Rule2025-02703
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 18, 2025
Effective
March 5, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-04- 18, which applied to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. AD 2021-04-18 required repetitively inspecting the bearing in the swashplate assembly of certain main rotor (M/R) mast assemblies and, depending on the findings, replacing the M/R mast assembly. AD 2021-04- 18 also prohibited installing those M/R mast assemblies unless certain requirements were met. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-04-18, it was determined that additional M/R mast assemblies are affected by the same unsafe condition and that it is necessary to distinguish the affected part numbers between M/R mast assemblies and mast swashplate assemblies. This AD continues to require the actions specified in AD 2021-04-18 and adds additional part-numbered M/R mast assemblies and distinguishes the affected part numbers between M/R mast assemblies and mast swashplate assemblies, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also clarifies the possible consequences that could result from the unsafe condition and clarifies a requirement. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 31 (Tuesday, February 18, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 18, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9675-9678]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-02703]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0014; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00471-R;
Amendment 39-22949; AD 2025-03-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-04-
18, which applied to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. AD
2021-04-18 required repetitively inspecting the bearing in the
swashplate assembly of certain main rotor (M/R) mast assemblies and,
depending on the findings, replacing the M/R mast assembly. AD 2021-04-
18 also prohibited installing those M/R mast assemblies unless certain
requirements were met. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-04-18, it was
determined that additional M/R mast assemblies are affected by the same
unsafe condition and that it is necessary to distinguish the affected
part numbers between M/R mast assemblies and mast swashplate
assemblies. This AD continues to require the actions specified in AD
2021-04-18 and adds additional part-numbered M/R mast assemblies and
distinguishes the affected part numbers between M/R mast assemblies and
mast swashplate assemblies, as specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD
also clarifies the possible consequences that could result from the
unsafe condition and clarifies a requirement. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 5, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 5,
2025.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by April 4, 2025.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0014; 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
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ecada89fac898d9f8dc289999e839c8dc28999"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95d4d1e6d5f0f4e6f4bbf0e0e7fae5f4bbf0e0">[email protected]</span></a>; 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
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-0014.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Lucas, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206)
231-3189; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#683c091a0946241d0b091b280e0909460f071e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2b7f4a594a05675e484a586b4d4a4a054c445d">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-0014; Project
Identifier MCAI-2024-00471-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule,
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to: Tara
Lucas, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-3189; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dd89bcafbcf391a8bebcae9dbbbcbcf3bab2ab"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9ecaffecffb0d2ebfdffeddef8ffffb0f9f1e8">[email protected]</span></a>.
Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2020-23-02, Amendment 39-21318 (85 FR 73607,
November 19, 2020) (AD 2020-23-02),
[[Page 9676]]
for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. AD 2020-23-02 was
prompted by an MCAI originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2020-
0079, dated April 1, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0079). EASA AD 2020-0079 was
prompted by a report of a manufacturing issue involving ceramic balls
of the swashplate bearing of the M/R mast assembly. EASA stated that a
defective ceramic ball could lead to potential premature spalling of
the ball itself and of the swashplate bearing. According to EASA, this
condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to loss of
function of the bearing and overload of the main rotor mast scissor,
possibly resulting in reduced control of the helicopter.
AD 2020-23-02 required repetitive inspections of the bearing in the
swashplate assembly of certain M/R mast assemblies for discrepancies
(ceramic balls that have a hard point or sensitive axial play or both)
and, depending on the findings, replacement of an affected M/R mast
assembly with a serviceable M/R mast assembly. The FAA issued AD 2020-
23-02 to address defective ceramic balls in the bearing installed in
the swashplate assembly of the M/R mast assembly, which could lead to
premature spalling of the ball itself and of the bearing, loss of
function of the bearing, and overload of the M/R mast scissor,
resulting in reduced control of the helicopter.
After the FAA issued AD 2020-23-02, EASA superseded EASA AD 2020-
0079 and issued EASA AD 2020-0264, dated December 2, 2020 (EASA AD
2020-0264). EASA AD 2020-0264 expanded the affected parts definition by
adding an additional part-numbered M/R mast assembly.
The FAA then issued AD 2021-04-18, Amendment 39-21440 (86 FR 13637,
March 10, 2021) (AD 2021-04-18) to supersede AD 2020-23-02 to add the
additional part-numbered M/R mast assembly as specified in EASA AD
2020-0264.
Actions Since AD 2021-04-18 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2021-04-18, EASA superseded EASA AD 2020-
0264 and issued EASA AD 2024-0160, dated August 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-
0160) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC 225 LP helicopters. The MCAI states
that since EASA AD 2020-0264 was issued, more additional part-numbered
M/R mast assemblies affected by the same unsafe condition have been
identified and that it is necessary to distinguish the affected part
numbers between M/R mast assemblies and mast swashplate assemblies. The
MCAI also advises of improved inspection instructions.
This AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing and control
issue regarding the ceramic balls in the bearing installed in the
swashplate assembly of the main rotor mast assembly. Since the FAA
issued AD 2021-04-18, the FAA also determined that it is necessary to
clarify the possible consequences that could result from the unsafe
condition. The FAA is clarifying that it is issuing this AD to address
defective ceramic balls in the bearing installed in the swashplate
assembly of the M/R mast assembly, which could lead to premature
spalling of the ball itself and of the bearing, loss of function of the
bearing, seizure of the M/R mast swashplate, overload of the M/R mast
scissor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Lastly,
since the FAA issued AD 2021-04-18, the FAA determined that it is
necessary to update an exception to no longer require removing certain
parts from service, since operators may repair those parts and return
them to service. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-0014.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0160, which requires repetitive
inspections of certain part-numbered M/R mast assemblies and mast
swashplate assemblies for discrepancies (ceramic balls that have a hard
point or sensitive axial play or both) and, depending on the results,
replacing an affected M/R mast assembly or mast swashplate assembly
with a serviceable M/R mast assembly or mast swashplate assembly. EASA
AD 2024-0160 also prohibits installing those M/R mast assemblies and
mast swashplate assemblies unless it is a serviceable part as defined
within. 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.
FAA's Determination
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 is issuing this AD after determining
that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same type design.
AD Requirements
This AD retains all requirements in AD 2021-14-08. This AD also
adds additional part-numbered M/R mast assemblies and distinguishes the
affected part numbers between M/R mast assemblies and mast swashplate
assemblies as specified in EASA AD 2024-0160, described previously,
except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory
text of this AD.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final
action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking
then.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because defective ceramic balls in the bearing installed in the
swashplate assembly of the M/R mast assembly could lead to premature
spalling of the ball itself and of the bearing, loss of function of the
bearing, seizure of the M/R mast swashplate, overload of the M/R mast
scissor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. This AD adds
other affected M/R mast assemblies to those identified in AD 2021-04-
18. In addition, the compliance time for the initial instance of the
repetitive inspections is 50 hours time-in-service, a time period of
less than 2 months based on the average flight-hour utilization rate of
these helicopters. Accordingly, the compliance time for the required
action is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and
for publication of the final rule. Therefore, notice and opportunity
[[Page 9677]]
for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public
interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and
comment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 28 helicopters of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs of Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspecting the M/R mast or mast 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 $340 (per $9,520 (per
swashplate assembly. work-hour = $340. inspection cycle). inspection
cycle).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary action
that would be required based on the results of any inspection. The FAA
has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need
this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corrective Actions......................... 100 work-hours x $85 per work-hour (*) * $8,500
= $8,500.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Airbus Helicopters informed the FAA that parts costs will vary for each helicopter and is determined by
several factors, including the condition of a returned M/R mast assembly. Airbus Helicopters provided
information indicating that costs may be as low as $1,120,000 per helicopter. For the purposes of this AD, the
FAA estimates the average cost will be between $1,120,000 and $3,256,000 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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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 2021-04-18, Amendment 39-21440 (86
FR 13637, March 10, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2025-03-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22949; Docket No. FAA-
2025-0014; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00471-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 5, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-04-18, Amendment 39-21440 (86 FR 13637,
March 10, 2021) (AD 2021-04-18).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6230, Main Rotor
Mast/Swashplate.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing and control
issue regarding the ceramic balls in the bearing installed in the
swashplate assembly of the main rotor mast assembly. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address defective ceramic balls in the bearing
installed in the swashplate assembly of the main rotor mast
assembly, which could lead to premature spalling of the ball itself
and of the bearing, loss of function of the bearing, seizure of the
main rotor mast swashplate, overload of the main rotor mast scissor,
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
[[Page 9678]]
(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 AD 2024-0160,
dated August 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0160).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0160
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0160 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0160 refers to April 15, 2020 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2020-0079, dated April 1, 2020), this AD
requires using December 4, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-
02, Amendment 39-21318 (85 FR 73607, November 19, 2020)).
(3) Where EASA AD 2024-0160 refers to December 16, 2020 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2020-0264, dated December 2, 2020), this
AD requires using March 25, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-04-
18).
(4) Where EASA AD 2024-0160 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0160 specifies
``work steps associated with the check are described in a video'',
this AD requires a complete rotation of the swashplate in both
directions using a rate of one revolution per minute.
(6) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0160 states ``any
discrepancy is detected, as defined in the ASB'' this AD requires
replacing that text with ``there is any bearing race damage, which
may be indicated by a hard point (ratcheting or blocking) or
sensitive axial play on the ball bearing.''
Note 1 to paragraph (h)(6): A hard point sensation that
disappears after back-and-forth motions is not considered a hard
point.
(7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0160 specifies
to send certain parts to Airbus Helicopters, this AD does not
require that action.
(8) The AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0160.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0160 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6d2c20222e2d0b0c0c430a021b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ebaaa6a4a8ab8d8a8ac58c849d">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 Tara Lucas, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (206) 231-3189; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#24704556450a6851474557644245450a434b52"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7f2b1e0d1e51330a1c1e0c3f191e1e51181009">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 2024-0160,
dated August 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4b0a0f380b2e2a382a652e3e39243b2a652e3e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ecada89fac898d9f8dc289999e839c8dc28999">[email protected]</span></a>; 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 <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#88eefaa6e1e6fbf8edebfce1e7e6c8e6e9fae9a6efe7fe"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1177633f787f6261747265787e7f517f7063703f767e67">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on February 10, 2025.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-02703 Filed 2-12-25; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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