Rule2025-05798
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
April 4, 2025
Effective
May 9, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by the determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance records by incorporating new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, 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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 64 (Friday, April 4, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 64 (Friday, April 4, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14717-14719]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-05798]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2411; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00874-R;
Amendment 39-22981; AD 2025-05-09]
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 SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by
the determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing
maintenance records by incorporating new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations, 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 May 9, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 9, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2411; 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 EASA AD, 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#94d5d0e7d4f1f5e7f5baf1e1e6fbe4f5baf1e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="81c0c5f2c1e4e0f2e0afe4f4f3eef1e0afe4f4">[email protected]</span></a>; 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
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-2411.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Hein, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316)
946-4116; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3b7a5f5a5615735e52557b5d5a5a155c544d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4c0d282d2162042925220c2a2d2d622b233a">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 SA330J helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
October 24, 2024 (89 FR 84836). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2023-
0146, dated July 14, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0146), issued by EASA, which is
the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA
advises that airworthiness limitations and certification maintenance
instructions are identified as mandatory
[[Page 14718]]
for continued airworthiness and that Revision 7 of SA 330 J Maintenance
Program--PUMA 330 J Airworthiness Limitations 5.99, Edition 2, date
code 06-22, has been issued to specify all service life limits and
maintenance tasks for SA 330 J helicopters and separate the
airworthiness limitations from the Master Servicing Recommendations
Manual (P.R.E.). According to EASA, failure to accomplish these
instructions could result in an unsafe condition.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing
maintenance records by incorporating new or more restrictive actions
and associated thresholds and intervals, including any life limits,
specified in EASA AD 2023-0146, described previously, as incorporated
by reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in
the regulatory text of this AD and except as discussed under
``Differences Between this AD and the EASA AD.''
You may examine EASA AD 2023-0146 in the AD docket at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-2411.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the University of Virginia Aviation
Club, which supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
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
its AD referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered
the comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting
the AD as proposed, Except for minor editorial changes, e.g.,
correcting the Joint Aircraft System Component title from ``Main
Gearbox Oil Cooler'' to ``Rotorcraft Cooling Fan System''. and any
other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in
the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any
operator.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2023-0146, which requires replacing
components before exceeding their life limits and accomplishing
maintenance tasks within thresholds and intervals specified in the ALS
as defined within. Depending on the results of the maintenance tasks,
EASA AD 2023-0146 requires accomplishing corrective action(s) or
contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] for approved instructions and
accomplishing those instructions. EASA AD 2023-0146 also requires
revising the Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) by incorporating the
limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals described
in the specified ALS, as applicable. Revising the AMP constitutes
terminating action for the requirement to record accomplishment of the
actions of replacing components before exceeding their life limits and
to record accomplishment of maintenance tasks within thresholds and
intervals specified in the applicable ALS as required by EASA AD 2023-
0146 for demonstration of AD compliance on a continued basis.
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 EASA AD
EASA AD 2023-0146 requires, as individual tasks, replacing certain
components before exceeding applicable life limits, accomplishing
certain maintenance tasks within thresholds and intervals as specified
in the ALS, as defined within, and depending on the results,
accomplishing corrective action, whereas this AD does not. EASA AD
2023-0146 also requires revising the approved AMP by incorporating the
limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals described
in that ALS within 12 months, whereas this AD requires revising the
existing maintenance records by incorporating the limitations, tasks,
and associated thresholds and intervals described in that ALS within 30
days, and clarifies that if the initial instance of an incorporated
limitation or threshold therein is reached before 30 days after the
effective date of this AD, you still have up to 30 days after the
effective date of this AD to accomplish the corresponding task.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 6 helicopters of U.S.
registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this AD.
Revising the existing maintenance records takes approximately 1
work-hour, for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $510 for the
U.S. fleet.
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(f), 40113, 44701.
[[Page 14719]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2025-05-09 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22981; Docket No. FAA-
2024-2411; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00874-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 9, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6322, Rotorcraft
Cooling Fan System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by new and more restrictive airworthiness
limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of
certain parts, which if not addressed, could result in subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
(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 2023-0146,
dated July 14, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0146).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0146
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0146 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in
paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2023-0146.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0146 specifies ``Within
12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved
AMP;'' for this AD, replace that text with ``Within 30 days after
the effective date of this AD, revise maintenance records required
by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for the
helicopter.''
(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0146 is on or before the applicable
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0146 or within 30 days
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0146.
(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
No alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals,
including life limits, are allowed for compliance with paragraph (g)
of this AD unless they are approved as specified in the provisions
of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2023-0146.
(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 Sec. 39.19. In accordance with Sec. 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) of
this AD. If sending information directly to the manager of the
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified
in paragraph (k) of this AD or email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#88c9c5c7cbc8eee9e9a6efe7fe"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="63222e2c20230502024d040c15">[email protected]</span></a>. If mailing
information, also submit information by email.
(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
For more information about this AD, contact Adam Hein, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (316) 946-4116; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8bcaefeae6a5c3eee2e5cbedeaeaa5ece4fd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e9a88d8884c7a18c8087a98f8888c78e869f">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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 2023-0146,
dated July 14, 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f0b1b483b095918391de9585829f8091de9585"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="94d5d0e7d4f1f5e7f5baf1e1e6fbe4f5baf1e1">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the 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 <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#cbadb9e5a2a5b8bbaea8bfa2a4a58ba5aab9aae5aca4bd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7412065a1d1a07041117001d1b1a341a1506155a131b02">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 4, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-05798 Filed 4-3-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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