Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 57 (Friday, March 26, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16043-16046]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-06239]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1136; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01301-R; 
Amendment 39-21468; AD 2021-06-02]
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 AS332L, AS332L1, AS332C, and AS332C1 
helicopters. This AD was prompted by the failure of a second stage 
planet gear installed in the main gearbox (MGB). This AD requires 
identifying the part number of each second stage planet gear

[[Page 16044]]

assembly installed in the MGB, replacing an MGB having certain second 
stage planet gear assembly part numbers with a serviceable MGB, 
modifying the helicopter by installing a full flow magnetic plug 
(FFMP), repetitively inspecting the FFMP and the MGB bottom housing and 
conical housing for metal particles, analyzing any metal particles that 
are found, and applying corrective actions if necessary, as specified 
in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ADs, which are 
incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 30, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 30, 
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-2020-1136.

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-
1136; 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 2020-0022R2, dated December 23, 2020 
(EASA AD 2020-0022R2) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L, AS332L1, AS332C, and AS332C1 
helicopters.
    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 AS332L, AS332L1, AS332C, and AS332C1 helicopters. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on December 21, 2020 (85 FR 82977). 
The NPRM was prompted by the failure of a second stage planet gear 
installed in the MGB of an Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopter. 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L, AS332L1, AS332C, and AS332C1 
helicopters have a similar design to the affected Model EC225LP 
helicopter, therefore, these models may be subject to the unsafe 
condition revealed on the Model EC225LP helicopter. The NPRM proposed 
to require identifying the part number of each second stage planet gear 
assembly installed in the MGB, replacing an MGB having certain second 
stage planet gear assembly part numbers with a serviceable MGB, 
modifying the helicopter by installing an FFMP, repetitively inspecting 
the FFMP and the MGB bottom housing and conical housing for metal 
particles, analyzing any metal particles that are found, and applying 
corrective actions if necessary as specified in an EASA AD.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of a second stage 
planet gear installed in the MGB, which could result in failure of the 
MGB 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.

New EASA AD

    In the NPRM, the FAA referred to EASA AD 2020-0022R1, dated 
September 18, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0022R1). Since the NPRM was issued, 
EASA issued EASA AD 2020-0022R2, which extends the compliance time for 
installation of the FFMP.
    The FAA determined that no additional work is required for 
helicopters that have accomplished the actions as required by EASA AD 
2020-0022R1. Therefore, the FAA has revised all applicable sections in 
this final rule to also specify EASA AD 2020-0022R2.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this final rule with the 
changes described previously and 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.
    The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 describe procedures for 
identifying the part number of each second stage planet gear assembly 
installed in the MGB, replacing an MGB having certain second stage 
planet gear assembly part numbers with a serviceable MGB, modifying the 
helicopter by installing an FFMP, repetitively inspecting the FFMP and 
the MGB bottom housing and conical housing for metal particles, 
analyzing any metal particles that are found, and applicable corrective 
actions. The corrective actions include replacing an affected MGB with 
a serviceable MGB. These documents are distinct since EASA AD 2020-
0022R2 extends the compliance time for installation of the FFMP.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 11 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 16045]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
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8.50 work-hours x $85 per hour = $722.50.....................         $17,625       $18,347.50      $201,822.50
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
helicopters that might need these on-condition actions:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
           Labor cost                  Parts cost            product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.50 work-hour x $85 per hour   $275,000 (overhauled       $278,442.50
 = $3,442.50.                     part).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs 
in the cost estimate.

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:

2021-06-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21468; Docket No. FAA-
2020-1136; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01301-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 30, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L, AS332L1, 
AS332C, and AS332C1 helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the failure of a second stage planet 
gear installed in the main gearbox (MGB). The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address failure of an MGB second stage planet gear, which could 
result in failure of the MGB 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2020-0022R1, dated September 18, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0022R1); or EASA 
AD 2020-0022R2, dated December 23, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0022R2).

(h) Exceptions to EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2

    (1) Where EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 refer to March 
30, 2018 (the effective date of EASA AD 2018-0066, dated March 23, 
2018) or February 21, 2020 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020-0022, 
dated February 7, 2020), this AD requires using the effective date 
of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' sections of EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-
0022R2 do not apply to this AD.
    (3) Where EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 refer to flight 
hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (4) Where the service information referred to in paragraphs (5) 
and (6) of EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies to perform 
a metallurgical analysis and contact the manufacturer if unsure 
about the characterization of the particles collected, this AD does 
not require contacting the manufacturer to determine the 
characterization of the particles collected.
    (5) Although the service information referred to in paragraph 
(6) of EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies that if any 
16NCD13 particles are found send a 1-liter sample of oil to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.

[[Page 16046]]

    (6) Although the service information referenced in EASA ADs 
2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies to discard certain parts, this 
AD does not include that requirement.
    (7) Although the service information referenced in EASA ADs 
2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies returning certain parts to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
    (8) Although the service information referenced in EASA ADs 
2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies to contact the manufacturer if 
certain specified criteria are exceeded, this AD does not include 
that requirement.
    (9) Although the service information referenced in EASA ADs 
2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies to submit certain information 
to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
    (10) Although the service information referenced in EASA ADs 
2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 specifies to watch a video for removing 
the grease from the full flow magnetic plug (FFMP), using a cleaning 
agent, and collecting particles, this AD does not include that 
requirement.
    (11) Where EASA ADs 2020-0022R1 and 2020-0022R2 require actions 
after the last flight of the day or ``ALF,'' this AD requires those 
actions before the first flight of the day.

(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 no passengers are onboard.

(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: [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 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0022R1, 
dated September 18, 2020.
    (ii) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-
0022R2, dated December 23, 2020.
    (3) For EASA AD 2020-0022R1 and EASA AD 2020-0022R2, 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.

    Note 1 to paragraph (l)(3):  EASA AD 2020-0022R1 can be accessed 
in the zipped file at the bottom of the web page for EASA AD 2020-
0022R2. When EASA posts a revised AD on their website, they 
watermark the previous AD as ``Revised,'' alter the file name by 
adding ``_revised'' to the end, and move it into a zipped file 
attached at the bottom of the AD web page.

    (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-
2020-1136.
    (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 March 8, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-06239 Filed 3-25-21; 8:45 am]
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