Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 233 (Monday, December 8, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56670-56672]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-22250]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0916; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00119-R; 
Amendment 39-23200; AD 2025-24-05]
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) 2024-10-
13, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, AS 332L1, AS 332L2, and EC 225LP helicopters. AD 2024-10-13 
required visually inspecting the bowls of the left-hand (LH) and right-
hand (RH) fuel filters for any cracks and seepage. Depending on the 
inspection results, AD 2024-10-13 required removing an affected fuel 
filter from service and replacing that part. AD 2024-10-13 also allowed 
a certain fuel filter to be installed on any helicopter if certain 
actions are accomplished. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-10-13, 
additional inspection criteria were developed. This AD requires the 
same actions as AD 2024-10-13 but removes some helicopters from the 
applicability, adds an inspection of the inner surface

[[Page 56671]]

of the fuel filter bowls, and revises the tightening torque. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 12, 2026.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publications listed in this AD as of January 12, 
2026.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0916; 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 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-2025-0916.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deep Gaurav, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 
228-3731; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2024-10-13, Amendment 39-22759 (89 FR 
56189, July 9, 2024) (AD 2024-10-13). AD 2024-10-13 applied to all 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS 332L1, AS 332L2, 
and EC 225LP helicopters. The FAA issued AD 2024-10-13 to prevent 
failure of the bowl, in-flight shutdown, and subsequent reduced control 
of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 2, 2025 (90 
FR 23300). The NPRM was prompted by European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0045, dated February 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0045) 
(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 new 
cases of fuel filter cracks were reported on helicopters that had been 
inspected as required by a previously issued EASA AD. The new cracks 
were located on the inner surface of the fuel filter bowls and likely 
resulted from excessive bowl tightening torque. The MCAI further 
states, following an investigation, Airbus Helicopters expanded the 
scope of the inspection of the fuel filters to include the inner 
surface of the bowls and revised the tightening torque.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require the same actions as AD 
2024-10-13, and also proposed to remove some helicopters from the 
applicability, add an inspection of the inner surface of the fuel 
filter bowls, and revise the tightening torque.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to inspect for cracks and seepage on the 
bowl of the LH and RH fuel filter, which if not addressed, could result 
in failure of the fuel filter bowl, in-flight shutdown of both engines, 
and consequent reduced control of the helicopter.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2025-0916.

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.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0045, which specifies procedures for 
a one-time inspection of the outer and inner surfaces of the bowls of 
the LH and RH fuel filters for cracks and seepage. Depending on the 
inspection results, EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies procedures for 
replacing an affected part with a serviceable part. EASA AD 2024-0045 
allows credit for the inspection of certain helicopters and also allows 
certain fuel filters to be installed on a helicopter if they have been 
inspected and no defects found.
    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

    Where the MCAI applies to helicopters delivered before February 15, 
2024, this AD applies to helicopters with fuel filter part number 
4020P25-5 or 704A44620049 installed and with an original airworthiness 
certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued 
before February 15, 2024.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 20 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.
    Inspecting the fuel filter bowls (two bowls per helicopter) for 
cracks and seepage will take 2 work-hours. No parts are required for an 
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $3,400 for the U.S. fleet.
    Replacing a fuel filter will take 2 work-hours, and parts cost 
$6,290 for an estimated cost of $6,460 per fuel filter replacement.

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

[[Page 56672]]

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 2024-10-13, Amendment 39-22759 (89 
FR 56189, July 9, 2024); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2025-24-05 Amendment 39-23200; Docket No. FAA-2025-0916; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2024-00119-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 12, 2026.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2024-10-13, Amendment 39-22759 (89 FR 56189, 
July 9, 2024).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, AS 332L1, AS 332L2, and EC 225LP helicopters, certificated 
in any category, with fuel filter part number 4020P25-5 or 
704A44620049 installed and with an original airworthiness 
certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued 
before February 15, 2024.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2821, Aircraft fuel 
filter/strainer.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the fuel filter 
bowl (bowl) due to over-torquing. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
inspect for cracks and seepage on the bowl of the left-hand (LH) and 
right-hand (RH) fuel filter. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in failure of the fuel filter bowl, in-flight shutdown 
of both engines, and consequent 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2024-0045, dated February 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0045).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0045

    (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0045 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2024-0045 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0045 states ``any 
discrepancy, as defined in the ASB'', for this AD replace that text 
with ``any crack or seepage''.
    (4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies ``replace 
the affected part with a serviceable part in accordance with the 
instructions of the applicable ASB'', this AD requires replacing 
that text with ``remove the affected part from service and replace 
it with a serviceable part''.
    (5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0045 uses the 
term ``check'', this AD requires replacing that term with 
``inspection''.
    (6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies 
discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from 
service.
    (7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies 
actions for non-installed equipment or parts, this AD does not 
require those actions.
    (8) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2024-0045.

(i) No Reporting or Returning Parts Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies 
to submit certain information and return parts to the manufacturer, 
this AD does not require those actions.

(j) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(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 responsible Flight Standards Office.

(l) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Deep Gaurav, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 228-3731; 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 2024-0045, 
dated February 16, 2024.
    (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 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 December 2, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-22250 Filed 12-5-25; 8:45 am]
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