Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 161 (Friday, August 22, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40961-40964]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-16083]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0615; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00990-R; 
Amendment 39-23112; AD 2025-17-02]
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 all 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B, EC 130 B4, and EC 130 T2 helicopters. 
This AD was prompted by a report of a missing retaining ring between 
the supply hose and the central supply coupling of an emergency 
flotation system (EFS) inflation assembly. This AD requires inspecting 
for the presence of the retaining ring in an EFS with certain inflation 
assemblies installed and, depending on the results, taking corrective 
action. This AD also prohibits installing an EFS with those inflation 
assemblies installed. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 26, 2025.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 26, 
2025.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0615; 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 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.
    <bullet> For Safran Aerosystems material identified in this AD, 
contact Safran Aerosystems, Floats & Rafts, 58 rue de Segonzac--B.P. 
81, 16103 Cognac Cedex, France; phone: +33 5 45 83 20 20; email: 
[email protected]; website: www.safran-aerosystems.com/customers.
    <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. The EASA material is also 
available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0615.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexis Whitaker, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (516) 228-7309; 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 all Airbus Helicopters 
Model EC120B, EC 130 B4, and EC 130 T2 helicopters. The NPRM was 
published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2025 (90 FR 15659). The 
NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2023-0166, dated August 25, 2023 (EASA AD 
2023-0166) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI 
advises of a report that, during a maintenance check of a helicopter, 
it was discovered that a retaining ring was missing from the connection 
between the supply hose and the central supply coupling of an EFS 
inflation assembly. The MCAI states that the unsafe condition, if not 
detected and corrected, could lead to inflation of the EFS on only one 
side of the helicopter after ditching, which could result in immediate 
capsizing of

[[Page 40962]]

the helicopter, possibly preventing the evacuation of occupants. In the 
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspecting for the presence of the 
retaining ring in an EFS with certain inflation assemblies installed 
and, depending on the results, taking corrective action. The NPRM also 
proposed to prohibit installing an EFS with those inflation assemblies 
installed. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from three commenters. Commenters 
included two individuals and Air Evac Lifeteam. The two individuals 
supported the NPRM without change. The following presents the comment 
received from Air Evac Lifeteam on the NPRM and the FAA's response to 
this comment.

Request To Revise Compliance Statement and Requirement

    Air Evac Lifeteam stated that there is not a specified compliance 
path for any aircraft that does not have an EFS inflation system 
installed. The commenter suggested adding a compliance statement 
(requirement) to verify that an affected part is installed. The 
commenter added that if the affected part is not installed, then no 
further action would be required.
    The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request to revise the 
compliance requirements. As stated in the MCAI, which is incorporated 
by reference in this AD, ``Group 2 helicopters are those that do not 
have an affected part installed.'' Operators are responsible for 
reviewing their aircraft records to determine whether their helicopters 
are classified under Group 2. If so, no further action is required 
beyond maintaining standard documentation in accordance with their 
approved procedures and ensuring that an EFS with those inflation 
assemblies installed is not installed on a Group 2 helicopter. 
Therefore, an additional compliance statement is unnecessary, as the 
existing language in the MCAI already defines the applicability of the 
AD based on the presence or absence of the affected part. The FAA has 
not changed this AD in this regard.

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.

Additional Changes Made to this Final Rule

    In the NPRM, the FAA designated paragraph (g) as ``Clarification of 
Required Material.'' This final rule redesignates paragraph (g) of this 
AD as ``Required Actions'' and moves the clarification of required 
material to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. The FAA redesignated paragraph 
(g) to (h)(2) to further clarify that operators must use Safran 
Aerosystems Service Bulletin 025-69-42, Revision 00, dated June 13, 
2023, where EASA AD 2023-0166 refers to ``the Vendor SB.''

