Airworthiness Directives; Hélicoptères Guimbal Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 23 (Friday, February 5, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8299-8302]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-02532]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1177; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01336-R; 
Amendment 39-21403; AD 2021-02-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal Model Cabri G2 helicopters. This AD 
was prompted by a report of a crack in a rotating scissor fitting. This 
AD requires an initial and repetitive inspections of certain rotating 
and non-rotating scissor fittings, and depending on the results, 
replacing the affected assembly. This AD also prohibits installing 
certain main rotor hubs (MRHs) and swashplate guides unless the initial 
inspection has been accomplished. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 22, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of February 22, 
2021.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 22, 2021.

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 https://www.regulations.gov. 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.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact 
H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal, Basile Ginel, 1070, rue du 
Lieutenant Parayre, A[eacute]rodrome d'Aix-en-Provence, 13290 Les 
Milles, France; telephone 33-04-42-39-10-88; email 
[email protected]; web https://www.guimbal.com. 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. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
1177.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1177; 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 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is 
listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fred Guerin, Aerospace Engineer, 
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 
FAA, 2200 South 216th St. Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone (206) 231-
3500; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2020-0199, dated September 21, 
2020, and corrected September 24, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0199), to correct 
an unsafe condition for H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal (HG) Model 
Cabri G2 helicopters. EASA advises of a report of a crack in a rotating 
scissor fitting discovered during maintenance. According to EASA, the 
suspected root cause of the crack was corrosion under residual stress. 
This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the 
rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting on either the MRH or the 
swashplate guide, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    Accordingly, EASA AD 2020-0199 requires an initial and repetitive 
inspections of the rotating and non-rotating scissor fittings part 
number (P/N) G12-00-200 installed on the MRH or swashplate guide, 
respectively. If a crack is detected, the EASA AD requires replacing 
the affected MRH or swashplate guide with a serviceable part. The EASA 
AD prohibits installing certain MRHs and swashplate guides unless the 
initial inspection has been accomplished. The EASA AD also requires 
reporting certain information to HG.

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 about the 
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
on other helicopters of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision C, 
and SB 20-012, Revision B, each dated October 5, 2020 (SB 20-011 Rev C 
and SB 20-012 Rev B). SB 20-012 Rev B specifies removing the bolts 
connecting the two scissor fittings P/N G12-00-200 and accomplishing a 
one-time detailed inspection for a crack in certain areas. SB 20-012 
Rev B also specifies reassembling the two scissor fittings using 
correct bolt torque limits, installing new cotter pins, and reporting 
any findings to HG customer service. SB 20-011 Rev C specifies 
procedures for a recurring inspection after accomplishment of SB 20-012 
Rev B of the same areas of the scissor fittings for a crack as SB 20-
012 Rev B, except without removing the bolts which connect the two 
scissor fittings. SB 20-

[[Page 8300]]

011 Rev C also specifies reporting any findings to customer service.
    This service information 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 Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision 
B, and SB 20-012, Revision A, each dated September 1, 2020 (SB 20-011 
Rev B and SB 20-012 Rev A). SB 20-012 Rev A specifies the same 
procedures as SB 20-012 Rev B, except SB 20-012 Rev B revises the 
compliance time, adds the EASA AD identification information, and 
updates the Situation section description. SB 20-011 Rev B specifies 
the same procedures as SB 20-011 Rev C, except SB 20-011 Rev C adds the 
EASA AD identification information and updates the Situation section 
description.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 
calendar days, whichever occurs first, inspecting each rotating and 
non-rotating scissor fitting with the bolts connecting the scissor 
fittings removed. For this initial inspection, this AD requires 
removing the cotter pins and bolts that connect the two scissor 
fittings, cleaning the outside surface of each scissor fitting, and 
using a flashlight to visually inspect each scissor fitting for a 
crack.
    This AD also requires, at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS or 6 
months, whichever occurs first, repetitive inspections of each scissor 
fitting without removing the bolts and separating the two scissor 
fittings. For these repetitive inspections, this AD requires cleaning 
each scissor fitting, and while using a flashlight, visually inspecting 
each scissor fitting for a crack.
    If during any inspection there is a crack, this AD requires 
replacing the MRH or swashplate guide, as applicable, before further 
flight.
    This AD also prohibits installing an MRH or swashplate guide with 
an affected scissor fitting installed, even if new, unless the initial 
inspection has been accomplished.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires detailed inspections, whereas this AD requires 
cleaning each scissor fitting and visually inspecting each scissor 
fitting using a flashlight. The EASA AD also requires reporting certain 
information, whereas this AD does not. The EASA AD allows installing a 
new (not previously installed) MRH or swashplate guide, whereas this AD 
prohibits installing a new MRH or swashplate guide unless the initial 
inspection has been accomplished.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the initial inspection must be completed within 30 hours TIS or 
30 calendar days, whichever occurs first, and thereafter, the 
repetitive inspections must be completed within 50 hours TIS or 6 
months, whichever occurs first. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for 
prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public 
interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and 
comment.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-1177; Project Identifier MCAI-
2020-01336-R at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.

