Published 2022-07-19 · Federal Register document 2022-15387
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Publication summary
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked main rotor hub (MRH) sleeve. This AD requires one-time visual inspections and, depending on the results, accomplishing additional inspections, repairing the MRH sleeve in accordance with a certain approval, and removing the MRH sleeve from service and installing an airworthy part. This AD also prohibits installing an MRH sleeve unless certain inspections have been accomplished. The FAA previously sent an emergency AD to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Why this record is shown
Source: Federal Register annual FAA metadata. Acquired 2026-09-03T22:24:11.345539+00:00. The title, summary and date are source facts.
- Source revision
- federal_register_ad_metadata_2022-c0cc5a172b1306fa
- Source row
- results[245]
- Raw source SHA-256
- c0cc5a172b1306fa2cd8dc66863122ada13332e685d87687bd0becf2dab37a5e
Final-rule publication
Recorded publication clauses
- AD identifier printed in this edition
- 2022-14-51
- Effective date printed in this edition
- Unknown
Read 11 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date
The FAA issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-14-51
on July 1, 2022, directly to affected owners and operators. As a
result of such actual notice, that AD was effective for those owners
and operators on the date it was provided. This AD contains the same
requirements as that emergency AD and, for those who did not receive
actual notice, is effective on August 3, 2022.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17273–17687, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 024a12363ea9c6f069a68bda7e877a776dd3acddca63073464b338fe1df01d27
Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs
None.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17687–17716, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 871a4afc60ceeae06e8010585055188633d616078500c45937092bfe892239c0
Applicability wording · Applicability
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters,
certificated in any category, with main rotor hub (MRH) sleeve part
number 332A31-3071-00 installed.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17716–17908, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: b88f5d1ad3be7fc18cd2227f3140cf89f416f3b53e89681c6871406ecc97587d
Subject
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor
System.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17908–17998, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 5f6ff66edf7bbb1067d196e1495bf69322a021857c99320f472018ebf28c9368
Unsafe Condition
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked MRH sleeve. The
FAA is issuing this AD to detect corrosion or cracking in an MRH
sleeve. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
failure of an MRH sleeve, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent
loss of the helicopter.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17998–18313, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 423d5402d04b854ed71128ff80f327ec9d997ad5d369174bbd20cafb7c622a37
Compliance
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18313–18415, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 00fbfa31932483f627d0ce0a11cbd2e35e15d9231842b91ac85623ce533912d3
Required Actions
(g) Required Actions
(1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD,
visually inspect the ``Specific area'' of each MRH sleeve as
depicted in Figure 3 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin No. 62A017, Revision 0, dated June 30, 2022 (ASB 62A017),
for flaking and paint touch-up.
(2) As a result of the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, if there is no flaking or paint touch-up, no further action
is required. If there is any flaking or paint touch-up, before
further flight, visually inspect the ``Specific area'' of the MRH
sleeve as depicted in Figure 3 of ASB 62A017 for a crack.
(3) As a result of the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of
this AD, if there is a crack, before further flight, remove the MRH
sleeve from service and replace it with an airworthy part. If there
is not a crack, within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months,
whichever occurs first after accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, use high-frequency eddy current (HFEC)
to inspect the ``Specific area'' of the MRH sleeve as depicted in
Figure 3 of ASB 62A017 for a crack. This HFEC inspection must be
accomplished by a Level II or III inspector certified in the eddy
current fault detection method in the Aeronautics Sector according
to the EN4179 or NAS410 standard.
(4) As a result of the actions required by paragraph (g)(3) of
this AD, if there is a crack, before further flight, remove the MRH
sleeve from service and replace it with an airworthy part. If there
is not a crack, before further flight, chemically strip and
fluorescent penetrant inspect (FPI) the ``Specific area'' of the MRH
sleeve as depicted in Figure 3 of ASB 62A017 for corrosion.
(i) If there is corrosion as a result of the actions required by
the introductory text of paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, before further
flight, accomplish the actions required by paragraph (g)(4)(i)(A) or
(B) of this AD.
(A) Remove the corrosion by hand using 120-grit abrasive cloth,
followed by 400-grit abrasive cloth. After removing the corrosion,
perform an FPI of each affected area to inspect for corrosion, and
accomplish the actions required by paragraph (g)(4)(i)(A)(1) or (2)
of this AD.
