Rule2024-14880
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
July 9, 2024
Effective
August 13, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS3322L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks on the fuel filter bowl (bowl) due to over-torquing. This AD requires visually inspecting the bowls of the right hand (RH) and left hand (LH) fuel filters for any cracks and seepage. Depending on the inspection results, this AD requires removing an affected fuel filter from service and replacing that part. This AD also allows a certain fuel filter to be installed on a helicopter if certain actions are accomplished. These requirements are 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 89 Issue 131 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56189-56191]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-14880]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 131 / Tuesday, July 9, 2024 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 56189]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-0042; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00659-R;
Amendment 39-22759; AD 2024-10-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 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 Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS3322L, AS332L1, AS332L2,
and EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks on
the fuel filter bowl (bowl) due to over-torquing. This AD requires
visually inspecting the bowls of the right hand (RH) and left hand (LH)
fuel filters for any cracks and seepage. Depending on the inspection
results, this AD requires removing an affected fuel filter from service
and replacing that part. This AD also allows a certain fuel filter to
be installed on a helicopter if certain actions are accomplished. These
requirements are 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 August 13, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 13,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0042; 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.
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#2160655261444052400f4454534e51400f4454"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="46070235062327352768233334293627682333">[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 material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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 at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-0042.
Other Related Service Information: For Airbus Helicopters service
information, 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: Dan McCully, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781)
238-7244; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f087999c9c99919dde9d9393859c9c89b0969191de979f86"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d6a1bfbababfb7bbf8bbb5b5a3babaaf96b0b7b7f8b1b9a0">[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 2023-0095, dated May 8, 2023 (EASA
AD 2023-0095), to correct an unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters AS
332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, AS 332 L2, and EC 225 LP
helicopters, all serial numbers.
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
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP
helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 2,
2024 (89 FR 7302). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a report of
cracks on the bowl due to over-torquing.
The NPRM proposed to require accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2023-0095, as incorporated by reference, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD
and except as discussed under ``Differences Between this AD and the
EASA AD.'' The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
You may examine EASA AD 2023-0095 in the AD docket at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-0042.
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 Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023-0095 requires a one-time inspection of the bowls of
the LH and RH fuel filters for cracks and seepage. Depending on the
inspection results, EASA AD 2023-0095 requires replacement of an
affected part with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0095.
EASA AD 2023-0095 also allows certain fuel filters to be installed on a
helicopter if certain actions are accomplished.
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 Material
The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
(ASB) No. AS332-28.00.88, and Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC225-28A030,
both Revision 0, and both dated April 25, 2023. This service
information specifies procedures for a visual inspection the bowls on
the RH and LH
[[Page 56190]]
fuel filters for any cracks and seepage. Depending on the inspection
results, this service information specifies procedures to remove and
replace an affected fuel filter. This service information also
specifies sending an affected fuel filter along with certain
information to Airbus Helicopters, and performing an aspect check after
replacement of the affected parts.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2023-0095 requires replacing each affected fuel filter with
a serviceable fuel filter if any discrepancy is detected, whereas this
AD requires removing each affected fuel filter from service and
replacing it with a serviceable fuel filter, as described in EASA AD
2023-0095, if any crack or seepage is detected.
Service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0095 specifies
reporting certain information and sending affected parts to Airbus
Helicopters, whereas this AD does not require sending information or
parts to Airbus Helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 40 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.
Inspecting each bowl for cracks (with 2 bowls per helicopter) and
seepage will take approximately 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of
$170 per helicopter and $6,800 for the U.S. fleet.
Replacing an affected fuel filter with a serviceable fuel filter
will take approximately 1 work-hour and parts will cost approximately
$6,290 for an estimated cost of $6,375 per fuel filter 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:
2024-10-13 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22759; Docket No. FAA-
2024-0042; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00659-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 13, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2821, Aircraft
fuel filter/strainer.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of cracks on the fuel filter
bowl (bowl) due to over-torquing. The FAA is proposing this AD to
inspect for cracks and seepage on the bowl of the left-hand (LH) and
right-hand (RH) fuel filter. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in failure of the bowl, in-flight shutdown, and
subsequent reduced 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
2023-0095, dated May 8, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0095).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0095
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0095 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0095 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0095 requires an
inspection ``in accordance with the instructions of the applicable
ASB,'' for this AD, replace that text with, ``in accordance with
paragraph 3.B.2.a. of the applicable ASB, except you are not
required to comply with paragraph 3.B.2.b or 3.B.3.''
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0095 states ``replace
the affected part with a serviceable part in accordance with the
instructions of the applicable ASB,'' this AD requires replacing
those words with ``remove the affected part from service and replace
it with a serviceable part.''
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-
0095 specifies to ``make sure that there is no crack and no seepage
on the bowls (a) of the RH and LH fuel filters (b),'' this AD
requires replacing those words with ``Inspect for any crack and
seepage on the bowls (a) of the RH and LH fuel filters (b).''
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-
0095 specifies ``If there is a crack and/or a seepage on the bowls
(a) of the RH and LH fuel filters (b), comply with paragraph
3.B.2.b.,'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``If there is
a crack or seepage on the bowls (a) of the RH or LH fuel filter (b),
before further flight, remove the affected part from service and
replace with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0095.''
(7) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0095.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0095
specifies to submit certain information and return parts to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include those requirements.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are prohibited.
[[Page 56191]]
(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#0f36224e595c224e465d22383c3f224e42404c4f696e6e21686079"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="457c6804131668040c17687276756804080a06052324246b222a33">[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 Dan McCully,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone (781) 238-7244; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ef9e7e2e2e7efe3a0e3ededfbe2e2f7cee8efefa0e9e1f8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="73041a1f1f1a121e5d1e1010061f1f0a331512125d141c05">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0095,
dated May 8, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2023-0095, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d19095a291b4b0a2b0ffb4a4a3bea1b0ffb4a4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c28386b182a7a3b1a3eca7b7b0adb2a3eca7b7">[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 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.
(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#cdabbfe3a4a3bebda8aeb9a4a2a38da3acbface3aaa2bb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8aecf8a4e3e4f9faefe9fee3e5e4cae4ebf8eba4ede5fc">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on May 17, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-14880 Filed 7-8-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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