Rule2022-08803
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
April 26, 2022
Effective
May 31, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding airworthiness directive (AD) for 2021- 05-05 which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-366G1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. AD 2021-05-05 required modifying the helicopter by replacing the tail rotor gearbox (TGB) control shaft guide bushes; repetitive inspections (checks) of the oil level of the TGB and, if necessary, filling the oil to the maximum level; repetitive inspections of the TGB magnetic plug and corrective actions if necessary; repetitive replacements of a certain control rod double bearing (bearing); and modifying the helicopter by replacing the TGB. This AD was prompted by a report where during a landing phase, a helicopter lost tail rotor pitch control, which was caused by significant damage to the TGB bearing. This AD retains some of the requirements of AD 2021-05-05, and reduces the intervals of the magnetic plug inspection, revises the corrective actions if particles are detected, and revises the compliance time for replacement of the affected part, 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 80 (Tuesday, April 26, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 80 (Tuesday, April 26, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24404-24407]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-08803]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0102; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00841-R;
Amendment 39-22024; AD 2022-09-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding airworthiness directive (AD) for 2021-
05-05 which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2,
AS 365 N3, SA-366G1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. AD 2021-05-05
required modifying the helicopter by replacing the tail rotor gearbox
(TGB) control shaft guide bushes; repetitive inspections (checks) of
the oil level of the TGB and, if necessary, filling the oil to the
maximum level; repetitive inspections of the TGB magnetic plug and
corrective actions if necessary; repetitive replacements of a certain
control rod double bearing (bearing); and modifying the helicopter by
replacing the TGB. This AD was prompted by a report where during a
landing phase, a helicopter lost tail rotor pitch control, which was
caused by significant damage to the TGB bearing. This AD retains some
of the requirements of AD 2021-05-05, and reduces the intervals of the
magnetic plug inspection, revises the corrective actions if particles
are detected, and revises the compliance time for replacement of the
affected part, 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 May 31, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 31,
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#a0e1e4d3e0c5c1d3c18ec5d5d2cfd0c18ec5d5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fabbbe89ba9f9b899bd49f8f88958a9bd49f8f">[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>. For Airbus Helicopters and Eurocopter
service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus
Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
(972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at <a href="https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html">https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html</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. Service information that is IBRed 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-2022-0102.
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-2022-0102; 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, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267-
9167; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2941484507434c475a4c47694f4848074e465f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bfd7ded391d5dad1ccdad1ffd9dede91d8d0c9">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-05-05, Amendment 39-21448 (86 FR
13972, March 12, 2021) (AD 2021-05-05). AD 2021-05-05 applied to all
Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-366G1, EC
155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. AD 2021-05-05 required repetitive checks
of the oil level of the TGB and if necessary, filling the oil to the
maximum level. AD 2021-05-05 also required modifying the helicopter by
replacing the TGB control shaft guide bushes; repetitive inspections of
the TGB magnetic plug and corrective actions if necessary; repetitive
replacements of the bearing; and modifying the helicopter by replacing
the TGB. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 18,
2022 (87 FR 9277). The NPRM was prompted by a report where during a
landing phase, a helicopter lost tail rotor pitch control, which was
caused by significant damage to the TGB bearing. The NPRM was also
prompted by the determination that reduced inspection intervals,
updated corrective actions, and a revised compliance time for
replacement of affected parts are necessary to address the unsafe
condition. Furthermore, the FAA determined that the magnetic plug
inspection interval must be reduced based on additional testing of the
affected part by the manufacturer, and the compliance time for
replacement of the affected part must be reduced.
The NPRM proposed to retain certain actions in AD 2021-05-05;
reduce the intervals of the magnetic plug inspection; revise the
corrective actions if particles are detected; and revise the compliance
time for replacement of the affected part. The NPRM also proposed to
allow the oil level inspections (checks) to be performed by the owner/
operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must
be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with the
proposed AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1) through (4) and 14
CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14
CFR 91.417 or 135.439.
The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2021-0171, dated July 19, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0171), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for Airbus Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter (EC), Eurocopter
France, Aerospatiale, Sud Aviation, Model SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, AS 365
N3, EC 155 B, and EC 155 B1 helicopters, all serial numbers.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent damage to the bearing, which
if not addressed, could result in loss of yaw control of the
helicopter. See EASA AD 2021-0171 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.
[[Page 24405]]
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 2021-0171 specifies procedures for modifying the helicopter
by replacing TGB control shaft guide bushes, and specifies procedures
for repetitive inspections of the oil level of the TGB, and if
necessary, filling the oil to the maximum level. EASA AD 2021-0171 also
describes procedures for repetitive inspections of the TGB magnetic
plug for the presence of particles and updated corrective actions if
necessary (corrective actions include removing the TGB; complying with
certain work cards to address any particles found, and other conditions
such as abrasions, scales, flakes, and splinters; placing the
helicopter under close monitoring; and if required replacing any
affected bearing); initial and repetitive replacements of the bearing
with an improved part; and modifying the helicopter by replacing the
TGB bearing or replacing the TGB. EASA AD 2021-0171 specifies replacing
the TGB bearing is a terminating action for the repetitive inspections
of the magnetic plug; and replacing the TGB is a terminating action for
the repetitive inspections of the magnetic plug, and the repetitive
replacements of the bearing. EASA AD 2021-0171 also prohibits
installing a certain bearing or a certain TGB 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 No.
AS365-01.00.67 (ASB AS365-01.00.67 Rev 6) and Airbus Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin No. EC155-04A014 (ASB EC155-04A014 Rev 6), both
Revision 6, and both dated June 14, 2021. ASB AS365-01.00.67 Rev 6 and
ASB EC155-04A014 Rev 6 both specify procedures for replacement of the
TGB bearing before mod 07 65B63 installation, inspection of the TGB
magnetic plug, removing the control shaft/rod assembly to inspect the
bearing, and maintaining the TGB operating oil at the maximum level,
and specify the monitoring criteria of the bearing.