(1) If there is corrosion, before further flight, remove the MRH
sleeve from service and replace it with an airworthy part or repair
it in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA;
or European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus
Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(2) If there is no corrosion, before further flight, completely
dry the MRH sleeve and apply a protective coating, primer, and paint
protection. Following application, within 15 hours TIS and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, use HFEC to
inspect the ``Specific area'' of the MRH sleeve as
[[Page 42954]]
depicted in Figure 3 of ASB 62A017 for a crack. This HFEC inspection
must be accomplished by a Level II or III inspector certified in the
eddy current fault detection method in the Aeronautics Sector
according to the EN4179 or NAS410 standard. If there is a crack,
before further flight, remove the MRH sleeve from service and
replace it with an airworthy part. Accomplishment of the HFEC
inspections with no detected cracks after 75 hours TIS since
applying the coating, primer, and paint protection constitutes a
terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this
paragraph.
(B) If the corrosion cannot be removed by hand as specified in
paragraph (g)(4)(i)(A) of this AD, before further flight, remove the
MRH sleeve from service and replace it with an airworthy part or
repair it in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
General Aviation & 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.
(ii) If there is no corrosion as a result of the actions
required by the introductory text of paragraph (g)(4) of this AD,
before further flight, apply primer and paint protection.
(5) As an option to the actions required by paragraph (g)(4) of
this AD, if there is not a crack, accomplish the actions required by
paragraphs (g)(5)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(i) Before further flight, apply primer and paint protection. If
there is any area with flaking paint, you may apply only varnish
instead of primer and paint protection on each flaking paint area.
(ii) Within 15 hours TIS after accomplishing the actions
required by paragraph (g)(5)(i) of this AD and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, HFEC inspect the ``Specific
area'' of the MRH sleeve as depicted in Figure 3 of ASB 62A017 for a
crack. This HFEC inspection must be accomplished by a Level II or
III inspector certified in the eddy current fault detection method
in the Aeronautics Sector according to the EN4179 or NAS410
standard. If there is a crack, before further flight, remove the MRH
sleeve from service and replace it with an airworthy part.
(6) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an MRH
sleeve identified in paragraph (c) of this AD on any helicopter
unless the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD
have been accomplished.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18415–23940, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 5804f7793a12d16463ad4e4dcdf39e662ee540356f04e67fc116b0726f4cdd6c
Special Flight Permits
(h) Special Flight Permits
A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 provided that there are no passengers onboard and
there is no crack or corrosion in an MRH sleeve.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23940–24156, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 4ad1ea20e22213efbe7f08d9f35da9a747d7eb0125d96b72685cb13bed23c4cb
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i) 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 (j)(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.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24156–24949, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 0c7a979730825c8aaefef6c004c92261ff575a6acab92c8823b6e5e792cababb
Related Information
(j) Related Information
(1) 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; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected].
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in EASA Emergency AD
2022-0130-E, dated June 30, 2022. You may view the EASA AD at
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2022-0878.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24949–25446, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: e90e1369b1573b293e18ac2da7f63c2d094770c845fb48271cace2cf3ddb93ba
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) 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 Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
62A017, Revision 0, dated June 30, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North 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.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 25446–26781, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 412ec7e972f2125b479e09c89c296841ca7ce11a99acf46459f2a7b2c6f077fa
No replacement link has been established from this edition. The complete historical rule chain and current legal effect remain unknown.
Find all recorded historical references to AD 2022-14-51 · 0 printed reference observations in this pinned collection.
These are observations from one dated publication. Current legal status is unknown; aircraft applicability, installed configuration, compliance and burden require separate evidence. Missing or unparsed conditions remain unknown.
Why these observations are shown
They were extracted offline from the same immutable official HTML source as the complete recorded text. The dated source wording, original text coordinates and exact quote digests are retained. PDF/text agreement and current regulatory effect have not been qualified.
Observation revision: whole-ad-publication-clause-observations-1.0.1. Text SHA-256: ce53caddb4cd33ffbeae75b3d80148411a24b6cd2ead889941cbe6e0cce5769e. Source manifest: ac4c32de347c81942e9395a21b8fd4ad557f0e7939f1611311fc6b774e1a7b7b.
