[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 183 (Wednesday, September 24, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45909-45911]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-18491]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0750; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01325-R;
Amendment 39-23139; AD 2025-18-12]
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
certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-3
helicopters. This AD is prompted by reports of momentary direct current
(DC) power interruption in flight of both essential busses. This AD
requires revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to
incorporate an emergency and malfunction procedure. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 29, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference
[[Page 45910]]
of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 29, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0750; 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.
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, 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-2025-0750.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan McCully, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404)
474-5548; 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 AHD Model MBB-
BK 117 D-3 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register
on May 9, 2025 (90 FR 19662). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2022-0208,
dated October 11, 2022, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD 2022-0208) (also
referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that occurrences were
reported of momentary DC power interruption in flight of both essential
busses. The investigation is ongoing to identify the root cause of this
occurrence. In the interim, AHD developed emergency and malfunction
procedures to address this issue.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the RFM to
incorporate an emergency and malfunction procedure. The owner/operator
(pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the
existing RFM for the helicopter and must enter compliance with the
applicable paragraph of the AD into the helicopter maintenance records
in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). This is an
exception to the FAA's standard maintenance regulations. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the
helicopter or reduced situational awareness.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0750.
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 2022-0208, which specifies procedures for
revising the RFM by incorporating an emergency and malfunction
procedure, informing all flight crews, and thereafter, operating the
helicopter accordingly. This material provides updated battery
discharging procedures, which includes a warning in case of total
electrical failure.
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 MBB-BK117 D-3m helicopters, whereas this
AD does not because that model does not have an FAA type certificate.
The MCAI requires operators to ``inform all flight crew'' of the
revisions to the RFM, and thereafter to ``operate the helicopter
accordingly.'' However, this AD does not require those actions as those
actions are already required by FAA regulations. FAA regulations
require operators furnish to pilots any changes to the RFM (for
example, 14 CFR 135.21) and to ensure the pilots are familiar with the
RFM (for example, 14 CFR 91.505). As with any other flight crew
training requirement, training on the updated RFM content is tracked by
the operators and recorded in each pilot's training record, which is
available for the FAA to review. FAA regulations also require pilots to
follow the procedures in the existing RFM including all updates.
Therefore, including a requirement in this AD to inform the flight crew
and operate the helicopter according to the revised RFM would be
redundant and unnecessary.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final
action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 27 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.
Revising the existing RFM for the helicopter would take 1 work-hour
for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $2,295 for the U.S.
fleet.
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.
[[Page 45911]]
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:
2025-18-12 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-23139;
Docket No. FAA-2025-0750; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01325-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 29, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-
0208, dated October 11, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0208).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2432, Battery/
Charger System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of momentary direct current (DC)
power interruption in flight of both essential busses. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address DC power interruption through updated
procedures. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
loss of control of the helicopter or reduced situational awareness.
(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
accordance with, EASA AD 2022-0208. The owner/operator (pilot)
holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the existing
rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter and must enter
compliance with this paragraph of the AD 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.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0208
(1) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0208 specifies to inform
all flight crews and operate the helicopter accordingly, this AD
does not require those actions as those actions are already required
by existing FAA operating regulations (see 14 CFR 91.505 and 14 CFR
135.21).
(2) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0208 specifies ``the RFM
emergency and malfunction procedure, is an acceptable method'' this
AD requires replacing that text with ``the RFM emergency and
malfunction procedure, as defined in this AD, is an acceptable
method''.
(3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0208.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(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 Dan McCully,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404) 474-5548; 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0208,
dated October 11, 2022.
(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 September 18, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-18491 Filed 9-23-25; 8:45 am]
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