Proposed Rule2025-20091
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
November 18, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS-350B, AS 350BA, AS 350B1, AS 350B2, AS 350B3, and AS-350D helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of non-conformity of a certain cargo hook. This proposed AD would require inspecting the gap between the filler and the side plates of the affected cargo hook and, depending on the results, replacing the cargo hook. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing an affected cargo hook on any helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 220 (Tuesday, November 18, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 220 (Tuesday, November 18, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51620-51623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-20091]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-3999; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00176-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS-350B, AS 350BA, AS 350B1, AS 350B2,
AS 350B3, and AS-350D helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a
report of non-conformity of a certain cargo hook. This proposed AD
would require inspecting the gap between the filler and the side plates
of the affected cargo hook and, depending on the results, replacing the
cargo hook. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing an affected
cargo hook on any helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by January 2, 2026.
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.
[[Page 51621]]
<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-2025-3999; 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 NPRM, 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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7031340330151103115e1505021f00115e1505"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d9989daa99bcb8aab8f7bcacabb6a9b8f7bcac">[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-2025-3999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Yves Petiote, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (202) 975-4867; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eb929d8e98c59b8e9f82849f8eab8d8a8ac58c849d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="84fdf2e1f7aaf4e1f0edebf0e1c4e2e5e5aae3ebf2">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-3999; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-00176-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 proposal 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 NPRM.
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 NPRM 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 NPRM, 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 NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Yves
Petiote, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2025-0036, dated February 12, 2025
(EASA AD 2025-0036) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters Model AS 350 B, AS 350 BA, AS
350 BB, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3, and AS 350 D helicopters. The
MCAI states that a non-conformity issue concerning the gap between the
filler and the side plates on the cargo hook of a helicopter was
reported. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
loosening of the cargo hook, loss of the load, and consequent injury to
people on the ground.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-3999.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0036, which specifies procedures for
inspecting certain cargo hooks to measure the gap between the filler
and the front and rear side plate assemblies and, depending on the
results, replacing the cargo hook with a cargo hook that is not
affected. Additionally, EASA AD 2025-0036 prohibits installing an
affected cargo hook on any helicopter.
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 NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2025-0036, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD. See ``Differences Between this
Proposed AD and the MCAI'' for a discussion of the general differences
included in this proposed AD.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
The MCAI applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350BB helicopters,
whereas this proposed AD would not because that model does not have an
FAA type certificate.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2025-0036 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2025-0036 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2025-0036 does not mean that
operators need comply only with
[[Page 51622]]
that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ``all
required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2025-0036. Material referenced in
EASA AD 2025-0036 for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
under Docket No. FAA-2025-3999 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 898 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspect cargo hook.................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $76,330
hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements that
would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. The
agency has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might
need this replacement.
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replace cargo hook.......................... 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $62,136 $62,476
$340.
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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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2025-3999; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-00176-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 2, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS-350B, AS 350BA,
AS 350B1, AS 350B2, AS 350B3, and AS-350D helicopters, certificated
in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with AS350B3e designation
are Model AS 350B3 helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2510, Flight
Compartment Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a non-conformity of the
cargo hook. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct a non-
conformity of the cargo hook. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in loosening of the cargo hook, loss of the
load, and consequent injury to people on the ground.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2025-0036, dated February 12, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0036).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0036
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0036 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0036 defines sling cycles, for the
purposes of this AD, a sling cycle is defined as one release with
load on ground equals one sling cycle, and one release with load in-
flight equals three sling cycles.
(3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0036 specifies
``check'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``inspect''.
(4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0036 specifies
to return parts for repair, this AD does not require those actions.
[[Page 51623]]
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0036.
(i) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199, provided there are no external load operations.
(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 responsible Flight
Standards 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 and
email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#de9f93919d9eb8bfbff0b9b1a8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2a6b6765696a4c4b4b044d455c">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Yves Petiote,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (202) 975-4867; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#067f706375287663726f6972634660676728616970"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="78010e1d0b56081d0c11170c1d381e1919561f170e">[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 2025-0036,
dated February 12, 2025.
(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#9ddcd9eeddf8fceefcb3f8e8eff2edfcb3f8e8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a9e8eddae9ccc8dac887ccdcdbc6d9c887ccdc">[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#abcdd985c2c5d8dbcec8dfc2c4c5ebc5cad9ca85ccc4dd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f09682de999e8380959384999f9eb09e918291de979f86">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on November 7, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-20091 Filed 11-17-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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