Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 12, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21551-21554]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-07705]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0096; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01092-R; 
Amendment 39-22004; AD 2022-08-01]
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) 2020-22-01 
which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, 
and AS332L1 helicopters. AD 2020-22-01 required inspecting the affected 
parts and associated frame bores for discrepancies, applicable 
corrective actions, and reporting certain information if necessary. 
This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on attachment screws and 
fittings fastening the main gearbox (MGB) suspension bars to the 
fuselage. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2020-22-01, adds 
recurring inspections, and updates the applicable service information. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 17, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 17, 2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. 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 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. It is also available at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0096.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0096; 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (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

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-22-01, Amendment 39-21297 (85 FR 
69126, November 2, 2020) (AD 2020-22-01). AD 2020-22-01 applied to all 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 
helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 10, 
2022 (87 FR 7770). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain all the 
requirements of AD 2020-22-01, and proposed to require adding 
repetitive inspections and updating the applicable service information.
    The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2021-0222, dated October 6, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0222), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition 
for Airbus Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, 
Aerospatiale, Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, and AS 332 L1 
helicopters, all serial numbers. EASA advises a significant number of 
reports were received about corrosion being detected on the attachment 
screws and fittings fastening the rear MGB suspension bars, right-hand 
and left-hand side, to the fuselage, and the attachment screws and 
fitting fastening the front MGB suspension bar to the fuselage. EASA 
also advises Airbus Helicopters issued updated service information, 
which includes instructions for repetitive inspections.
    Accordingly, EASA AD 2021-0222 retains the requirements of EASA AD 
2019-0295, dated December 5, 2019, which prompted AD 2020-22-01, and 
adds repetitive inspections and updated service information. 
Additionally, Airbus Helicopters advised of a typo in the applicable 
service information in the reference to G.2 of one of the work cards. 
Accordingly, the FAA has identified this typo in the exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this AD.

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

[[Page 21552]]

condition on these helicopters. Except for minor editorial changes, 
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
No. AS332-53.02.05, Revision 2, and ASB No. AS332-53.02.07, Revision 1, 
both dated August 19, 2021, which specify procedures for inspecting the 
attachment fittings and attachment screws of the MGB suspension bars 
and their frame bores for discrepancies and corrective actions. This 
inspection includes inspecting the attachment fittings for corrosion 
and inspecting the attachment screws for corrosion and evidence of 
sealing compound. The corrective actions include replacing or repairing 
corroded parts and replacing screws that have sealing compound on them. 
These documents are distinct since they apply to different helicopter 
models in different configurations.
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS332-53.02.05, 
Revision 0, dated April 18, 2019; Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS332-
53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020; and Airbus Helicopters ASB 
No. AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019, which also 
specify procedures for inspecting the attachment fittings and 
attachment screws of the MGB suspension bars and their frame bores for 
discrepancies and corrective actions.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 10 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.
    Inspecting each attachment screw and fitting of the rear MGB 
suspension bars; each attachment screw and fitting of the front MGB 
suspension bar; and the frame bores takes about 16 work-hours, for an 
estimated cost of $1,360 per helicopter and $13,600 for the U.S. fleet 
per inspection cycle.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition corrective actions that are required based on the results of 
the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of 
helicopters that might need these on-condition replacements:
    If required, replacing an affected screw, nut, split pin, concave 
washer, convex washer, or peel shim takes a minimal amount of time with 
a minimal cost.
    If required, replacing an affected MGB attachment fitting takes 
about 8 work-hours and parts cost about $7,000 for an estimated cost of 
$7,680 per replacement.
    If required, reporting any discrepancies to Airbus Helicopters 
takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.

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 a 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 currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate 
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including 
suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection 
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, 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 2020-22-01, Amendment 39-21297 (85 
FR 69126, November 2, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2022-08-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22004; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0096; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01092-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 17, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-22-01, Amendment 39-21297 (85 FR 69126, 
November 2, 2020) (AD 2020-22-01).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any category.

[[Page 21553]]

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5340, Fuselage 
main, attach fittings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on attachment 
screws and fittings fastening the main gearbox (MGB) suspension bars 
to the fuselage. The FAA is issuing this AD to address corrosion on 
attachment fittings and attachment screws for the MGB suspension 
bars. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to 
structural failure of the MGB attachment screws, resulting in 
detachment of MGB suspension bars from the fuselage and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    Affected parts are attachment screws and fitting(s) fastening 
the parts identified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (1) Rear MGB suspension bars, right and left sides, to the 
fuselage.
    (2) Front MGB suspension bar to the fuselage.

