AD 2025-07-02

14719 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 64 / Friday, April 4, 2025 / Rules and Regulations § 39.13 [Amended] ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2025–05–09 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–22981; Docket No. FAA–2024–2411; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00874–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 9, 2025. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6322, Rotorcraft Cooling Fan System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by new and more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of certain parts, which if not addressed, could result in subsequent 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 2023–0146, dated July 14, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0146). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023–0146 (1) Where EASA AD 2023–0146 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2023–0146. (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023– 0146 specifies ‘‘Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved AMP;’’ for this AD, replace that text with ‘‘Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for the helicopter.’’ (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023–0146 is on or before the applicable ‘‘limitations’’ and ‘‘associated thresholds’’ as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023–0146 or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (5) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2023–0146. (i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals No alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits, are allowed for compliance with paragraph (g) of this AD unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2023–0146. (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 § 39.19. In accordance with § 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. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (k) of this AD or email to: AMOC@faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. (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 Adam Hein, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946– 4116; email: Adam.Hein@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 2023–0146, dated July 14, 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 4, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025–05798 Filed 4–3–25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2025–0346; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–00052–E; Amendment 39–23003; AD 2025–07–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (Formerly BRP- POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO KG and Bombardier-Rotax GmbH) Engines AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (Rotax) Model 912 iSc2 Sport, 912 iSc3 Sport, 915 iSc2 C24, and 915 iSc3 C24 engines. This AD was prompted by a report of deviations during the manufacturing process that caused incorrect application of a certain thread-locker to certain sprag clutch housing and oil spray nozzles. This AD requires repetitive operational checks of the battery backup function with removal of the engine from service if insufficient battery power is found, one-time inspections of the oil spray nozzle and generator stator assembly, and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement with parts eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective April 21, 2025. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 21, 2025. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 19, 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Apr 03, 2025 Jkt 265001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\04APR1.SGM 04APR1 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1

14720 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 64 / Friday, April 4, 2025 / Rules and Regulations No. FAA–2025–0346; 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 street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For Rotax material identified in this AD, contact Rotax, Rotaxstrasse 1, A– 4623 Gunskirchen, Austria; phone: +43 7246 601 0; website: flyrotax.com. • You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. 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– 2025–0346. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Kenneth Steeves, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238–7765; email: kenneth.steeves@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES . Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2025–0346; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–00052–E’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule. 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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Kenneth Steeves, 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 The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD 2025–0019–E, dated January 16, 2025 (referred to after this as the MCAI), to address an unsafe condition on Rotax 912 iSc Sport, 915 iSc A, 915 iSc C24, 916 iSc A, 916 iSc B, and 916 iSc C24 series engines, all models, all serial numbers. The MCAI states that the manufacturer reported an occurrence from the production line of an excessive amount of thread-locker applied at the sprag clutch housing and oil spray nozzle of several engines. Further investigation by the manufacturer revealed that this abnormality was caused by a deviation in the manufacturing process. Improper application of thread-locker can cause blockage of the oil nozzle, potentially leading to inadequate cooling and damage to the generators. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to engine in-flight shutdown and forced landing, damage to the airplane, and injury to the occupants. The FAA is also permitting the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate to perform an operational check to ensure the availability of the battery backup function in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. The FAA is also requiring that compliance with the applicable paragraphs of this AD be entered into the engine maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). This action could be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This is an exception to the FAA’s standard maintenance regulations. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2025–0346. Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Rotax Alert Service Bulletin ASB–912 i–016 R1/ ASB–915 i–016 R1/ASB–916 i–006 R1, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2024 (published as a single document). This material specifies procedures for performing an operational check of the battery backup function, inspecting the oil spray nozzle and generator stator assembly, and replacing the oil spray nozzle. 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 AD after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. AD Requirements This AD requires repetitive operational checks of the battery backup function with removal of the engine from service if insufficient battery power is found, one-time inspections of the oil spray nozzle and generator stator assembly, and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement with parts eligible for installation. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI Where the MCAI applies to Rotax Model 915 iSc A, 916 iSc A, 916 iSc B and 916 iSc C24 series engines, all models, all serial numbers, this AD does not, as these engine models do not have an FAA type certificate. Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq. ) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those procedures are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Apr 03, 2025 Jkt 265001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\04APR1.SGM 04APR1 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1

