Proposed Rule2025-21999
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 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
December 5, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that certain bolts installed on the horizontal control rods of the flight controls were not dye penetrant inspected for cracks during manufacturing and thus could lead to bolt failure. This proposed AD would require replacement of affected bolts with bolts that are eligible for installation. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing an affected bolt on any helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 232 (Friday, December 5, 2025)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 232 (Friday, December 5, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56070-56072]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-21999]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5040; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01516-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-3
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that
certain bolts installed on the horizontal control rods of the flight
controls were not dye penetrant inspected for cracks during
manufacturing and thus could lead to bolt failure. This proposed AD
would require replacement of affected bolts with bolts that are
eligible for installation. This proposed AD would also prohibit
installing an affected bolt 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 20, 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-2025-5040; 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#8ecfcafdceebeffdefa0ebfbfce1feefa0ebfb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4f0e0b3c0f2a2e3c2e612a3a3d203f2e612a3a">[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-2025-5040.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aryanna Sanchez, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-4058; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0a6b78736b64646b247e24796b6469626f704a6c6b6b246d657c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="68091a1109060609461c461b09060b000d12280e0909460f071e">[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-2025-5040; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-01516-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 Joe
Salameh, 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 2022-0228, dated November 28, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0228) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK117
D-3 and D-3m helicopters. The MCAI states it has been determined that
bolts on the horizontal control rods of the flight controls having
part-number D671M7051211 and with a serial number listed in the
applicable material were not subject to a dye penetrant inspection for
cracks during manufacturing and thus are subject to bolt failure.
The FAA is proposing this AD to prevent bolt failure, which if not
addressed, could result in loss of control of the helicopter.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5040.
[[Page 56071]]
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0228, which specifies procedures for
checking (inspecting) the serial number (S/N) of the bolt, and
depending on the results of the inspection, replacing any affected
bolts with serviceable bolts. EASA AD 2022-0228 also prohibits
installing an affected bolt 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 civil aviation authority
(CAA) 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 accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2022-0228, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any exceptions identified 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 Deutschland GmbH Model D-3m
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 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 2022-0228 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD
would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2022-0228 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 2022-0228 does not mean that operators need to
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 2022-0228.
Material required in EASA AD 2022-0228 for compliance will be available
at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-5040 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 146 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace bolt....................... 4 work-hours x $85 per hour $101 $441 $64,386
= $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2025-5040;
Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01516-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 20, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
[[Page 56072]]
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6700, Rotorcraft
Flight Control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that certain bolts
installed on the horizontal control rods of the flight controls were
not dye penetrant inspected for cracks during manufacturing and thus
are subject to bolt failure. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
bolt failure, which if not addressed, could result in loss of
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
2022-0228, dated November 28, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0228).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0228
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0228 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0228 defines affected bolt as ``Bolts,
having part number D671M7051211 and a s/n [serial number] as listed
in the ASB'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``bolts,
having part number D671M7051211 and a serial number as listed in
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB-BK117 D-3-67A-002,
Revision 1, dated July 29, 2024''.
(3) Where EASA AD 2022-0228 refers to flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0228 specifies
``check'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``inspect''.
(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0228 specifies
``discard'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``remove from
service''.
(6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0228 specifies
to make the bolt unserviceable, this AD does not require those
actions.
(7) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0228.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0228 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(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 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 and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#40010d0f03002621216e272f36"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3e7f73717d7e585f5f10595148">[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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Aryanna Sanchez,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-4058; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7e1f0c071f10101f500a500d1f101d161b043e181f1f50191108"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f0918289919e9e91de84de83919e9398958ab0969191de979f86">[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 2022-0228,
dated November 28, 2022.
(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="ca8b8eb98aafabb9abe4afbfb8a5baabe4afbf">[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="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c1fda0e1a9b3a4a7fc" http: www.archives.gov federal-register cfr ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c0a9a2b2edacafa3a1b4a9afaeb3afb2a5ada1a9aca6b2eea9aeb3b0a5a3b4a9afae80aea1b2a1eea7afb6">[email protected]</span></a>"><a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="452c273768292a2624312c2a2b362a372028242c2923376b2c2b36352026312c2a2b052b2437246b222a33">[email protected]</span></a></a>.
Issued on December 2, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-21999 Filed 12-4-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on December 5, 2025.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.