Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 107 (Friday, June 3, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33630-33632]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11936]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0294; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00550-R; 
Amendment 39-22057; AD 2022-11-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(AHD) 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 Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-
BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4, MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 B-2, MBB-BK117 C-1, 
MBB-BK117 C-2, and MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by 
the FAA's determination that aging of the elastomeric material of 
certain tension torsion straps (TT-Straps), during the period since 
manufacturing date up to first flight on a helicopter, may affect its 
structural characteristics. This AD requires the replacement of certain 
TT-Straps, implementation of storage life limits for TT-Straps, a 
prohibition on installing certain TT-Straps, and conditions for 
installation of certain other TT-Straps, 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 July 8, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 8, 
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-2022-0294.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0294; 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: Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS 
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 
76177; phone: (817) 222-5110; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0122, dated May 6, 2021 (EASA 
AD 2021-0122), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus 
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (formerly Eurocopter Deutschland 
GmbH, Eurocopter Hubschrauber GmbH, Messerschmitt-B[ouml]lkow-Blohm 
GmbH; Airbus Helicopters Inc., formerly American Eurocopter LLC) Model 
MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4, MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 
B-2,

[[Page 33631]]

MBB-BK117 C-1, MBB-BK117 C-2, and MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters.
    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 
Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-
4, MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 B-2, MBB-BK117 C-1, MBB-BK117 C-2, and MBB-
BK117 D-2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
March 28, 2022 (87 FR 17201). The NPRM was prompted by the FAA's 
determination that aging of the elastomeric material of certain TT-
Straps, during the period since manufacturing date up to first flight 
on a helicopter, may affect its structural characteristics. The NPRM 
proposed to require the replacement of certain TT-Straps, 
implementation of storage life limits for TT-Straps, a prohibition on 
installing certain TT-Straps, and conditions for installation of 
certain other TT-Straps, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0122.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address aging of the elastomeric 
material of certain TT-Straps. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in premature failure of a TT-Strap, possibly resulting in 
loss of control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2021-0122 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, 
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2021-0122 requires the replacement of certain TT-straps, 
implementation of storage life limits for TT-Straps since cure date, a 
prohibition on installing certain TT-Straps, and provides conditions 
for installation of certain other TT-Straps. 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 213 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the TT-Strap................  5 work-hours x $85 per           $4,800           $5,225       $1,112,925
                                       hour = $425.
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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:

2022-11-07 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
22057; Docket No. FAA-2022-0294; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00550-
R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 8, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) 
Model MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4, MBB-BK117 B-1, 
MBB-BK117 B-2, MBB-BK117 C-1, MBB-BK117 C-2, and MBB-BK117 D-2 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the FAA's determination that aging of 
the elastomeric material of certain tension torsion straps (TT-
Straps), during the period since manufacturing date up to first 
flight on a helicopter, may affect its structural

[[Page 33632]]

characteristics. The FAA is issuing this AD to address aging of the 
elastomeric material of certain TT-Straps. The unsafe condition, if 
not addressed, could result in premature failure of a TT-Strap, 
possibly resulting 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 
2021-0122, dated May 6, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0122).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0122

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0122 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0122 specifies the ``cure date'' of a TT-
Strap, the cure date can be determined using the information 
provided in the service information specified in EASA AD 2021-0122, 
or by contacting Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH for applicable 
instructions. If the option of contacting Airbus Helicopters 
Deutschland GmbH for instructions is chosen, those instructions must 
be approved by the Manager, General Aviation & 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.
    (3) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2021-0122.
    (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0122 specifies scrapping a part, this AD requires removing that part 
from service.
    (5) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0122 specifies to 
replace each Lord TT-Strap and Bendix TT-Strap ``in accordance with 
the instructions of the applicable ASB,'' for this AD, the 
replacement must be done using FAA-approved procedures.
    (6) Where EASA AD 2021-0122 refers to the airworthiness 
limitations items of the airworthiness limitations section of the 
aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) for the definition of service life 
limit (SLL), this AD requires using the life limits specified in 
paragraphs (h)(6)(i) through (iii) of this AD, as applicable.
    (i) For Bendix TT-Strap P/N 2604067 and P/N 117-14110: Before 10 
years or 25,000 flight cycles on the part, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) For Lord TT-Strap P/N J17322-1 and P/N 117-14111: Before 12 
years or 40,000 flight cycles on the part, whichever occurs first.
    (iii) For Lord TT-Strap P/N B622M10T1001: Before 12 years or 
30,000 flight cycles on the part, whichever occurs first.
    (7) Where table 1 of EASA AD 2021-0122 specifies a compliance 
time of ``During the next helicopter periodical inspection or within 
2 months, whichever occurs later after the effective date of this 
AD, but not exceeding the SLL,'' for this AD, the compliance time is 
``Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD but not 
exceeding the applicable SLL specified in paragraphs (h)(6)(i) 
through (iii) of this AD.''

(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 Kristi Bradley, 
Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety 
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-5110; email: 
[email protected].

(l) 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 2021-0122, 
dated May 6, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2021-0122, 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-2022-0294.
    (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 May 17, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-11936 Filed 6-2-22; 8:45 am]
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