14721 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 64 / Friday, April 4, 2025 / Rules and Regulations make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause. An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because deviations during the manufacturing process of certain sprag clutch housing and oil spray nozzles could cause blockage of the oil nozzle and damage to the generators which, if not corrected, could lead to engine in- flight shutdown and forced landing, damage to the airplane, and injury to the occupants. Since this condition can result rapidly and without warning, the FAA has determined that these engines will need to be inspected within 25 flight hours or within 12 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD. These compliance times are shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b). In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and comment. Regulatory Flexibility Act The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 25 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: E STIMATED C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Inspect oil spray nozzle and generator stator assembly. 8.50 work-hours × $85 per hour = $722.50 ... $0 $722.50 $18,062.50 The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of engines that might need these replacements: O N -C ONDITION C OSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Replace oil spray nozzle .............................................. 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 ........................... $500 $1,180 Replace generator stator assembly ............................. 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 ........................... 2,000 2,680 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, and (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. 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 ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 Amended] ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2025–07–02 BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (formerly BRP-POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO KG and Bombardier-Rotax GmbH): Amendment 39–23003; Docket No. FAA–2025–0346; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–00052–E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 21, 2025. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Apr 03, 2025 Jkt 265001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\04APR1.SGM 04APR1 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1

14722 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 64 / Friday, April 4, 2025 / Rules and Regulations (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (formerly BRP-POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO KG and Bombardier-Rotax GmbH) (Rotax) Model 912 iSc2 Sport, 912 iSc3 Sport, 915 iSc2 C24, and 915 iSc3 C24 engines that are equipped with an affected part as defined in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 8120, Exhaust Turbocharger; 8550, Reciprocating Engine Oil System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of deviations during the manufacturing process of certain sprag clutch housing and oil spray nozzles, including incorrect application of a certain thread-locker. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent blockage of the oil nozzle, inadequate cooling, and damage to the generators. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in engine in-flight shutdown and forced landing, damage to the airplane, and injury to the occupants. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD and thereafter before each flight, perform a first start of the battery prior to starting the engine under normal procedure as an operational check to ensure the availability of the battery backup function. (i) In order to check the sufficient state of battery capacity, do not use an additional external power source for this operational check. (ii) The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform the action required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for your engine and must enter compliance with the applicable paragraphs of this AD into the engine maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. (2) If, during the operational check required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, the battery capacity is determined to be insufficient, before further flight, remove the engine from service. (3) Within 25 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection of the oil spray nozzle in accordance with the Accomplishment/Instructions, paragraph 3.4.1) of Rotax Alert Service Bulletin ASB– 912 i–016 R1/ASB–915 i–016 R1/ASB–916 i– 006 R1, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2024 (published as a single document) (Rotax ASB–912 i–016 R1/ASB–915 i–016 R1/ASB– 916 i–006 R1). (4) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(3) of this AD, any oil spray nozzle fails to meet the serviceability criteria specified in the Accomplishment/ Instructions, paragraph 3.4.1) of Rotax ASB– 912 i–016 R1/ASB–915 i–016 R1/ASB–916 i– 006 R1, before further flight, replace the oil spray nozzle with a part eligible for installation, in accordance with the Accomplishment/Instructions, paragraph 3.5.2) of Rotax ASB–912 i–016 R1/ASB–915 i–016 R1/ASB–916 i–006 R1. (5) Within 25 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection of the generator stator assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment/Instructions, paragraph 3.5.1) of Rotax ASB–912 i–016 R1/ ASB–915 i–016 R1/ASB–916 i–006 R1. (6) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(6) of this AD, any generator stator assembly fails to meet the serviceability criteria specified in the Accomplishment/Instructions, paragraph 3.5.1) of Rotax ASB–912 i–016 R1/ASB–915 i–016 R1/ASB–916 i–006 R1, before further flight, replace the generator stator assembly with a part eligible for installation. Note 1 to paragraph (g)(6): Guidance for removal and installation of the generator stator assembly for Rotax Model 912 iSc2 Sport and 912 iSc3 Sport engines may be found in Rotax Heavy Maintenance Manual MMH–912i, Part No. 898752, Chapter 24–20– 00. Guidance for removal and installation of the generator stator assembly for Rotax Model 915 iSc2 C24 and 915 iSc3 C24 engines may be found in the Rotax Heavy Maintenance Manual MMH–915 I A/C24, Part No. 898861, Chapter 24–20–00. (h) Definitions (1) For the purpose of this AD, an ‘‘affected part’’ is a generator stator assembly, or an oil spray nozzle assembly having part number (P/N) 456540 manufactured before October 31, 2024, that is: (i) Installed on an engine with a serial number specified in the Appendix to Rotax ASB–912 i–016 R1/ASB–915 i–016 R1/ASB– 916 i–006 R1; or (ii) Known to have been delivered as a spare part, as specified in Planning Information, Paragraph 1.1, Criterion B), of Rotax ASB–912 i–016 R1/ASB–915 i–016 R1/ ASB–916 i–006 R1; or (iii) Unable to be excluded from the criteria listed in paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD. (iv) A generator stator assembly or an oil spray nozzle assembly is not considered an ‘‘affected part’’ if it has been in operation for 200 flight hours or more without a required maintenance action due to generator stator assembly cooling issues. (2) For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘part eligible for installation’’ is any of the following: (i) An oil spray nozzle having P/N 456540, manufactured after October 31, 2024. (ii) For Rotax Model 912 iSc2 Sport and 912 iSc3 Sport engines, a generator stator assembly having P/N 891095. (iii) For Rotax Model 915 iSc2 C24 and 915 iSc3 C24 engines, a generator stator assembly having P/N 889562. (i) Terminating Action The actions specified in paragraphs (g)(3) through (6) of this AD constitute terminating action for all the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. (j) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the actions required by paragraphs (g)(3) through (6) of this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date of this AD using Rotax Service Bulletin SB–912 i–016/SB–915 i– 016/SB–916 i–006, dated December 16, 2024 (published as a single document). (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) 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)(1) of this AD and email to: AMOC@faa.gov. (l) Additional Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kenneth Steeves, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238– 7765; email: kenneth.steeves@faa.gov. (2)) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (m)(3) of this AD. (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) BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (Rotax) Alert Service Bulletin ASB–912 i–016 R1/ASB–915 i–016 R1/ASB–916 i–006 R1, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2024 (published as a single document). (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Rotax material identified in this AD, contact BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, Rotaxstrasse 1, A–4623 Gunskirchen, Austria; phone: +43 7246 601 0; website: flyrotax.com. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Apr 03, 2025 Jkt 265001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\04APR1.SGM 04APR1 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1

