AD 2025-24-03

52234 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 222 / Thursday, November 20, 2025 / Rules and Regulations Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: ■ a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2024–09–02, Amendment 39–22744 (89 FR 44547, May 21, 2024); and ■ b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2025–21–04 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39–23176; Docket No. FAA–2025–1348; Project Identifier MCAI–2025–00159–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 26, 2025. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2024–09–02, Amendment 39–22744 (89 FR 44547, May 21, 2024). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2560, Emergency Equipment; and 2564, Life Raft. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by manufacturing defects in certain forward and aft float assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to address non-conforming float assemblies. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of a float assembly during an emergency landing on water and could prevent a timely egress from the helicopter, which could result in injury to helicopter occupants. (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) Emergency AD 2023–0188–E, dated October 30, 2023 (EASA Emergency AD 2023–0188–E). (h) Exceptions to EASA Emergency AD 2023– 0188–E (1) Where EASA Emergency AD 2023– 0188–E requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in- service. (2) Where EASA Emergency AD 2023– 0188–E refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD, except for Group 1 helicopters. (3) Where Table 1 of EASA Emergency AD 2023–0188–E refers to its effective date, for Group 1 helicopters, this AD requires using the effective date of June 5, 2024 (the effective date of AD 2024–09–02). (4) Where Table 1 of EASA Emergency AD 2023–0188–E refers to ‘‘Leonardo Aircraft Maintenance Manual Data Module (DM) 69– A–05–21–00–00A–028A–A’’, this AD requires replacing that text with ‘‘Leonardo air vehicle maintenance planning information 69–B–05–21–00–00A–028A–A’’. (5) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA Emergency AD 2023–0188–E specifies sending a removed float assembly to Leonardo, this AD does not require that action. (6) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2023–0188–E. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in EASA Emergency AD 2023– 0188–E 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: 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 Yves Petiote, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (202) 975– 4867; email yves.petiote@faa.gov. (l) 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. (3) The following material was approved for IBR on June 5, 2024 (89 FR 44547, May 21, 2024). (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2023–0188–E, dated October 30, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (4) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +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. (5) 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. (6) 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 October 17, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025–20451 Filed 11–19–25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2025–0909; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00895–R; Amendment 39–23198; AD 2025–24–03] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019–19– 13, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. AD 2019–19–13 required determining the total hours time-in-service (TIS) of the free wheel shafts of certain main rotor gearboxes (MGBs), replacing the MGB or right-hand side (RH) free wheel shaft, installing placard(s), and revising the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter. Since the FAA issued AD 2019–19–13, an additional part- numbered MGB has been identified to have the same unsafe condition and the FAA determined that additional changes are necessary. This AD requires the actions of AD 2019–19–13 and expands the applicability by adding the additional part-numbered MGB, changes the requirement to determine the total hours TIS of a certain free wheel shaft, requires repetitive replacement of the MGB or the RH free wheel shaft, changes the requirements for who can replace parts, and expands the parts installation limitation conditions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective December 26, 2025. ADDRESSES : AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2025–0909; 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 Nov 19, 2025 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20NOR1.SGM 20NOR1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1

52235 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 222 / Thursday, November 20, 2025 / Rules and Regulations 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Frank Huynh, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404) 983– 2588; email: frank.huynh@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2019–19–13, Amendment 39–19749 (84 FR 56109, October 21, 2019) (AD 2019–19–13). AD 2019–19–13 applied to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, with a MGB part number (P/N) 332A325001.XX, 332A325002.XX, or 332A325003.XX, with a main reduction gear module (main module), and with a certain modification installed. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 22, 2025 (90 FR 21871). The NPRM was prompted by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023–0148, dated July 19, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0148) (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 that since a previous EASA AD was issued, it was determined that an additional part- numbered MGB is potentially affected by the same unsafe condition and expanded the affected parts by adding MGB P/N 332A32–5004–00 with main module P/N 332A32–5400–00 installed. In the NPRM, the FAA determined that repetitive replacement of the MGB is necessary and proposed requiring repetitive replacement of the MGB or the RH free wheel shaft at the 1,000 total hours TIS threshold. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed updating the actions that require replacing certain parts under the supervision of a qualified Airbus Helicopter Specialist by removing the requirement for the specified specialist since the actions must be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to change the information that specifies availability of an example of the placard required by the proposed AD. Additionally, in the NRPM the FAA proposed to expand the parts installation limitation conditions and used an updated format; as a result, paragraph identifiers have changed. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to remove the requirement to determine the total hours TIS of the left-hand (LH) free wheel shaft. Finally, in the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing RFM for the helicopter. Revising the existing RFM for the helicopter may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this action in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The pilot may perform this action because it only involves revising the existing RFM by inserting pages, which is not considered a maintenance action. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent wear of the ramps of the RH free wheel shaft. During an in-flight shutdown of the left-hand side engine, wear of the ramps of the RH free wheel shaft, if not addressed, could result in reduced ability to transfer one engine inoperative (OEI) power from the RH engine to the main rotor, and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2025–0909. 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. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI This AD requires revising the existing RFM for the helicopter, whereas the MCAI does not. The MCAI requires reporting information, whereas this AD does not. Interim Action The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 28 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per hour. Determining the total hours TIS of each free wheel shaft will take 0.25 work-hour, for an estimated cost of $21 per helicopter and $588 for the U.S. fleet. Installing placard(s) and revising the existing RFM for the helicopter will take 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $1,204 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing an MGB will take 40 work- hours and parts will cost $850,000 (overhauled), for an estimated cost of $853,400 per helicopter, per replacement cycle. Alternatively, replacing the RH free wheel shaft will take 4 work-hours and parts will cost $24,021, for an estimated cost of $24,361 per helicopter, per replacement cycle. 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 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 Nov 19, 2025 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20NOR1.SGM 20NOR1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1

52236 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 222 / Thursday, November 20, 2025 / Rules and Regulations 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 ■ 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: ■ a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2019–19–13, Amendment 39–19749 (84 FR 56109, October 21, 2019); and ■ b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2025–24–03 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–23198; Docket No. FAA–2025–0909; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00895–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 26, 2025. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2019–19–13, Amendment 39–19749 (84 FR 56109, October 21, 2019) (AD 2019–19–13). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category, with the parts identified in paragraphs (c)(1) or (2) of this AD installed, with ‘‘XX’’ denoting any dash number. (1) With a main rotor gearbox (MGB) part number (P/N) 332A32–5001–XX, 332A32– 5002–XX, or 332A32–5003–XX, with a main reduction gear module (main module), with modification (MOD) 07–53016 (16-roller free wheel of free wheel shaft P/N 332A322191.20) installed, P/N 332A32– 5011–XX, 332A32–5012–XX, or 332A32– 5013–XX. (2) With an MGB P/N 332A32–5004–XX with a main module P/N 332A32–5400–00. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6320, Main rotor gear box; and 6300, Main rotor drive system. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of wear detected on the right-hand side (RH) free wheel shaft. In addition, since AD 2019–19– 13 was issued, the FAA has determined that additional parts are affected by the same unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent wear of the ramps of the right- hand side (RH) free wheel shaft. During an in-flight shutdown of the left-hand side engine, wear of the ramps of the RH free wheel shaft, if not addressed, could result in reduced ability to transfer one engine inoperative (OEI) power from the RH engine to the main rotor, and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, determine the total hours TIS of the RH free wheel shaft since new or last RH free wheel shaft replacement during overhaul. (i) If the total hours TIS of the RH free wheel shaft is 1,000 or more hours TIS, before further flight, replace the MGB or replace the RH free wheel shaft. Thereafter, before any RH free wheel shaft accumulates 1,000 total hours TIS, replace the MGB or replace the RH free wheel shaft. (ii) If the total hours TIS of the RH free wheel shaft is less than 1,000 hours TIS, before exceeding 1,000 hours TIS, and thereafter before any RH free wheel shaft accumulates 1,000 total hours TIS, replace the MGB or replace the RH free wheel shaft. (2) Within 10 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD: (i) Install one or two self-adhesive placards on the instrument panel in full view of the pilot and co-pilot with 6-millimeter red letters on a white background that state the information contained in figure 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD. Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i): Figure 4 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225–04A016, Revision 4, dated June 19, 2023, shows an example of this placard. Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)(2)(i) (ii) After installing the placard(s) required by paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, before further flight, revise the limitations section of the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for the helicopter by adding the information in figure 2 to paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, by inserting a copy of this AD, or by making pen-and-ink changes. The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the existing RFM and must enter compliance with this RFM revision into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 Nov 19, 2025 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20NOR1.SGM 20NOR1 ER20NO25.006</GPH> lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1

52237 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 222 / Thursday, November 20, 2025 / Rules and Regulations Figure 2 to Paragraph (g)(2)(ii) (3) For Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters with parts identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD installed, with ‘‘XX’’ denoting any dash number, as an optional terminating action for the requirements of this AD, install MGB P/N 332A32–5001–XX, 332A32–5002–XX, or 332A32–5003–XX, with a main module (12-roller free wheel), without MOD 07–53016 installed, P/N 332A32–5011–XX, 332A32–5012–XX, or 332A32–5013–XX. (h) Parts Installation Limitations As of the effective date of this AD, do not install the parts identified in paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD, with ‘‘XX’’ denoting any dash number, on any helicopter unless the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD are accomplished. (1) MGB P/N 332A32–5001–XX, 332A32– 5002–XX, or 332A32–5003–XX with a main module, with MOD 07–53016 (16-roller free wheel of free wheel shaft P/N 332A322191.20) installed, P/N 332A32– 5011–XX, 332A32–5012–XX, or 332A32– 5013–XX. (2) An MGB P/N 332A32–5004–XX with a main module P/N 332A32–5400–00. (i) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the material identified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (3) of this AD. (1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC225–04A016, Revision 1, dated June 28, 2019. (2) Airbus Helicopters Emergency ASB EC225–04A016, Revision 2, dated July 23, 2019. (3) Airbus Helicopters Emergency ASB EC225–04A016, Revision 3, dated August 5, 2019. (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)(1) 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 (1) For more information about this AD, contact Frank Huynh, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404) 983– 2588; email: frank.huynh@faa.gov. (2) For Airbus Helicopters material that is not incorporated by reference, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone: (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax: (972) 641–3775; website: airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/ hcare-services/airbusworld. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on November 17, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025–20482 Filed 11–19–25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Domestic Competitive Products Pricing and Mailing Standards Changes AGENCY : Postal Service. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The Postal Service is amending Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), to reflect changes to certain prices for competitive products. There are no mailing standards changes scheduled for competitive products. DATES : Effective Date: January 18, 2026. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Steven Jarboe at (202) 268–7690, Catherine Knox (202) 268–5636, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268–7281. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : This final rule describes new prices for competitive products, by class of mail, established by the Governors of the United States Postal Service. New prices are available under Docket Number CP2026–2 on the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) website at http:// www.prc.gov, and on the Postal Explorer website at http://pe.usps.com. The Postal Service will revise Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), to reflect changes to certain prices for the following competitive products: • Priority Mail Express ® . • Priority Mail ® . • USPS Ground Advantage ® . • Parcel Select ® . • Extra Services. • Mailer Services. • Recipient Services. • Other. Competitive product prices are identified by product as follows: Priority Mail Express Prices Overall, Priority Mail Express prices will increase 5.1 percent. Priority Mail Express will continue to offer zoned and Flat Rate Retail, Commercial Base TM , and Commercial Plus TM pricing. Retail prices will increase an average of 5.0 percent. The Flat Rate Envelope price will increase to $33.25, the Legal Flat Rate Envelope will increase to $33.50, and the Padded Flat Rate Envelope will increase to $34.15. Commercial Base prices will increase an average of 5.9 percent. Priority Mail Prices Overall, Priority Mail prices will increase 6.6 percent. Priority Mail will continue to offer zoned and Flat Rate, Retail and Commercial pricing. Retail prices will increase an average of 6.3 percent. The Flat Rate Envelope VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 Nov 19, 2025 Jkt 268001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20NOR1.SGM 20NOR1 ER20NO25.007</GPH> lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1