2025-23-01: Main Rotor Transmission Mount

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 2020-06-13, Amendment 39-19882 (85 FR 19080, April 6, 2020); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2025-23-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23184; Docket No. FAA-2025-0910; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-01167-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 12, 2026. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2020-06-13, Amendment 39-19882 (85 FR 19080, April 6, 2020). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6330, Main Rotor Transmission Mount. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by tests and analyses performed by the manufacturer. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fatigue failure of the main gearbox (MGB) suspension bar attachment fittings and bolts by remaining in service beyond their fatigue life. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of an MGB attachment assembly, detachment of an MGB suspension bar, 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 2023-0194R1, dated March 19, 2025 (EASA AD 2023-0194R1). Note 1 to paragraph (g): EASA AD 2023-0194R1 and Airbus Helicopters material that is referenced in EASA AD 2023-0194R1 refer to MGB suspension bar attachment "bolts" as "screws." Note 2 to paragraph (g): Table No. 1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-53.02.13, Revision 1, dated April 5, 2024, identifies the helicopter group configurations referenced in EASA AD 2023-0194R1. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0194R1 (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0194R1 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2023-0194R1 refers to its effective date, December 17, 2018 (the effective date of EASA AD 2018-0260, dated December 3, 2018), or November 22, 2023 (the effective date of EASA AD 2023-0194, dated November 8, 2023), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0194R1 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service. (4) This AD does not adopt paragraphs (3) through (5) of EASA AD 2023-0194R1. (5) Where paragraphs (2) and (6) of EASA AD 2023-0194R1 state "paragraph 3.B.3," this AD requires replacing that text with "paragraphs 3.B.2. and 3.B.3". (6) Where the modification Alert Service Bulletin (ASB), as defined and referenced in EASA AD 2023-0194R1, specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters Technical Support if there is visible damage, a crack, or insufficient clearance after replacing hardware, this AD requires, before further flight, accomplishing further action in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (7) Where the modification ASB, as defined and referenced in EASA AD 2023-0194R1, specifies to keep parts after removing, for this AD, keeping those parts is not required. (8) Where the modification ASB, as defined and referenced in EASA AD 2023-0194R1, specifies repairing X3855 frame drilling kit (also identified as a Guide having part number X530P8102101 and referred to as Item "zz"), this AD prohibits using X3855 frame drilling kit for the actions required by this AD if there is any damage that consists of cracks, corrosion, lengthening or deformation of the rods or arms, or excessive wear. (9) Sections 11 through 14 in Appendix 4.A. of the modification ASB, as defined and referenced in EASA AD 2023-0194R1, are not required by this AD. (10) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2023-0194R1. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0194R1 specifies to submit information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (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 responsible Flight Standards 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)(1) 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 responsible Flight Standards Office. (k) Additional Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Camille Seay, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5149; email: camille.l.seay@faa.gov. (2) For material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone: (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax: (972) 641-3775; website: airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld. (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 2023-0194R1, dated March 19, 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 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 December 3, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025-22238 Filed 12-5-25; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P