14723 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 64 / Friday, April 4, 2025 / Rules and Regulations Issued on April 1, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025–05852 Filed 4–1–25; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2024–2419; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00366–R; Amendment 39–22992; AD 2025–06–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer assessment that determined additional actions are necessary to improve particle detection for main gearboxes (MGBs) with certain planet gear bearings installed. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the MGB bevel wheel and the MGB magnetic plug for particles and prohibits installing an affected MGB 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 issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective May 9, 2025. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 9, 2025. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2024–2419; 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 EASA AD, 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: • 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. You may find the EASA 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–2024–2419. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Dan McCully, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404) 474– 5548; email: william.mccully@faa.gov. 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 all Airbus Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 5, 2024 (89 FR 87821). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2023–0044, dated February 28, 2023, (EASA AD 2023–0044), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA advises that after a fleet design review for detection of particles in the MGB, it was determined that additional maintenance actions are necessary to improve detection of particles in the MGB. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting the MGB bevel wheel for the presence of particles, repetitively inspecting the MGB magnetic plug for particles, close monitoring of the MGB magnetic plug if it has particles, and replacing the epicyclic module if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit installing an affected MGB unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct the presence of particles in the MGB, which if not addressed, could result in reduced or loss of control of the helicopter. You may examine EASA AD 2023– 0044 in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2024–2419. 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 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 EASA AD referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data 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 EASA AD 2023–0044 requires repetitive borescope visual inspections of the bevel wheel of the affected MGB for particles, collecting and analyzing any found particles, and depending on the results, further actions, accomplishing corrective action in accordance with the ASB defined within, or contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] for further corrective action. EASA AD 2023–0044 also requires accomplishing a borescope visual inspection of the bevel wheel of the affected MGB for particles following the detection of any particles at the MGB magnetic plug during accomplishment of certain maintenance tasks and depending on the results, taking corrective action. Lastly, EASA AD 2023–0044 prohibits installing an affected MGB on any helicopter unless it is a serviceable part as defined within and 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. Differences Between this AD and EASA AD 2023–0044 EASA AD 2023–0044 applies to Model AS350BB helicopters, whereas this AD does not because that model is not FAA-type certificated. Where Note 1 in the material referenced in EASA AD 2023–0044 specifies the option of 1 mechanical technician and 1 crew member, for this VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Apr 03, 2025 Jkt 265001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\04APR1.SGM 04APR1 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1