2025-18-01: Main Rotor Head

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: 2025-18-01 Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters: Amendment 39-23128; Docket No. FAA-2025-2271; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01166-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 25, 2025. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109E, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6220, Main Rotor Head. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report that certain manufacturer maintenance instructions for swashplate assembly installation specified incorrect torque values for certain swashplate nuts. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct the condition of the swashplate nuts. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the main rotor function 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 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) AD 2025-0131, dated June 16, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0131). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0131 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0131 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0131 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS). (3) Where EASA AD 2025-0131 defines Group 1 helicopters as "A109E, A109LUH, A109S, AW109SP, A119 and AW119MKII helicopters, all s/n, as defined in Part I of the applicable ASB", this AD requires replacing this text with "A109E, A109LUH, A109S, AW109SP, A119 and AW119MKII helicopters, all s/n, as defined in Planning Information, paragraph A., Effectivity, Part I, of the applicable SB". (4) Where EASA AD 2025-0131 states "replace the damaged affected nuts with new nuts", this AD requires replacing that text with "replace the damaged affected nuts with unused nuts having part number NAS1805-4". (5) Where EASA AD 2025-0131 states "reinstall the swashplate assembly", this AD requires replacing that text with "reconfigure the swashplate assembly". (6) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0131 requires reinstallation of the swashplate assembly and inspections and corrective actions for certain helicopters within 2,400 FH after the effective date of EASA AD 2025-0131, this AD allows it as optional terminating action for the inspection requirement of this AD. (7) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0131. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0131 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 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. (l) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Carl Franklin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5291; email: carl.j.franklin@faa.gov. (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 2025-0131, dated June 16, 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: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD 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 September 4, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025-17387 Filed 9-8-25; 4:15 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P