    Visually inspecting for the presence of black grease will take 0.5 
work-hours for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $387 for the 
U.S. fleet.
    Accomplishing a check of the HUMS vibration overlimit monitoring 
will take 0.25 work-hours for an estimated cost of $21 per helicopter 
and $189 for the U.S. fleet.
    Downloading and sending the HUMS data to Airbus Helicopters for 
analysis, which is considered a reporting requirement in this AD, will 
take 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $765 
for the U.S. fleet.
    Verifying helicopter records to determine which grease was applied 
will take 0.25 work-hours for an estimated cost of $21 per helicopter 
and $189 for the U.S. fleet.
    If required, removing and replacing grease will take 5 work-hours 
for an estimated cost of $425 per helicopter.
    If required, accomplishing a functional test will take 1 work-hour 
for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.
    If required, replacing an affected main rotor mast will take 114 
work-hours and parts will cost up to $316,023 for an estimated cost of 
$325,713 per helicopter.
    The FAA has no way of determining the number of work-hours it will 
take to accomplish the corrective actions if HUMS support is needed.

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

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:

2025-13-05 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23071; Docket No. FAA-
2025-1116; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00708-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 17, 2025.

(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: 6230, Main rotor 
mast/swashplate.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of premature degradation of the 
main rotor swashplate assembly (swashplate) bearing. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent premature swashplate bearing degradation. 
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of 
the swashplate bearing and consequent 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

[[Page 28888]]

accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2024-0229, 
dated December 2, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0229).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0229

