Proposed Rule2024-09549
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
May 15, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a main rotor gearbox (MGB) flange assembly coupling (coupling) that was incorrectly assembled. This proposed AD would require a one-time visual inspection to determine correct assembly of each sliding flange installed on each MGB coupling, and if necessary, further corrective actions. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing certain MGB couplings or any MGB equipped with certain MGB couplings on any helicopter. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 95 (Wednesday, May 15, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 95 (Wednesday, May 15, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42397-42399]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09549]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 15, 2024 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 42397]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1291; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00901-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report of a main rotor gearbox (MGB) flange assembly
coupling (coupling) that was incorrectly assembled. This proposed AD
would require a one-time visual inspection to determine correct
assembly of each sliding flange installed on each MGB coupling, and if
necessary, further corrective actions. This proposed AD would also
prohibit installing certain MGB couplings or any MGB equipped with
certain MGB couplings on any helicopter. These actions are specified in
a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed
for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by July 1, 2024.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1291; 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 NPRM, the EASA AD, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed
above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For EASA material, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2b6a6f586b4e4a584a054e5e59445b4a054e5e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a5e4e1d6e5c0c4d6c48bc0d0d7cad5c48bc0d0">[email protected]</span></a>; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA
material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> 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. The EASA material is
also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-1291.
Other Related Service Information: For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701
North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone (972) 641-0000 or
(800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at <a href="http://airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld">airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA; 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (303) 342-
1080; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e48c8588ca8e818a97818aa4828585ca838b92"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e9818885c7838c879a8c87a98f8888c78e869f">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-1291; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00901-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Hal
Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA; 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (303) 342-1080; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#274f464b094d42495442496741464609404851"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ff979e93d1959a918c9a91bf999e9ed1989089">[email protected]</span></a>.
Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022-0140, dated July 7, 2022 (EASA
AD 2022-0140), to correct an unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters
Model SA 330 J helicopters, all serial numbers.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an incorrectly
assembled MGB coupling part number (P/N) 330A32-9392-01 which was
installed in the reverse position, deviating from the assembly
instructions. The FAA is proposing this AD to detect and address
incorrectly assembled MGB couplings, which if not addressed, could lead
to loss of the drive transmission from the
[[Page 42398]]
left-hand or right-hand engine, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
under Docket No. FAA-2024-1291.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0140 requires a one-time inspection of the left-hand
and right-hand MGB coupling P/N 330A32-9392-01 for correct assembly. If
any MGB coupling is incorrectly assembled, EASA AD 2022-0140 requires
replacing an affected MGB coupling with a serviceable MGB coupling.
EASA AD 2022-0140 also prohibits installing an affected MGB coupling or
an MGB equipped with an affected coupling installed, on any helicopter
unless it has passed inspection requirements.
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 ADDRESSES.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
SA330-65.140, Revision 0, dated June 30, 2022, which specifies
procedures for inspecting the assembly of the MGB coupling by ensuring
the sliding flange is correctly assembled and there is no presence of
embossments. This service information also specifies procedures for
replacing an affected MGB coupling with a correctly assembled MGB
coupling and instructions to send affected parts to Airbus Helicopters.
FAA's Determination
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 of the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type
design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2022-0140, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified under ``Differences
Between this Proposed AD and the EASA AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2022-0140 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2022-0140 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2022-0140 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2022-
0140. Service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0140 for
compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-
2024-1291 after the FAA final rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
If any incorrectly assembled MGB coupling is found during the
inspection, EASA AD 2022-0140 requires replacing each affected part
with a serviceable part, whereas this proposed AD would require
removing each affected part from service and replacing it with a
serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0140.
Service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0140 specifies
reporting certain information and sending affected parts to Airbus
Helicopters, whereas this proposed AD would not require sending
information or parts to Airbus Helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 7 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 proposed AD.
Visually inspecting each MGB coupling would take approximately 4
work-hours for an estimated cost of $340 per helicopter and up to
$2,380 for the U.S. fleet.
If required, removing and replacing the MGB coupling would take
approximately 8 work-hours and parts would cost approximately $23,215
for an estimated cost of $23,895 per helicopter.
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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
[[Page 42399]]
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:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2024-1291; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00901-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by July 1, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6320, Main rotor
gearbox.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an incorrectly assembled
main rotor gearbox (MGB) flange assembly coupling (coupling). The
FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address incorrectly assembled
MGB couplings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result
in loss of the drive transmission from the left-hand or right-hand
engine, 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
2022-0140, dated July 7, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0140).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0140
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0140 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD, requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0140 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0140 states, ``in
accordance with the instructions of the ASB,'' for this AD, replace
that text with ``in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.B.2.b. of the ASB, except you are not required to comply
with paragraph 3.B.2.c.''
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0140 states to ``replace
the affected part with a serviceable part, in accordance with the
instructions of the ASB'' for this AD, replace that text with
``remove the affected part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0140, from
service and replace it with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA
AD 2022-0140, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.B.2.d. of the ASB, except you are not required to send
an affected part to Airbus Helicopters or comply with paragraphs 2.D
or 3.B.3 of the ASB.''
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0140 specifies ``install a flange assy coupling (1) correctly
assembled,'' for this AD, replace that text with ``install a
correctly assembled MGB coupling.''
(6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0140.
(i) No Reporting or Return of Parts
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0140
specifies to submit certain information and return parts to the
manufacturer, this AD does not require those actions.
(j) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 in order to fly to a maintenance area to perform
the required actions in this AD, provided there are no passengers
onboard.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, West Certification 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 certification office, 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#88b1a5c9c6c5a5c4c9c9cbc7a5c9c5c7cbc8eee9e9a6efe7fe"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7c45513d323151303d3d3f33513d31333f3c1a1d1d521b130a">[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, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA; 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712;
telephone (303) 342-1080; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d5bdb4b9fbbfb0bba6b0bb95b3b4b4fbb2baa3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b3dbd2df9dd9d6ddc0d6ddf3d5d2d29dd4dcc5">[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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0140,
dated July 7, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-00140, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#17565364577276647639726265786776397262"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="48090c3b082d293b29662d3d3a273829662d3d">[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 at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b1d7c39fd8dfc2c1d4d2c5d8dedff1dfd0c3d09fd6dec7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4026326e292e3330252334292f2e002e2132216e272f36">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on April 26, 2024.
James D. Foltz,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-09549 Filed 5-14-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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