Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 15, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8406-8408]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03137]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-1018; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00902-R; 
Amendment 39-21934; AD 2022-03-17]
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 AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. This AD was 
prompted by a report of loss of tightening torque on the nut that 
attaches the tail gear box (TGB) bevel wheel. This AD requires 
repetitive inspections (measurements) of the angular clearances of the 
TGB, and, depending on the findings, replacement of the TGB with a 
serviceable TGB, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also 
provides terminating action for certain repetitive inspections. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 22, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 22, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this 
final rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, 
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet 
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1018.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1018; 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 
EASA AD, 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: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, 
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0184R1, dated October 8, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0184R1), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale, 
Model AS 332 L2 and EC 225 LP helicopters, all serial numbers.
    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 AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on December 1, 2021 (86 FR 68166). The NPRM was 
prompted by a report of loss of tightening torque on the nut that 
attaches the TGB bevel wheel. Additionally, the subsequent 
investigation highlighted that loss of the tightening torque might lead 
to degradation of the splines between the tail rotor shaft and the TGB 
bevel wheel. The investigation is still on-going to

[[Page 8407]]

identify the root cause of the tightening torque loss. The NPRM 
proposed to require repetitive inspections (measurements) of the 
angular clearances of the TGB, and, depending on the findings, 
replacement of the TGB with a serviceable TGB, as specified in EASA AD 
2021-0184R1.
    After the FAA issued the NPRM, EASA issued EASA AD 2021-0184R2, 
dated January 12, 2022 (EASA AD 2021-0184R2), which revises EASA AD 
2021-0184R1 to correct the allowable angular clearance range. EASA 
specifies that the angular clearance range specified in EASA AD 2021-
0184R1 was defined stricter than the one defined in the service 
information. Therefore, EASA issued EASA AD 2021-0184R2 to correct the 
allowable clearance range accordingly.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address loss of tightening torque on 
the nut that attaches the TGB bevel wheel, which, if not corrected, 
could lead to structural failure of the TGB drive, resulting in 
reduced, or loss of, control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2021-0184R2 
for additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

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. Except for minor editorial changes and 
updating EASA AD 2021-0184R2 as the material incorporated by reference, 
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of these changes will 
increase the economic burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2021-0184R2 requires repetitive inspections (measurements) 
of the angular clearances of the TGB, and, depending on the findings, 
additional repetitive inspections (measurements) of the angular 
clearances of the TGB at a reduced interval and replacement of the TGB 
with a serviceable TGB. EASA AD 2021-0184R2 provides terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections at the reduced interval for a helicopter 
if, during two consecutive inspections, the value of the measured 
angular clearance remains unchanged for that helicopter.
    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.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action 
is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    EASA AD 2021-0184R2 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, 
this AD requires using hours time-in-service. Where EASA AD 2021-0184R2 
refers to August 19, 2021 (the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0184, 
dated August 5, 2021), this AD requires using the effective date of 
this AD. Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0184R2 specifies sending parts to the manufacturer or an approved 
repair station to be examined, this AD does not include that 
requirement.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 38 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.

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of TGB Clearance......  2 work-hours x $85               $0  $170 per inspection  $6,460 per
                                    per hour = $170                      cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that are required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
helicopters that might need this on-condition action:

                                     Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of TGB...................  33 work-hours x $85 per  Up to $410,000.........  Up to $412,805.
                                        hour = $2,805.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 8408]]

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:

2022-03-17 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21934; Docket No. FAA-
2021-1018; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00902-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 22, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and 
EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6400, Tail Rotor 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of loss of tightening torque on 
the nut that attaches the tail gear box (TGB) bevel wheel. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address loss of tightening torque on the nut 
that attaches the TGB bevel wheel, which, if not corrected, could 
lead to structural failure of the TGB drive, resulting in reduced, 
or 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 
2021-0184R2, dated January 12, 2022 (EASA AD 2021-0184R2).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0184R2

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0184R2 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0184R2 refers to August 19, 2021 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2021-0184, dated August 5, 2021), this AD 
requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0184R2 specifies sending parts to the manufacturer or an approved 
repair station to be examined, this AD does not include that 
requirement.
    (4) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2021-0184R2.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0184R2 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, 
this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits may be permitted provided that there are 
no passengers on board.

(k) 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 (l) 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.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Andrea Jimenez, 
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7330; email [email protected].

(m) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0184R2, 
dated January 12, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2021-0184R2, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 
3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the 
EASA material 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1018.
    (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 January 26, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-03137 Filed 2-14-22; 8:45 am]
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