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 adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2025-14-04 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-23082; Docket No. FAA-2025-1359; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00155-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 30, 2025. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 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 over-torqued swashplate bolts on helicopters in service and in production. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct the condition of the swashplate bolts and damage to the bearing ring and control ring of the swashplate due to over-torquing. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the swashplate, loss of main rotor control, and consequent 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 paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0027, dated February 5, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0027). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0027 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0027 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS). (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0027 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where paragraphs (2) and (3) of EASA AD 2025-0027 specify "discrepancy", this AD requires replacing this text with "damage to the threads". (4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025-0027 specifies "replace that control ring or bearing ring, respectively", this AD requires replacing that text with "remove from service and replace that control ring or bearing ring, respectively". (5) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0027. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0027 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 Yves Petiote, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (202) 975-4867; email:
[email protected] . (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 2025-0027, dated February 5, 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:
[email protected]; 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
[email protected] . Issued on July 10, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025-13214 Filed 7-11-25; 11:15 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