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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Fred 
Guerin, Aerospace Engineer, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch (AIR-732), FAA, 2200 South 216th St., 
Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone (206) 231-3500; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

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.
    Removing and installing the bolt and cotter pins in the initial 
inspection takes a minimal amount of time. Inspecting each scissor 
fitting takes about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per 
fitting, per inspection cycle. There are 2 scissor fittings installed 
on a helicopter, for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $2,720 
for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle. If required, replacing an MRH 
takes about 5 work-

[[Page 8301]]

hours and the part costs about $32,000, for an estimated cost of 
$32,425 per helicopter. If required, replacing a swashplate guide takes 
about 6 work-hours and the part costs about $2,000, for an estimated 
cost of $2,510 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

    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, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of 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:

2021-02-20 H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal: Amendment 39-21403; 
Docket No. FAA-2020-1177; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01336-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 22, 
2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal Model 
Cabri G2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with rotating or 
non-rotating scissor fitting part number (P/N) G12-00-200, installed 
on the main rotor hub (MRH) or swashplate guide, respectively.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft 
Flight Control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in a rotating 
scissor fitting. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect a crack and 
prevent failure of a scissor fitting. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in failure of a rotating or non-rotating 
scissor fitting and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 calendar days, 
whichever occurs first:
    (i) Remove the cotter pins and bolts connecting the rotating and 
non-rotating scissor fitting by following the Required Actions, IPC 
4.1-2(a), of Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-012, Revision B, dated 
October 5, 2020 (SB 20-012 Rev B). Remove the cotter pins from 
service. Clean each scissor fitting. Using a flashlight, visually 
inspect each scissor fitting by following the Required Actions, IPC 
4.1-2(b), of SB 20-012 Rev B.
    (ii) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the MRH 
or swashplate guide, as applicable.
    (iii) If there is not a crack, reassemble the scissor fittings 
by following the Required Actions, IPC 4.1-2(c), of SB 20-012 Rev B.
    (2) Thereafter, within 50 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever 
occurs first, and at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS or 6 
months, whichever occurs first:
    (i) Leaving each rotating and non-rotating scissor fitting 
assembled, clean each scissor fitting. Using a flashlight, visually 
inspect each scissor fitting by following the Required Actions, IPC 
4.1-2(a), of Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision C, dated 
October 5, 2020.
    (ii) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the MRH 
or swashplate guide, as applicable.
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an MRH 
or swashplate guide, with rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting 
P/N G12-00-200 installed, respectively, on any helicopter, even if 
new, unless the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD have 
been accomplished.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD if you accomplished Guimbal Service 
Bulletin SB 20-012, Revision A, dated September 1, 2020, before the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the first instance of the 
actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD if you accomplished 
Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision B, dated September 1, 
2020, before the effective date of this AD.

(i) Special Flight Permits

    A special flight permit may be permitted provided that there are 
no passengers onboard, and the flight is operating under day Visual 
Flight Rules, for the purpose of ferrying the helicopter to an 
authorized maintenance facility.

(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 certification office, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (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

    (1) For more information about this AD, Fred Guerin, Aerospace 
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone (206) 231-3500; email [email protected].
    (2) Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision B, and SB 20-
012, Revision A, each dated September 1, 2020, which are not 
incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the 
subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, 
contact H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal, Basile Ginel, 1070, rue 
du Lieutenant Parayre, A[eacute]rodrome d'Aix-en-Provence, 13290 Les 
Milles, France; telephone 33-04-42-39-10-88; email 
[email protected]; web https://www.guimbal.com. You may view 
this referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information

[[Page 8302]]

on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-
5110.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2020-0199, dated September 24, 
2020. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2020-1177.

(l) 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) Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision C, dated 
October 5, 2020.
    (ii) Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-012, Revision B, dated 
October 5, 2020.
    (3) For Guimbal service information identified in this AD, 
contact H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal, Basile Ginel, 1070, rue 
du Lieutenant Parayre, A[eacute]rodrome d'Aix-en-Provence, 13290 Les 
Milles, France; telephone 33-04-42-39-10-88; email 
[email protected]; web https://www.guimbal.com.
    (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 service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on January 19, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-02532 Filed 2-3-21; 2:00 pm]
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