[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 167 (Tuesday, September 2, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42310-42312]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-16761]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0752; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00340-R;
Amendment 39-23124; AD 2025-17-14]
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 EC 130 B4 and EC 130 T2 helicopters. This AD
was prompted by a report of heavy damage on the fenestron due to the
loss of the tail rotor (TR) blade, which broke at the TR hub tension-
torsion bar (tension-torsion bar). This AD requires inspecting the
tension-torsion bar and, depending on the inspection results, replacing
the part with a serviceable part. This AD also prohibits performing
maintenance using certain maintenance
[[Page 42311]]
manuals. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 7, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 7,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No.FAA-2025-0752; 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.
You may view this material at the FAA, 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-2025-0752.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Lucas, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206)
231-3189; 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 EC 130 B4 and EC 130 T2 helicopters. The NPRM was published in
the Federal Register on May 9, 2025 (90 FR 19660). The NPRM was
prompted by AD 2024-0113, dated June 13, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0113) (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 that an
occurrence was reported of heavy damage on the fenestron due to the
loss of the TR blade, which broke at the tension-torsion bar and
separated from the hub assembly.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspecting the tension-
torsion bar and, depending on the inspection results, replacing the
part with a serviceable part. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit
performing maintenance using certain maintenance manuals. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the tension-torsion bar, which
could result in loss of the TR anti-torque function and consequent loss
control of the helicopter.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0752.
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 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 2024-0113, which specifies procedures for
inspecting all lamellas that compose the tension-torsion bar and, if
any discrepancy is detected, replacing the part with a serviceable
part. The material referenced by EASA AD 2024-0113 defines
discrepancies as cracks, nail-sensitive scratches, distorted lamellas,
circular contact indications, and marks. EASA AD 2024-0113 also
prohibits accomplishing maintenance using certain maintenance manuals
dated prior to March 5, 2024.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 108 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.
Inspecting all 10 tension-torsion bars on each helicopter (to
include removing any corrosion) will take 4 work-hours for an estimated
cost of $340 per helicopter and $36,720 for the U.S. fleet.
If required, replacing a tension-torsion bar will take 4 work-hours
and parts will cost $1,144 for an estimated cost of $1,484 per
replacement.
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.
[[Page 42312]]
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:
2025-17-14 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23124; Docket No. FAA-
2025-0752; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00340-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 7, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC 130 B4 and EC 130
T2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6500, Tail Rotor
Drive System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of heavy damage on the
fenestron due to the loss of the tail rotor (TR) blade, which broke
at the TR hub tension-torsion bar. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the tension-torsion bar. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in loss of the TR anti-torque function
and consequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(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 2024-0113,
dated June 13, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0113).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0113
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0113 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0113 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2024-0113 defines Groups, for this AD, Group 1
also includes those helicopters for which it cannot be determined if
maintenance was accomplished using Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM)
64-21-00.6-27A or 64-21-00.6-27B, dated earlier than March 5, 2024.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0113 specifies
``discrepancies as identified in the ASB are'', this AD requires
replacing that text with, ``a discrepancy, which is defined as a
crack, nail-sensitive scratch, deformed lamella, broken lamella,
mark, circular contact indication (other than those on the first and
last lamella of the tension-torsion bar), or the P/N is not written
on the first and the last lamella, is''.
(5) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2024-0113 specifies ``an
aeroplane'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``any
helicopter''.
(6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0113 specifies
to discard parts, this AD requires removing those parts from
service.
(7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0113 specifies
actions for non-installed equipment or parts, this AD does not
require those actions.
(8) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0113.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0113 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(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. The following provisions also apply to this AD.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Tara Lucas, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (206) 231-3189; email: [email protected].
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 2024-0113,
dated June 13, 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]; 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 August 20, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-16761 Filed 8-29-25; 8:45 am]
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