Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 3, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23427-23429]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-10032]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2663; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00200-R; 
Amendment 39-23036; AD 2025-10-02]
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 
certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD was 
prompted by the identification of missing electrical bonding on a 
certain part-numbered additional and optional search light (search 
light). This AD requires installing an electrical bonding braid 
modification. 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 July 8, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 8, 
2025.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2663; 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, 
Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA,

[[Page 23428]]

call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2663.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kurt Ladendorf, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (817) 222-5254; 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 Airbus 
Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on December 23, 2024 (89 FR 104465). The NPRM was 
prompted by EASA AD 2023-0030, dated February 2, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-
0030) (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 missing electrical bonding was identified on a certain part-
numbered search light installed on some Model EC 225 LP helicopters. 
The MCAI further states that the location where the search light is 
installed is an area that could get struck by lightning, which, in case 
of a lightning strike, could lead to potential total loss of electrical 
distribution, with loss of electrically supplied systems, and 
subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require installing an electrical 
bonding braid modification and prohibit installing that part-numbered 
search light unless the modification is done. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2663.

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, and any other 
changes described previously, 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

    EASA AD 2023-0030 requires installing an electrical bonding braid 
modification for a certain part-numbered search light under the 
sponson. EASA AD 2023-0030 also prohibits installing that part-numbered 
search light from being installed 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 allows a +10% tolerance to the calendar compliance time to 
install the electrical bonding braid modification, whereas this AD does 
not allow that tolerance. If the insulation resistance value is 8 or 
more ohms as a result of the continuity test that is specified in the 
material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030, this AD requires 
accomplishing corrective action in accordance with a method approved by 
the FAA, EASA, or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization 
Approval, whereas the MCAI and the material referenced in the MCAI are 
not specific about the continuity test.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 9 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.
    Installing an electrical bonding braid modification takes 14 work-
hours and parts cost $16,370 for an estimated cost of $17,560 per 
helicopter and up to $158,040 for the U.S. fleet.
    Performing a continuity test takes a minimal amount of time for a 
nominal cost. Depending on the results, corrective action could vary 
significantly from helicopter to helicopter. The FAA has no data to 
determine the costs to accomplish the corrective action.

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.

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:

[[Page 23429]]

2025-10-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23036; Docket No. FAA-
2024-2663; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00200-R.

(a) Effective Date

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

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, 
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency AD 2023-0030, dated February 2, 2023 (EASA AD 
2023-0030).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 1420, electrical 
connectors; and 2497, electrical power system wiring.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the identification of missing electrical 
bonding on additional and optional search lights. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to prevent a lightning current evacuating to the aircraft 
structure. In the event of a lightning strike, the unsafe condition, 
if not addressed, could result in potential total loss of electrical 
distribution, with loss of electrically supplied systems, and 
subsequent reduced 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, EASA AD 2023-0030.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Appendix 4 of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin No. EC225-33A018, dated December 15, 2023, which is 
referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030, identifies helicopter 
configurations (right-hand column of the table) by helicopter serial 
number (left-hand column of the table).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0030

    (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0030 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2023-0030 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where Note 1 of EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies that a tolerance 
of +10% may be applied to the calendar compliance time specified in 
paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0030, this AD does not allow that 
tolerance.
    (4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies 
discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from 
service.
    (5) This AD requires replacing text as specified in paragraphs 
(h)(5)(i) though (v) of this AD.
    (i) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies 
to ``do the electrical bonding'', this AD requires replacing that 
text with ``install the electrical bonding braid''.
    (ii) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 
specifies to ``bond the labels `741VN' and `742VN' of the set of 
labels (8) as close as possible from the equipment (SECTION A-A and 
B-B)'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``apply labels 
`741VN' and `742VN' of the set of labels (8) directly adjacent to 
the grounding point as depicted in Figure 6, Section A-A and Section 
B-B''.
    (iii) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 
specifies to ``remove and keep'' this AD requires replacing that 
text with ``remove''.
    (iv) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 
specifies to ``locate the hole (A) in accordance to the position'', 
this AD requires replacing that text with ``determine the position 
of hole (A) in Figure 4, Detail B''.
    (v) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies 
to paint strip the hole on ``the both face'', this AD requires 
replacing that text with ``each side''.
    (6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies 
to do a continuity test, if the insulation resistance value is 8 or 
more ohms as a result of the continuity test, this AD requires, 
before further flight, accomplishing corrective action in accordance 
with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation 
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (7) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0030.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies 
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
include that requirement.

(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)(1) 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kurt Ladendorf, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5254; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For Airbus Helicopters material identified in this AD that 
is not incorporated by reference, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 
North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone: (972) 641-0000 or 
(800) 232-0323; fax: (972) 641-3775; website: airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld.

(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 2023-0030, 
dated February 2, 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 May 20, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-10032 Filed 6-2-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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