Rule2022-02757
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
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 Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB- BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by report that a collective bellcrank-K was found incorrectly installed on a helicopter. This AD requires inspecting the collective bellcrank-K to determine if it is correctly installed and has a correct position marking and, depending on the findings, applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also allows installation of an affected collective bellcrank-K, provided certain instructions are followed. 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 7701-7703]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02757]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1007; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00324-R;
Amendment 39-21917; AD 2022-02-20]
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 all
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-
BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by report that a
collective bellcrank-K was found incorrectly installed on a helicopter.
This AD requires inspecting the collective bellcrank-K to determine if
it is correctly installed and has a correct position marking and,
depending on the findings, applicable corrective actions, as specified
in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference. This AD also allows installation of an
affected collective bellcrank-K, provided certain instructions are
followed. 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
final rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#83c2c7f0c3e6e2f0e2ade6f6f1ecf3e2ade6f6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2160655261444052400f4454534e51400f4454">[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-2021-1007.
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-2021-1007; 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: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC
20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a5cdc4c98bcfc0cbd6c0cbe5c3c4c48bc2cad3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9cf4fdf0b2f6f9f2eff9f2dcfafdfdb2fbf3ea">[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 2021-0074, dated March 15, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0074), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (formerly Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH; and Airbus Helicopters Inc., formerly American Eurocopter LLC)
Model MBB-BK117 C-2 and MBB-BK117 D-2 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
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 26, 2021 (86 FR
67364). The NPRM was prompted by a report that a collective bellcrank-K
(affected part) was found incorrectly installed on a helicopter.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the affected part was an in-
service replacement, and that the position marking on that part was
incorrect. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the collective
bellcrank-K to determine if it is correctly installed and has a correct
position marking and, depending on the findings, applicable corrective
actions, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0074. The NPRM also proposed to
allow installation of an affected collective bellcrank-K, provided
certain instructions are followed.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrect installation of a
collective bellcrank-K, which could lead to unwanted collective input,
resulting in reduced control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2021-0074
for additional background information.
[[Page 7702]]
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 2021-0074 requires a one-time inspection of an affected
part for correct installation by measuring the distance between the
front edge of the bearing block and the front edge of the affected
part, and for correct application of position markings, and, depending
on the findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions. If an
affected part is incorrectly installed, the corrective actions include
inspecting for signs of chafing on the bearing block, the control
lever, the forked lever, the sliding sleeve, and the bearing ring,
replacing any parts that have signs of chafing, and installing a
serviceable bellcrank-K with an applied position marking. If an
affected part is correctly installed but the position marking is not
correct, the corrective actions include re-working the affected part or
replacing the affected part with a serviceable part that has an applied
position marking. EASA AD 2021-0074 also allows installation of an
affected part, provided certain instructions are followed.
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 140 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. 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 for correct installation 0.50 work-hour x $85 per $0 $42.50 $5,950
and position marking. hour = $42.50.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements or rework that would be required based on the results of
the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need this replacement or rework:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace collective bellcrank-K................ 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $4,018 $4,698
$680.
Rework collective bellcrank-K................. 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = 0 170
$170.
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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.
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:
2022-02-20 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment
[[Page 7703]]
39-21917; Docket No. FAA-2021-1007; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-
00324-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 Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6230, Main Rotor
Mast/Swashplate.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a collective bellcrank-K
(affected part) was found incorrectly installed on a helicopter.
Subsequent investigations found that the affected part was an in-
service replacement, and that the position marking on that part was
incorrect. The FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrect
installation of a collective bellcrank-K, which could lead to
unwanted collective input, resulting in reduced 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
2021-0074, dated March 15, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0074).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0074
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0074 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0074 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-
0074 specifies discarding a part, this AD requires removing that
part from service.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0074 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters for instructions to
rework a bellcrank-K, the rework must be accomplished using a method
approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus
Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0074 specifies to ``forecast the compliance time of Part IV and
schedule the accomplishment accordingly,'' for clarification, this
AD requires doing the correction of the position marking of the
bellcrank-K at the time specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-
0074.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0074 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters if there is mechanical
damage or corrosion on the bushings of the bellcrank assembly, this
AD does not require that action.
(7) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0074.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0074
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#370e1a7661641a767e651a0004071a767a78747751565619505841"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7b42563a2d28563a3229564c484b563a3634383b1d1a1a551c140d">[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 Hal Jensen,
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant
Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e189808dcf8b848f92848fa1878080cf868e97"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fa929b96d4909f94899f94ba9c9b9bd49d958c">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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 2021-0074,
dated March 15, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0074, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#46070235062327352768233334293627682333"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f0b1b483b095918391de9585829f8091de9585">[email protected]</span></a>. 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 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1007.
(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#4b2d39652225383b2e283f2224250b252a392a652c243d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5137237f383f2221343225383e3f113f3023307f363e27">[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 18, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02757 Filed 2-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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