Rule2022-21884
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
October 7, 2022
Effective
November 14, 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 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of excessively worn bolts that connect the cardan-pivot joint with the piston rod of the tail rotor actuator (TRA) assembly. This AD requires repetitively inspecting certain TRA assemblies, and depending on the results, replacing or repairing parts, or accomplishing additional inspections. This AD also prohibits installing an affected TRA assembly unless it passes required inspections. Lastly, this AD provides terminating actions for certain inspections, 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 194 (Friday, October 7, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 194 (Friday, October 7, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60877-60879]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-21884]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0875; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00640-R;
Amendment 39-22185; AD 2022-20-01]
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
helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of excessively worn bolts
that connect the cardan-pivot joint with the piston rod of the tail
rotor actuator (TRA) assembly. This AD requires repetitively inspecting
certain TRA assemblies, and depending on the results, replacing or
repairing parts, or accomplishing additional inspections. This AD also
prohibits installing an affected TRA assembly unless it passes required
inspections. Lastly, this AD provides terminating actions for certain
inspections, 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 November 14, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 14,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material that is 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#81c0c5f2c1e4e0f2e0afe4f4f3eef1e0afe4f4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="68292c1b280d091b09460d1d1a071809460d1d">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus Helicopters 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="http://airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html">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. It is also available in
the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2022-0875.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0875; 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#234b424f0d49464d50464d634542420d444c55"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="82eae3eeace8e7ecf1e7ecc2e4e3e3ace5edf4">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued a series of EASA ADs, with the most recent
being EASA AD 2022-0086, dated May 13, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0086), to
correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD), formerly Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH; and Airbus Helicopters
Inc., formerly American Eurocopter LLC, Model MBB-BK117 C-2
helicopters. EASA issued EASA AD 2022-0086 to supersede EASA AD 2019-
0313, dated December 20, 2019.
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-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2022 (87 FR 42106). The
NPRM was prompted by reports of excessively worn bolts that connect the
cardan-pivot joint with the piston rod of the TRA assembly. According
to Airbus Helicopters, manufacturer investigations of affected TRAs
have revealed improperly assembled cardan-pivot joints as the main
cause of the
[[Page 60878]]
excessively worn bolts. Additionally, incorrect washers as well as
improperly shimmed laminated washers contribute to axial play and
increased wear of the bolt. The NPRM proposed to require repetitively
inspecting certain TRA assemblies, and depending on the results,
replacing or repairing parts, or accomplishing additional inspections.
The NPRM also proposed to prohibit installing an affected TRA assembly
unless it passed required inspections. Lastly, the NPRM proposed
terminating actions for certain inspections, as specified in EASA AD
2022-0086.
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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0086 requires, for certain TRAs with a steel or
aluminum cardan-pivot joint, repetitively measuring the minimum
diameter of the cardan-pivot joint assembly bolt. Depending on the
results, EASA AD 2022-0086 requires replacing the bolt and laminated
washers of the affected TRA or repetitively measuring the minimum
diameter of the cardan-pivot joint assembly bolt at a reduced
compliance time; or contacting AHD for approved repair instructions and
compliance time or measuring the maximum diameter of the TRA piston rod
bore hole. Depending on the results of measuring the maximum diameter
of the TRA piston rod bore hole, EASA AD 2022-0086 requires replacing
the bolt and laminated washers of the affected TRA; or contacting AHD
for approved repair instructions and compliance time or repetitively
measuring the maximum diameter of the TRA piston rod bore hole at a
reduced compliance time. EASA AD 2022-0086 also prohibits installing an
affected TRA assembly unless it passes its required inspections.
Lastly, EASA AD 2022-0086 specifies certain terminating actions for
repetitively measuring the minimum diameter of the cardan-pivot joint
assembly bolt.
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 MBB-
BK117 C-2-67A-027, Revision 2, dated December 15, 2021. This service
information specifies, for TRAs with a steel or aluminum cardan-pivot
joint, procedures for measuring the minimum diameter of the cardan-
pivot joint assembly bolt, measuring the maximum diameter of the TRA
piston rod bore hole, replacing the bolt and laminated washers, and
reassembling the TRA.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2022-0086 requires discarding certain parts, whereas this
AD requires removing those parts from service instead. EASA AD 2022-
0086 requires maintaining a removed bolt for possible investigation
purposes for four weeks, whereas this AD does not require that action.
EASA AD 2022-0086 requires contacting AHD for approved repair
instructions and accomplishing those instructions within the compliance
time specified therein, whereas this AD requires accomplishing a repair
in accordance with certain approved methods before further flight.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 142 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.
Measuring the cardan-pivot joint assembly bolt takes about 2 work-
hours and parts cost a nominal amount for an estimated cost of $170 per
helicopter and $24,140 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle. If
required, measuring the TRA piston rod bore hole following the cardan-
pivot joint assembly bolt inspection takes about an additional 0.5
work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter, per inspection
cycle. Replacing a bolt and the laminated washers following an
inspection takes about an additional 0.25 work-hour and parts cost
about $586 for an estimated cost of $607 per replacement.
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:
2022-20-01 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
22185; Docket No. FAA-2022-0875; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00640-
R.
[[Page 60879]]
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 14,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an MBB-BK 117 C-2(e)
designation are Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor
Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of excessively worn bolts that
connect the cardan-pivot joint with the piston rod of the tail rotor
actuator assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and prevent
worn bolts. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
helicopter oscillations on the yaw axis during flight, failure of a
bolt resulting in loss of control of the tail rotor, and subsequent
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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0086, dated May 13, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0086).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0086
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0086 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0086 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where Note 1 of EASA AD 2022-0086 allows a non-cumulative
tolerance of 10% to the repetitive inspection intervals specified in
its paragraphs (1), (2.2), and (5.2), this AD requires the
repetitive inspection intervals specified in paragraphs (h)(3)(i)
through (iii) of this AD.
(i) For the repetitive inspection interval specified in
paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0086, within intervals not to exceed
330 hours TIS.
(ii) For the repetitive inspection interval specified in
paragraph (2.2) of EASA AD 2022-0086, within intervals not to exceed
165 hours TIS.
(iii) For the repetitive inspection interval specified in
paragraph (5.2) of EASA AD 2022-0086, within intervals not to exceed
55 hours TIS.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0086 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those
parts from service.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0086 specifies maintaining a removed bolt for possible investigation
purposes for four weeks, this AD does not require that action.
(6) Where paragraphs (3.1) and (5.1) of EASA AD 2022-0086
specify contacting AHD for approved repair instructions and
accomplishing those instructions within the compliance time
specified therein, this AD requires, before further flight, repair
done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA;
EASA; or Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(7) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2022-0086.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0086
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
A special flight permit 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#9ea7b3dfc8cdb3dfd7ccb3a9adaeb3dfd3d1dddef8ffffb0f9f1e8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a33274b5c59274b4358273d393a274b4745494a6c6b6b246d657c">[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 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#7018111c5e1a151e03151e301611115e171f06"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95fdf4f9bbfff0fbe6f0fbd5f3f4f4bbf2fae3">[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 2022-0086,
dated May 13, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0086, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#90d1d4e3d0f5f1e3f1bef5e5e2ffe0f1bef5e5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e0a1a493a085819381ce8595928f9081ce8595">[email protected]</span></a>; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA
material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(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="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0875.
(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#583e2a7631362b283d3b2c3137361836392a39763f372e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cfa9bde1a6a1bcbfaaacbba6a0a18fa1aebdaee1a8a0b9">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on September 12, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-21884 Filed 10-6-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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