Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 222 (Thursday, November 20, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52234-52237]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-20482]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0909; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00895-R; 
Amendment 39-23198; AD 2025-24-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-19-
13, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP 
helicopters. AD 2019-19-13 required determining the total hours time-
in-service (TIS) of the free wheel shafts of certain main rotor 
gearboxes (MGBs), replacing the MGB or right-hand side (RH) free wheel 
shaft, installing placard(s), and revising the rotorcraft flight manual 
(RFM) for the helicopter. Since the FAA issued AD 2019-19-13, an 
additional part-numbered MGB has been identified to have the same 
unsafe condition and the FAA determined that additional changes are 
necessary. This AD requires the actions of AD 2019-19-13 and expands 
the applicability by adding the additional part-numbered MGB, changes 
the requirement to determine the total hours TIS of a certain free 
wheel shaft, requires repetitive replacement of the MGB or the RH free 
wheel shaft, changes the requirements for who can replace parts, and 
expands the parts installation limitation conditions. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 26, 2025.

ADDRESSES: AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov 
under Docket No. FAA-2025-0909; 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

[[Page 52235]]

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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Huynh, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404) 
983-2588; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2019-19-13, Amendment 39-19749 (84 FR 
56109, October 21, 2019) (AD 2019-19-13). AD 2019-19-13 applied to 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, with a MGB part number 
(P/N) 332A325001.XX, 332A325002.XX, or 332A325003.XX, with a main 
reduction gear module (main module), and with a certain modification 
installed.
    The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 22, 2025 (90 
FR 21871). The NPRM was prompted by European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0148, dated July 19, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0148) 
(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 
since a previous EASA AD was issued, it was determined that an 
additional part-numbered MGB is potentially affected by the same unsafe 
condition and expanded the affected parts by adding MGB P/N 332A32-
5004-00 with main module P/N 332A32-5400-00 installed.
    In the NPRM, the FAA determined that repetitive replacement of the 
MGB is necessary and proposed requiring repetitive replacement of the 
MGB or the RH free wheel shaft at the 1,000 total hours TIS threshold. 
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed updating the actions that require 
replacing certain parts under the supervision of a qualified Airbus 
Helicopter Specialist by removing the requirement for the specified 
specialist since the actions must be accomplished by persons authorized 
under 14 CFR 43.3. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to change the 
information that specifies availability of an example of the placard 
required by the proposed AD. Additionally, in the NRPM the FAA proposed 
to expand the parts installation limitation conditions and used an 
updated format; as a result, paragraph identifiers have changed. In the 
NPRM, the FAA proposed to remove the requirement to determine the total 
hours TIS of the left-hand (LH) free wheel shaft. Finally, in the NPRM, 
the FAA proposed to require revising the existing RFM for the 
helicopter. Revising the existing RFM for the helicopter may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private 
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing 
compliance with this action in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 
91.417(a)(2)(v). The pilot may perform this action because it only 
involves revising the existing RFM by inserting pages, which is not 
considered a maintenance action.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent wear of the ramps of the RH 
free wheel shaft. During an in-flight shutdown of the left-hand side 
engine, wear of the ramps of the RH free wheel shaft, if not addressed, 
could result in reduced ability to transfer one engine inoperative 
(OEI) power from the RH engine to the main rotor, and subsequent 
reduced control of the helicopter.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0909.

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 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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    This AD requires revising the existing RFM for the helicopter, 
whereas the MCAI does not. The MCAI requires reporting information, 
whereas this AD does not.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final 
action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 28 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD. 
Labor costs are estimated at $85 per hour.
    Determining the total hours TIS of each free wheel shaft will take 
0.25 work-hour, for an estimated cost of $21 per helicopter and $588 
for the U.S. fleet.
    Installing placard(s) and revising the existing RFM for the 
helicopter will take 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per 
helicopter and $1,204 for the U.S. fleet.
    Replacing an MGB will take 40 work-hours and parts will cost 
$850,000 (overhauled), for an estimated cost of $853,400 per 
helicopter, per replacement cycle.
    Alternatively, replacing the RH free wheel shaft will take 4 work-
hours and parts will cost $24,021, for an estimated cost of $24,361 per 
helicopter, per replacement cycle.

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.

[[Page 52236]]

    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 2019-19-13, Amendment 39-19749 (84 
FR 56109, October 21, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2025-24-03 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23198; Docket No. FAA-
2025-0909; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00895-R.