Official source · 2022-07-19
Publication text
This is the complete recorded text of this dated publication.
Current legal effect is unknown. Aircraft applicability, installed configuration and compliance require separate evidence. PDF/text agreement has not been evaluated.
Read the complete official publication text
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 137 (Tuesday, July 19, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42951-42954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-15387]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0878; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00873-R;
Amendment 39-22124; AD 2022-14-51]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a report of a cracked main rotor hub (MRH) sleeve. This AD
requires one-time visual inspections and, depending on the results,
accomplishing additional inspections, repairing the MRH sleeve in
accordance with a certain approval, and removing the MRH sleeve from
service and installing an airworthy part. This AD also prohibits
installing an MRH sleeve unless certain inspections have been
accomplished. The FAA previously sent an emergency AD to all known U.S.
owners and operators of these helicopters. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 3, 2022. Emergency AD 2022-14-51,
issued on July 1, 2022, which contained the requirements of this
amendment, was effective with actual notice.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of August 3, 2022.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by September 2, 2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North 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-
0878.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0878; 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 street address for Docket Operations is
listed above.
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; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On July 1, 2022, the FAA issued Emergency AD 2022-14-51, which
requires certain inspections and corrective actions for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters with MRH sleeve part number (P/N)
332A31-3071-00 installed. The FAA sent the emergency AD to all known
U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. That action was
prompted by EASA Emergency AD 2022-0130-E, dated June 30, 2022 (EASA AD
2022-0130-E), 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, Model EC 225 LP
helicopters. EASA advises of a crack in an MRH sleeve that
investigation determined was a fatigue crack that had initiated from a
corrosion pit located in an area with chipped paint. This condition, if
not addressed, could result in failure of an MRH sleeve, loss of a main
rotor blade, and subsequent loss of the helicopter.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2022-0130-E requires initial one-time detailed
visual inspections of MRH sleeve P/N 332A31-3071-00 and depending on
the results, follow-on repetitive inspections and corrective actions.
FAA's Determination
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 emergency AD. The FAA is issuing this
AD after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
on other helicopters of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin No. 62A017, Revision 0, dated June 30, 2022, which applies to
Model EC225LP and EC725AP helicopters. This service information
specifies procedures for one-time detailed visual inspections of a
certain area (identified as ``Specific area'' in Figure 3 of the
service information) of MRH sleeve P/N 332A31-3071-00. Depending on the
one-time inspection results, this service information specifies
procedures for follow-on inspections, which include eddy current
inspections, and chemical stripping and fluorescent penetrant
inspections; and corrective actions, which include applying primer and
paint protection, removing corrosion, applying a protective coating,
contacting Airbus Helicopters for corrective action, and removing and
returning the MRH sleeve to Airbus Helicopters.
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.
[[Page 42952]]
AD Requirements
This AD requires visually inspecting the ``Specific area'' of each
MRH sleeve P/N 332A31-3071-00 for flaking and paint touch-up. If there
is any flaking or paint touch-up, this AD requires visually inspecting
the ``Specific area'' of the MRH sleeve for a crack.
As a result of the visual inspection, if there is a crack, this AD
requires removing the MRH sleeve from service and installing an
airworthy part. If there is not a crack, this AD requires an inspector
with a certain qualification using high-frequency eddy current (HFEC)
to inspect the ``Specific area'' of the MRH sleeve for a crack.
As a result of the HFEC, if there is a crack, this AD requires
removing the MRH sleeve from service and installing an airworthy part.
If there is not a crack, this AD requires chemically stripping and
fluorescent penetrant inspecting (FPI) the ``Specific area'' of the MRH
sleeve for corrosion.
As a result of the FPI, if there is corrosion, this AD requires
removing the corrosion by hand and repeating the FPI of each affected
area to inspect for corrosion, and depending on the subsequent results,
removing the MRH sleeve from service and installing an airworthy part;
or drying the MRH sleeve, applying a protective coating, primer, and
paint protection, and having an inspector with a certain qualification
using HFEC repetitively inspect the ``Specific area'' of the MRH sleeve
for a crack. If there is a crack, this AD requires removing the MRH
sleeve from service and installing an airworthy part. However, if the
corrosion cannot be removed by hand, this AD requires removing the MRH
sleeve from service and installing an airworthy part or repairing the
MRH sleeve in accordance with a certain approved method.
