Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France)

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 63 (Thursday, April 3, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14567-14569]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-05708]



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Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 63 / Thursday, April 3, 2025 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 14567]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2542; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00611-R; 
Amendment 39-22984; AD 2025-05-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Eurocopter France)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-10-01 
and AD 2010-05-51, which applied to certain Eurocopter France (now 
Airbus Helicopters) Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2008-10-01 required 
replacing certain part-numbered and serial-numbered spherical thrust 
bearings. AD 2010-05-51 required repetitively inspecting the main rotor 
(M/R) head rotor hub (rotor hub) and, depending on the results, taking 
corrective action. Since the FAA issued those ADs, the manufacturer 
revised the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) to incorporate 
various airworthiness limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and 
intervals that were previously contained in service bulletins, as well 
as incorporate a new task. This AD requires revising the ALS of the 
existing maintenance manual (MM) or instructions for continued 
airworthiness (ICAs) and the existing approved maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, as specified in a European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 8, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 8, 2025.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2542; 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:
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, FAA, 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-2024-2542.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hye Yoon Jang, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (206) 231-3758; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2008-10-01, Amendment 39-15507 (73 FR 
24856, May 6, 2008), (AD 2008-10-01) and AD 2010-05-51, Amendment 39-
16265 (75 FR 22510, April 29, 2010) (AD 2010-05-51).
    AD 2008-10-01 applied to Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) 
Model EC120B helicopters with spherical thrust bearings, part number 
(P/N) 7050A3622036 having serial number LK0130, LK0142, LK0155, or 
LK0158, installed. AD 2008-10-01 required removing any identified 
spherical thrust bearing and installing an airworthy spherical thrust 
bearing. AD 2008-10-01 was prompted by Direction generale de l'aviation 
civile France (DGAC), which was the aviation authority for France 
before the European Aviation Safety Agency, AD F-2006-040, dated 
February 15, 2006 (DGAC France AD F-2006-040), to address a batch of 
non-conforming spherical thrust bearings. The FAA issued AD 2008-10-01 
to prevent failure of a spherical thrust bearing during flight, which, 
if not addressed, could cause the M/R system to separate from the 
helicopter, which would be catastrophic.
    AD 2010-05-51 applied to Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) 
Model EC120B helicopters with a rotor hub P/N C622A1002103, 
C622A1002104, or C622A1002105, installed. AD 2010-05-51 required 
repetitively inspecting the rotor hub, and depending on the results, 
sanding the area to inspect for cracks, and replacing the rotor hub if 
cracks are found. AD 2010-05-51 was prompted by European Aviation 
Safety Agency, which was the aviation authority for France after the 
DGAC and before the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Emergency AD 
2010-0026-E, dated February 19, 2010 (European Aviation Safety Agency 
Emergency AD 2010-0026-E), to address failure of a rotor hub attachment 
area in one of the three drag damper fittings. The FAA issued AD 2010-
05-51 to prevent failure of a rotor hub, excessive vibrations, loss of 
an M/R blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 29, 2024 (89 
FR 94623). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2023-0083, dated April 19, 
2023 (EASA AD 2023-0083) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by 
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union (including France), to supersede DGAC France AD F-2006-
040 and European Aviation Safety Agency Emergency AD 2010-0026-E. The 
MCAI states that airworthiness limitations instructions are identified 
as mandatory for continued airworthiness and that Revision 3 of AH 
[Airbus Helicopters] EC 120 B Chapter 4 ALS, dated July 18, 2022, was 
issued to introduce new, or more restrictive tasks, or both, including 
incorporation of the requirements of DGAC France AD F-2006-040 and 
European Aviation Safety Agency Emergency AD 2010-0026-E.

[[Page 14568]]

    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of the 
existing MM or ICAs and the existing approved maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, by incorporating new or more restrictive 
actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including any life 
limits, specified in EASA AD 2023-0083, as incorporated by reference, 
except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory 
text of this AD and except as discussed under ``Differences Between 
this AD and the EASA AD.''
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2542.
    Lastly, since the FAA issued AD 2008-10-01 and AD 2010-05-51, 
Eurocopter France changed its name to Airbus Helicopters; this AD 
reflects that change.