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0229 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
    (2) Where EASA AD 2024-0229 refers to its effective date or 
where EASA AD 2024-0229 refers to December 25, 2023 [the effective 
date of EASA AD 2023-0222-E], this AD requires using the effective 
date of this AD.
    (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0229 specifies ``Within 
15 flight hours (FH) or before the next cleaning of the swashplate 
bearing, whichever occurs first after December 25, 2023 [the 
effective date of EASA AD 2023-0222-E], and, thereafter, before any 
cleaning of the swashplate bearings or at intervals not exceeding 15 
flight hours [FH], whichever occurs first'', this AD requires 
replacing that text with ``Within 15 hours TIS or at the next 50 
hour Swashplate Bearing--Functional Test or 300 hour Swashplate 
Bearing--Lubrication, whichever occurs first after July 17, 2025, 
the effective date of FAA AD 2025-13-05, and thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 15 hours TIS''.
    (4) Where the material referenced in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 
2024-0229 specifies a check of the Health Usage Monitoring System 
(HUMS) flight report for reporting of MR SWASHPLATE: EXCEEDANCE in 
accordance with paragraph 4.3 of the accomplishment procedure of the 
ASB [Alert Service Bulletin], for this AD, the owner/operator 
(pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform 
only the initial check of the HUMS flight report for the presence of 
a reported event and must enter compliance into 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 135.439.
    Note 1 to paragraph (h)(4): The initial check of the HUMS flight 
report is part of the normal flight report procedures, and the 
flowcharts are not required to perform the initial check.
    (5) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2024-0229 specifies a check 
of the HUMS vibration overlimit monitoring for reporting of MR 
SWASHPLATE: UNDEFINED or MR SWASHPLATE: EXCEEDANCE in accordance 
with the instructions of paragraph 4.4 of the accomplishment 
procedure of the ASB, this AD requires those actions be accomplished 
by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3 and may not be performed by 
the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot 
certificate.
    (6) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2024-0229 specifies ``perform 
one flight to verify the status of the HUMS vibration overlimit 
monitoring in accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.6 of 
the accomplishment procedure of the ASB'', this AD requires 
replacing that text with ``perform one flight to verify the status 
of the HUMS vibration overlimit monitoring. The owner/operator 
(pilot) may perform this flight and verification and must enter 
compliance with this paragraph into 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 
135.439''.
    (7) Where paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2024-0229 specifies ``Where 
the ASB provides instruction to contact AH [Airbus Helicopters] HUMS 
support, this AD requires to contact AH for applicable instructions 
and to accomplish those instructions accordingly'', this AD requires 
replacing that text with ``Accomplish the instructions or corrective 
actions in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus 
Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by 
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature''.
    (8) Where paragraph (8) of EASA AD 2024-0229 specifies 
``check'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``test''.
    (9) Where paragraph (8) of EASA AD 2024-0229 refers to any 
discrepancy, for the purposes of this AD, a discrepancy (pertaining 
to any functional test [check]) is identified as any abnormal relief 
or hard point (ratcheting or blocking) felt during rotation at a low 
constant speed, or any axial play on the installed rotating 
swashplate. An abnormal relief occurs when the passage of the balls 
on a spalling of the race can be felt by vibrations in the hands and 
arms during the rotation. A hard point occurs when there is a 
ratcheting or blocking of the ball bearing and is felt by a 
sensation of braking or stopping exerting an additional force during 
the rotation. Axial play is detected by manually shaking the 
equipped rotating swashplate vertically from top to bottom (up and 
down).
    Note 2 to paragraph (h)(9): Additional information to identify 
discrepancies is included in the video specified in Work Card 
Swashplate Bearing--Functional test 62-32-3001, 340, dated November 
4, 2022.
    (10) Where paragraph (8) of EASA AD 2024-0229 specifies 
``replace the main rotor mast assembly in accordance with the 
instructions of the ASB'', this AD requires replacing that text with 
``remove the main rotor mast assembly from service in accordance 
with the instructions of the ASB and replace it with an airworthy 
main rotor mast assembly''.
    (11) Instead of complying with paragraph (10) of EASA AD 2024-
0229, for this AD, as of the effective date of this AD, do not 
lubricate the swashplate bearing with unknown grease or any grease 
other than Nyco Grease GN10.
    (12) Where paragraph (11) of EASA AD 2024-0229 specifies 
``Before next swashplate bearings lubrication or within 15 FH 
whichever occurs first after 25 December 2023 [the effective date of 
EASA AD 2023-0222-E],'', this AD requires replacing that text with 
``Within 15 hours TIS or at the next 300 hour Swashplate Bearing--
Lubrication, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of AD 
2025-13-05''.
    (13) Where paragraph (12) of EASA AD 2024-0229 specifies ``it is 
determined that the grease used during the last swashplate bearings 
lubrication is not listed in CM115 type 1, or it is unknown'', this 
AD requires replacing that text with ``unknown grease or any grease 
other than Nyco Grease GN10 was used''.
    (14) Where paragraph (14) of EASA AD 2024-0229 specifies 
``Inspection, corrective actions, and greasing accomplished on a 
helicopter before the effective date of this AD in accordance with 
the instructions of ASB H160-B 62-32-0001 Issue 001 are acceptable 
for compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (1) to (5), and 
(7) to (12) of this AD, as applicable, for that helicopter'', this 
AD requires replacing that text with ``Initial inspection, 
corrective actions, and greasing accomplished on a helicopter before 
the effective date of AD 2025-13-05 in accordance with the 
instructions of ASB H160-B 62-32-0001 Issue 001, dated December 19, 
2023, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
paragraphs (1) through (5), and (7) through (12) of EASA AD 2024-
0229, as applicable, for that helicopter''.
    (15) This AD does not adopt the Remarks section of EASA AD 2024-
0229.

(i) 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 (j)(1) 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.

(j) Additional Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Aryanna Sanchez, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-4058; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Airbus Helicopters material identified in this AD that is 
not incorporated by reference is available at Airbus Helicopters, 
2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone: (972) 641-
0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax: (972) 641-3775; or at airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld.

(k) 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 2024-0229, 
dated December 2, 2024.
    (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];

[[Page 28889]]

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 June 27, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-12377 Filed 6-30-25; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P