FAA · Airworthiness Directive
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer assessment that determined additional actions are necessary to improve particle detection for main gearboxes (MGBs) with certain planet gear bearings installed. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the MGB bevel wheel and the MGB magnetic plug for particles and prohibits installing an affected MGB unless certain requirements are met. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability
Aircraft makes and models this AD applies to, sorted by US-registered fleet size.
Federal Register text
Verbatim from the Federal Register publication — required actions, compliance times, parts/serial numbers, and methods of compliance. The Federal Register is the legally binding document; this rendering is for readability. Cite: 90 FR 14723.
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 64 (Friday, April 4, 2025)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 14723-14726] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2025-05781]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2419; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00366-R; Amendment 39-22992; AD 2025-06-04] RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer assessment that determined additional actions are necessary to improve particle detection for main gearboxes (MGBs) with certain planet gear bearings installed. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the MGB bevel wheel and the MGB magnetic plug for particles and prohibits installing an affected MGB unless certain requirements are met. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 9, 2025. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 9, 2025.