Rule2024-23137
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 8, 2024
Effective
November 12, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by the installation of unapproved main gearbox (MGB) forward and rear suspension bar attachment plates. This AD requires inspecting or measuring the MGB forward and rear suspension bar attachment plates and, depending on the results, taking corrective action, 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 89 Issue 195 (Tuesday, October 8, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 195 (Tuesday, October 8, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 81324-81326]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-23137]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1686; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00595-R;
Amendment 39-22839; AD 2024-18-05]
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, AS332L, AS332L1, and SA330J
helicopters. This AD was prompted by the installation of unapproved
main gearbox (MGB) forward and rear suspension bar attachment plates.
This AD requires inspecting or measuring the MGB forward and rear
suspension bar attachment plates and, depending on the results, taking
corrective action, 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 12, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 12,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1686; 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#edaca99ead888c9e8cc388989f829d8cc38898"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c78683b487a2a6b4a6e9a2b2b5a8b7a6e9a2b2">[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-2024-1686.
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>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hye Yoon Jang, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (206) 231-3758; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#600819054e190f0f0e4e0a010e07200601014e070f16"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6b03120e451204040545010a050c2b0d0a0a450c041d">[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 Airbus Helicopters
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and SA330J helicopters. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 18, 2024 (89 FR 51468).
The NPRM was prompted by a series of ADs, the most recent being EASA AD
2023-0076, dated April 11, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0076), issued by EASA,
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union, to correct an unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters Model SA
330 J, AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, and AS 332 L1 helicopters.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspecting or measuring
the MGB forward and rear suspension bar attachment plates and,
depending on the results, taking corrective action. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
[[Page 81325]]
You may examine EASA AD 2023-0076 in the AD docket at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-1686.
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
the EASA 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023-0076 requires measuring the thickness of the MGB
forward suspension bar attachment plate and inspecting the LH and RH
MGB rear suspension bar attachment plates. Depending on the results,
EASA AD 2023-0076 requires contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] for
approved corrective action instructions and accomplishing those
instructions accordingly.
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 reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
No. AS332-53.02.15, Revision 0, dated March 6, 2023, and ASB No. SA330-
53.56, Revision 0, dated April 3, 2023. This material specifies
procedures for measuring the thickness of the MGB front suspension bar
attachment plate and visually checking the LH and RH MGB rear
suspension bar attachment plate versions. Depending on the results,
this material specifies procedures for contacting Airbus Helicopter to
get an approved repair.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
If, during the inspection or measurement, any discrepancy is
detected, EASA AD 2023-0076 specifies contacting AH [Airbus
Helicopters] to obtain approved corrective action instructions and
accomplishing those instructions, and the material referenced in EASA
AD 2023-0076 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters to get an approved
repair, whereas this AD requires accomplishing the corrective action
before further flight 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 38 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 thickness of the MGB forward suspension bar
attachment plate and inspecting the LH and RH MGB rear suspension bar
attachment plates will take approximately 2 work-hours for an estimated
cost of $170 per helicopter and $6,460 for the U.S. fleet.
The corrective action that may be needed as a result of the
inspection or measurement could vary significantly from helicopter to
helicopter. The FAA has no data to determine the costs to accomplish
the corrective action or the number of helicopters that may require
corrective action.
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:
2024-18-05 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22839; Docket No. FAA-
2024-1686; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00595-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 12,
2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, AS332L1, and SA330J helicopters, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5311, Fuselage
Main, Frame.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the installation of unapproved main
gearbox (MGB) forward and left-hand and right-hand rear suspension
bar attachment plates. The FAA is issuing this AD to ensure
installation of approved parts. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in damage to the MGB suspension bar
attachment plates and surrounding fuselage structure, and subsequent
failure of load carrying structural elements.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
[[Page 81326]]
(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
2023-0076, dated April 11, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0076).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0076
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0076 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0076 refers to its effective date and
March 21, 2023 (the effective date of EASA AD 2023-0049, dated March
7, 2023), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0076 specifies
contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] for approved corrective action
instructions and within the compliance time indicated therein,
accomplishing those instructions accordingly and, where the material
referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0076 specifies
contacting Airbus Helicopters to get an approved repair, this AD
requires, before further flight, corrective action 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.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0049.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0076 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 or email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#27666a68646741464609404851"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8dccc0c2cecdebececa3eae2fb">[email protected]</span></a>. If mailing information, also
submit information by email.
(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 Hye Yoon Jang,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-3758; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#472f3e22693e282829692d2629200721262669202831"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4b23322e653224242565212a252c0b2d2a2a652c243d">[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 (EASA) AD 2023-0076,
dated April 11, 2023.
(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#db9a9fa89bbebaa8baf5beaea9b4abbaf5beae"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c58481b685a0a4b6a4eba0b0b7aab5a4eba0b0">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find this 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#5a3c28743334292a3f392e3335341a343b283b743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1076623e797e6360757364797f7e507e7162713e777f66">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 4, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-23137 Filed 10-7-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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