Rule2025-22279
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS 350B2, AS 350B3, AS355N, AS355NP, and EC 130 B4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a loss of cargo load during cargo swing operation on a helicopter due to an incorrect adjustment of the release cable of the cargo swing emergency release control. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the cargo swing emergency release control and, depending on the results, corrective actions. 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 233 (Monday, December 8, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 233 (Monday, December 8, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56677-56679]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-22279]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-1363; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00098-R;
Amendment 39-23202; AD 2025-24-06]
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
certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS 350B2, AS 350B3, AS355N, AS355NP,
and EC 130 B4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a loss
of cargo load during cargo swing operation on a helicopter due to an
incorrect adjustment of the release cable of the cargo swing emergency
release control. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the cargo
swing emergency release control and, depending on the results,
corrective actions. 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 publication 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-2025-1363; 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#df9e9bac9fbabeacbef1baaaadb0afbef1baaa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6b2a2f182b0e0a180a450e1e19041b0a450e1e">[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-2025-1363.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Warwick, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-5225; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cfbcbbaab9aaa1e1bde1b8aebdb8a6aca48fa9aeaee1a8a0b9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cdbeb9a8bba8a3e3bfe3baacbfbaa4aea68dabacace3aaa2bb">[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 Airbus Helicopters
Model AS 350B2, AS 350B3, AS355N, AS355NP, and EC 130 B4 helicopters
equipped with ONBOARD systems 3500LB, having part number (P/N)
704A41811035. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July
22, 2025 (90 FR 34386). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0025,
dated January 23, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0025) (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 a report was received of
a loss of cargo load during cargo swing operation on a helicopter.
Subsequent investigation revealed an incorrect adjustment of the
release cable of the cargo swing emergency release control.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection of
the cargo swing emergency release control and, depending on the
results, corrective actions.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the adjustment of the cargo
swing emergency release control. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in inflight loss of cargo load and injury to
persons 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-2025-1363.
Comments
The FAA received a comment from one individual who disagreed with
the practice of relying on manufacturer-issued and foreign regulatory
documents that are not fully integrated into the rule text. The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to the comment.
Request To Incorporate Requirements Directly Into the AD
The individual commenter requested that the FAA AD become a stand-
alone document. The individual commented that relying on EASA's AD as
the base document, and providing exceptions in the FAA's rule, makes
the requirements confusing and could lead to possible errors.
The FAA disagrees with the request. 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.
This AD incorporates EASA AD 2025-0025 by reference. Incorporating
information by reference is a common method of federal rulemaking, that
is explicitly permitted under 1 CFR part 51. As stated in the
Incorporation by Reference Handbook, June 2023 Edition, incorporation
of relevant, usually technical information (such as the MCAI) promotes
efficiency. The complete inspection method, measurable thresholds, and
corrective actions are included in EASA AD 2025-0025 and the material
referenced in EASA AD 2025-0025, which are available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
under the Docket No. for this AD, FAA-2025-1363. The FAA has not
changed this AD in this regard.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the 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 reviewed the relevant data, considered any
comments received, and determined that air safety
[[Page 56678]]
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 2025-0025, which specifies procedures for
a one-time inspection of the cargo swing emergency release control and,
depending on the results, corrective actions. Corrective actions
include adjustment of the cargo swing emergency release control or
replacement of the dropping control. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,036 helicopters of U.S.
registry. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this 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 swing emergency release 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $88,060
control. hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any repairs or
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need this repair.
On-condition costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Adjust cargo swing emergency release control.. 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $170
$170.
Replace dropping control...................... 1.5 work-hours x $85 per hour = 3,527 3,655
$128.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this 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
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2025-24-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23202; Docket No. FAA-
2025-1363; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00098-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 12, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS 350B2, AS 350B3,
AS355N, AS355NP, and EC 130 B4 helicopters, certificated in any
category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD
2025-0025, dated January 23, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0025).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Cabin
Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a loss of cargo load during
cargo swing operation on a helicopter due to an incorrect adjustment
of the release cable of the cargo swing emergency release control.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the adjustment of the cargo
swing emergency release control. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in inflight loss of cargo load and injury to
persons on the ground.
[[Page 56679]]
(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, EASA AD 2025-0025.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0025
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0025 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0025 refers to ``distance `B' '', this AD
requires replacing that text with ``distance `B', the distance
between the ball end and the manual release lever''.
(3) Where EASA AD 2025-0025 refers to ``distance `C' '', this AD
requires replacing that text with ``distance `C', the distance
between the ball end and the dropping control''.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0025.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0025 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(j) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the
actions of this AD can be accomplished provided that no external
load is carried in the cargo swing.
(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#cc8d81838f8caaadade2aba3ba"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="296864666a694f4848074e465f">[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 Steven Warwick,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5225; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4c3f38293a2922623e623b2d3e3b252f270c2a2d2d622b233a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="16656273607378386438617764617f757d5670777738717960">[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 2025-0025,
dated January 23, 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#c28386b182a7a3b1a3eca7b7b0adb2a3eca7b7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f8b9bc8bb89d998b99d69d8d8a978899d69d8d">[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="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#92aef3b2fae0f7f4af" http: www.archives.gov federal-register cfr ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="503932227d3c3f333124393f3e233f22353d31393c36227e393e2320353324393f3e103e3122317e373f26">[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="18717a6a3574777b796c7177766b776a7d757971747e6a3671766b687d7b6c7177765876796a79367f776e">[email protected]</span></a></a>.
Issued on December 4, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-22279 Filed 12-5-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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