[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 161 (Friday, August 22, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40961-40964]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-16083]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0615; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00990-R;
Amendment 39-23112; AD 2025-17-02]
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 Model EC120B, EC 130 B4, and EC 130 T2 helicopters.
This AD was prompted by a report of a missing retaining ring between
the supply hose and the central supply coupling of an emergency
flotation system (EFS) inflation assembly. This AD requires inspecting
for the presence of the retaining ring in an EFS with certain inflation
assemblies installed and, depending on the results, taking corrective
action. This AD also prohibits installing an EFS with those inflation
assemblies installed. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 26, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 26,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0615; 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 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.
For Safran Aerosystems material identified in this AD,
contact Safran Aerosystems, Floats & Rafts, 58 rue de Segonzac--B.P.
81, 16103 Cognac Cedex, France; phone: +33 5 45 83 20 20; email:
[email protected]; website: www.safran-aerosystems.com/customers.
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. The EASA material is also
available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0615.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexis Whitaker, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (516) 228-7309; 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 Helicopters
Model EC120B, EC 130 B4, and EC 130 T2 helicopters. The NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2025 (90 FR 15659). The
NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2023-0166, dated August 25, 2023 (EASA AD
2023-0166) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI
advises of a report that, during a maintenance check of a helicopter,
it was discovered that a retaining ring was missing from the connection
between the supply hose and the central supply coupling of an EFS
inflation assembly. The MCAI states that the unsafe condition, if not
detected and corrected, could lead to inflation of the EFS on only one
side of the helicopter after ditching, which could result in immediate
capsizing of
[[Page 40962]]
the helicopter, possibly preventing the evacuation of occupants. In the
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspecting for the presence of the
retaining ring in an EFS with certain inflation assemblies installed
and, depending on the results, taking corrective action. The NPRM also
proposed to prohibit installing an EFS with those inflation assemblies
installed. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from three commenters. Commenters
included two individuals and Air Evac Lifeteam. The two individuals
supported the NPRM without change. The following presents the comment
received from Air Evac Lifeteam on the NPRM and the FAA's response to
this comment.
Request To Revise Compliance Statement and Requirement
Air Evac Lifeteam stated that there is not a specified compliance
path for any aircraft that does not have an EFS inflation system
installed. The commenter suggested adding a compliance statement
(requirement) to verify that an affected part is installed. The
commenter added that if the affected part is not installed, then no
further action would be required.
The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request to revise the
compliance requirements. As stated in the MCAI, which is incorporated
by reference in this AD, ``Group 2 helicopters are those that do not
have an affected part installed.'' Operators are responsible for
reviewing their aircraft records to determine whether their helicopters
are classified under Group 2. If so, no further action is required
beyond maintaining standard documentation in accordance with their
approved procedures and ensuring that an EFS with those inflation
assemblies installed is not installed on a Group 2 helicopter.
Therefore, an additional compliance statement is unnecessary, as the
existing language in the MCAI already defines the applicability of the
AD based on the presence or absence of the affected part. The FAA has
not changed this AD in this regard.
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.
Additional Changes Made to this Final Rule
In the NPRM, the FAA designated paragraph (g) as ``Clarification of
Required Material.'' This final rule redesignates paragraph (g) of this
AD as ``Required Actions'' and moves the clarification of required
material to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. The FAA redesignated paragraph
(g) to (h)(2) to further clarify that operators must use Safran
Aerosystems Service Bulletin 025-69-42, Revision 00, dated June 13,
2023, where EASA AD 2023-0166 refers to ``the Vendor SB.''
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2023-0166, which specifies procedures for
inspecting the connection between the supply hose and the central
supply coupling for the presence of the retaining ring in the EFS with
certain inflation assemblies installed and, depending on the results,
corrective action, which includes either sending the EFS to Safran
Aerosystems or a Safran-approved repair center or installing a
retaining ring. EASA AD 2023-0166 also prohibits installing an EFS with
those inflation assemblies installed on any helicopter.
The FAA also reviewed Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 025-69-
42, Revision 00, dated June 13, 2023, which specifies procedures for
inspecting the connection between the supply hose and the central
supply coupling for the presence of the retaining ring in the EFS with
certain inflation assemblies installed. If the retaining ring is
present, this material specifies procedures for wrapping the supply
hose connection with new adhesive tape. If the retaining ring is not
present, this material specifies procedures for installing a retaining
ring.
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 MCAI applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC 175 B helicopters,
whereas this AD does not because that model does not have an FAA type
certificate.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 359 helicopters of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
Estimated Cost
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspect EFS inflation assembly........... 4.5 work-hours x $85 per $0 $383 $137,318
hour = $383.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
required inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need this replacement:
[[Page 40963]]
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Install retaining ring....................... 0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour = $11 $32.25
$21.25.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
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:
2025-17-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23112; Docket No. FAA-
2025-0615; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00990-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 26,
2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B, EC 130 B4,
and EC 130 T2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3212, Emergency
Flotation Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a missing retaining ring
between the supply hose and the central supply coupling of an
emergency flotation system (EFS) inflation assembly. The FAA is
issuing this AD to detect and address a missing EFS inflation
assembly retaining ring. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in improper inflation of the EFS, immediate capsizing
of the helicopter, and subsequent prevention of the evacuation of
occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
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 2023-0166,
dated August 25, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0166).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0166
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0166 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0166 defines ``the Vendor SB'', for this
AD, operators must use Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 025-69-
42, Revision 00, dated June 13, 2023.
(3) Where EASA AD 2023-0166 defines the ``affected part'', this
AD requires replacing ``the ASB (as defined in this AD)'' and ``the
ASB'' with ``Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC120-25-
40-0001 and ASB EC130-25-40-0001, each Issue 001 and dated July 12,
2023, as applicable''.
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0166 states ``At the
time of next removal of the EFS from the helicopter or within 19
months, whichever occurs first'', this AD requires replacing that
text with ``Within 19 months''.
(5) Where the ASB, as defined and referenced in EASA AD 2023-
0166, specifies sending parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(6) Where the Vendor SB, referenced in the ASB, as defined and
referenced in EASA AD 2023-0166, specifies that its procedures must
be performed by the Safran Aerosystems repair network or by staff
able to perform the float maintenance in accordance with applicable
maintenance documentation, this AD requires that those procedures be
accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
(7) Where the Vendor SB, referenced in the ASB, as defined and
referenced in EASA AD 2023-0166, specifies discarding adhesive tape,
this AD requires removing the adhesive tape from service.
(8) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0166.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0166 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(j) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the
actions required by this AD can be accomplished, provided it is a
non-revenue and no passenger flight and without flight over water.
(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
[[Page 40964]]
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Alexis Whitaker,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (202) 975-4867; 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0166,
dated August 25, 2023.
(ii) Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 025-69-42, Revision 00,
dated June 13, 2023.
(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 the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) For Safran Aerosystems material identified in this AD,
contact Safran Aerosystems, Floats & Rafts, 58 rue de Segonzac--B.P.
81, 16103 Cognac Cedex, France; phone: +33 5 45 83 20 20; email:
[email protected]; website: www.safran-aerosystems.com/customers.
(5) 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.
(6) 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 August 14, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-16083 Filed 8-21-25; 8:45 am]
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