Rule2024-22800
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
October 3, 2024
Effective
November 7, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of water in the oil of a main gearbox (MGB). This AD requires replacing certain main rotor (M/R) mast upper stops assembly screws. This AD also requires inspecting certain M/R mast cover plates and accomplishing MGB oil analyses and, depending on the results, taking corrective action. This AD prohibits installing certain M/R mast upper stops assembly screws, M/R masts with an affected M/R mast upper stops assembly screw installed, and used M/R mast cover plates on any helicopter. Lastly, this AD prohibits installing affected M/R masts unless the inspections are done. These actions 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 192 (Thursday, October 3, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 192 (Thursday, October 3, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 80379-80381]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-22800]
========================================================================
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.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 192 / Thursday, October 3, 2024 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 80379]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1297; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00736-R;
Amendment 39-22833; AD 2024-17-08]
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 EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a
report of water in the oil of a main gearbox (MGB). This AD requires
replacing certain main rotor (M/R) mast upper stops assembly screws.
This AD also requires inspecting certain M/R mast cover plates and
accomplishing MGB oil analyses and, depending on the results, taking
corrective action. This AD prohibits installing certain M/R mast upper
stops assembly screws, M/R masts with an affected M/R mast upper stops
assembly screw installed, and used M/R mast cover plates on any
helicopter. Lastly, this AD prohibits installing affected M/R masts
unless the inspections are done. These actions 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 November 7, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 7,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1297; 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 identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#79383d0a391c180a18571c0c0b160918571c0c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2263665162474351430c4757504d52430c4757">[email protected]</span></a>; website: 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 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 at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-1297.
Other Related material: For Airbus Helicopters material identified
in this AD, 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>. You may also view this material at the FAA
contact information under Material Incorporated by Reference above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan McCully, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404)
474-5548; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#76011f1a1a1f171b581b1515031a1a0f3610171758111900"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="addac4c1c1c4ccc083c0ceced8c1c1d4edcbcccc83cac2db">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
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 EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on May 16, 2024 (89 FR 42820).
The NPRM was prompted by a report of water in the oil of an MGB,
due to an incorrect installation of the upper M/R mast cover plate. In
the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing certain M/R mast upper
stops assembly screws. The NPRM also proposed to require inspecting
certain M/R mast cover plates and accomplishing MGB oil analyses and,
depending on the results, replacing the M/R mast cover plate,
accomplishing an additional inspection, or replacing the MGB. The NPRM
proposed to prohibit installing certain M/R mast upper stops assembly
screws, M/R masts with an affected M/R mast upper stops assembly screw
installed, and used M/R mast cover plates on any helicopter. Lastly,
the NPRM proposed to prohibit installing affected M/R masts unless the
inspections are done. These actions are specified in EASA AD 2022-0104,
dated June 9, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0104).
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent water in the MGB oil, which,
if not addressed, could result in corrosion of the M/R mast and inside
the MGB, degradation of the MGB, degradation of the upper stops
assembly, failure of a critical part, and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter. You may examine EASA AD 2022-0104 in the AD docket at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-1297.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
its AD referenced above. 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 products. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0104 requires replacing each M/R mast upper stops
assembly screw, except those marked with ``BC'' on the screw head. For
certain helicopters, EASA AD 2022-0104 requires inspecting a certain
part-
[[Page 80380]]
numbered M/R mast cover plate and depending on the results, replacing
the cover plate and accomplishing an additional inspection. For those
same certain helicopters, EASA AD 2022-0104 also requires accomplishing
MGB oil analyses and, depending on the results, accomplishing an
additional inspection. Depending on the results of the additional
inspection following the M/R mast cover plate inspection or MGB oil
analyses, EASA AD 2022-0104 requires replacing the MGB. As an option,
EASA AD 2022-0104 allows replacing the MGB as an acceptable alternative
method to comply with the required MGB oil sample analyses.
Lastly, EASA AD 2022-0104 prohibits installing M/R mast upper stops
assembly screws--except those marked with ``BC'' on the screw head, M/R
masts with an affected M/R mast upper stops assembly screw installed,
and used M/R mast cover plates on any helicopter. EASA AD 2022-0104
also prohibits installing an affected M/R mast unless its required
inspections are done.
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 No.
EC225-62A016, Revision 1, dated February 28, 2023. This material
specifies procedures for inspecting the M/R mast upper stops assembly
screws to determine if they're marked with ``BC'' on the screw head and
depending on the results, replacing those screws one by one. This
material also specifies procedures for checking the flatness of the M/R
mast cover plate and, depending on the results, removing and discarding
that cover plate, installing a flat cover plate, draining the MGB,
writing to Airbus Helicopters to do a detailed MGB inspection, and
removing the M/R mast. Depending on the detailed MGB inspection
results, this material specifies filling the MGB with oil and
installing the M/R mast; or replacing the MGB with an airworthy MGB,
sending the removed MGB to an approved D-level center for repair, and
installing the M/R mast.
