AD 2025-21437
Published 2025-11-28 · 4 models · 9 US-registered tails affected · Federal Register
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Federal Register ↗
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of rupture of the scissors link of the rotating swashplate assembly due to a seized ball joint-cups assembly. This proposed AD would require replacing the rotor shaft assembly, modifying the rotating swashplate assembly to replace each of the three ball joint-cups assemblies with one-piece self-lubricated spherical bearings, and modifying the scissors hinges and swashplate trunnions on the main rotor, as applicable, and applying an anti-corrosion agent, if applicable. This proposed AD would prohibit installing a main rotor hub (MRH) assembly or rotor shaft assembly on a helicopter unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability · by US fleet size
Federal Register text
Verbatim; the Federal Register publication is the legally binding document. Cite: 90 FR 54596. View on Federal Register ↗
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 227 (Friday, November 28, 2025)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 54596-54599] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2025-21437]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5034; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00951-R] RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of rupture of the scissors link of the rotating swashplate assembly due to a seized ball joint-cups assembly. This proposed AD would require replacing the rotor shaft assembly, modifying the rotating swashplate assembly to replace each of the three ball joint-cups assemblies with one-piece self-lubricated spherical bearings, and modifying the scissors hinges and swashplate trunnions on the main rotor, as applicable, and applying an anti-corrosion agent, if applicable. This proposed AD would prohibit installing a main rotor hub (MRH) assembly or rotor shaft assembly on a helicopter unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by January 12, 2026
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Fax: (202) 493-2251. Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-5034; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Hein, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4116; email: [email protected].