Rule2021-11393
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
June 1, 2021
Effective
July 6, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks and geometrical non-conformities of the tail rotor blades (TRBs); all cracks initiated in the drain hole area at the blade root section. This AD requires cleaning affected parts, visual and dye penetrant inspections for cracks of affected parts, a dimensional inspection to verify conformity of affected parts, and corrective actions if necessary, as 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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 103 (Tuesday, June 1, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 103 (Tuesday, June 1, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29176-29178]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11393]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0145; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01212-R;
Amendment 39-21558; AD 2021-10-25]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. This
AD was prompted by a report of cracks and geometrical non-conformities
of the tail rotor blades (TRBs); all cracks initiated in the drain hole
area at the blade root section. This AD requires cleaning affected
parts, visual and dye penetrant inspections for cracks of affected
parts, a dimensional inspection to verify conformity of affected parts,
and corrective actions if necessary, as 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 July 6, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 6,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e4a5a097a481859785ca8191968b9485ca8191"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d79693a497b2b6a4b6f9b2a2a5b8a7b6f9b2a2">[email protected]</span></a>; internet:
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at
<a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. You may view this material at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110. It is also available in
the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0145.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0145; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
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: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC
20024; phone: 202-267-9167; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3159505d1f5b545f42545f715750501f565e47"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6008010c4e0a050e13050e200601014e070f16">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0187, dated August 21, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0187) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus
Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on March 15, 2021 (86
[[Page 29177]]
FR 14290). The NPRM was prompted by a report of cracks and geometrical
non-conformities of the TRBs; all cracks initiated in the drain hole
area at the blade root section. The NPRM proposed to require cleaning
affected parts, visual and dye penetrant inspections for cracks of
affected parts, a dimensional inspection to verify conformity of
affected parts, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in an
EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address geometrical non-conformities
of the TRBs, which could lead to crack initiation and consequent blade
failure, and possible loss of control of the helicopter. See the MCAI
for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed,
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0187 specifies procedures for cleaning affected parts,
visual and dye penetrant inspections for cracks of affected parts (the
cleaning and visual and dye penetrant inspections are one-time or
repetitive, depending on the accumulated hours time in service on the
TRB), a one-time dimensional inspection to verify conformity of
affected parts, and corrective actions if necessary. Corrective actions
include replacement of the affected part with a serviceable part, and
additional repetitive cleaning and inspections until replacement of the
affected part with a serviceable part. This material is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it through
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 264 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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7 work-hours x $85 per hour = $595........................... $0 $595 $157,080
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340.... $4,641 $4,981
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
[[Page 29178]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-10-25 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21558; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0145; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01212-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 6, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and
EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail rotor
blade (TRB), obtained by forging, part number 350A33-3002-02,
350A33-3002-03, 350A33-3002-04, or 350A33-3002-05 installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6410, Tail rotor
blades.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of cracks and geometrical non-
conformities of the TRBs; all cracks initiated in the drain hole
area at the blade root section. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address geometrical non-conformities of the TRBs, which could lead
to crack initiation and consequent blade failure, and possible loss
of control of the helicopter.
(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0187, dated August 21, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0187).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0187
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0187 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0187 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0187 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include
that requirement.
(4) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0187 specifies to return certain parts, this AD does not include
that requirement.
(5) Where EASA AD 2020-0187 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0187 specifies to ``contact customer support,'' this AD does not
include that requirement.
(7) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0187 specifies to measure using the Smartphone application, the
PowerPoint method, or ``Contacting customer support with a specific
procedure,'' those methods of measurement are not required by this
AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0187
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the
helicopter can be modified (if the operator elects to do so),
provided that the helicopter is operated under visual flight rules.
(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) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#122b3f5344413f535b403f2521223f535f5d51527473733c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="192034584f4a3458504b342e2a29345854565a597f7878377e766f">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen,
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant
Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; phone: 202-267-9167; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bfd7ded391d5dad1ccdad1ffd9dede91d8d0c9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a7cfc6cb89cdc2c9d4c2c9e7c1c6c689c0c8d1">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0187,
dated August 21, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0187, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a4e5e0d7e4c1c5d7c58ac1d1d6cbd4c58ac1d1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d29396a192b7b3a1b3fcb7a7a0bda2b3fcb7a7">[email protected]</span></a>; internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110. This material may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0145.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f99f9c9d8b9c9ed7959c9e9895b997988b98d79e968f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2d4d7d6c0d7d59cded7d5d3def2dcd3c0d39cd5ddc4">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on May 7, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-11393 Filed 5-28-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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