(a) Effective Date

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

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2019-19-13, Amendment 39-19749 (84 FR 56109, 
October 21, 2019) (AD 2019-19-13).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with the parts identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) or (2) of this AD installed, with ``XX'' denoting 
any dash number.
    (1) With a main rotor gearbox (MGB) part number (P/N) 332A32-
5001-XX, 332A32-5002-XX, or 332A32-5003-XX, with a main reduction 
gear module (main module), with modification (MOD) 07-53016 (16-
roller free wheel of free wheel shaft P/N 332A322191.20) installed, 
P/N 332A32-5011-XX, 332A32-5012-XX, or 332A32-5013-XX.
    (2) With an MGB P/N 332A32-5004-XX with a main module P/N 
332A32-5400-00.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6320, Main rotor 
gear box; and 6300, Main rotor drive system.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of wear detected on the right-
hand side (RH) free wheel shaft. In addition, since AD 2019-19-13 
was issued, the FAA has determined that additional parts are 
affected by the same unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent wear of the ramps of the right-hand side (RH) free wheel 
shaft. During an in-flight shutdown of the left-hand side engine, 
wear of the ramps of the RH free wheel shaft, if not addressed, 
could result in reduced ability to transfer one engine inoperative 
(OEI) power from the RH engine to the main rotor, and subsequent 
reduced control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, determine the total hours TIS of the RH free wheel 
shaft since new or last RH free wheel shaft replacement during 
overhaul.
    (i) If the total hours TIS of the RH free wheel shaft is 1,000 
or more hours TIS, before further flight, replace the MGB or replace 
the RH free wheel shaft. Thereafter, before any RH free wheel shaft 
accumulates 1,000 total hours TIS, replace the MGB or replace the RH 
free wheel shaft.
    (ii) If the total hours TIS of the RH free wheel shaft is less 
than 1,000 hours TIS, before exceeding 1,000 hours TIS, and 
thereafter before any RH free wheel shaft accumulates 1,000 total 
hours TIS, replace the MGB or replace the RH free wheel shaft.
    (2) Within 10 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD:
    (i) Install one or two self-adhesive placards on the instrument 
panel in full view of the pilot and co-pilot with 6-millimeter red 
letters on a white background that state the information contained 
in figure 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD.


    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i): Figure 4 of Airbus Helicopters 
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-04A016, Revision 4, dated 
June 19, 2023, shows an example of this placard.

Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)(2)(i)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR20NO25.006

    (ii) After installing the placard(s) required by paragraph 
(g)(2)(i) of this AD, before further flight, revise the limitations 
section of the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the 
helicopter by adding the information in figure 2 to paragraph 
(g)(2)(ii) of this AD, by inserting a copy of this AD, or by making 
pen-and-ink changes. The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a 
private pilot certificate may revise the existing RFM and must enter 
compliance with this RFM revision into the helicopter maintenance 
records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

[[Page 52237]]

Figure 2 to Paragraph (g)(2)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR20NO25.007

    (3) For Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters with parts 
identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD installed, with ``XX'' 
denoting any dash number, as an optional terminating action for the 
requirements of this AD, install MGB P/N 332A32-5001-XX, 332A32-
5002-XX, or 332A32-5003-XX, with a main module (12-roller free 
wheel), without MOD 07-53016 installed, P/N 332A32-5011-XX, 332A32-
5012-XX, or 332A32-5013-XX.

(h) Parts Installation Limitations

    As of the effective date of this AD, do not install the parts 
identified in paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD, with ``XX'' 
denoting any dash number, on any helicopter unless the actions 
required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD are accomplished.
    (1) MGB P/N 332A32-5001-XX, 332A32-5002-XX, or 332A32-5003-XX 
with a main module, with MOD 07-53016 (16-roller free wheel of free 
wheel shaft P/N 332A322191.20) installed, P/N 332A32-5011-XX, 
332A32-5012-XX, or 332A32-5013-XX.
    (2) An MGB P/N 332A32-5004-XX with a main module P/N 332A32-
5400-00.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD in accordance with 
the material identified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (3) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
No. EC225-04A016, Revision 1, dated June 28, 2019.
    (2) Airbus Helicopters Emergency ASB EC225-04A016, Revision 2, 
dated July 23, 2019.
    (3) Airbus Helicopters Emergency ASB EC225-04A016, Revision 3, 
dated August 5, 2019.

(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 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.

(k) Additional Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Frank Huynh, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404) 983-2588; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For Airbus Helicopters material 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

    None.

    Issued on November 17, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-20482 Filed 11-19-25; 8:45 am]
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