Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 65 (Monday, April 7, 2025)

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 65 (Monday, April 7, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14922-14924]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-05847]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-0612; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00935-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 SA341G and SA342J helicopters. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports of disbonding of the stainless
steel leading edge protection of certain part-numbered main rotor
blades (MRB). This proposed AD would require repetitively tap
inspecting the MRB and, depending on the results, repairing or
replacing the MRB. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing
those MRB unless certain requirements are met. These actions are
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which
is incorporated by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by May 22, 2025.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
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.
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 regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0612; 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:
For EASA material identified in this proposed AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221
8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
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
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0612.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cameron Holston, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (406) 417-1867; email: Cameron.G.Holston@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 14923]]

Comments Invited

The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-0612;
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00935-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
regulations.gov, 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
Cameron Holston, 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 2023-0155, dated July 31, 2023 (EASA
AD 2023-0155) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition on Airbus Helicopters Model SA 341 G and SA 342 J
helicopters. The MCAI states that reports were received of the
stainless steel leading edge protection disbonding on certain part-
numbered MRBs. This condition, if not detected and addressed, could
result in significant unbalance of the main rotor, a high level of
vibration, failure of the main rotor and main gearbox, and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0612.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2023-0155, which specifies procedures for
repetitively tap inspecting the stainless steel leading edge protection
of the MRB having part number (P/N) 341A11-0040-00, P/N 341A11-0040-01,
P/N 341A11-0040-02, P/N 341A11-0040-03 or P/N 341A11-0040-04 for
disbonding. If disbonding is found, EASA 2023-0155 specifies repairing
or replacing the MRB. EASA AD 2023-0155 also prohibits installing an
affected MRB unless certain requirements are met. 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 2023-0155, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.

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 2023-0155 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2023-0155 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 2023-0155 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 2023-
0155. Material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0155 for compliance will be
available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0612 after the
FAA final rule is published.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 63 helicopters of U.S. registry. Labor rates are estimated at
$85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with the proposed AD.
Tap inspecting the MRB for disbonding would take 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $5,355 for the U.S. fleet, per
inspection cycle.
Replacing the MRB would take 4 work-hours and parts cost of
$168,109 for an estimated cost of $168,449 per blade. The FAA has no
data to determine the cost of or the number of helicopters that might
need the MRB repaired.

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

[[Page 14924]]

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-2025-0612; Project Identifier
MCAI-2023-00935-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by May 22, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA341G and SA342J
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6210, Main Rotor
Blades.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by reports of disbonding on the stainless
steel leading edge protection of certain main rotor blades (MRB).
The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address debonding of the
MRB leading edge protection. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in significant unbalance of the main rotor, a high
level of vibration, failure of the main rotor and main gearbox, and
subsequent 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 AD 2023-0155,
dated July 31, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0155).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0155

(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0155 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0155 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the material referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD
2023-0155 specifies sending removed blade(s) to Airbus Helicopters,
this AD does not require that action.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0155.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0155 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that requirement.

(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: AMOC@faa.gov.
(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 Cameron Holston,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (406) 417-1867; email:
Cameron.G.Holston@faa.gov.

(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 2023-0155,
dated July 31, 2023.
(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: ADs@easa.europa.eu; 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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov.

Issued on March 31, 2025.
Paul R. Bernado,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-05847 Filed 4-4-25; 8:45 am]
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