Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 108 (Friday, June 6, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24064-24066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-10331]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0211; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00706-R; 
Amendment 39-23035; AD 2025-10-01]
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 AS350B2, AS350B3, and EC130B4 
helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of broken cargo swing 
frames and the determination to change an existing repetitive 
inspection threshold. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the 
cargo swing installation and frame and, depending on the results, 
performing corrective action, 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 July 11, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 11, 
2025.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No.FAA-2025-0211; 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 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-2025-0211.

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:

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 AS350B2, AS350B3, and EC130B4 helicopters. The NPRM 
was published in the Federal Register on February 25, 2025 (90 FR 
10619). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2023-0107, dated May 26, 2023 
(EASA AD 2023-0107) (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 there have been reports of a broken cargo swing 
frame during a flight transition to hover, resulting in loss of the 
load. Subsequent investigation revealed that the interval for the 
repetitive inspections of the swing cargo installation, currently 
defined in operating hours in the applicable aircraft maintenance 
manual (AMM), must be based on sling cycles (SC), and that certain 
cargo swing installations have been operated beyond the applicable 
repetitive inspection interval based on SC.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting 
the cargo swing installation and frame and, depending on the results, 
performing corrective action, as specified in EASA AD 2023-0107. 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-2025-0211.

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 2023-0107, which specifies procedures for 
a one-time inspection of the cargo swing

[[Page 24065]]

installation and frame for an anomaly, which may be indicated by a 
crack, distortion, scratch, hammering mark, or impact mark. Depending 
on the results, EASA AD 2023-0107 specifies contacting AH [Airbus 
Helicopters] for approved corrective action instructions and 
accomplishing those instructions accordingly. 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 material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0107 specifies that certain 
procedures may be done by a pilot with correct training and 
accreditation, whereas this AD requires those actions be accomplished 
by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3. EASA AD 2023-0107 defines the 
acronym ``SC'' as swing cycles, whereas this AD and the alert service 
bulletin (ASB) referenced in EASA AD 2023-0107 define SC as sling 
cycles. EASA AD 2023-0107 requires a one-time inspection, whereas this 
AD requires repetitive inspections to require the updated threshold on 
an on-going basis. Depending on the inspection results, EASA AD 2023-
0107 specifies contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] to obtain approved 
corrective action instructions and accomplishing those instructions, 
whereas this AD requires replacing the cargo swing frame.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,184 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.
    Visually inspecting the cargo swing installation and frame takes 2 
work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $201,280 
for the U.S. fleet. If required, dye penetrant inspecting the cargo 
swing installation and frame takes 6 work-hours for an estimated cost 
of $510 per helicopter. Replacing the cargo swing frame takes 4 work-
hours and the part costs $25,507, for an estimated cost of $25,847 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 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:

2025-10-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23035; Docket No. FAA-
2025-0211; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00706-R.

(a) Effective Date

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

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2, AS350B3, 
and EC130B4 helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified 
in European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2023-0107, dated May 26, 
2023; corrected June 2, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0107).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Cabin 
Equipment/Furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of broken cargo swing frames and 
the determination to change an existing repetitive inspection 
threshold. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of a cargo 
swing frame. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
failure of a cargo swing frame, in-flight loss of load, and 
consequent damage to and 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 2023-0107.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0107

    (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0107 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2023-0107 defines SC as ``swing cycles,'' this 
AD requires replacing that text with ``sling cycles.''
    (3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0107 specifies 
that certain procedures may be done by a pilot with correct training 
and accreditation, this AD requires that those actions be 
accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
    (4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0107 states ``within the 
compliance time specified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable,'' 
this AD requires replacing that text with ``within the compliance 
time specified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable, and thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 12 months and 36 days or 550 SC, 
whichever occurs first.''
    (5) Where the AMM task, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0107, 
specifies dye penetrant inspecting the cargo swing installation and 
frame if in doubt if there is a crack, this AD requires dye 
penetrant inspecting the cargo swing installation and frame if, as a 
result of the visual inspection, there is a line having no visible 
gap or misalignment to determine if the line is a scratch or a 
crack.
    Note 1 to paragraph (h)(5): Entering compliance into helicopter 
maintenance records showing that a dye penetrant inspection was 
performed improves the accuracy of maintenance records regarding use 
of dye penetrant inspection dye.

[[Page 24066]]

    (6) Instead of complying with paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-
0107, comply with the following, ``As a result of the actions 
required by paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0107, if there is a 
distortion, scratch, hammering mark, or impact mark that exceeds the 
allowable limit, or any crack, gap, or misalignment, before further 
flight, remove the cargo swing frame from service and replace it 
with an airworthy cargo swing frame.''
    (7) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0107.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0107 specifies 
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
require that action.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199, provided no external cargo or person(s) is 
hoisted.

(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 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.

(l) 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].

(m) 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 2023-0107, 
dated May 26, 2023; corrected June 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 this 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 7, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-10331 Filed 6-5-25; 8:45 am]
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