[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 177 (Tuesday, September 16, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44491-44493]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-17849]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0630; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00518-R;
Amendment 39-23131; AD 2025-18-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
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 Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+,
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635T2+, MBB-BK 117 C-2,
MBB-BK 117 D-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by
a review of design data and the determination for recalculation of
accumulated hoist boom cycles (cycles) and repetitive inspections. This
AD requires determining the total cycles of certain hoist boom
assemblies, inspecting those hoist boom assemblies, and depending on
the results, taking corrective action. This AD also prohibits
installing those hoist boom assemblies unless certain requirements are
met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 21, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publications listed in this AD as of October 21,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0630; 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 this 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-2025-0630.
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:
[[Page 44492]]
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635T2+, MBB-BK 117 C-2, MBB-BK 117 D-2,
and MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on April 25, 2025 (90 FR 17348). The NPRM was prompted by EASA
AD 2023-0066, dated March 24, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0066) (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 due to a
review of design data, it was determined that hoist boom assemblies,
part number (P/N) 44301-500, 44307-500, and 44307-500-1, must be
inspected repetitively based on accumulated cycles. The additional
inspection criteria were due to a new fatigue calculation to factor in
external load, particularly human external cargo.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require determining the total
cycles of certain hoist boom assemblies, inspecting those hoist boom
assemblies, and depending on the results, taking corrective action.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the hoist boom
assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to in-
flight loss of the hoist load and consequent injury to occupants.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0630.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from Air Evac Lifeteam. The following
presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to the
comment.
Air Evac Lifeteam commented that the proposed AD lacks a compliance
path for aircraft that do not have the affected part installed and
requested the FAA revise the Applicability paragraph of the proposed AD
to specify aircraft with the affected part installed. Air Evac Lifeteam
alternatively suggested that the FAA add a compliance requirement for
aircraft that do not have the affected part installed (Group 2
helicopters) that states that no further action is required.
The applicability statement in each AD action identifies all
aircraft affected by that AD. All of the requirements of an AD apply to
the aircraft listed in the applicability, unless a specific paragraph
in the AD specifies that it applies only to certain aircraft, such as
those with an affected part installed. The MCAI that this AD
incorporates by reference includes an installation limitation that
currently applies to all models listed in the Applicability paragraph
of this AD. If the Applicability paragraph of this AD were revised to
apply only to those aircraft with the affected part installed, the
installation limitation would only apply to aircraft with the affected
part installed, rather than all aircraft. The FAA did not change this
AD as a result of this comment.
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 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 2023-0066, which specifies procedures for
inspecting certain part-numbered hoist boom assemblies at certain
intervals and, depending on the results, replacing or removing certain
parts or taking further corrective action to resolve the discrepancy
[crack, deformation, dent, corrosion, or other damage] or replacing the
hoist boom assembly. EASA AD 2023-0066 also provides a terminating
action for the inspections and prohibits installing those part-numbered
hoist boom assemblies on any helicopter unless its 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 the MCAI
The MCAI applies to Model EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T3,
and MBB-BK117 D-3m helicopters, whereas this AD does not because these
model helicopters do not have an FAA type certificate.
The MCAI requires accomplishing a corrective action in accordance
with the instructions of the service material, whereas this AD requires
repairing or replacing affected parts that have certain discrepancies,
within allowable limits, as described in this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 732 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.
If required, determining the total cycles will take 0.5 work-hour
for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter. Inspecting a hoist boom
assembly will take 4 work-hours for an estimated cost of $340 per
helicopter and $248,880 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
Repairing any surface deformation, damage, or corrosion that is
within allowable limits will take up to 1 work-hour and parts will cost
a nominal amount for an estimated cost of up to $85 per helicopter.
Replacing a hoist boom assembly (which includes a boom elbow, boom
tube, and boom adapter) will take up to 5 work-hours (depending on
configuration) and parts will cost up to $88,812 (depending on P/N) for
an estimated cost of up to $89,237 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
[[Page 44493]]
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:
2025-18-04 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-23131;
Docket No. FAA-2025-0630; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00518-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 21, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+,
EC135T3, EC635T2+, MBB-BK 117 C-2, MBB-BK 117 D-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-
3 helicopters, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an EC135P3H
designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters, helicopters with an
EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3 helicopters, and helicopters
with an MBB-BK 117C-2e designation are Model MBB-BK 117C-2
helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2500, Cabin
Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a review of design data and the
determination for a new calculation of accumulated hoist boom cycles
(cycles) to factor in external load and repetitive inspections. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the hoist boom
assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to in-
flight loss of the hoist load and consequent injury to occupants.
(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 2023-0066,
dated March 24, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0066).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0066
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0066 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2023-0066 refer to
any discrepancy, for the purposes of this AD, a discrepancy is
identified as surface deformation, damage, or corrosion that is
within allowable limits.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0066 specifies ``before
next hoist operation, accomplish the applicable corrective action in
accordance with the instructions of the ASB'', this AD requires
replacing that text with ``before next hoist operation, repair any
deformation, damage, and corrosion that is within the allowable
limit, apply a protective chemical film, and restore the protective
finish. If the inspection criteria fails (if there is surface
deformation, damage, or corrosion that exceeds the allowable limit,
any damage or corrosion in a riveted bore hole, or any crack),
before further flight, replace the hoist boom assembly (which
includes the support assembly) with a serviceable part, as defined
in EASA AD 2023-0066''.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0066.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0066 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(j) 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 (k) 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.
(k) 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].
(l) 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 2023-0066,
dated March 24, 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 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 September 3, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-17849 Filed 9-15-25; 8:45 am]
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