Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 36 (Thursday, February 25, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11417-11419]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03664]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1036; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01430-R; 
Amendment 39-21409; AD 2021-03-06]
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 
certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 
N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the FAA's 
determination that to improve the process and performance in collecting 
metal particles in the main gear box (MGB) certain existing magnetic 
plugs (electrical and nonelectrical) installed in the MGB pump intake 
must be replaced with improved non-electrical magnetic plugs. This AD 
requires replacing the existing magnetic plug with an improved non-
electrical magnetic plug, as specified in a European Aviation Safety 
Agency (now 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 April 1, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 1, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet 
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at 
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. 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 in 
the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1036.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
1036; 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, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mahmood Shah, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, 
TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5538; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0176, dated August 21, 2018 
(EASA AD 2018-0176) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 
365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus 
Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and 
EC155B1 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
November 30, 2020 (85 FR 76495). The NPRM was prompted by the FAA's 
determination that to improve the process and performance in collecting 
metal particles in the MGB certain existing magnetic plugs (electrical 
and non-electrical) installed in the MGB pump intake must be replaced 
with improved non-electrical magnetic plugs. The NPRM proposed to 
require replacing the existing magnetic plug with an improved non-
electrical magnetic plug, as specified in an EASA AD.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address metal particles causing 
seizure of the MGB, loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter. See the MCAI for additional 
background information.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, 
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these 
minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2018-0176 describes procedures for replacing the existing 
magnetic plug (electrical and non-electrical) installed in the MGB pump 
intake with an improved non-electrical magnetic plug. This material is 
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it 
through their normal course of business

[[Page 11418]]

or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later 
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 52 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
                       Labor cost                           Parts cost     Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 7.5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $637.50..........             $55       Up to $692.50       Up to $36,010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

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:

2021-03-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21409; Docket No. FAA-
2020-1036; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01430-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 1, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, 
AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters, certificated 
in any category, equipped with magnetic plugs, part number (P/N) 
1B7807 or P/N 704A34543017 (electrical), or P/N 365A32-1711-00 (non-
electrical), as applicable, installed in the main gearbox (MGB) pump 
intake.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6320, Main Rotor 
Gearbox.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the FAA's determination that to improve 
the process and performance in collecting metal particles in MGB 
certain existing magnetic plugs (electrical and non-electrical) 
installed in the MGB pump intake must be replaced with improved non-
electrical magnetic plugs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
metal particles causing seizure of the MGB, loss of power to the 
main rotor, 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 paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0176, dated August 21, 2018 
(EASA AD 2018-0176).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0176

    (1) Where EASA AD 2018-0176 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2018-0176 does not apply 
to this AD.
    (3) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-
0176 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include 
that requirement.
    (4) Where EASA AD 2018-0176 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD 
requires using hours time-in-service.

(i) Special Flight Permit

    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 
helicopter can be modified (if the operator elects to do so), 
provided the helicopter is operated using day visual flight rules 
and no passengers are onboard.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 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 Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 
send it to: Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110. 
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

    For more information about this AD, contact Mahmood Shah, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX

[[Page 11419]]

76177; telephone 817 222 5538; email [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-0176 dated 
August 21, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2018-0176, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (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. This material may be 
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2020-1036.
    (5) You may view this material 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 27, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03664 Filed 2-24-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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