As a result of the first FPI, if there is no corrosion, this AD
requires applying primer and paint protection.
As an option to the first FPI and its follow-on actions, if there
is not a crack, this AD allows applying primer and paint protection or,
for any areas with flaking paint, applying only varnish instead of
primer and paint protection on each flaking paint area; and having an
inspector with a certain qualification using HFEC to repetitively
inspect the ``Specific area'' of the MRH sleeve for a crack. If there
is a crack, this AD requires removing the MRH sleeve from service and
installing an airworthy part.
This AD also prohibits installing an MRH sleeve unless specified
one-time visual inspections have been accomplished.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
If there is corrosion in an MRH sleeve, EASA AD 2022-0130-E
requires contacting Airbus Helicopters for approved repair
instructions, whereas this AD requires removing the MRH sleeve from
service or repairing the MRH sleeve in accordance with a certain
approved method.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that required the immediate adoption of
Emergency AD 2022-14-51, issued on July 1, 2022, to all known U.S.
owners and operators of these helicopters. The FAA found that the risk
to the flying public justified waiving notice and comment prior to
adoption of this rule because failure of an affected part could result
in loss of the helicopter and injury to its occupants and persons on
the ground. In light of this, the initial actions required by this AD
must be accomplished before further flight and certain follow-on
actions required by this AD must be accomplished within 15 hours time-
in-service or 3 months, whichever occurs first after accomplishing the
initial actions. These compliance times are shorter than the time
necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final
rule. These conditions still exist, therefore, notice and opportunity
for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public
interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and
comment.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0878; Project Identifier MCAI-
2022-00873-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Kristi
Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
[[Page 42953]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 33 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.
Visually inspecting an affected MRH sleeve for flaking and paint
touch-up takes about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per MRH
sleeve and up to $7,095 for the U.S. fleet (with up to five affected
MRH sleeves per helicopter).
If required, visually inspecting each MRH sleeve for a crack takes
about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per MRH sleeve.
Accomplishing an HFEC takes about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost
of $43 per MRH sleeve, per inspection cycle. Chemically stripping and
accomplishing an FPI takes about 8 work-hours for an estimated cost of
$680 per MRH sleeve, per inspection cycle.
Removing corrosion and applying protective coating, primer, and
paint protection takes a minimal amount of time and parts cost a
nominal amount. Replacing an MRH sleeve takes about 4 work-hours and
parts cost about $102,371 for an estimated cost of $102,711 per MRH
sleeve. The FAA has no way of determining the costs pertaining to any
necessary repairs that are required to be done with an approved method.
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, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
2022-14-51 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22124; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0878; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00873-R.
(a) Effective Date
The FAA issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-14-51
on July 1, 2022, directly to affected owners and operators. As a
result of such actual notice, that AD was effective for those owners
and operators on the date it was provided. This AD contains the same
requirements as that emergency AD and, for those who did not receive
actual notice, is effective on August 3, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters,
certificated in any category, with main rotor hub (MRH) sleeve part
number 332A31-3071-00 installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked MRH sleeve. The
FAA is issuing this AD to detect corrosion or cracking in an MRH
sleeve. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
failure of an MRH sleeve, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent
loss of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD,
visually inspect the ``Specific area'' of each MRH sleeve as
depicted in Figure 3 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin No. 62A017, Revision 0, dated June 30, 2022 (ASB 62A017),
for flaking and paint touch-up.
(2) As a result of the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, if there is no flaking or paint touch-up, no further action
is required. If there is any flaking or paint touch-up, before
further flight, visually inspect the ``Specific area'' of the MRH
sleeve as depicted in Figure 3 of ASB 62A017 for a crack.
(3) As a result of the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of
this AD, if there is a crack, before further flight, remove the MRH
sleeve from service and replace it with an airworthy part. If there
is not a crack, within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months,
whichever occurs first after accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, use high-frequency eddy current (HFEC)
to inspect the ``Specific area'' of the MRH sleeve as depicted in
Figure 3 of ASB 62A017 for a crack. This HFEC inspection must be
accomplished by a Level II or III inspector certified in the eddy
current fault detection method in the Aeronautics Sector according
to the EN4179 or NAS410 standard.
