Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 235 (Friday, December 10, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70358-70361]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26680]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0829; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00189-R; 
Amendment 39-21829; AD 2021-24-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-04-
21, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B 
helicopters. AD 2021-04-21 required an inspection of the attachment 
bolts of the main rotor (MR) hub scissors assembly for discrepancies 
and repair if necessary; part marking of the attachment bolts of the MR 
hub scissors assembly; and repetitive inspections of the part marking 
of the attachment bolts, and repair if necessary. This AD continues to 
require the actions in AD 2021-04-21; and also requires part marking of 
the washer, scissor branch, and mast ring of the corresponding nut 
side, and repetitive inspections of the additional part markings and 
repair if necessary; as

[[Page 70359]]

specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which 
is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a report of 
broken and bent attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly and a 
determination that additional part markings of the washer, scissor 
branch, and mast ring of the corresponding nut side, and repetitive 
inspections of those part markings, are necessary to detect any 
rotation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 14, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 14, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
phone: +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-2021-0829.

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-
0829; 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, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 
950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; phone: (202) 267-9167; 
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 2021-0046, dated February 12, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0046) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. Although EASA AD 
2021-0046 applies to all Model EC120B helicopters, this AD applies to 
helicopters with an affected part installed instead.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-04-21, Amendment 39-21443 (86 FR 
17278, April 2, 2021) (AD 2021-04-21). AD 2021-04-21 applied to certain 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on September 23, 2021 (86 FR 52859). The NPRM was 
prompted by a report of broken and bent attachment bolts of the MR hub 
scissors assembly and a determination that additional part markings of 
the washer, scissor branch, and mast ring of the corresponding nut 
side, and repetitive inspections of those part markings, are necessary 
to detect any rotation. The NPRM proposed to continue to require the 
actions in AD 2021-04-21, as specified in an EASA AD. The NPRM also 
proposed to require part marking of the washer, scissor branch, and 
mast ring of the corresponding nut side, and repetitive inspections of 
the additional part markings and repair if necessary, as specified in 
an EASA AD.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address broken and bent attachment 
bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly, which could lead to detachment 
of a MR hub scissors attachment bolt, possibly resulting in complete 
loss of control of the helicopter. See the MCAI 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:
    <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 2021-0046 specifies procedures for an inspection of the 
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly for discrepancies 
(discrepancies include corrosion, fretting, wear, cracking, bolt play, 
and bolt tightening torque) and repair if necessary; part marking of 
the washer, scissor branch, and mast ring of the attachment bolts and 
corresponding nut side of the MR hub scissors assembly; and repetitive 
inspections, after part marking, for discrepancies, and repair if 
necessary. The inspections of the attachment bolts of the MR hub 
assembly include checking the play and torque of the scissors 
attachment bolts and making sure that there are no hard spots in the 
scissors link hinge.
    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 89 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.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for discrepancies       4 work-hours x $85               $0  $340...............  $30,260.
 (retained actions from AD 2021-    per hour = $340.
 04-21).
Part Marking (retained actions     1 work-hour x $85                 0  $85................  $7,565.
 from AD 2021-04-21).               per hour = $85.
Repetitive Inspection of Markings  1 work-hour x $85                 0  $85 per inspection   $7,565 per
 (retained actions from AD 2021-    per hour = $85 per                   cycle.               inspection cycle.
 04-21).                            inspection cycle.

[[Page 70360]]

 
Additional Part Marking (new       1 work-hour x $85                 0  $85................  $7,565.
 action).                           per hour = $85.
Repetitive Inspection (new         1 work-hours x $85                0  $85 per inspection   $7,565 per
 action).                           per hour = $85 per                   cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                    inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 hour per product to 
comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the 
cost of reporting on U.S. operators to be $7,565, or $85 per product.
    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:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair of the attachment bolts.............  4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340.             $40            $380
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-04-21, Amendment 39-21443 
(86 FR 17278, April 2, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2021-24-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21829; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0829; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00189-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 14, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-04-21, Amendment 39-21443 (86 FR 17278, 
April 2, 2021) (AD 2021-04-21).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters, 
certificated in any category, having an affected part as defined in 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0046, dated 
February 12, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0046).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6200, Main Rotor 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of broken and bent attachment 
bolts of the main rotor (MR) hub scissors assembly and a 
determination that additional part markings of the washer, scissor 
branch, and mast ring of the corresponding nut side, and repetitive 
inspections of those part markings, are necessary to detect any 
rotation. The FAA is

[[Page 70361]]

issuing this AD to address broken and bent attachment bolts of the 
MR hub scissors assembly, which could lead to detachment of a MR hub 
scissors attachment bolt, possibly resulting in complete 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, EASA AD 2021-0046.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0046

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0046 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0046 refers to September 05, 2018 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2018-0186), this AD requires using May 7, 
2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-04-21).
    (3) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2021-0046.
    (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0046 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing 
those parts from service.
    (5) Where EASA AD 2021-0046 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD 
requires using hours time-in-service.
    (6) Paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2021-0046 refer to 
``discrepancies.'' For this AD, discrepancies include corrosion, 
fretting, wear, cracking, bolt play, twist, shearing, rupture, and 
bolt tightening torque.
    (7) Where EASA AD 2021-0046 specifies to contact the 
manufacturer for repair instructions, this AD requires the repair to 
be done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General 
Aviation and Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, 
FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopter's EASA Design Organization 
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include 
the DOA-authorized signature.
    (8) Paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2021-0046 specifies to report 
inspection results to Airbus Helicopters within a certain compliance 
time. For this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (h)(8)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) If the inspection was done on or after May 7, 2021 (the 
effective date of AD 2021-04-21): Submit the report within 30 days 
after the inspection.
    (ii) If the inspection was done before May 7, 2021 (the 
effective date of AD 2021-04-21): Submit the report within 30 days 
after May 7, 2021.

(i) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 
21.199, are not allowed.

(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, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 
20024; phone: (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.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0046, 
dated February 12, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2021-0046, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +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-
2021-0829.
    (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 November 15, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-26680 Filed 12-9-21; 8:45 am]
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