2025-18-04: Cabin Equipment/Furnishings

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: 2025-18-04 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-23131; Docket No. FAA-2025-0630; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00518-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 21, 2025. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635T2+, MBB-BK 117 C-2, MBB-BK 117 D-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters, certificated in any category. Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an EC135P3H designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters, helicopters with an EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3 helicopters, and helicopters with an MBB-BK 117C-2e designation are Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2500, Cabin Equipment/Furnishings. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a review of design data and the determination for a new calculation of accumulated hoist boom cycles (cycles) to factor in external load and repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the hoist boom assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to in-flight loss of the hoist load and consequent injury to 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 AD 2023-0066, dated March 24, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0066). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0066 (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0066 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2023-0066 refer to any discrepancy, for the purposes of this AD, a discrepancy is identified as surface deformation, damage, or corrosion that is within allowable limits. (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0066 specifies "before next hoist operation, accomplish the applicable corrective action in accordance with the instructions of the ASB", this AD requires replacing that text with "before next hoist operation, repair any deformation, damage, and corrosion that is within the allowable limit, apply a protective chemical film, and restore the protective finish. If the inspection criteria fails (if there is surface deformation, damage, or corrosion that exceeds the allowable limit, any damage or corrosion in a riveted bore hole, or any crack), before further flight, replace the hoist boom assembly (which includes the support assembly) with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0066". (4) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2023-0066. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0066 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 Steven Warwick, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5225; email: steven.r.warwick@faa.gov . (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 2023-0066, dated March 24, 2023. (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 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 fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on September 3, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025-17849 Filed 9-15-25; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P