2025-24-08: 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: 2025-24-08 Hélicoptères Guimbal: Amendment 39-23205; Docket No. FAA-2025-1102; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00183-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 13, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Hélicoptères Guimbal (Guimbal) Model Cabri G2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main rotor swashplate part number (P/N) G41-00-000 installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6230, Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the rotating and non-rotating parts of the swashplates. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct a cracked swashplate. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of a cracked swashplate, which could result in loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within the compliance time listed in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 60 hours time in service (TIS) or 14 months, whichever occurs first, visually inspect with a flashlight all six arms of both the rotating and non-rotating swashplates for a crack, paying particular attention to each face of each clevis arm as shown in the picture under paragraph (a) of Guimbal Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 24-001, Revision C, dated March 20, 2024 (Guimbal SB 24-001 C). Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1) Swashplate serial No. Initial compliance time 801 through 1077 inclusive Within 30 hours TIS or 4 months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD. 1078 and higher Within 60 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD. (2) If a crack is found on a swashplate during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, remove the cracked swashplate from service and install an airworthy swashplate. (3) If there is paint damage ( i.e., scratches, fading, peeling, discoloration, staining, or cracking), found on any swashplate during an inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, remove the paint using P600-GRIT abrasive for further crack inspection and retouch all areas of each swashplate where paint was removed by following paragraph (d) of Guimbal SB 24-001 C. (h) Parts Installation Limitation As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a swashplate having P/N G41-00-000 on any helicopter, unless it has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. (i) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for any inspection and associated actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD if you performed that inspection before the effective date of this AD using Guimbal Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 24-001, Revision A, dated February 7, 2024, or Guimbal Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 24-001, Revision B, dated March 13, 2024. (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)(1) 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 (1) For more information about this AD, contact George Weir, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-4045; email: [email protected]. (2) Guimbal material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraph (m)(3) of this AD. (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) Guimbal Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 24-001, Revision C, dated March 20, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Guimbal material identified in this AD, contact Hélicoptères Guimbal, 1070, rue du Lieutenant Parayre, Aérodrome d'Aix-en-Provence, 13290 Les Milles, France; phone: 33-04-42-39-10-88; email: [email protected]; or at guimbal.com. (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 21, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025-22320 Filed 12-8-25; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P