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 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 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2023-0083, which requires replacing 
components before exceeding their life limits and accomplishing all 
applicable maintenance tasks within thresholds and intervals specified 
in the ALS as defined within. Depending on the results of the 
maintenance tasks, EASA AD 2023-0083 requires accomplishing corrective 
action(s) or contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] for approved 
instructions and accomplishing those instructions.
    Additionally, EASA AD 2023-0083 requires revising the Aircraft 
Maintenance Programme (AMP) by incorporating the limitations, tasks, 
and associated thresholds and intervals described in the specified ALS, 
as applicable. Revising the AMP constitutes terminating action for the 
requirement to record accomplishment of the actions of replacing 
components before exceeding their life limits and accomplishing 
maintenance tasks within thresholds and intervals specified in the 
applicable ALS as required by EASA AD 2023-0083 for demonstration of AD 
compliance on a continued basis.
    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 EASA AD

    EASA AD 2023-0083 requires, as individual tasks, replacing certain 
components before exceeding applicable life limits, accomplishing 
certain maintenance tasks within thresholds and intervals as specified 
in the ALS, as defined within, and depending on the results, 
accomplishing corrective action(s), whereas this AD does not. EASA AD 
2023-0083 also requires revising the approved AMP to incorporate the 
limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals described 
in that ALS within 12 months, whereas this AD requires revising the ALS 
of the existing MM or ICAs and the existing approved maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the limitations, 
tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals described in that ALS 
within 30 days, and clarifies that if the initial instance of an 
incorporated limitation or threshold therein is reached before 30 days 
after the effective date of this AD, you still have up to 30 days after 
the effective date of this AD to accomplish the corresponding task.
    Lastly, the material referenced in ``the ALS,'' as defined in EASA 
AD 2023-0083, specifies contacting Airbus [Helicopters] if there is a 
crack in the rotor hub, whereas this AD does not require contacting 
Airbus Helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 65 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this AD.
    Revising the ALS of the existing MM or ICAs and the existing 
approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, takes 1 
work-hour, at an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $5,525 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.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA has determined that 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive AD 2008-10-01, Amendment 39-15507

[[Page 14569]]

(73 FR 24856, May 6, 2008), and AD 2010-05-51, Amendment 39-16265 (75 
FR 22510, April 29, 2010); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2025-05-12 Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate previously held by 
Eurocopter France): Amendment 39-22984; Docket No. FAA-2024-2542; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00611-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 8, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2008-10-01, Amendment 39-15507 (73 FR 24856, 
May 6, 2008), and AD 2010-05-51, Amendment 39-16265 (75 FR 22510, 
April 29, 2010).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters (type certificate 
previously held by Eurocopter France) Model EC120B helicopters, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6220, Main Rotor 
Head.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by new and more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of 
certain parts, which if not addressed, could result in subsequent 
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 2023-0083, 
dated April 19, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0083).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0083

    (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0083 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) This AD does not adopt paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of 
EASA AD 2023-0083.
    (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0083 specifies ``Within 
12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved 
AMP,'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``Within 30 days 
after the effective date of this AD, revise the airworthiness 
limitations section of the existing maintenance manual or 
instructions for continued airworthiness and the existing approved 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.''
    (4) Regarding ``the ALS'' as defined in EASA AD 2023-0083; where 
the material referenced in ``the ALS'' in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 
2023-0083 specifies contacting Airbus [Helicopters] if there is a 
crack in the (main rotor head rotor) hub body, this AD does not 
require contacting Airbus Helicopters.
    (5) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in 
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0083 is on or before the applicable 
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the 
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0083 or within 30 days 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0083.

(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD has been 
done, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and 
intervals, including life limits, are allowed unless they are 
approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications'' 
section of EASA AD 2023-0083.

(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. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified 
in paragraph (k) of this AD or email to: [email protected]. If mailing 
information, also submit information by email.
    (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 Hye Yoon Jang, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-3758; email: [email protected].

(l) 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 2023-0083, 
dated April 19, 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 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 Pkwy., 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 March 27, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-05708 Filed 4-2-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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