Rule2022-26175
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
December 2, 2022
Effective
January 6, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of restricted movement of the collective lever caused by incidental contact of the secondary stop cover due to a loosened rivet. This AD requires removing the plate of the collective lever secondary stop and replacing it with self-adhesive tape to cover the stop support and decrease the risk of resistance on the rotor flight controls, 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
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 231 (Friday, December 2, 2022)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 231 (Friday, December 2, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73914-73916]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26175]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0881; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00424-R;
Amendment 39-22233; AD 2022-23-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model SA330J helicopters. This AD
was prompted by a report of restricted movement of the collective lever
caused by incidental contact of the secondary stop cover due to a
loosened rivet. This AD requires removing the plate of the collective
lever secondary stop and replacing it with self-adhesive tape to cover
the stop support and decrease the risk of resistance on the rotor
flight controls, 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 January 6, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 6,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-0881; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> 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#ecada89fac898d9f8dc289999e839c8dc28999"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e5a4a196a580849684cb8090978a9584cb8090">[email protected]</span></a>.
You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu; internet easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> 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> under Docket No. FAA-2022-0881.
Other Related Service Information: For Airbus 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 also view this service information at
the FAA contact information under Material Incorporated by Reference
above.
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; telephone (817) 222-5110; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#97fce5fee4e3fef9b9f5e5f6f3fbf2eed7f1f6f6b9f0f8e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="214a53485255484f0f435340454d4458614740400f464e57">[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 2022-0056, dated March 24, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0056), to correct an unsafe condition for all serial-
numbered Airbus (Eurocopter France, A[eacute]rospatiale, and Sud
Aviation) Model SA 330 J helicopters, except those having Airbus
modification (mod) 07 27362 embodied in production.
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
Model SA330J helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
August 11, 2022 (87 FR 49554). The NPRM was prompted by a report of
restricted movement of the collective lever during take-off. After an
investigation, it was determined that the movement of the collective
lever was restricted due to simultaneous movement of the collective
secondary stop cover due to a loosened rivet. This investigation also
determined that the loosened rivet securing the covering plate had come
into contact with the collective flying control fulcrum, leading to the
restricted movement of the collective lever. The NPRM proposed to
require removing the plate of the collective lever secondary stop and
replacing it with self-adhesive tape to cover the stop support and
decrease the risk of resistance on the rotor flight controls, as
specified in EASA AD 2022-0056.
[[Page 73915]]
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the restricted movement of
the collective lever. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in reduced control of the helicopter, potentially resulting in
damage to the helicopter and injury to occupants. See EASA AD 2022-0056
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 2022-0056 requires modification of the helicopter by
removing and replacing the covering plate of the collective lever
secondary stop with self-adhesive tape to decrease the risk of
resistance on the rotor flight controls.
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 Alert Service Bulletin No. SA330-67.27,
Revision 0, dated February 2, 2022, for Model SA330J helicopters. This
service information specifies modification procedures for removal of
the covering plate and installation of the self-adhesive tape.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 14 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.
Removing the covering plate of the collective lever secondary stop
and replacing it with self-adhesive tape takes about 1 work-hour and
parts cost up to $100 for an estimated cost of up to $185 per
helicopter and $2,590 for the U.S. fleet.
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:
2022-23-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22233; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0881; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00424-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 6, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters,
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0056, dated March 24, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0056).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft
Flight Control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of restricted movement of the
collective lever caused by incidental contact of the secondary stop
cover due to a loosened rivet. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the restricted movement of the collective lever. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control of the
helicopter, potentially resulting in damage to the helicopter and
injury to occupants.
(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, EASA AD 2022-0056.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0056
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0056 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0056 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0056 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those
parts from service.
(4) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2022-0056.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0056
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
[[Page 73916]]
(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#f4cdd9b5a2a7d9b5bda6d9c3c7c4d9b5b9bbb7b4929595da939b82"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="172e3a5641443a565e453a2024273a565a58545771767639707861">[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) Additional 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; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bbd0c9d2c8cfd2d595d9c9dadfd7dec2fbdddada95dcd4cd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3e554c574d4a5750105c4c5f5a525b477e585f5f10595148">[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 2022-0056,
dated March 24, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0056, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#86c7c2f5c6e3e7f5e7a8e3f3f4e9f6e7a8e3f3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e7a6a394a782869486c9829295889786c98292">[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.
(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#e28490cc8b8c91928781968b8d8ca28c839083cc858d94"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80e6f2aee9eef3f0e5e3f4e9efeec0eee1f2e1aee7eff6">[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 October 28, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-26175 Filed 12-1-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on December 2, 2022.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.