Rule2021-12227
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) 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 11, 2021
Effective
July 16, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of increased control force in the collective axis. This AD requires a one-time visual inspection of the main rotor actuator (MRA), as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now 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 111 (Friday, June 11, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 111 (Friday, June 11, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31087-31089]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-12227]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 111 / Friday, June 11, 2021 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 31087]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0199; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00016-
R;Amendment 39-21579; AD 2021-11-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) 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
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters.
This AD was prompted by a report of increased control force in the
collective axis. This AD requires a one-time visual inspection of the
main rotor actuator (MRA), as specified in a European Aviation Safety
Agency (now 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 16, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 16,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#93d2d7e0d3f6f2e0f2bdf6e6e1fce3f2bdf6e6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="18595c6b587d796b79367d6d6a776879367d6d">[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-2021-0199.
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-
0199; 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: Katherine Venegas, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood,
California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5353; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#224943564a47504b4c470c54474c47454351624443430c454d54"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6803091c000d1a01060d461e0d060d0f091b280e0909460f071e">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0284, dated December 20, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0284), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+,
EC135 P3, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, EC135 T3, EC635 P2+, EC635 P3,
EC635 T1, EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters. Model EC635 P2+, EC635
P3, EC635 T1, and EC635 T3 helicopters are not certificated by the FAA
and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD
therefore does not include those helicopters in the applicability.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 30, 2021 (86 FR
16550). The NPRM was prompted by a report of increased control force in
the collective axis on an AHD Model EC135 helicopter. Subsequent
inspections determined that a nut on a piston of the MRA had cracked
and separated from the piston rod. The NPRM proposed to require a one-
time visual inspection of the MRA, as specified in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the MRA and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2018-0284 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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2018-0284 describes procedures for a one-time visual
inspection of the MRA and depending on the results, replacing the
affected parts.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires contacting Airbus Helicopters or replacing an
affected part, whereas this AD requires performing the corrective
action in accordance with FAA-approved procedures or removing the
affected parts from service instead. Where the EASA AD specifies a
compliance time for the inspection in terms of calendar time or flight
hours, this AD requires a compliance time in terms of hours time-in-
service instead. Where the EASA AD specifies a compliance time of 15
days for reporting the inspection results, this AD requires that the
findings be reported within 30 days.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later
identified,
[[Page 31088]]
the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 331 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD.
Inspecting the nuts on the MRA pistons takes about 1 work-hour for
an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $28,135 for the U.S. fleet.
Replacing the MRA takes about 7 work-hours and parts cost $325,081 for
an estimated cost of $325,676 per helicopter. Repairing the MRA takes
up to about 8 work-hours and parts cost about $110 for an estimated
cost of up to $790 per MRA. Reporting information takes about 1 hour
for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $28,135 for the U.S.
fleet.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-11-17 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
21579; Docket No. FAA-2021-0199; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00016-
R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 16, 2021.
(b) Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2,
EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an EC135P3H
designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters. Helicopters with an
EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3 helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6710, Main Rotor
Control.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of increased control force in
the collective axis. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure
of the main rotor actuator and subsequent 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 Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0284, dated December 20, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0284).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0284
(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0284 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2018-0284 specifies
contacting Airbus Helicopters, this AD requires performing the
corrective action in accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
(3) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2018-0284 specifies an
alternative method to comply with the requirements of paragraph (3)
of EASA AD 2018-0284 by replacing an affected part, this AD requires
removing the affected part from service as an alternative method.
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2018-0284 specifies a
compliance time of ``3 months or 50 flight hours, whichever occurs
first,'' this AD requires a compliance time of within 50 hours time-
in-service (TIS) from the effective date of this AD.
(5) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2018-0284 specifies a
compliance time of ``15 days,'' this AD requires using a compliance
time of ``30 days.''
(6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2018-0284 does not apply
to this AD.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3b02167a6d68167a7269160c080b167a7674787b5d5a5a155c544d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9fa6b2dec9ccb2ded6cdb2a8acafb2ded2d0dcdff9fefeb1f8f0e9">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector,
[[Page 31089]]
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 Katherine Venegas,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, 3960
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-
5353; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#563d37223e33243f383378203338333137251630373778313920"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5c373d2834392e353239722a3932393b3d2f1c3a3d3d723b332a">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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 Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-0284, dated
December 20, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018-0284, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#adece9deedc8ccdecc83c8d8dfc2ddcc83c8d8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="76373205361317051758130304190617581303">[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-
2021-0199.
(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#5f393a3b2d3a3871333a383e331f313e2d3e71383029"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="335556574156541d5f5654525f735d5241521d545c45">[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 20, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-12227 Filed 6-10-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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