Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 7, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19255-19257]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-07921]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2552; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01243-R; 
Amendment 39-23019; AD 2025-08-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-09-14 
which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model SA330J 
helicopters. AD 2021-09-14 required repetitively inspecting for a gap 
between the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly (fan) rotor 
blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing, 
installing improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings, and repetitively 
inspecting the improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings. Since the FAA 
issued AD 2021-09-14, Airbus has developed modifications to the 
components of the MGB fan bearing assembly and issued new material 
regarding these modifications. This AD retains the actions required by 
AD 2021-09-14 and also requires installing the improved MGB fan rotor 
bearing assembly, which constitutes terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections. These actions are 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 June 11, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 11, 
2025.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2552; 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

[[Page 19256]]

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 
this 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, 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-2024-2552.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (303) 
342-1080; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-09-14, Amendment 39-21528 (86 FR 
26829, May 18, 2021) (AD 2021-09-14). AD 2021-09-14 applied to Airbus 
Model SA330J helicopters with MGB fan rotor shaft bearings (both rear 
and front) part number (P/N) 704A33651114 (manufacturer P/N (MP/N) 
205FFTX74K6-G33) or P/N 704A33651268 (MP/N 594918) installed. AD 2021-
09-14 required repetitively inspecting for a gap between the MGB fan 
rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing 
and, depending on the results or within a specified compliance time, 
installing improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings and repetitively 
inspecting the improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings. The FAA issued AD 
2021-09-14 to prevent rotor burst of the MGB fan, damage to the 
hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2024 (89 
FR 99169). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2022-0191, dated September 
15, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0191) (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 Airbus has developed modifications 
(mod) 0776102 and mod 0776104, which introduce a new Kevlar protection 
on the fan bearing rectifier and a new flexible duct. Additionally, 
Airbus issued revised material to provide in-service modification 
instructions.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain all the requirements of AD 
2021-09-14 and require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 
2022-0191 except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this AD and except as discussed under ``Differences 
Between this AD and EASA AD 2022-0191.'' You may examine the MCAI in 
the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2552.

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 2022-0191, which requires repetitively 
inspecting for play (a gap) on the MGB fan rotor shaft bearings (both 
rear and front) between the MGB fan rotor blade and the upper section 
of the guide vane bearing housing. If there is play that does not meet 
the minimum requirement or at a specified compliance time, EASA AD 
2022-0191 requires replacing the affected MGB fan rotor shaft bearings 
with serviceable MGB fan rotor shaft bearings (both rear and front) as 
defined in EASA AD 2022-0191. Additionally, EASA AD 2022-0191 allows 
credit for performing these inspections and corrective action, provided 
specific requirements are met.
    EASA AD 2022-0191 also requires modifying the MGB fan bearing 
assembly, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections.
    Lastly, EASA AD 2022-0191 only allows installing serviceable MGB 
fan rotor shaft bearings as defined in EASA AD 2022-0191 and installing 
an improved MGB fan bearing assembly as defined in EASA AD 2022-0191.
    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 EASA AD 2022-0191

    The inspection material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191 specifies 
returning certain parts to the manufacturer, whereas this AD requires 
removing those parts from service instead. The inspection material 
referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191 specifies completing a response form, 
whereas this AD does not require that action.
    The modification material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191 specifies 
sending the fan-bearing assembly to an approved D-level maintenance 
center for modification, whereas this AD requires installing 
modification 0776102, and as applicable, modification 0725373.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 6 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD.
    Inspecting for a gap between the MGB fan rotor blade and the upper 
section of the guide vane bearing housing takes 2 work-hours for an 
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $1,020 for the U.S. fleet, 
per inspection cycle.
    Replacing the MGB fan rotor shaft bearings takes 6 work-hours and 
parts cost $1,938 for an estimated cost of $2,448 per helicopter and 
$14,688 for the U.S. fleet.
    Removing the flexible duct, installing new flexible duct MOD 
0776104, removing the fan-bearing assembly, and installing the modified 
fan-bearing assembly takes 8 work-hours and parts cost $10,000 for an 
estimated cost of $10,680 per helicopter and $64,080 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.

[[Page 19257]]

    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 2021-09-14, Amendment 39-21528 
(86 FR 26829, May 18, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2025-08-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23019; Docket No. FAA-
2024-2552; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01243-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 11, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-09-14, Amendment 39-21528 (86 FR 26829, 
May 18, 2021) (AD 2021-09-14).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6322, Main Gearbox 
Oil Cooler.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the development of a modification for an 
improved main gearbox (MGB) fan rotor bearing assembly. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent rotor burst of the MGB fan, damage to the 
hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter.

(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 (EASA) AD 
2022-0191, dated September 15, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0191).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0191

    (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0191 refers to August 11, 2020 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2020-0171, dated July 28, 2020) and to its 
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this 
AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2022-0191 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD 
requires using hours time-in-service.
    (3) Where the inspection ASB material referenced in EASA AD 
2022-0191 specifies to return certain parts to Airbus Helicopters, 
this AD requires removing those parts from service.
    (4) Where the inspection ASB material referenced in EASA AD 
2022-0191 specifies completing the response form in Appendix 4, this 
AD does not require that action.
    (5) Where the modification ASB material referenced in EASA AD 
2022-0191 specifies ``sending the fan-bearing assembly to an 
approved D-level maintenance center to integrate modification 
0776102 and where applicable, modification 0725373,'' this AD 
requires replacing that text with ``installing modification 0776102, 
and as applicable, modification 0725373.''
    (6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2022-0191.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191 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 of this AD can be performed, provided there are no 
passengers onboard.

(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. Information may be emailed 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.

(l) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; phone: (303) 342-1080; 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 2022-0191, 
dated September 15, 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 May 1, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-07921 Filed 5-6-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

The complete text was extracted from the official GovInfo HTML edition for this publication. Acquired 2026-10-09T01:24:22.967819+00:00. Text extraction preserves the recorded source wording; it does not determine current requirements.

Open the captured official edition

Source SHA-256

ab205f2de5d5e1b6ce0c0675244f0c0afc03877dac223a9bb4396a766fb553c0

Text SHA-256

093485c200fd24182165334ecff2cc32a6fee06732cd7a6cd0c4388a0c845e8b