2025-16-02: Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate

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: 2025-16-02 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-23099; Docket No. FAA-2025-0214; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00391-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 12, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any category. Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an MBB-BK 117 C-2e designation are Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6230, Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of significant wear of the spherical bearings of the control rod assembly and pitch link assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address wear of the spherical bearings of the control rod assembly and pitch link assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in erroneous pitch and oscillations of the main rotor blades, 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 AD 2024-0131, dated July 8, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0131). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0131 (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0131 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Instead of complying with paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2024-0131, within 100 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, measure the radial play of the two spherical bearings of each affected part, as defined in EASA AD 2024-0131, in accordance with the instructions of the ASB, as defined in EASA AD 2024-0131. (3) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2024-0131 specifies reporting measurement results to AH (Airbus Helicopters) within a certain compliance time, for this AD, report those measurement results at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD. (i) If the measurement was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the measurement. (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. (4) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0131. (i) Parts Installation Limitation As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an affected part, as defined in EASA AD 2024-0131, on any helicopter unless the radial play of the two spherical bearings of that affected part is measured by following the actions required by paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0131 and the radial play of each spherical bearing is equal to or less than 0.10 mm. (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: [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. (k) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Michael Mueller, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (847) 294-7543; email: [email protected]. (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 2024-0131, dated July 8, 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 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 November 19, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025-22217 Filed 12-5-25; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P