(h) Repetitive Inspections

    Except as specified in paragraphs (j)(1) through (10) of this 
AD: Within the applicable compliance times identified in paragraphs 
(h)(1) or (2) of this AD, inspect each affected part and its frame 
bores for discrepancies, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2. through 3.B.2.b.3 of Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332-53.02.05, 
Revision 2, dated August 19, 2021 (ASB AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2); or in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2. 
through 3.B.2.d. of Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS332-53.02.07, 
Revision 1, dated August 19, 2021 (ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 1), as 
applicable to your model helicopter. For the purposes of this 
inspection, a discrepancy may be indicated by corrosion on the MGB 
attachment fitting or by sealing compound on the attachment screws.
    (1) Perform the initial inspection within the applicable 
compliance times identified in the ``Deadlines'' column of Tables 1 
through 4, as applicable, of paragraph 1.E.2, ``Compliance in 
service,'' of ASB AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2, and thereafter, at intervals 
not to exceed the compliance time identified in the ``Periodicity'' 
column of Table 1 through 4, as applicable.
    (2) Perform the initial inspection within the applicable 
compliance times identified in the ``Deadlines'' column of Tables 1 
and 2, as applicable, of paragraph 1.E.2, ``Compliance in service,'' 
of ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 1, and thereafter, at intervals not to 
exceed the compliance time identified in the ``Periodicity'' column 
of Table 1 and 2, as applicable.

(i) Corrective Action

    Except as required by paragraphs (j)(7) through (10) of this AD: 
If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, 
there is any discrepancy, before further flight, perform the 
applicable corrective action (including replacing or repairing 
corroded parts and replacing screws that have sealing compound on 
them), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3.B.2. through 3.B.2.b.3 of ASB AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2 or 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 
3.B.2. through 3.B.2.d. of ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 1, as applicable.

(j) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where Tables 1 and 3 of ASB AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2 use the 
phrase ``receipt of Revision 0 of this Alert Service Bulletin issued 
April 18, 2019,'' this AD requires using December 7, 2020 (the 
effective date of AD 2020-22-01).
    (2) Where Table 1 of ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 1 uses the phrase 
``receipt of Revision 0 of this Alert Service Bulletin,'' this AD 
requires using December 7, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-22-
01).
    (3) Where Tables 2 and 4 of ASB AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2 use the 
phrase ``receipt of Revision 2 of this Alert Service Bulletin,'' 
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (4) Where Table 2 of ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 1, uses the phrase 
``that follow receipt of Revision 1 of this Alert Service 
Bulletin,'' this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (5) Where Tables 2 and 4 of ASB AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2, and Table 
2 of ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 1, specify certain configurations in the 
``Configuration'' column, this AD requires compliance for those 
configurations as of the effective date of this AD.
    Note 1 to paragraph (j)(5): An example for the exception 
specified in paragraph (j)(5) of this AD is where a service bulletin 
specifies, ``3700 flight hours or more since compliance with this 
Alert Service Bulletin,'' use ``3700 flight hours or more since 
compliance with this Alert Service Bulletin as of the effective date 
of this AD.''
    (6) Where Tables 1 and 3 of ASB AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2, and Table 
1 of ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 1, specify certain configurations in the 
``Configuration'' column, this AD requires compliance for those 
configurations as of December 7, 2020 (the effective date of AD 
2020-22-01).
    (7) Where the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b.3 
of ASB AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2, and the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.B.2.b.2 of ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 1 specify performing a 
check of the condition of the bores and frames, for this AD for ASB 
AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2 replace the text, ``Perform a check of the 
state of the frame bores as per paragraph G.2. of the Work Card 53-
10-00-402 (MET),'' with ``Perform a check of the state of the frame 
bores as per paragraph F.2.b.(2) of the Work Card 53-10-00-402 
(MET);'' and for ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 1 replace the text, ``Check 
the condition of the bores and the frames using the endoscope (yy) 
as per paragraph G.2. of Work Card 53-10-00-402 (MET),'' with 
``Check the condition of the bores and the frames using the 
endoscope (yy) as per paragraph F.2.b.(2) of Work Card 53-10-00-402 
(MET).''
    (8) Where ASB AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2 and ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 1 
specify discarding parts, you are not required to discard parts.
    (9) Where ASB AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2 and ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 1 
specify contacting Airbus Helicopters for repair instructions, this 
AD requires repair done in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (10) Where ASB AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2, and ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 
1, specify if sealing compound is present, or if no sealing compound 
is present but there is corrosion, take a photo, place the part in 
quarantine, and contact Airbus Helicopters for repair instructions, 
this AD requires repair done in accordance with a method approved by 
the Manager, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA DOA. If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature. This AD does not require taking a photo or placing the 
part in quarantine.

(k) Reporting

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, 
there is any discrepancy, report the inspection results to Airbus 
Helicopters at the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or 
(2) of this AD. The report should include the information specified 
in Appendix 4.A. of Airbus Helicopters ASB AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2; or 
ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 1, as applicable.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) For helicopters identified in ASB AS332-53.02.05 Rev 2: This 
paragraph provides credit for initial inspections required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Airbus Helicopters ASB AS332-
53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020, or Airbus Helicopters ASB 
AS332-53.02.05, Revision 0, dated April 18, 2019.
    (2) For helicopters identified in ASB AS332-53.02.07 Rev 1: This 
paragraph provides credit for initial inspections required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Airbus Helicopters ASB AS332-53-
02.07 Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019.

(m) Special Flight Permits

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

[[Page 21554]]

(n) 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 (o)(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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) 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].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD is available at 
the contact information specified in paragraphs (p)(3) and (4) of 
this AD.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0222, dated October 6, 2021. 
You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2022-0096.

(p) 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 No. AS332-
53.02.05, Revision 2, dated August 19, 2021.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
53.02.07, Revision 1, dated August 19, 2021.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. 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 April 5, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-07705 Filed 4-11-22; 8:45 am]
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