Rule2022-03137
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 15, 2022
Effective
March 22, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of loss of tightening torque on the nut that attaches the tail gear box (TGB) bevel wheel. This AD requires repetitive inspections (measurements) of the angular clearances of the TGB, and, depending on the findings, replacement of the TGB with a serviceable TGB, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also provides terminating action for certain repetitive inspections. 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 31 (Tuesday, February 15, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 15, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8406-8408]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03137]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1018; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00902-R;
Amendment 39-21934; AD 2022-03-17]
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 AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a report of loss of tightening torque on the nut that
attaches the tail gear box (TGB) bevel wheel. This AD requires
repetitive inspections (measurements) of the angular clearances of the
TGB, and, depending on the findings, replacement of the TGB with a
serviceable TGB, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also
provides terminating action for certain repetitive inspections. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 22, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 22,
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#5312172013363220327d3626213c23327d3626"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7b3a3f083b1e1a081a551e0e09140b1a551e0e">[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-2021-1018.
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-2021-1018; 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; telephone (516) 228-7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b4d5dad0c6d1d59adeddd9d1dad1cef4d2d5d59ad3dbc2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d8b9b6bcaabdb9f6b2b1b5bdb6bda298beb9b9f6bfb7ae">[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 2021-0184R1, dated October 8, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0184R1), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale,
Model AS 332 L2 and EC 225 LP 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 all Airbus Helicopters
Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on December 1, 2021 (86 FR 68166). The NPRM was
prompted by a report of loss of tightening torque on the nut that
attaches the TGB bevel wheel. Additionally, the subsequent
investigation highlighted that loss of the tightening torque might lead
to degradation of the splines between the tail rotor shaft and the TGB
bevel wheel. The investigation is still on-going to
[[Page 8407]]
identify the root cause of the tightening torque loss. The NPRM
proposed to require repetitive inspections (measurements) of the
angular clearances of the TGB, and, depending on the findings,
replacement of the TGB with a serviceable TGB, as specified in EASA AD
2021-0184R1.
After the FAA issued the NPRM, EASA issued EASA AD 2021-0184R2,
dated January 12, 2022 (EASA AD 2021-0184R2), which revises EASA AD
2021-0184R1 to correct the allowable angular clearance range. EASA
specifies that the angular clearance range specified in EASA AD 2021-
0184R1 was defined stricter than the one defined in the service
information. Therefore, EASA issued EASA AD 2021-0184R2 to correct the
allowable clearance range accordingly.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address loss of tightening torque on
the nut that attaches the TGB bevel wheel, which, if not corrected,
could lead to structural failure of the TGB drive, resulting in
reduced, or loss of, control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2021-0184R2
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 and
updating EASA AD 2021-0184R2 as the material incorporated by reference,
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of these changes will
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0184R2 requires repetitive inspections (measurements)
of the angular clearances of the TGB, and, depending on the findings,
additional repetitive inspections (measurements) of the angular
clearances of the TGB at a reduced interval and replacement of the TGB
with a serviceable TGB. EASA AD 2021-0184R2 provides terminating action
for the repetitive inspections at the reduced interval for a helicopter
if, during two consecutive inspections, the value of the measured
angular clearance remains unchanged for that helicopter.
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 to be an interim action. If final action
is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2021-0184R2 requires compliance in terms of flight hours,
this AD requires using hours time-in-service. Where EASA AD 2021-0184R2
refers to August 19, 2021 (the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0184,
dated August 5, 2021), this AD requires using the effective date of
this AD. Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0184R2 specifies sending parts to the manufacturer or an approved
repair station to be examined, this AD does not include that
requirement.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 38 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 for Required Actions
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspection of TGB Clearance...... 2 work-hours x $85 $0 $170 per inspection $6,460 per
per hour = $170 cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that are required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement of TGB................... 33 work-hours x $85 per Up to $410,000......... Up to $412,805.
hour = $2,805.
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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
[[Page 8408]]
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:
2022-03-17 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21934; Docket No. FAA-
2021-1018; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00902-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 22, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and
EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6400, Tail Rotor
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of loss of tightening torque on
the nut that attaches the tail gear box (TGB) bevel wheel. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address loss of tightening torque on the nut
that attaches the TGB bevel wheel, which, if not corrected, could
lead to structural failure of the TGB drive, resulting in reduced,
or 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
2021-0184R2, dated January 12, 2022 (EASA AD 2021-0184R2).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0184R2
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0184R2 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0184R2 refers to August 19, 2021 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2021-0184, dated August 5, 2021), this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0184R2 specifies sending parts to the manufacturer or an approved
repair station to be examined, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(4) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0184R2.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0184R2 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be permitted provided that there are
no passengers on board.
(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#a89185e9fefb85e9e1fa859f9b9885e9e5e7ebe8cec9c986cfc7de"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f6cfdbb7a0a5dbb7bfa4dbc1c5c6dbb7bbb9b5b6909797d8919980">[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; telephone (516) 228-
7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#61000f051304004f0b080c040f041b210700004f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2b4a454f594e4a054142464e454e516b4d4a4a054c445d">[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 2021-0184R2,
dated January 12, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0184R2, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2465605764414557450a4151564b54450a4151"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a2e3e6d1e2c7c3d1c38cc7d7d0cdd2c38cc7d7">[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 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1018.
(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#7315015d1a1d00031610071a1c1d331d1201125d141c05"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5b3d29753235282b3e382f3234351b353a293a753c342d">[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 26, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-03137 Filed 2-14-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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