Rule2022-11936
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
June 3, 2022
Effective
July 8, 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-BK117 A-1, MBB- BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4, MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 B-2, MBB-BK117 C-1, MBB-BK117 C-2, and MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the FAA's determination that aging of the elastomeric material of certain tension torsion straps (TT-Straps), during the period since manufacturing date up to first flight on a helicopter, may affect its structural characteristics. This AD requires the replacement of certain TT-Straps, implementation of storage life limits for TT-Straps, a prohibition on installing certain TT-Straps, and conditions for installation of certain other TT-Straps, 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 107 (Friday, June 3, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 107 (Friday, June 3, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33630-33632]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11936]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0294; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00550-R;
Amendment 39-22057; AD 2022-11-07]
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-BK117 A-1, MBB-
BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4, MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 B-2, MBB-BK117 C-1,
MBB-BK117 C-2, and MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by
the FAA's determination that aging of the elastomeric material of
certain tension torsion straps (TT-Straps), during the period since
manufacturing date up to first flight on a helicopter, may affect its
structural characteristics. This AD requires the replacement of certain
TT-Straps, implementation of storage life limits for TT-Straps, a
prohibition on installing certain TT-Straps, and conditions for
installation of certain other TT-Straps, 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 July 8, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 8,
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#3f7e7b4c7f5a5e4c5e115a4a4d504f5e115a4a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b1f0f5c2f1d4d0c2d09fd4c4c3dec1d09fd4c4">[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-2022-0294.
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-2022-0294; 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: Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; phone: (817) 222-5110; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#49223b203a3d2027672b3b282d252c30092f2828672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="caa1b8a3b9bea3a4e4a8b8abaea6afb38aacababe4ada5bc">[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 2021-0122, dated May 6, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0122), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (formerly Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH, Eurocopter Hubschrauber GmbH, Messerschmitt-B[ouml]lkow-Blohm
GmbH; Airbus Helicopters Inc., formerly American Eurocopter LLC) Model
MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4, MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117
B-2,
[[Page 33631]]
MBB-BK117 C-1, 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 (AHD) Model MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-
4, MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 B-2, MBB-BK117 C-1, MBB-BK117 C-2, and MBB-
BK117 D-2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
March 28, 2022 (87 FR 17201). The NPRM was prompted by the FAA's
determination that aging of the elastomeric material of certain TT-
Straps, during the period since manufacturing date up to first flight
on a helicopter, may affect its structural characteristics. The NPRM
proposed to require the replacement of certain TT-Straps,
implementation of storage life limits for TT-Straps, a prohibition on
installing certain TT-Straps, and conditions for installation of
certain other TT-Straps, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0122.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address aging of the elastomeric
material of certain TT-Straps. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in premature failure of a TT-Strap, possibly resulting in
loss of control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2021-0122 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 2021-0122 requires the replacement of certain TT-straps,
implementation of storage life limits for TT-Straps since cure date, a
prohibition on installing certain TT-Straps, and provides conditions
for installation of certain other TT-Straps. 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 213 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Replace the TT-Strap................ 5 work-hours x $85 per $4,800 $5,225 $1,112,925
hour = $425.
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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:
2022-11-07 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
22057; Docket No. FAA-2022-0294; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00550-
R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 8, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4, MBB-BK117 B-1,
MBB-BK117 B-2, MBB-BK117 C-1, MBB-BK117 C-2, and MBB-BK117 D-2
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the FAA's determination that aging of
the elastomeric material of certain tension torsion straps (TT-
Straps), during the period since manufacturing date up to first
flight on a helicopter, may affect its structural
[[Page 33632]]
characteristics. The FAA is issuing this AD to address aging of the
elastomeric material of certain TT-Straps. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in premature failure of a TT-Strap,
possibly resulting 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
2021-0122, dated May 6, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0122).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0122
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0122 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0122 specifies the ``cure date'' of a TT-
Strap, the cure date can be determined using the information
provided in the service information specified in EASA AD 2021-0122,
or by contacting Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH for applicable
instructions. If the option of contacting Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH for instructions is chosen, those instructions must
be 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.
(3) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0122.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0122 specifies scrapping a part, this AD requires removing that part
from service.
(5) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0122 specifies to
replace each Lord TT-Strap and Bendix TT-Strap ``in accordance with
the instructions of the applicable ASB,'' for this AD, the
replacement must be done using FAA-approved procedures.
(6) Where EASA AD 2021-0122 refers to the airworthiness
limitations items of the airworthiness limitations section of the
aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) for the definition of service life
limit (SLL), this AD requires using the life limits specified in
paragraphs (h)(6)(i) through (iii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) For Bendix TT-Strap P/N 2604067 and P/N 117-14110: Before 10
years or 25,000 flight cycles on the part, whichever occurs first.
(ii) For Lord TT-Strap P/N J17322-1 and P/N 117-14111: Before 12
years or 40,000 flight cycles on the part, whichever occurs first.
(iii) For Lord TT-Strap P/N B622M10T1001: Before 12 years or
30,000 flight cycles on the part, whichever occurs first.
(7) Where table 1 of EASA AD 2021-0122 specifies a compliance
time of ``During the next helicopter periodical inspection or within
2 months, whichever occurs later after the effective date of this
AD, but not exceeding the SLL,'' for this AD, the compliance time is
``Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD but not
exceeding the applicable SLL specified in paragraphs (h)(6)(i)
through (iii) of this AD.''
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are not allowed.
(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="9fa6b2dec9ccb2ded6cdb2a8acafb2ded2d0dcdff9fefeb1f8f0e9">[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 Kristi Bradley,
Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-5110; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a312833292e33347438283b3e363f231a3c3b3b743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dbb0a9b2a8afb2b5f5b9a9babfb7bea29bbdbabaf5bcb4ad">[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 2021-0122,
dated May 6, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0122, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bffefbccffdadeccde91dacacdd0cfde91daca"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f9b8bd8ab99c988a98d79c8c8b968998d79c8c">[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-2022-0294.
(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#660014480f0815160305120f0908260807140748010910"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c1a7b3efa8afb2b1a4a2b5a8aeaf81afa0b3a0efa6aeb7">[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 May 17, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-11936 Filed 6-2-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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