1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-04-18, Amendment 39-21440 (86 FR 13637, March 10, 2021); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2025-03-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22949; Docket No. FAA-2025-0014; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00471-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 5, 2025. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2021-04-18, Amendment 39-21440 (86 FR 13637, March 10, 2021) (AD 2021-04-18). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6230, Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing and control issue regarding the ceramic balls in the bearing installed in the swashplate assembly of the main rotor mast assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address defective ceramic balls in the bearing installed in the swashplate assembly of the main rotor mast assembly, which could lead to premature spalling of the ball itself and of the bearing, loss of function of the bearing, seizure of the main rotor mast swashplate, overload of the main rotor mast scissor, 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 2024-0160, dated August 16, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0160). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0160 (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0160 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2024-0160 refers to April 15, 2020 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020-0079, dated April 1, 2020), this AD requires using December 4, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-02, Amendment 39-21318 (85 FR 73607, November 19, 2020)). (3) Where EASA AD 2024-0160 refers to December 16, 2020 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020-0264, dated December 2, 2020), this AD requires using March 25, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-04-18). (4) Where EASA AD 2024-0160 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0160 specifies "work steps associated with the check are described in a video", this AD requires a complete rotation of the swashplate in both directions using a rate of one revolution per minute. (6) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0160 states "any discrepancy is detected, as defined in the ASB" this AD requires replacing that text with "there is any bearing race damage, which may be indicated by a hard point (ratcheting or blocking) or sensitive axial play on the ball bearing." Note 1 to paragraph (h)(6): A hard point sensation that disappears after back-and-forth motions is not considered a hard point. (7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0160 specifies to send certain parts to Airbus Helicopters, this AD does not require that action. (8) The AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0160. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0160 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action. (j) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD and email to:
[email protected]. (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 Tara Lucas, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-3189; email:
[email protected]. (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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0160, dated August 16, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
[email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email
[email protected]. Issued on February 10, 2025. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025-02703 Filed 2-12-25; 11:15 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
