Rule2021-14688
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 12, 2021
Effective
August 16, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, all serial numbers. This AD was prompted by reports of the failure of the lower bearing cage of the main rotor hub (MRH) flapping hinges and of the presence of metallic particles at the bottom of a drag hinge. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the MRH chip detectors, or for helicopters not equipped with chip detectors, repetitive inspections of the oil for contamination by metallic particles, 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 130 (Monday, July 12, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 130 (Monday, July 12, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36485-36487]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14688]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0297; Project Identifier 2019-SW-062-AD; Amendment
39-21614; AD 2021-13-09]
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
Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, all serial numbers. This
AD was prompted by reports of the failure of the lower bearing cage of
the main rotor hub (MRH) flapping hinges and of the presence of
metallic particles at the bottom of a drag hinge. This AD requires
repetitive inspections of the MRH chip detectors, or for helicopters
not equipped with chip detectors, repetitive inspections of the oil for
contamination by metallic particles, 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 August 16, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 16,
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#3a7b7e497a5f5b495b145f4f48554a5b145f4f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a9e8eddae9ccc8dac887ccdcdbc6d9c887ccdc">[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-2021-0297.
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-
[[Page 36486]]
0297; 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: Mahmood G. Shah, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth,
TX 76177; phone: 817-222-5538; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#264b474e4b494942084108554e474e6640474708414950"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9cf1fdf4f1f3f3f8b2fbb2eff4fdf4dcfafdfdb2fbf3ea">[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 2019-0157, dated July 3, 2019 (EASA
AD 2019-0157) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, all serial numbers.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters
Model SA330J helicopters, all serial numbers. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on April 13, 2021 (86 FR 19157). The NPRM was prompted
by reports of the failure of the lower bearing cage of the MRH flapping
hinges and of the presence of metallic particles at the bottom of a
drag hinge. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of the
MRH chip detectors, or for helicopters not equipped with chip
detectors, repetitive inspections of the oil for contamination by
metallic particles, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified
in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of the lower bearing
cage of the MRH flapping hinges and presence of metallic particles at
the bottom of a drag hinge, which could lead to loss of flapping hinge
function, resulting in MRH unbalance and 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 2019-0157 specifies procedures for repetitive inspections
of the MRH chip detectors, or for helicopters not equipped with chip
detectors, repetitive inspections of the oil for contamination by
metallic particles, and corrective actions if necessary. Corrective
actions include replacement of the incidence hinge bearings,
replacement of the flapping bearing race and bearing or if there is no
degradation reinstallation of the bearing race and bearing 180[deg]
from the marked position during removal, and replacement of the drag
lower bearing race and bearing. 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. The investigation to
detect the root cause of the reported failures of the lower bearing
cage of the MRH flapping hinges and presence of metallic particles at
the bottom of the drag hinge is on-going.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 4 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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4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340........................... $0 $340 $1,360
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacements 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 replacements:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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24 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,040. $53,025.29 $55,065.29
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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
[[Page 36487]]
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:
2021-13-09 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21614; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0297; Project Identifier 2019-SW-062-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 16, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters,
certificated in any category, all serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6200, Main Rotor
System.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of the failure of the lower
bearing cage of the main rotor hub (MRH) flapping hinges and of the
presence of metallic particles at the bottom of a drag hinge. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of the lower bearing cage
of the MRH flapping hinges and presence of metallic particles at the
bottom of a drag hinge, which could lead to loss of flapping hinge
function, resulting in MRH unbalance and 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
2019-0157, dated July 3, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0157).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0157
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0157 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0157 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2019-0157 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-
0157 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service.
(i) 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 the helicopter is operated during the day under visual
flight rules with no passengers are onboard.
(j) 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 (k) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ba8397fbece997fbf3e8978d898a97fbf7f5f9fadcdbdb94ddd5cc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c9f0e4889f9ae488809be4fefaf9e48884868a89afa8a8e7aea6bf">[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.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Mahmood G. Shah,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: 817-222-5538; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d5b8b4bdb8babab1fbb2fba6bdb4bd95b3b4b4fbb2baa3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1479757c797b7b703a733a677c757c547275753a737b62">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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 2019-0157,
dated July 3, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2019-0157, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f9b8bd8ab99c988a98d79c8c8b968998d79c8c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4c0d083f0c292d3f2d6229393e233c2d622939">[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-
2021-0297.
(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#9bfdfeffe9fefcb5f7fefcfaf7dbf5fae9fab5fcf4ed"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f090a0b1d0a0841030a080e032f010e1d0e41080019">[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 July 2, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14688 Filed 7-9-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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