Rule2021-19250
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 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
September 8, 2021
Effective
October 13, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that geometrical non-conformities were found in the root section of the tail rotor blade (TRB). This AD requires a one-time inspection (dimensional check) of the TRB for conformity and, depending on the findings, replacement of certain affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits rework, repair, or modification of affected parts in the affected area of the TRB assembly root. 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 171 (Wednesday, September 8, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 8, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50242-50244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19250]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0380; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01683-R;
Amendment 39-21672; AD 2021-16-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
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 Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters.
This AD was prompted by a report that geometrical non-conformities were
found in the root section of the tail rotor blade (TRB). This AD
requires a one-time inspection (dimensional check) of the TRB for
conformity and, depending on the findings, replacement of certain
affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits
rework, repair, or modification of affected parts in the affected area
of the TRB assembly root. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 13, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 13,
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#a3e2e7d0e3c6c2d0c28dc6d6d1ccd3c28dc6d6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4203063102272331236c2737302d32236c2737">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR 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-2021-0380.
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-
0380; 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: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Mail Stop: Room 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7330; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3c5d52584e595d12565551595259467c5a5d5d125b534a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fc9d92988e999dd296959199929986bc9a9d9dd29b938a">[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 2020-0282, dated December 17, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0282) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 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, all variants,
all serial numbers. Model EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+, and
EC635 T3 helicopters are not certificated by the FAA and are not
included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet, except where the U.S.
type certificate data sheet explains that the Model EC635T2+ helicopter
having serial number 0858 was converted from Model EC635T2+ to Model
EC135T2+. This AD, therefore, does not include Model EC635 P2+, EC635
P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters in the applicability.
Furthermore, although EASA AD 2020-0282 applies to all Model EC135
P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 P3, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, and
EC135 T3 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 Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3,
EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on June 1, 2021 (86 FR 29216). The NPRM was
prompted by a report that during an investigation related to an
accident on an Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 helicopter, geometrical
non-conformities were observed in the TRB root section. EASA issued AD
2020-0187, dated August 21, 2020, to address this issue on Model
EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters and the FAA issued corresponding AD
2021-10-25, Amendment 39-21558 (86 FR 29176, June 1, 2021). The Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3,
EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters have a similar
design and production requirements to the affected Model EC130B4
helicopter, and an inspection of the affected parts detected
geometrical non-conformities in some instances. The NPRM proposed to
require a one-time inspection (dimensional check) of the TRB for
conformity and, depending on the findings, replacement of certain
affected parts, as specified in EASA AD 2020-0282. The NPRM also
proposed to prohibit rework, repair, or modification of affected parts
in the affected area of the TRB assembly root.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address geometrical non-conformities
in the TRB root section, which could lead to crack initiation and
consequent blade failure, resulting in loss of control of the
helicopter. See the MCAI for additional background information.
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.
[[Page 50243]]
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 2020-0282 requires a one-time inspection (dimensional
check) to verify TRB conformity, and, depending on findings,
replacement of each affected part classified as Category B (non-
compliant TRB assembly). EASA AD 2020-0282 also prohibits rework,
repair, or modification of affected parts in the critical section
(affected area of the TRB assembly root).
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 341 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 $115,940
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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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10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $850... $4,400 $5,250
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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.
Adoption of 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:
2021-16-10 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-21672;
Docket No. FAA-2021-0380; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01683-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and
EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any category, with any of the
tail rotor blade (TRB) part numbers specified in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (5) of this AD installed.
(1) Part number (P/N) L642A2002101.
(2) P/N L642A2002103.
(3) P/N L642A2002104.
(4) P/N L642A2002111.
(5) P/N L642A2002112.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6410, Tail Rotor
Blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that during an investigation
related to an accident on an Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4
helicopter, geometrical non-conformities were observed in the TRB
root section. The FAA is issuing this AD to address geometrical non-
conformities in the TRB root section, which could lead to crack
initiation
[[Page 50244]]
and consequent blade failure, resulting in 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
2020-0282, dated December 17, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0282).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0282
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0282 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0282 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2020-
0282 specifies to discard a certain part, this AD requires removing
that part from service.
(4) Where EASA AD 2020-0282 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(5) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2020-
0282 specifies to measure using the Smartphone application or the
PowerPoint method, those methods of measurement are not required by
this AD.
(6) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2020-
0282 specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters if the measurement
results cannot be confirmed, this AD requires determining the
specified measurements but does not require contacting Airbus
Helicopters for confirmation.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referred to in EASA AD 2020-
0282 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(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#5d64701c0b0e701c140f706a6e6d701c10121e1d3b3c3c733a322b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="41786c0017126c0008136c7672716c000c0e02012720206f262e37">[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 Andrea Jimenez,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Mail Stop: Room 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516-228-7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#24454a405641450a4e4d49414a415e644245450a434b52"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8eefe0eafcebefa0e4e7e3ebe0ebf4cee8efefa0e9e1f8">[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 2020-0282,
dated December 17, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0282, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1455506754717567753a7161667b64753a7161"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="68292c1b280d091b09460d1d1a071809460d1d">[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 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. 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-
2021-0380.
(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#94f2f1f0e6f1f3baf8f1f3f5f8d4faf5e6f5baf3fbe2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="781e1d1c0a1d1f56141d1f19143816190a19561f170e">[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 27, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19250 Filed 9-7-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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