This material also specifies procedures for collecting an MGB oil
sample and sending the sample to an Airbus Helicopters approved
laboratory for water content analysis. Depending on the analysis
results, this material specifies draining the MGB, writing to Airbus
Helicopters to do a detailed MGB inspection, and removing the M/R mast.
Depending on the detailed MGB inspection results, this material
specifies filling the MGB with oil and installing the M/R mast; or
replacing the MGB with an airworthy MGB, sending the removed MGB to an
approved D-level center for repair, and installing the M/R mast.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
For certain helicopters, EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies sending oil
samples to an Airbus Helicopters approved laboratory for an analysis of
the water content, whereas this AD requires sending the main gearbox
oil sample for water content analysis. Additionally, for those
helicopters, EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies taking and analyzing the
second MGB oil sample within 110 FH or 3 months after the initial oil
sample, whereas this AD requires collecting the second main gearbox oil
sample and sending it for water content analysis within 110 hours time-
in-service or 3 months after accomplishing the initial instance of
those actions, whichever occurs later. Depending on the results of the
cover plate inspection or an oil sample analysis, EASA AD 2022-0104
specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters to request to accomplish a
detailed inspection, which shall be accomplished by authorized Airbus
Helicopters staff and the Airbus Helicopters qualified staff identify
any discrepancies, whereas this AD requires a detailed inspection,
which must define what is considered a discrepancy and be done in
accordance with a method approved by the FAA, EASA, or Airbus
Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 32 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.
Replacing the M/R mast upper stops assembly screws (up to 10
screws) takes up to approximately 0.5 work-hour and parts cost up to
approximately $250 (for 10 screws) for an estimated cost of up to $293
per helicopter and $9,376 for the U.S. fleet.
For certain helicopters, inspecting the M/R mast cover plate takes
approximately 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter
and up to $1,376 for the U.S. fleet. Collecting an MGB oil sample and
sending the MGB oil sample for water content analysis, which is
considered a reporting requirement in this AD, takes approximately 1.5
work-hours (0.5 work-hour for collecting and 1 work-hour for sending)
for an estimated cost of $128 per helicopter and up to $4,096 for the
U.S. fleet, per instance.
If required, replacing the M/R mast cover plate takes approximately
2 work-hours and parts cost approximately $276 for an estimated cost of
$446 per helicopter. The detailed inspection that may be needed could
vary significantly from helicopter to helicopter. The FAA has no data
to determine the costs to accomplish the detailed inspection or the
number of helicopters that may need it. Replacing an MGB takes
approximately 40 work-hours and parts cost approximately $998,595
(overhauled) for an estimated cost of $1,001,995 per helicopter.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take
approximately 1.5 hours per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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
[[Page 80381]]
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:
2024-17-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22833; Docket No. FAA-
2024-1297; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00736-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 7, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP
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 a report of water in the oil of a main
gearbox (MGB), due to an incorrect installation of the upper main
rotor mast cover plate. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent water
in the MGB oil. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result
in corrosion of the main rotor mast and inside the MGB, degradation
of the MGB, degradation of the upper stops assembly, failure of a
critical part, 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
2022-0104, dated June 9, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0104).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0104
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0104 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0104 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the material referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD
2022-0104 specifies using a rule (item zz), this AD requires using a
straight edge.
(4) Instead of complying with paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-
0104, comply with the following, ``For Group 2 helicopters: Within
110 hours time-in-service or 3 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first, collect a main gearbox oil sample
and send the main gearbox oil sample for water content analysis.
Thereafter, within 110 hours time-in-service or 3 months after
accomplishing the initial instance of those actions, whichever
occurs later, collect another main gearbox oil sample and send the
main gearbox oil sample for water content analysis.''
(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies
discarding a part, this AD requires removing that part from service.
(6) Where paragraphs (4.2) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0104 specify
contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] with a request to accomplish a
DET, this AD requires a detailed inspection done in accordance with
a method approved by the Manager, 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. The detailed inspection must define
what is considered a discrepancy.
(7) Instead of complying with paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2022-
0104, comply with the following, ``If there is a discrepancy as a
result of the detailed inspection, before further flight, replace
the main gearbox with an airworthy main gearbox.''
(8) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0104.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(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#b28b9ff3e4e19ff3fbe09f8581829ff3fffdf1f2d4d3d39cd5ddc4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="380115796e6b1579716a150f0b08157975777b785e5959165f574e">[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 Dan McCully,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404) 474-5548; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f6819f9a9a9f979bd89b9595839a9a8fb6909797d8919980"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e5928c89898c8488cb8886869089899ca5838484cb828a93">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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 AD 2022-0104, dated
June 9, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2160655261444052400f4454534e51400f4454"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d8999cab98bdb9abb9f6bdadaab7a8b9f6bdad">[email protected]</span></a>; website: 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#3157431f585f4241545245585e5f715f5043501f565e47"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5d3b2f7334332e2d383e293432331d333c2f3c733a322b">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 27, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-22800 Filed 10-2-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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