The FAA also reviewed Eurocopter Service Bulletin AS365 No.
65.00.17, and Eurocopter Service Bulletin EC155 No. 65-006, both
Revision 1 and both dated February 23, 2011. Both service bulletins
specify instructions for introducing Eurocopter (EC) mod 07 65B58.
Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2021-0171
EASA AD 2021-0171 revises the applicability by removing the
reference to Model SA 366 G1 helicopters because the EASA type
certificate has been surrendered. However, Model SA-366G1 helicopters
are still on the U.S. type certificate data sheet, even though there
are no current U.S. operators. Therefore, this AD includes Model SA-
366G1 helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 50 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 Retained Required Actions
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product fleet
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Replace guide bushes.............. 4.00 work-hours x $85 $1,586 $1,926 per $96,300
per hour = $340. replacement.
Daily oil level inspection........ 1.00 work-hour x $85 0 $85 per inspection 4,250
per hour = $85. cycle.
Recurring plug inspection......... 1.00 work-hour x $85 0 $85 per inspection 4,250
per hour = $85. cycle.
Inspect bearing................... 8.00 work-hours x $85 0 $680 per inspection.. 34,000
per hour = $680.
Replace bearing................... 48.00 work-hours x 377 $4,457 per 222,850
$85 per hour = replacement.
$4,080.
Replace TGB....................... 8.00 work-hours x $85 155,302 $155,982 per 7,799,100
per hour = $680. replacement.
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This AD does not add new required actions; however, the compliance
times for certain actions have been reduced and a certain on-condition
action has been revised.
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 4 work-hours $85 per hour Up to $1,395...... Up to $1,735.
= $340.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in the cost
estimate.
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.
[[Page 24406]]
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-05-05, Amendment 39-21448
(86 FR 13972, March 12, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2022-09-04 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22024; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0102; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00841-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 31, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-05-05, Amendment 39-21448 (86 FR 13972,
March 12, 2021) (AD 2021-05-05).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2,
AS 365 N3, SA-366G1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters, all serial
numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6500, Tail Rotor
Drive System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report where during a landing phase, a
helicopter lost tail rotor pitch control, which was caused by
significant damage to the tail rotor gearbox (TGB) control rod
double bearing (bearing). This AD was also prompted by the
determination that reduced inspection intervals, updated corrective
actions, and increased compliance time for replacement of affected
parts are necessary to address the unsafe condition. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent damage to the bearing, which if not
addressed, could result in loss of yaw control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and
EC155B1 helicopters: 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 2021-0171, dated July 19, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0171).
(2) For Model SA-366G1 helicopters: Before further flight after
the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions (e.g., modify
the helicopter by replacing the TGB control shaft guide bushes, do
repetitive inspections of the TGB magnetic plug and applicable
corrective actions; do repetitive replacements of a certain bearing;
and modify the helicopter by replacing the TGB) specified in
paragraph (g)(l) of this AD using a method approved by the FAA.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0171
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0171 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0171 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021-0171 requires action after the last
flight of the day or ``ALF,'' this AD requires those actions before
the first flight of the day.
(4) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0171.
(5) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0171 requires
inspections (checks) to be done ``in accordance with the
instructions of Paragraph 3.B.1 of the applicable inspection ASB,''
for this AD, those instructions are for reference only and are not
required for the actions in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0171. The
inspections (checks) required by paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0171
may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a
private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft
records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR
43.9 (a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must
be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417 or 135.439.
(6) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2021-0171 specifies ``if any
discrepancy is detected, as defined in the applicable inspection
ASB, before next flight, accomplish the applicable corrective
action(s) in accordance with the instructions of Paragraph 3.B.1 of
the applicable inspection ASB,'' for this AD, a qualified mechanic
must add oil to the TGB to the ``max'' level if the oil level is not
at maximum. The instructions are for reference only and are not
required for the actions in paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2021-0171.
(7) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2021-0171 refers to ``any
discrepancy,'' for this AD, discrepancies include the presence of
particles and other conditions such as abrasions, scales, flakes,
and splinters.
(8) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-
0171 specifies to perform a metallurgical analysis and contact the
manufacturer if collected particles are not clearly characterized,
this AD does not require contacting the manufacturer to determine
the characterization of the particles collected.
(9) Although service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0171
specifies to scrap parts, this AD does not include that requirement.
(10) Although service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0171 specifies reporting information to Airbus Helicopters, filling
in a ``particle detection'' follow-up sheet, and returning a
``bearing monitoring sheet'' to Airbus Helicopters, this AD does not
include those requirements.
(11) Although service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0171 specifies returning certain parts to an approved workshop and
returning certain parts to Airbus Helicopters, this AD does not
include those requirements.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0171
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 provided that there are no passengers 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#82bbafc3d4d1afc3cbd0afb5b1b2afc3cfcdc1c2e4e3e3ace5edf4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9ca5b1ddcacfb1ddd5ceb1abafacb1ddd1d3dfdcfafdfdb2fbf3ea">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector,
[[Page 24407]]
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 Hal Jensen,
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC
20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#751d14195b1f101b06101b351314145b121a03"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6b030a0745010e05180e052b0d0a0a450c041d">[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 2021-0171,
dated July 19, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0171, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e5a4a196a580849684cb8090978a9584cb8090"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="67262314270206140649021215081706490212">[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-2022-0102.
(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#fb9d89d59295888b9e988f929495bb959a899ad59c948d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1076623e797e6360757364797f7e507e7162713e777f66">[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 April 14, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-08803 Filed 4-25-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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