Proposed Rule2025-21437
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
November 28, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of rupture of the scissors link of the rotating swashplate assembly due to a seized ball joint-cups assembly. This proposed AD would require replacing the rotor shaft assembly, modifying the rotating swashplate assembly to replace each of the three ball joint-cups assemblies with one-piece self-lubricated spherical bearings, and modifying the scissors hinges and swashplate trunnions on the main rotor, as applicable, and applying an anti-corrosion agent, if applicable. This proposed AD would prohibit installing a main rotor hub (MRH) assembly or rotor shaft assembly on a helicopter unless certain requirements are met. 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 227 (Friday, November 28, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 227 (Friday, November 28, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54596-54599]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-21437]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5034; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00951-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 AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and
AS332L2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of
rupture of the scissors link of the rotating swashplate assembly due to
a seized ball joint-cups assembly. This proposed AD would require
replacing the rotor shaft assembly, modifying the rotating swashplate
assembly to replace each of the three ball joint-cups assemblies with
one-piece self-lubricated spherical bearings, and modifying the
scissors hinges and swashplate trunnions on the main rotor, as
applicable, and applying an anti-corrosion agent, if applicable. This
proposed AD would prohibit installing a main rotor hub (MRH) assembly
or rotor shaft assembly on a helicopter unless certain requirements are
met. 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 12, 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.
<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-2025-5034; 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#e2a3a691a287839183cc8797908d9283cc8797"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c58481b685a0a4b6a4eba0b0b7aab5a4eba0b0">[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.
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#d1b0b5b0bcffb9b4b8bf91b7b0b0ffb6bea7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="315055505c1f5954585f715750501f565e47">[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 the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-5034;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00951-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
[[Page 54597]]
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 Adam Hein, 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, issued EASA AD 2024-0168, dated August 22, 2024 (EASA
AD 2024-0168), to correct an unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters
Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, and AS 332 L2
helicopters. The MCAI states that an occurrence was reported of rupture
of the scissors link of the rotating swashplate assembly resulting from
a seized ball joint-cups assembly. Subsequent investigation revealed
the following probable causes: the cups and ball joint that are
normally paired were unpaired or mixed during an overhaul; and the cups
and ball joint assembly had not been properly lubricated during
overhaul. In addition, the cups and the ball joint are made of tungsten
carbide, whose failure mode can cause a sudden seizure of the assembly.
This condition, if not addressed, could lead to loss of connection
between rotor shaft and rotating swashplate and consequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
EASA AD 2024-0168 specified a modification to replace the ball
joint-cups assembly with a one-piece self-lubricated spherical bearing
and specified modification instructions for in-service helicopters.
EASA then superseded EASA AD 2024-0168 and issued EASA AD 2025-0116,
dated May 19, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0116) (also referred to as the MCAI).
The MCAI states that since EASA AD 2024-0168 was issued, it was
identified that the original service information did not provide
instructions to apply anti-corrosion agent on the parts during
installation, and Airbus Helicopters revised the service information to
address that omission. The MCAI partially retains the requirements of
EASA AD 2024-0168 and specifies additional work.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5034.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0116, which specifies procedures for
replacing the rotor shaft assembly, modifying the rotating swashplate
assembly, or replacing the MRH assembly as an alternative action for
certain helicopters, as applicable. EASA AD 2025-0116 specifies
procedures for certain helicopters to incorporate modification 0743046
either before or concurrently with the modification of the rotating
swashplate assembly. EASA AD 2025-0116 also specifies procedures for
applying anti-corrosion agent on the parts, as applicable. EASA AD
2025-0116 prohibits installing a MRH assembly or a rotor shaft assembly
unless it is a post-mod 0728849 configuration.
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 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 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 Group 1 helicopters (as defined in
the MCAI) to replace the rotor shaft assembly, Group 2 helicopters (as
defined in the MCAI) to modify the rotating swashplate assembly to
replace each of the three ball joint-cups assemblies with one-piece
self-lubricated spherical bearings or replace the MRH assembly with an
MRH assembly in post-mod 0728849 and post-mod 0743046 configurations,
and AS332C and AS332L helicopters to modify the scissors hinges and
swashplate trunnions on the main rotor, as applicable. This proposed AD
would also require Group 3 helicopters (as defined in the MCAI) to
apply an anti-corrosion agent, if applicable. This proposed AD would
prohibit installing a main rotor hub (MRH) assembly or rotor shaft
assembly on a helicopter unless certain requirements are met.
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 incorporates EASA AD 2025-0116 by reference in the FAA final rule.
This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD
2025-0116 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 2025-0116 does not mean that operators
need comply only with 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-
0116. Material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0116 for compliance will be
available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-5034 after the
FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 12 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace three ball joint-cups 3 work-hours x $85 $9,861 $10,116 $121,392.
assemblies. per hour = $255.
Apply anti-corrosion agent........ 3 work-hours x $85 0 0 Up to $3,060.
per hour = $255.
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[[Page 54598]]
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for replacing the rotor shaft assembly with a rotor shaft
assembly that has incorporated modifications 0743714 and 0728849,
modifying the rotating swashplate assembly to incorporate modification
0743046, or for the optional action of replacing the MRH assembly with
an MRH assembly that has incorporated modifications 0728849 and 0743046
specified in this proposed AD.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
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-2025-5034; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-00951-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 12, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 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 the rupture of the scissors
link of the rotating swashplate assembly due to a seized ball joint-
cups assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the ball joint-
cups assembly from seizing. This condition, if not addressed, could
lead to loss of connection between rotor shaft and rotating
swashplate and consequent 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 2025-0116,
dated May 19, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0116).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0116
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0116 refers to September 5, 2024 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2024-0168), this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0116 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0116 refers to ``modify
that helicopter in accordance with the instructions of the Airbus
Helicopter SB 62.00.05'', this AD replaces that text with ``modify
that helicopter in accordance with the instructions of the Societe
Nationale Industrielle Aerospatiale Service Bulletin No. 62.05,
Revision 2''.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0116.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0116 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#acede1e3efeccacdcd82cbc3da"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="51101c1e12113730307f363e27">[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 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#92f3f6f3ffbcfaf7fbfcd2f4f3f3bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="305154515d1e5855595e705651511e575f46">[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 2025-0116,
dated May 19, 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#bbfaffc8fbdedac8da95decec9d4cbda95dece"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="da9b9ea99abfbba9bbf4bfafa8b5aabbf4bfaf">[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
[[Page 54599]]
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#563024783f3825263335223f3938163837243778313920"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="97f1e5b9fef9e4e7f2f4e3fef8f9d7f9f6e5f6b9f0f8e1">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on November 24, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-21437 Filed 11-26-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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