Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 64 (Monday, April 4, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19371-19373]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06942]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0005; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01062-R; 
Amendment 39-21983; AD 2022-06-17]
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 EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by 
the determination of a certain part needing a life limit and re-
identification. This AD requires re-identifying a certain part-numbered 
engine-to-main gearbox (engine-MGB) coupling shaft, and creating a log 
card or equivalent record, 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 May 9, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 9, 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-2022-0005.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0005; 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 2021-0216, dated September 23, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0216), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Model EC 130 T2 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 EC130T2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on January 20, 2022 (87 FR 3050). The NPRM was prompted by the 
determination from recent analysis related to service life, for the 
need to introduce a service life limit (life limit) in torque cycles 
for engine-MGB coupling shaft part number (P/N) 350A35-1100-21. The 
NPRM proposed to require re-identifying a certain part-numbered engine-
MGB coupling shaft by crossing out the old P/N and marking a new P/N 
and serial number (S/N) on the engine-MGB coupling shaft. The NPRM also 
proposed to require creating a log card or equivalent record indicating 
the new P/N, S/N, and the initial value of accumulated torque cycles 
for the engine-MGB coupling shaft. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit 
installing an affected engine-MGB coupling shaft on any helicopter.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fatigue failure of the 
engine-MGB coupling shaft, which if not corrected, could result in loss 
of control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2021-0216 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.

[[Page 19372]]

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. This AD is adopted as proposed in the 
NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2021-0216 requires re-identifying each affected engine-MGB 
coupling shaft, by crossing out the old P/N and marking the new P/N and 
S/N, and creating a log card indicating the new P/N, S/N, and the 
initial value of accumulated torque cycles. EASA AD 2021-0216 also 
prohibits installing an affected engine-MGB coupling shaft on any 
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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
EC130-04A010, dated July 15, 2021 (ASB EC130-04A010). This service 
information specifies procedures for re-identifying the engine-MGB 
coupling shaft by crossing out the old P/N and marking the new P/N and 
a new S/N using a vibration scriber. ASB EC130-04A010 also specifies 
instructions for creating a log card for the engine-MGB coupling shaft 
indicating the new P/N, the new S/N, and the number of torque cycles. 
Finally, ASB EC130-04A010 specifies instructions for calculating the 
number of torque cycles that are required to be indicated on the log 
card.

Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2021-0216

    Service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0216 specifies 
sending certain information to the manufacturer; this AD does not. 
Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0216 specifies a compliance time of 
before exceeding 660 flight hours or 24 months after the effective date 
of EASA AD 2021-0216, whichever occurs first. However, this AD requires 
compliance before exceeding 660 hours time-in-service or 24 months 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 264 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.
    Re-identifying the engine-MGB coupling shaft takes about 4 work-
hours for an estimated cost of $340 per helicopter and up to $89,760 
for the U.S. fleet.
    Creating a log card or equivalent record takes about 1 work-hour 
for an estimated cost of $85 per log card and up to $22,440 for the 
U.S. fleet.

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:

2022-06-17 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21983; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0005; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01062-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 9, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6300, Main Rotor 
Drive System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the determination of a certain part 
needing a life limit and re-identification. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to prevent fatigue failure of the engine-to-main gearbox (engine-
MGB) coupling shaft, which if not corrected, could result in 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 
2021-0216, dated September 23, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0216).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0216

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0216 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0216 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0216 specifies ``in 
accordance with the instructions of section 3.B of the ASB,'' for 
this AD replace ``in accordance with the instructions of section 3.B 
of the ASB'' with ``in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2. through 3.B.2.b. of the of the 
ASB.''

[[Page 19373]]

    (4) Where Note 1 of the service information referenced in EASA 
AD 2021-0216 specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters if you have 
more than one non-installed engine-MGB coupling shaft, this AD does 
not require contacting Airbus Helicopters.
    (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0216 specifies to use a vibration scriber to re-identify the engine-
MGB coupling shaft, this AD allows the use of equivalent tooling.
    (6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0216 specifies creating a log card for the engine-MGB coupling 
shaft, this AD requires creating a log card or equivalent record.
    (7) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2021-0216.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0216 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199, provided no passengers are onboard.

(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 2021-0216, 
dated September 23, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2021-0216, 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-2022-0005.
    (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 March 10, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-06942 Filed 4-1-22; 8:45 am]
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