Proposed Rule2024-28831
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
December 10, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-09-14, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model SA330J helicopters. AD 2021-09-14 requires repetitively inspecting for a gap between the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly (fan) rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing, installing improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings, and repetitively inspecting the improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-09-14, Airbus has developed modifications to the components of the MGB fan bearing assembly and issued new material regarding these modifications. This proposed AD would retain the actions required by AD 2021-09-14 and would also require installing the improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections. 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 237 (Tuesday, December 10, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 237 (Tuesday, December 10, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 99169-99172]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-28831]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2552; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01243-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2021-09-14, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model
SA330J helicopters. AD 2021-09-14 requires repetitively inspecting for
a gap between the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly (fan)
rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing,
installing improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings, and repetitively
inspecting the improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings. Since the FAA
issued AD 2021-09-14, Airbus has developed modifications to the
components of the MGB fan bearing assembly and issued new material
regarding these modifications. This proposed AD would retain the
actions required by AD 2021-09-14 and would also require installing the
improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly, which would constitute
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. 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 January 24, 2025.
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-2024-2552; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For EASA material identified in this proposed AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221
8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f0e0b3c0f2a2e3c2e612a3a3d203f2e612a3a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="27666354674246544609425255485746094252">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find this 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-2024-2552.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA; 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (303)
342-1080; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6e060f0240040b001d0b002e080f0f40090118"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6e060f0240040b001d0b002e080f0f40090118">[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 the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-2552;
Project
[[Page 99170]]
Identifier MCAI-2022-01243-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 the 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; 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (303) 342-1080; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#177f767b397d72796472795771767639707861"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2e464f4200444b405d4b406e484f4f00494158">[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
The FAA issued AD 2021-09-14, Amendment 39-21528 (86 FR 26829, May
18, 2021) (AD 2021-09-14), for Airbus Model SA330J helicopters with MGB
fan rotor shaft bearings (both rear and front) part number (P/N)
704A33651114 (manufacturer P/N (MP/N) 205FFTX74K6-G33) or P/N
704A33651268 (MP/N 594918), installed. AD 2021-09-14 was prompted by an
MCAI originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2020-0171, dated July
28, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0171), to correct an unsafe condition.
AD 2021-09-14 requires repetitively inspecting for a gap between
the MGB fan rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing
housing and, depending on the results or within a specified compliance
time, installing improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings and repetitively
inspecting the improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings. The FAA issued AD
2021-09-14 to prevent rotor burst of the MGB fan, damage to the
hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
Actions Since AD 2021-09-14 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2021-09-14, EASA superseded EASA AD 2020-
0171 and issued EASA AD 2022-0191, dated September 15, 2022 (EASA AD
2022-0191), to correct an unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters Model
SA 330 J helicopters. EASA AD 2022-0191 states since EASA AD 2020-0171
was issued, Airbus has developed modifications (mod) 0776102 and mod
0776104, which introduce a new Kevlar protection on the fan bearing
rectifier and a new flexible duct. Additionally, Airbus issued revised
material to provide in-service modification instructions.
The FAA is proposing this AD to prevent rotor burst of the MGB fan,
damage to the hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2022-0191 for additional
background information. You may examine EASA AD 2022-0191 in the AD
docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-2552.
Lastly, this NPRM uses an updated format. As a result, the
applicability paragraph has changed.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0191, which requires repetitively
inspecting for play (a gap) on the MGB fan rotor shaft bearings (both
rear and front) between the MGB fan rotor blade and the upper section
of the guide vane bearing housing. If there is play that does not meet
the minimum requirement or at a specified compliance time, EASA AD
2022-0191 requires replacing the affected MGB fan rotor shaft bearings
with serviceable MGB fan rotor shaft bearings (both rear and front) as
defined in EASA AD 2022-0191. Additionally, EASA AD 2022-0191 allows
credit for performing these inspections and corrective action, provided
specific requirements are met.
