2025-09-13 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23034; Docket No. FAA-2025-0006; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00803-R.

(a) Effective Date

     This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 7, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

     None.

(c) Applicability

     This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2023-0131, dated July 3, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0131).

(d) Subject

     Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC): Code 5200, Doors.

(e) Unsafe Condition

     This AD was prompted by a report of a sliding door that was locked in the open position detaching from the helicopter during flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the insufficient upper rail roller locking mechanism of the sliding door. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to the sliding door detaching from the helicopter during flight, and subsequent damage to the helicopter and injury to persons on the ground.

(f) Compliance

     Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(g) Requirements

     Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2023-0131.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0131

     (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0131 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

     (2) Where EASA AD 2023-0131 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.

     (3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0131 specifies to discard parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.

     (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0131 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.

     (5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2023-0131.

(i) 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 (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed 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.

(j) Related Information

     For more information about this AD, contact Adam Hein, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4116; email: Adam.Hein@faa.gov.

(k) 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 2023-0131, dated July 3, 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 the EASA 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.