Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 29, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34125-34127]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13710]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0265; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01541-R; 
Amendment 39-21603; AD 2021-12-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(AHD) 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 
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK117 C-2 and MBB-
BK117 D-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of increased 
control force in the collective axis. This AD requires repetitive 
visual inspections of the main rotor actuator (MRA), as specified in a 
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 August 3, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 3, 
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-2021-0265.

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-
0265; 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: Katherine Venegas, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, 
California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5353; 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 2018-0283, dated December 20, 2018 
(EASA AD 2018-0283), to correct an unsafe condition for AHD Model MBB-
BK117 C-2 and MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters. EASA later issued EASA AD 
2020-0257, dated November 17,

[[Page 34126]]

2020 (EASA AD 2020-0257), to supersede EASA AD 2018-0283.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to AHD Model MBB-BK117 C-2 
and MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on April 8, 2021 (86 FR 18221). The NPRM was prompted by a 
report of increased control force in the collective axis on an AHD 
Model EC135 helicopter. Subsequent inspections determined that a nut on 
a piston of the MRA had cracked and separated from the piston rod. Due 
to design similarity, Model MBB-BK117 C-2 and MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters 
are also affected by this unsafe condition. The NPRM proposed to 
require repetitive visual inspections of the MRA as specified in EASA 
AD 2020-0257.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the MRA and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. See the EASA AD 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 the compliance time for the reporting requirement has changed 
from within 30 days after the effective date of this AD to within 30 
days after accomplishing each inspection and determining that there is 
a crack, damage, black coloration, or corrosion. The FAA has determined 
that this change:
    <bullet> Is consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Does not add any additional burden upon the public than 
was already proposed in the NPRM.
    The FAA also determined that this change 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 AD 2020-0257 specifies procedures for a repetitive visual 
inspection of the MRA and depending on the results, replacing the 
affected parts.
    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

    The EASA AD requires contacting Airbus Helicopters or replacing an 
affected part, whereas this AD requires performing the corrective 
action in accordance with FAA-approved procedures or removing the 
affected parts from service instead. The service information referenced 
in the EASA AD refers to calendar time when specifying the compliance 
time for the inspections, whereas this AD uses hours time-in-service. 
The EASA AD allows a tolerance to the compliance times, whereas this AD 
does not. The EASA AD does not specify a compliance time for the 
reporting requirements; whereas this AD requires performing the 
reporting action within 30 days after accomplishing each inspection and 
determining that there is a crack, damage, black coloration, or 
corrosion.

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 216 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.
    Inspecting the nuts on the MRA pistons takes about 1 work-hour for 
an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $18,360 for the U.S. fleet, 
per inspection cycle.
    Replacing the MRA takes about 7 work-hours and parts cost about 
$286,554 for an estimated cost of $287,149 per helicopter.
    Repairing the MRA takes up to about 8 work-hours and parts cost 
about $110 for an estimated cost of up to $790 per MRA.
    If required, reporting information takes about 1 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $85 per instance.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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.

[[Page 34127]]

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:

2021-12-16 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
21603; Docket No. FAA-2021-0265; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01541-
R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 3, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) 
Model MBB-BK117 C-2 and MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in 
any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6710, Main Rotor 
Control.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of increased control force in 
the collective axis. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure 
of the main rotor actuator 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 
2020-0257, dated November 17, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0257).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0257

    (1) Where EASA AD 2020-0257 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where Note 1 of EASA AD 2020-0257 specifies a tolerance of 3 
months may be applied to the initial threshold and to the repetitive 
inspection interval, this AD does not allow this tolerance.
    (3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0257 specifies 
contacting Airbus Helicopters, this AD requires performing the 
corrective action in accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
    (4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0257 specifies an 
alternative method to comply with the requirements of paragraph (2) 
of EASA AD 2020-0257 by replacing an affected part, this AD requires 
removing an affected part from service as an alternative method.
    (5) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020-0257 specifies a 
compliance time for the initial inspection of ``before an affected 
part exceeds 12 months since new, or since last overhaul, or within 
3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later'' and repetitive inspections at intervals not to exceed 12 
months, this AD requires a compliance time for the initial 
inspection of before an affected part exceeds 319 total hours time-
in-service (TIS), or within 319 hours TIS after the date of the last 
overhaul, or within 80 hours TIS after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later, and repetitive inspections at intervals 
not to exceed 319 hours TIS.
    (6) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0257 does not specify a compliance time for the reporting 
requirement, this AD requires the reporting action to be performed 
within 30 days after accomplishing each inspection and determining 
that there is a crack, damage, black coloration, or corrosion.
    (7) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0257 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) 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 (j) 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.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Katherine Venegas, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, 3960 
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-
5353; email [email protected].

(k) 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 2020-0257, 
dated November 17, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2020-0257, 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-
2021-0265.
    (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 June 4, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13710 Filed 6-28-21; 8:45 am]
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