Rule2025-22250
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
December 8, 2025
Effective
January 12, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-10- 13, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS 332L1, AS 332L2, and EC 225LP helicopters. AD 2024-10-13 required visually inspecting the bowls of the left-hand (LH) and right- hand (RH) fuel filters for any cracks and seepage. Depending on the inspection results, AD 2024-10-13 required removing an affected fuel filter from service and replacing that part. AD 2024-10-13 also allowed a certain fuel filter to be installed on any helicopter if certain actions are accomplished. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-10-13, additional inspection criteria were developed. This AD requires the same actions as AD 2024-10-13 but removes some helicopters from the applicability, adds an inspection of the inner surface of the fuel filter bowls, and revises the tightening torque. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 233 (Monday, December 8, 2025)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 233 (Monday, December 8, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56670-56672]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-22250]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0916; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00119-R;
Amendment 39-23200; AD 2025-24-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-10-
13, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, AS 332L1, AS 332L2, and EC 225LP helicopters. AD 2024-10-13
required visually inspecting the bowls of the left-hand (LH) and right-
hand (RH) fuel filters for any cracks and seepage. Depending on the
inspection results, AD 2024-10-13 required removing an affected fuel
filter from service and replacing that part. AD 2024-10-13 also allowed
a certain fuel filter to be installed on any helicopter if certain
actions are accomplished. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-10-13,
additional inspection criteria were developed. This AD requires the
same actions as AD 2024-10-13 but removes some helicopters from the
applicability, adds an inspection of the inner surface
[[Page 56671]]
of the fuel filter bowls, and revises the tightening torque. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 12, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publications listed in this AD as of January 12,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0916; 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
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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (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#1c5d586f5c797d6f7d3279696e736c7d327969"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6524211625000416044b0010170a15044b0010">[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-2025-0916.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deep Gaurav, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817)
228-3731; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#34505151441a535541465542745255551a535b42"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a8cccdcdd886cfc9dddac9dee8cec9c986cfc7de">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2024-10-13, Amendment 39-22759 (89 FR
56189, July 9, 2024) (AD 2024-10-13). AD 2024-10-13 applied to all
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS 332L1, AS 332L2,
and EC 225LP helicopters. The FAA issued AD 2024-10-13 to prevent
failure of the bowl, in-flight shutdown, and subsequent reduced control
of the helicopter.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 2, 2025 (90
FR 23300). The NPRM was prompted by European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0045, dated February 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0045)
(also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI states new
cases of fuel filter cracks were reported on helicopters that had been
inspected as required by a previously issued EASA AD. The new cracks
were located on the inner surface of the fuel filter bowls and likely
resulted from excessive bowl tightening torque. The MCAI further
states, following an investigation, Airbus Helicopters expanded the
scope of the inspection of the fuel filters to include the inner
surface of the bowls and revised the tightening torque.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require the same actions as AD
2024-10-13, and also proposed to remove some helicopters from the
applicability, add an inspection of the inner surface of the fuel
filter bowls, and revise the tightening torque.
The FAA is issuing this AD to inspect for cracks and seepage on the
bowl of the LH and RH fuel filter, which if not addressed, could result
in failure of the fuel filter bowl, in-flight shutdown of both engines,
and consequent reduced 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-2025-0916.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
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 reviewed the relevant
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0045, which specifies procedures for
a one-time inspection of the outer and inner surfaces of the bowls of
the LH and RH fuel filters for cracks and seepage. Depending on the
inspection results, EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies procedures for
replacing an affected part with a serviceable part. EASA AD 2024-0045
allows credit for the inspection of certain helicopters and also allows
certain fuel filters to be installed on a helicopter if they have been
inspected and no defects found.
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 MCAI
Where the MCAI applies to helicopters delivered before February 15,
2024, this AD applies to helicopters with fuel filter part number
4020P25-5 or 704A44620049 installed and with an original airworthiness
certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued
before February 15, 2024.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 20 helicopters of U.S.
registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per hour. Based on these
numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
Inspecting the fuel filter bowls (two bowls per helicopter) for
cracks and seepage will take 2 work-hours. No parts are required for an
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $3,400 for the U.S. fleet.
Replacing a fuel filter will take 2 work-hours, and parts cost
$6,290 for an estimated cost of $6,460 per fuel filter replacement.
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
[[Page 56672]]
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 has determined that 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(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2024-10-13, Amendment 39-22759 (89
FR 56189, July 9, 2024); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2025-24-05 Amendment 39-23200; Docket No. FAA-2025-0916; Project
Identifier MCAI-2024-00119-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 12, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2024-10-13, Amendment 39-22759 (89 FR 56189,
July 9, 2024).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, AS 332L1, AS 332L2, and EC 225LP helicopters, certificated
in any category, with fuel filter part number 4020P25-5 or
704A44620049 installed and with an original airworthiness
certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued
before February 15, 2024.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2821, Aircraft fuel
filter/strainer.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the fuel filter
bowl (bowl) due to over-torquing. The FAA is issuing this AD to
inspect for cracks and seepage on the bowl of the left-hand (LH) and
right-hand (RH) fuel filter. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in failure of the fuel filter bowl, in-flight shutdown
of both engines, and consequent reduced 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
2024-0045, dated February 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0045).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0045
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0045 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0045 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0045 states ``any
discrepancy, as defined in the ASB'', for this AD replace that text
with ``any crack or seepage''.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies ``replace
the affected part with a serviceable part in accordance with the
instructions of the applicable ASB'', this AD requires replacing
that text with ``remove the affected part from service and replace
it with a serviceable part''.
(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0045 uses the
term ``check'', this AD requires replacing that term with
``inspection''.
(6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies
discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from
service.
(7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies
actions for non-installed equipment or parts, this AD does not
require those actions.
(8) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0045.
(i) No Reporting or Returning Parts Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0045 specifies
to submit certain information and return parts to the manufacturer,
this AD does not require those actions.
(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#bffef2f0fcffd9dede91d8d0c9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a4e5e9ebe7e4c2c5c58ac3cbd2">[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.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Deep Gaurav,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 228-3731; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a3e3f3f2a743d3b2f283b2c1a3c3b3b743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c1a5a4a4b1efa6a0b4b3a0b781a7a0a0efa6aeb7">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 2024-0045,
dated February 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#0c4d487f4c696d7f6d2269797e637c6d226979"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4a0b0e390a2f2b392b642f3f38253a2b642f3f">[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#96f0e4b8fff8e5e6f3f5e2fff9f8d6f8f7e4f7b8f1f9e0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="791f0b5710170a091c1a0d1016173917180b18571e160f">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on December 2, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-22250 Filed 12-5-25; 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 8, 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.