Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 7, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35599-35601]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14343]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0293; Product Identifier 2017-SW-052-AD; Amendment 
39-21610; AD 2021-13-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
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 (Airbus Helicopters) Model EC135P1, 
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 
helicopters. This AD requires modifying the tail rotor (T/R) control 
installation, a functional test, and corrective actions as necessary. 
This AD was prompted by cases of insufficient clearance between a 
certain T/R control bearing connection and the helicopter structure, 
which were detected on the production line. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 11, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of August 11, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75052; telephone 972-641-0000 or 800-232-0323; fax 972-641-3775; or at 
https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You 
may view the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, 
Fort Worth, TX 76177. Service information that is incorporated by 
reference is also available at https://www.regulations.gov

[[Page 35600]]

by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0293.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0293; 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 Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency) (EASA) AD, any comments received, and other information. The 
street 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: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Aircraft Systems Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-
5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters 
Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, 
and EC135T3 helicopters with serial number (S/N) up to and including 
1254 (except S/N 1235). The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
April 16, 2021 (86 FR 20089). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require 
modifying the T/R control within 360 hours time-in-service (TIS) by 
installing a Teflon washer and performing a functional test in 
accordance with specified portions of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin ASB EC135-67A-031, Revision 0, dated March 30, 2017 (ASB 
EC135-67A-031). Based on the results of the functional test, the NPRM 
proposed to require making repairs in accordance with FAA-approved 
procedures. The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2017-0147, dated August 
10, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0147), issued by EASA, which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe 
condition for Airbus Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, 
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635P2+, EC635P3, 
EC635T1, EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters. EASA advises that several 
cases of insufficient clearance between a certain T/R bearing 
connection and the helicopter structure were detected during 
inspections of helicopters on the production line. EASA states that 
this condition, if not corrected and in the case of an unglued bearing, 
could lead to blockage of the pedal controlling the T/R thrust and loss 
of the T/R control. EASA further advises that this could result in a 
forced landing with damage to the helicopter and injury to the 
occupants.
    Accordingly, EASA AD 2017-0147 requires modifying the T/R control 
installation by adding a Teflon washer, which reduces the degree of 
freedom in case of a drifting bearing at the affected connection. EASA 
AD 2017-0147 also requires a functional test for clearance, and 
depending on the results, either accomplishing additional corrective 
actions or contacting Airbus Helicopters for instructions.

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    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 reviewed the relevant 
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these helicopters.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed ASB EC135-67A-031 for Airbus Helicopters Model 
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, 
EC135T3, EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1, EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters. 
For S/Ns up to 1254 inclusive, except S/N 1235, this service 
information specifies retrofitting a Teflon washer on the T/R controls, 
performing a functional test of the modified T/R control installation 
to inspect for clearance, and making any necessary adjustments. This 
service information advises that S/N 1255 and up will have the Teflon 
washer installed in production.
    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.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD sets compliance times at 12 months, while this AD 
requires compliance within 360 hours TIS. The EASA AD applies to Airbus 
Helicopters Model EC635T1, EC635T2+, EC635T3, EC635P2+, and EC635P3 
helicopters; this AD does not because these models do not have an FAA 
type certificate. The EASA AD requires contacting Airbus Helicopters 
for approved repair procedures; this AD requires a repair using FAA-
approved procedures. The EASA AD requires revising the ``aircraft 
maintenance program,'' whereas this AD does not because not all U.S. 
operators are required to have a maintenance program.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 331 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.
    Modifying the T/R control installation and conducting a functional 
test takes about 3 work-hours and parts cost about $25 for an estimated 
cost of $280 per helicopter and $92,680 for the U.S. fleet.
    If required, adjusting the clearance takes about 1 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $85 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 helicopters 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

[[Page 35601]]

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:

2021-13-05 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-21610; 
Docket No. FAA-2019-0293; Product Identifier 2017-SW-052-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 11, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and 
EC135T3 helicopters with serial number (S/N) up to and including 
1254 (except S/N 1235), certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor 
Control System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as interference between the 
tail rotor (T/R) control bearing connection close-tolerance bolt and 
the helicopter structure, which could lead to blockage of the pedal 
controlling the T/R thrust. This condition could result in loss of 
T/R control, prompting a forced landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 360 hours time-in-service, modify the T/R control by 
installing a Teflon washer and perform a functional test of the 
modification in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3.B.2 through 3.B.4.2., of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin ASB EC135-67A-031, Revision 0, dated March 30, 
2017. If, during the functional test, the clearance between the end 
of the close[hyphen]tolerance bolt, castellated nut, and the lower 
stringer is less than 1.0 mm, repair in accordance with FAA-approved 
procedures.

(h) 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 (i)(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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact David Hatfield, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Aircraft Systems Section, Technical 
Innovation Policy Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 
76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected].
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 
2017-0147, dated August 10, 2017. You may view the EASA AD at 
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2019-0293.

(j) 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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC135-67A-031, 
Revision 0, dated March 30, 2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 972-641-0000 or 800-232-0323; fax 972-
641-3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html.
    (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 June 10, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14343 Filed 7-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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