Rule2022-05497
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
March 16, 2022
Effective
April 20, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of a main rotor (M/R) blade lead-lag damper in a tilted position. This AD requires inspecting the Flex Control Unit (FCU), and corrective actions if necessary, as well as rework and re-identification of the bearing pin, 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 51 (Wednesday, March 16, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 16, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14778-14780]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05497]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1180; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00794-R;
Amendment 39-21967; AD 2022-06-01]
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 all
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters.
This AD was prompted by reports of a main rotor (M/R) blade lead-lag
damper in a tilted position. This AD requires inspecting the Flex
Control Unit (FCU), and corrective actions if necessary, as well as
rework and re-identification of the bearing pin, 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 April 20, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 20,
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#befffacdfedbdfcddf90dbcbccd1cedf90dbcb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3a7b7e497a5f5b495b145f4f48554a5b145f4f">[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-2021-1180.
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-2021-1180; 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#8eefe0eafcebefa0e4e7e3ebe0ebf4cee8efefa0e9e1f8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b4d5dad0c6d1d59adeddd9d1dad1cef4d2d5d59ad3dbc2">[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 2021-0160, dated July 5, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0160), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD), formerly Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH, Model
MBB-BK117 D-3 helicopters, all serial numbers, including Model MBB-
BK117 D-2 helicopters that have been converted into Model MBB-BK117 D-3
helicopters through Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 D-2-
00-003.
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
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on January 14, 2022 (87 FR 2368). The NPRM was
prompted by reports of an M/R blade lead-lag damper in a tilted
position. EASA advises that subsequent investigation results determined
that the tolerances stack-up may lead to an insufficient clamping on
the bearing pin. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the FCU, and
corrective actions if necessary, as well as rework and re-
identification of the bearing pin.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address this unsafe condition, which
if not detected and corrected, could result in an unbalance of the M/R
system, excessive vibration, and reduced control of the helicopter. See
EASA AD 2021-0160 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. This AD is adopted as proposed in the
NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0160 requires a one-time inspection of the affected
FCU and depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective
actions. EASA AD 2021-0160 also requires after the initial FCU
inspection, re-working and re-identifying each affected part by marking
the part with a letter ``M.'' EASA AD 2021-0160 also prohibits
installing an affected FCU or affected part on any 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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB-
BK117 D-3-62A-002, dated June 29, 2021, which specifies procedures for
a one-time inspection of the FCU and re-work of the bearing pin
installed on the support assembly.
[[Page 14779]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 41 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.
Inspecting each FCU, including inspecting each rotor hub-shaft,
hexagonal screw, nut, damper assembly, bearing pin, support assembly,
spherical bearing, and integrated bearing sleeve, takes about 3 work-
hours for an estimated cost of $255 per FCU inspection and $10,455 for
the U.S. fleet per FCU inspection.
Reworking and re-identifying the bearing pin takes about 0.5 work-
hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $1,763 for the
U.S. fleet per bearing pin.
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.
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:
2022-06-01 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-21967;
Docket No. FAA-2021-1180; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00794-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 20, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: Model MBB-BK117 D-2
helicopters that have been converted into Model MBB-BK117 D-3
helicopters are Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters and this AD is also
applicable to those helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of a main rotor (M/R) blade
lead-lag damper in a tilted position. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent an unbalance of the M/R system. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in excessive vibration and 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
2021-0160, dated July 5, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0160).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0160
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0160 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0160 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-
0160 specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters or replace the Flex
Control Unit (FCU) if you find cracks or damage at the protruding
conical end of the integrated bearing sleeve, this AD requires
removing the FCU from service and replacing with an airworthy part,
or repairing the FCU in accordance with 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.
(4) Where a work card in the service information referenced in
EASA AD 2021-0160 specifies performing the corrective action and
contacting Airbus Helicopters when discrepancies are found, this AD
requires performing the corrective actions as specified in the work
card but does not require contacting Airbus Helicopters.
(5) Where a work card in the service information referenced in
EASA AD 2021-0160 specifies to do a dye penetrant inspection for the
inspection of Zone B of the rotor hub-shaft ``if you are not sure
there are cracks,'' this AD requires performing a dye penetrant
inspection.
(6) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2021-0160 specifies ``it is
allowed to install a hexagonal screw P/N D622M0500207 on any
helicopter, provided that installation is accomplished in accordance
with the instructions of section 3.D of the ASB, or in accordance
with the instructions of an AMM revision which includes the
technical content of section 3.D of the ASB,'' for this AD replace
the text ``in accordance with the instructions of section 3.D of the
ASB, or in accordance with the instructions of an AMM revision which
includes the technical content of section 3.D of the ASB'' with ``in
accordance with the instructions of section 3.D of the ASB, or in
accordance with the instructions of an AMM revision which includes
the identical content of section 3.D of the ASB.''
(7) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0160.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0160
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
helicopter can be modified, provided no passengers are onboard.
[[Page 14780]]
(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#2d14006c7b7e006c647f001a1e1d006c60626e6d4b4c4c034a425b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="71485c3027225c3038235c4642415c303c3e32311710105f161e07">[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#4c2d22283e292d62262521292229360c2a2d2d622b233a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="63020d071106024d090a0e060d0619230502024d040c15">[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 2021-0160,
dated July 5, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0160, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bbfaffc8fbdedac8da95decec9d4cbda95dece"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d59491a695b0b4a6b4fbb0a0a7baa5b4fbb0a0">[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-2021-1180.
(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#7f190d5116110c0f1a1c0b1610113f111e0d1e51181009"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ee889cc087809d9e8b8d9a878180ae808f9c8fc0898198">[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 March 9, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-05497 Filed 3-15-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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