Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 107 (Monday, June 7, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30151-30153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11803]



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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 107 / Monday, June 7, 2021 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 30151]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0016; Project Identifier 2019-SW-114-AD; Amendment 
39-21567; AD 2021-11-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by 
reports of an oil leak from the main gearbox (MGB) during engine start 
up. This AD requires modifying and performing subsequent repetitive 
function testing of the MGB emergency lubrication (EMLUB) system as 
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which 
is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 12, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 12, 
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 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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0016.

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-2021-
0016; 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: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 
20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2016-0232, dated November 22, 2016 
(EASA AD 2016-0232), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters Model EC 225 LP helicopters. EASA later issued EASA AD 
2016-0232R1, dated December 12, 2019 (EASA AD 2016-0232R1), to revise 
EASA AD 2016-0232.
    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 EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on March 15, 2021 (86 FR 14281). The NPRM was prompted by reports of 
oil leaks during engine starting, originating from the MGB. The NPRM 
proposed to require modifying and repetitively functional testing the 
MGB EMLUB system, and if there is a discrepancy, accomplishing 
corrective action(s). Accomplishing any corrective action(s) does not 
constitute terminating action for the repetitive functional tests, as 
specified in an EASA AD.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address inadvertent opening of the P 
2.4 valve of the MGB EMLUB system, which results from MGB 
pressurization by compressed air produced by the engine during starting 
in response to a signal from the EMLUB electronic control card. See 
EASA AD 2016-0232R1 for additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

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 are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition and 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 2016-0232R1 requires modifying the electrical control 
circuit of the MGB EMLUB system. After modifying, EASA AD 2016-0232R1 
requires a repetitive functional test of the MGB EMLUB system, and if 
there is a discrepancy, accomplishing corrective action(s). 
Accomplishing any corrective action(s) does not constitute terminating 
action for the repetitive functional tests.
    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.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    Where EASA AD 2016-0232R1 refers to December 6, 2016 (the effective 
date of EASA AD 2016-0232), this AD requires using the effective date 
of this final rule. EASA AD 2016-0232R1 allows an additional interval 
margin of 225 flight hours (FH), while this AD does not. Where the 
service information referenced in EASA AD 2016-0232R1 requires 
contacting Airbus Helicopters for corrective action, this AD requires 
accomplishing the corrective action using a method approved by the

[[Page 30152]]

Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 24 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 AD.
    Modifying the electrical control circuit of the MGB EMLUB system 
takes about 22 work-hours and parts cost about $1,592 for an estimated 
cost of $3,462 per helicopter and $83,088 for the U.S. fleet.
    Functional testing the EMLUB system takes about 12 work-hours for 
an estimated cost of $1,020 per helicopter and $24,480 for U.S. fleet, 
per testing cycle. If the electrical functional test results in a need 
to replace the lubrication printed circuit board, the replacement time 
takes about 2 work-hours and parts cost about $5,150 for an estimated 
cost of $5,320 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 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:

2021-11-05 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21567; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0016; Project Identifier 2019-SW-114-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 12, 2021.

(b) Affected Airworthiness Directives

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6397, Main Rotor 
Drive System Wiring.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of oil leaks during engine 
starting, originating from the main gearbox (MGB). The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the inadvertent opening of the P 2.4 
valve of the MGB emergency lubrication (EMLUB) system, which results 
from MGB pressurization by compressed air produced by the engine 
during starting in response to a signal from the EMLUB electronic 
control card. This condition could result in loss of the MGB 
lubrication system and a reduced ability of the crew to manage 
adverse operating conditions.

(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 AD 2016-
0232R1, dated December 12, 2019 (EASA AD 2016-0232R1).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2016-0232R1

    (1) Where EASA AD 2016-0232R1 refers to December 6, 2016 (the 
effective date of European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2016-0232, 
dated November 22, 2016), this AD requires using the effective date 
of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2016-0232R1 refers to flight hours (FH), this 
AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
    (3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2016-0232R1 allows an 
additional interval margin of 225 FH, this AD does not. This AD 
requires accomplishing the functional tests within 600 hours TIS, 
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS.
    (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2016-
0232R1 requires contacting Airbus Helicopters technical support, 
this AD requires that the corrective action be accomplished using a 
method approved by the Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 
FAA. The Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this 
AD.
    (5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2016-0232R1 does not 
apply to this AD.

(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 under visual flight rules and 
without passengers only.

(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 Hal Jensen, 
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant 
Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; 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.

[[Page 30153]]

    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2016-0232R1, 
dated December 12, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2016-0232R1, 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-
2021-0016.
    (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 May 11, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-11803 Filed 6-4-21; 8:45 am]
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