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2023-0166, which specifies procedures for 
inspecting the connection between the supply hose and the central 
supply coupling for the presence of the retaining ring in the EFS with 
certain inflation assemblies installed and, depending on the results, 
corrective action, which includes either sending the EFS to Safran 
Aerosystems or a Safran-approved repair center or installing a 
retaining ring. EASA AD 2023-0166 also prohibits installing an EFS with 
those inflation assemblies installed on any helicopter.
    The FAA also reviewed Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 025-69-
42, Revision 00, dated June 13, 2023, which specifies procedures for 
inspecting the connection between the supply hose and the central 
supply coupling for the presence of the retaining ring in the EFS with 
certain inflation assemblies installed. If the retaining ring is 
present, this material specifies procedures for wrapping the supply 
hose connection with new adhesive tape. If the retaining ring is not 
present, this material specifies procedures for installing a retaining 
ring.
    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 Airbus Helicopters Model EC 175 B helicopters, 
whereas this AD does not because that model does not have an FAA type 
certificate.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 359 helicopters of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.

                                                 Estimated Cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Cost per    Cost on U.S.
                  Action                            Labor cost           Parts cost    product       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect EFS inflation assembly...........  4.5 work-hours x $85 per              $0         $383        $137,318
                                            hour = $383.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
required inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of 
helicopters that might need this replacement:

[[Page 40963]]



                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Action                                Labor cost              Parts cost   Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install retaining ring.......................  0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour =          $11              $32.25
                                                $21.25.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators.

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:

2025-17-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23112; Docket No. FAA-
2025-0615; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00990-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 26, 
2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B, EC 130 B4, 
and EC 130 T2 helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3212, Emergency 
Flotation Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a missing retaining ring 
between the supply hose and the central supply coupling of an 
emergency flotation system (EFS) inflation assembly. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to detect and address a missing EFS inflation 
assembly retaining ring. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in improper inflation of the EFS, immediate capsizing 
of the helicopter, and subsequent prevention of the evacuation of 
occupants.

(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 2023-0166, 
dated August 25, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0166).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0166

    (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0166 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2023-0166 defines ``the Vendor SB'', for this 
AD, operators must use Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 025-69-
42, Revision 00, dated June 13, 2023.
    (3) Where EASA AD 2023-0166 defines the ``affected part'', this 
AD requires replacing ``the ASB (as defined in this AD)'' and ``the 
ASB'' with ``Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC120-25-
40-0001 and ASB EC130-25-40-0001, each Issue 001 and dated July 12, 
2023, as applicable''.
    (4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0166 states ``At the 
time of next removal of the EFS from the helicopter or within 19 
months, whichever occurs first'', this AD requires replacing that 
text with ``Within 19 months''.
    (5) Where the ASB, as defined and referenced in EASA AD 2023-
0166, specifies sending parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
require that action.
    (6) Where the Vendor SB, referenced in the ASB, as defined and 
referenced in EASA AD 2023-0166, specifies that its procedures must 
be performed by the Safran Aerosystems repair network or by staff 
able to perform the float maintenance in accordance with applicable 
maintenance documentation, this AD requires that those procedures be 
accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
    (7) Where the Vendor SB, referenced in the ASB, as defined and 
referenced in EASA AD 2023-0166, specifies discarding adhesive tape, 
this AD requires removing the adhesive tape from service.
    (8) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0166.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0166 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 required by this AD can be accomplished, provided it is a 
non-revenue and no passenger flight and without flight over water.

(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

[[Page 40964]]

of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(l) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Alexis Whitaker, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (202) 975-4867; 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0166, 
dated August 25, 2023.
    (ii) Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 025-69-42, Revision 00, 
dated June 13, 2023.
    (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) For Safran Aerosystems material identified in this AD, 
contact Safran Aerosystems, Floats & Rafts, 58 rue de Segonzac--B.P. 
81, 16103 Cognac Cedex, France; phone: +33 5 45 83 20 20; email: 
[email protected]; website: www.safran-aerosystems.com/customers.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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 August 14, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-16083 Filed 8-21-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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