Rule2021-14340
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
July 7, 2021
Effective
August 11, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a yaw control failure that was the result of the disconnection of the tail rotor hub (TRH) pitch control rod from the tail rotor servo-control, which resulted from a seized TRH bearing. The TRH bearing had grease dissolving after contamination by leaked hydraulic fluid from the tail rotor servo- control that came through the TRH assembly boot. This AD requires repetitive inspections for hydraulic leaks, corrective actions if necessary, and an optional modification which constitutes terminating action, 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 127 (Wednesday, July 7, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 7, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35601-35603]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14340]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0333; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00252-R;
Amendment 39-21609; AD 2021-13-04]
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 AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a yaw control failure
that was the result of the disconnection of the tail rotor hub (TRH)
pitch control rod from the tail rotor servo-control, which resulted
from a seized TRH bearing. The TRH bearing had grease dissolving after
contamination by leaked hydraulic fluid from the tail rotor servo-
control that came through the TRH assembly boot. This AD requires
repetitive inspections for hydraulic leaks, corrective actions if
necessary, and an optional modification which constitutes terminating
action, 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 August 11, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 11,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact
[[Page 35602]]
the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49
221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b0f1f4c3f0d5d1c3d19ed5c5c2dfc0d19ed5c5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a2e3e6d1e2c7c3d1c38cc7d7d0cdd2c38cc7d7">[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-2021-0333.
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-
0333; 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, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; phone: (202) 267-9167;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#355d54591b5f505b46505b755354541b525a43"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b9d1d8d597d3dcd7cadcd7f9dfd8d897ded6cf">[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 2020-0021, dated February 6, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0021) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1
helicopters. Although EASA AD 2020-0021 applies to all Model AS332C,
AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, this AD applies to
helicopters with an affected part installed instead.
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 AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2021 (86 FR 21238).
The NPRM was prompted by a report of a yaw control failure that was the
result of the disconnection of the TRH pitch control rod from the tail
rotor servo-control, which resulted from a seized TRH bearing. The TRH
bearing had grease dissolving after contamination by leaked hydraulic
fluid from the tail rotor servo-control that came through the TRH
assembly boot. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for
hydraulic leaks, corrective actions if necessary, and an optional
modification which constitutes terminating action, as specified in an
EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address seized TRH bearings, which
could reduce the effectiveness of the pitch control of the tail rotor
system, possibly resulting in reduced yaw 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 2020-0021 describes procedures for repetitive inspections
for hydraulic leaks, corrective actions if necessary (i.e., replacement
of the pitch control rod bearing of the affected TRH assembly), and an
optional modification (i.e., installation of a TRH assembly having
certain part numbers) which constitutes terminating action. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 10 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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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 per $0 $85 per inspection cycle.. $850 per inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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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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6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510.... $509 $1,019
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[[Page 35603]]
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:
2021-13-04 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21609; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0333; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00252-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 11, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any category, with
a tail rotor hub (TRH) assembly, having part number (P/N) 332A33-
0001-05 or P/N 332A33-0001-06, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6420, Tail rotor
head.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a yaw control failure that
was the result of a disconnection of the TRH pitch control rod from
the tail rotor servo-control, which resulted from a seized TRH
bearing. The TRH bearing had grease dissolving after contamination
by leaked hydraulic fluid from the tail rotor servo-control that
came through the TRH assembly boot. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address seized TRH bearings, which could reduce the effectiveness of
the pitch control of the tail rotor system, possibly resulting in
reduced yaw 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
2020-0021, dated February 6, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0021).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0021
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0021 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0021 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2020-0021 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020-0021 requires doing
inspections ``in accordance with the instructions of the ASB [alert
service bulletin],'' this AD requires accomplishing a visual
inspection for any hydraulic fluid leak at the TRH boot.
(5) Where EASA AD 2020-0021 refers to February 28, 2004 (the
effective date of Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation
Civile (DGAC) AD F-2004-031, dated February 18, 2004), this AD
requires using the effective date of 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#5c65711d0a0f711d150e716b6f6c711d11131f1c3a3d3d723b332a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8bb2a6caddd8a6cac2d9a6bcb8bba6cac6c4c8cbedeaeaa5ece4fd">[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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen,
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC
20024; phone: (202) 267-9167; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1a727b7634707f74697f745a7c7b7b347d756c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3159505d1f5b545f42545f715750501f565e47">[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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0021,
dated February 6, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0021, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fdbcb98ebd989c8e9cd398888f928d9cd39888"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d29396a192b7b3a1b3fcb7a7a0bda2b3fcb7a7">[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
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-
2021-0333.
(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#82e4e7e6f0e7e5aceee7e5e3eec2ece3f0e3ace5edf4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d4b2b1b0a6b1b3fab8b1b3b5b894bab5a6b5fab3bba2">[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 June 10, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14340 Filed 7-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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