90 FR 120 pgs. 26950-26951 - Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines
Type: PRORULEVolume: 90Number: 120Pages: 26950 - 26951
Pages: 26950, 26951Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2025-0341; Product Identifier MCAI-2024-00679-E]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2025-11665 Filed 6-24-25; 8:45 am]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0341; Product Identifier MCAI-2024-00679-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); withdrawal.
SUMMARY:
The FAA is withdrawing an NPRM that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would have applied to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) Model ARRIUS 2F and ARRIUS 2R engines. The NPRM was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed certain high-pressure (HP) turbine blades may contain non-compliant porosity rates due to a change in the manufacturing process. The NPRM would have required replacement of affected HP turbine blades. Since the NPRM was issued, further investigation and tests demonstrated that the non-compliant rate of porosity has no impact on the use limit of the affected parts and the FAA has determined that the unsafe condition no longer exists. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.
DATES:
As of June 25, 2025, the proposed rule, which was published in the Federal Register on March 13, 2025 (90 FR 11914), is withdrawn.
ADDRESSES:
You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0341; or in person at the Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD action (withdrawal), the NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Bergeron, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238-7157; email: david.j.bergeron@faa.gov .
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
Background
The FAA issued an NPRM that proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD for all Safran Model ARRIUS 2F and ARRIUS 2R engines. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 13, 2025 (90 FR 11914). The NPRM was prompted by a manufacturer investigation that revealed certain HP turbine blades may contain non-compliant porosity rates due to a change in the manufacturing process. The NPRM proposed to require replacement of affected HP turbine blades, as specified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0218R1, dated December 19, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0218R1).
The proposed actions were intended to prevent the failure of the HP turbine blades. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an in-flight shutdown and a significant reduction in the control of the helicopter.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
[top] Since issuance of the NPRM, EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2024-0218R1-CN, dated March 17, 2025 (EASA AD 2024-
Withdrawal of the NPRM constitutes only such action and does not preclude the FAA from further rulemaking on this issue, nor does it commit the FAA to any course of action in the future.
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters, including Summit Helicopters, Inc. and an anonymous commenter. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request for Clarification Dependent on Issuance of New EASA AD
Summit Helicopers, Inc. requested that the FAA either cancel the NPRM or revise to remove reference to EASA AD 2024-0218R1. Summit Helicopters, Inc. pointed out that EASA has issued EASA AD 2024-0218R1-CN, which cancelled EASA AD 2024-0218R1.
The FAA agrees with the request and is withdrawing the NPRM.
Request for Greater Oversight of, and Transparency From, the Manufacturer
An anonymous commenter discussed numerous topics affecting the NPRM, especially requesting that the FAA require greater oversight of, and transparency from, the engine manufacturer. Additional topics included specialized training for technicians, environmental considerations, emergency preparedness, publication of root cause analysis reports, cost burden for operators, health and safety standards and equipment, and alignment of future oversight with international best practices and quality management standards.
The FAA agrees that all the discussed topics may have had an impact should the NPRM have continued to become a final rule. However, because the NPRM is withdrawn, the discussion and requests are no longer necessary.
FAA's Conclusions
Upon further consideration, the FAA has determined that the NPRM is unnecessary. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.
Regulatory Findings
Since this action only withdraws an NPRM, it is neither a proposed nor a final rule and therefore is not covered under Executive Order 12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979).
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
The Withdrawal
Accordingly, the notice of proposed rulemaking (Docket No. FAA-2025-0341), which was published in the Federal Register on March 13, 2025 (90 FR 11914), is withdrawn.
Issued on June 18, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-11665 Filed 6-24-25; 8:45 am]
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