Rule2022-02748
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
February 10, 2022
Effective
March 17, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of geometrical non-conformities in the tail rotor blade (TRB) root section discovered during an accident investigation of a Model EC130B helicopter. Due to the similarity of design and production requirements, certain TRBs for the Model EC120B helicopters were inspected and geometrical non-conformities were also found. This AD requires an inspection (dimensional check) to verify conformity, and replacement of certain TRBs 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 87 Issue 28 (Thursday, February 10, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 28 (Thursday, February 10, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7705-7708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02748]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0886; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00341-R;
Amendment 39-21903; AD 2022-02-06]
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 all
Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. This AD was prompted by a
report of geometrical non-conformities in the tail rotor blade (TRB)
root section discovered during an accident investigation of a Model
EC130B helicopter. Due to the similarity of design and production
requirements, certain TRBs for the Model EC120B helicopters were
inspected and
[[Page 7706]]
geometrical non-conformities were also found. This AD requires an
inspection (dimensional check) to verify conformity, and replacement of
certain TRBs 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 March 17, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e5a4a196a580849684cb8090978a9584cb8090"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5d1c192e1d383c2e3c7338282f322d3c733828">[email protected]</span></a>; internet:
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 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 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0886.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0886; 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, the
EASA AD, 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., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (516) 228-7330; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6a0b040e180f0b440003070f040f102a0c0b0b440d051c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="12737c766077733c787b7f777c7768527473733c757d64">[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 2021-0079, dated March 17, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0079), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus
Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
October 28, 2021 (86 FR 59653). The NPRM was prompted by a report of
geometrical non-conformities in the TRB root section discovered during
an accident investigation of a Model EC130B helicopter. Due to the
similarity of design and production requirements, certain TRBs for the
Model EC120B helicopters were inspected and geometrical non-
conformities were also found. The NPRM proposed to require an
inspection (dimensional check) to verify conformity, and replacement of
certain TRBs if necessary, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0079.
The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct geometrical non
conformities of the TRB root section. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in crack initiation and TRB failure, and
possibly result in loss of control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2021-
0079 for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters. Except for minor editorial changes,
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0079 requires an inspection (dimensional check) to
verify TRB conformity, and replacement of certain TRBs if necessary.
EASA AD 2021-0079 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 89 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this AD.
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection.......................... 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 $340 $30,260
hour = $340.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
required inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Blade Replacement............................. 10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $4,000 $4,850
$850.
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[[Page 7707]]
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
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:
2022-02-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21903; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0886; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00341-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 17, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor
Blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of geometrical non-conformities
in the tail rotor blade (TRB) root section discovered during an
accident investigation of a Model EC130B helicopter. Due to the
similarity of design and production requirements, certain TRBs for
the Model EC120B helicopters were inspected and geometrical non-
conformities were also found. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect
and correct geometrical non-conformities of the TRB root section.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in crack
initiation and TRB failure, and possibly result 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
2021-0079, dated March 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0079).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0079
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0079 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0079 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0079 specifies discarding a part, this AD requires removing that
part from service.
(4) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0079.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0079 specifies to measure using the Smartphone application, the
PowerPoint method, or ``Contacting customer support with a specific
procedure,'' this AD requires determining the specified measurements
but those methods of measurement are not required by this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0079
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
actions of this AD can be performed, provided no passengers are
onboard.
(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#e7decaa6b1b4caa6aeb5cad0d4d7caa6aaa8a4a7818686c9808891"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b48d99f5e2e799f5fde69983878499f5f9fbf7f4d2d5d59ad3dbc2">[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 Andrea Jimenez,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7330;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5b3a353f293e3a753132363e353e211b3d3a3a753c342d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4928272d3b2c28672320242c272c33092f2828672e263f">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 2021-0079,
dated March 17, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0079, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95d4d1e6d5f0f4e6f4bbf0e0e7fae5f4bbf0e0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2362675063464250420d4656514c53420d4656">[email protected]</span></a>; internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the
EASA material 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
[[Page 7708]]
at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2021-0886.
(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#d3b5a1fdbabda0a3b6b0a7babcbd93bdb2a1b2fdb4bca5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7412065a1d1a07041117001d1b1a341a1506155a131b02">[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 January 7, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02748 Filed 2-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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