EASA AD 2022-0191 also requires modifying the MGB fan bearing
assembly, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive
inspections.
Lastly, EASA AD 2022-0191 only allows installing serviceable MGB
fan rotor shaft bearings as defined in EASA AD 2022-0191 and installing
an improved MGB fan bearing assembly as defined in EASA AD 2022-0191,
provided certain requirements are met.
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.
FAA's Determination
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 is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain all the requirements of AD 2021-09-14
and would require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2022-
0191 described previously, 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 Proposed AD
and EASA AD 2022-0191.''
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 2022-0191 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2022-0191 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 of
[[Page 99171]]
EASA AD 2022-0191 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 2022-0191. Material referenced in
EASA AD 2022-0191 for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
under Docket No. FAA-2024-2552 after the FAA final rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and EASA AD 2022-0191
The inspection material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191 specifies
returning certain parts to the manufacturer, whereas this proposed AD
would require removing those parts from service instead. The inspection
material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191 specifies completing a
response form, whereas this proposed AD would not require that action.
The modification material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191 specifies
sending the fan-bearing assembly to an approved D-level maintenance
center for modification, whereas this proposed AD would require
installing modification 0776102, and as applicable, modification
0725373.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD would affect 6 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this proposed AD.
Inspecting for a gap between the MGB fan rotor blade and the upper
section of the guide vane bearing housing would take 2 work-hours for
an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $1,020 for the U.S. fleet,
per inspection cycle.
Replacing the MGB fan rotor shaft bearings would take 6 work-hours
and parts would cost $1,938 for an estimated cost of $2,448 per
helicopter and $14,688 for the U.S. fleet.
Removing the flexible duct, installing new flexible duct MOD
0776104, removing the fan-bearing assembly, and installing the modified
fan-bearing assembly would take 8 work-hours and parts would cost
$10,000 for an estimated cost of $10,680 per helicopter and $64,080 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
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 that the 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:
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-09-14, Amendment 39-21528 (86
FR 26829, May 18, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2024-2552; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-01243-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 24, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-09-14, Amendment 39-21528 (86 FR 26829,
May 18, 2021) (AD 2021-09-14).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6322, Main Gearbox
Oil Cooler.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the development of a modification for an
improved MGB fan rotor bearing assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD
to prevent rotor burst of the MGB fan, damage to the hydraulic lines
and flight controls, 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
2022-0191, dated September 15, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0191).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0191
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0191 refers to August 11, 2020 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2020-0171, dated July 28, 2020) and to its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0191 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where ``the inspection ASB'' material referenced in EASA AD
2022-0191 specifies to return certain parts to Airbus Helicopters,
this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(4) Where ``the inspection ASB'' material referenced in EASA AD
2022-0191 specifies completing the response form in Appendix 4, this
AD does not require that action.
(5) Where the ``the modification ASB'' material referenced in
EASA AD 2022-0191 specifies sending the fan-bearing assembly to an
approved D-level maintenance center to integrate modification
0776102 and where applicable, modification 0725373, this AD requires
installing modification 0776102, and as applicable, modification
0725373.
(6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0191.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191 specifies
to submit certain
[[Page 99172]]
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that
action.
(j) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the
actions of this AD can be performed, provided there are no
passengers onboard.
(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#7b3a3634383b1d1a1a551c140d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="40010d0f03002621216e272f36">[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) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA; 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (303) 342-1080; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#92faf3febcf8f7fce1f7fcd2f4f3f3bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d0b8b1bcfebab5bea3b5be90b6b1b1feb7bfa6">[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 2022-0191,
dated September 15, 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#efaeab9caf8a8e9c8ec18a9a9d809f8ec18a9a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d9989daa99bcb8aab8f7bcacabb6a9b8f7bcac">[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 Parkway, 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#89effba7e0e7faf9eceafde0e6e7c9e7e8fbe8a7eee6ff"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="076175296e6974776264736e6869476966756629606871">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on December 3, 2024.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-28831 Filed 12-9-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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