(4) As a result of the actions required by paragraph (g)(3) of
this AD, if there is a crack, before further flight, remove the MRH
sleeve from service and replace it with an airworthy part. If there
is not a crack, before further flight, chemically strip and
fluorescent penetrant inspect (FPI) the ``Specific area'' of the MRH
sleeve as depicted in Figure 3 of ASB 62A017 for corrosion.
(i) If there is corrosion as a result of the actions required by
the introductory text of paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, before further
flight, accomplish the actions required by paragraph (g)(4)(i)(A) or
(B) of this AD.
(A) Remove the corrosion by hand using 120-grit abrasive cloth,
followed by 400-grit abrasive cloth. After removing the corrosion,
perform an FPI of each affected area to inspect for corrosion, and
accomplish the actions required by paragraph (g)(4)(i)(A)(1) or (2)
of this AD.
(1) If there is corrosion, before further flight, remove the MRH
sleeve from service and replace it with an airworthy part or repair
it in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA;
or European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus
Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(2) If there is no corrosion, before further flight, completely
dry the MRH sleeve and apply a protective coating, primer, and paint
protection. Following application, within 15 hours TIS and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, use HFEC to
inspect the ``Specific area'' of the MRH sleeve as
[[Page 42954]]
depicted in Figure 3 of ASB 62A017 for a crack. This HFEC inspection
must be accomplished by a Level II or III inspector certified in the
eddy current fault detection method in the Aeronautics Sector
according to the EN4179 or NAS410 standard. If there is a crack,
before further flight, remove the MRH sleeve from service and
replace it with an airworthy part. Accomplishment of the HFEC
inspections with no detected cracks after 75 hours TIS since
applying the coating, primer, and paint protection constitutes a
terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this
paragraph.
(B) If the corrosion cannot be removed by hand as specified in
paragraph (g)(4)(i)(A) of this AD, before further flight, remove the
MRH sleeve from service and replace it with an airworthy part or
repair it in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
General Aviation & 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.
(ii) If there is no corrosion as a result of the actions
required by the introductory text of paragraph (g)(4) of this AD,
before further flight, apply primer and paint protection.
(5) As an option to the actions required by paragraph (g)(4) of
this AD, if there is not a crack, accomplish the actions required by
paragraphs (g)(5)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(i) Before further flight, apply primer and paint protection. If
there is any area with flaking paint, you may apply only varnish
instead of primer and paint protection on each flaking paint area.
(ii) Within 15 hours TIS after accomplishing the actions
required by paragraph (g)(5)(i) of this AD and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, HFEC inspect the ``Specific
area'' of the MRH sleeve as depicted in Figure 3 of ASB 62A017 for a
crack. This HFEC inspection must be accomplished by a Level II or
III inspector certified in the eddy current fault detection method
in the Aeronautics Sector according to the EN4179 or NAS410
standard. If there is a crack, before further flight, remove the MRH
sleeve from service and replace it with an airworthy part.
(6) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an MRH
sleeve identified in paragraph (c) of this AD on any helicopter
unless the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD
have been accomplished.
(h) Special Flight Permits
A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 provided that there are no passengers onboard and
there is no crack or corrosion in an MRH sleeve.
(i) 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 (j)(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) 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; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected].
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in EASA Emergency AD
2022-0130-E, dated June 30, 2022. You may view the EASA AD at
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2022-0878.
(k) 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 Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
62A017, Revision 0, dated June 30, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North 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 July 8, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-15387 Filed 7-14-22; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Why this text is shown
The complete text was extracted from the official GovInfo HTML edition for this publication. Acquired 2026-10-09T01:41:12.314733+00:00. Text extraction preserves the recorded source wording; it does not determine current requirements.
Open the captured official edition
- Source SHA-256
- 264d05369fdf156bd60e822688c29d67f48c521ccf2fd911ae05032c33c7103d
- Text SHA-256
- ce53caddb4cd33ffbeae75b3d80148411a24b6cd2ead889941cbe6e0cce5769e
Return to the full metadata catalog · Search complete publication text · Explore retained publication text and evidence
Coverage and limits
These are dated publication metadata, recorded clauses and literal source observations. Word, model-label, header and reference matches do not establish current legal effect, manufacturer/model identity, aircraft applicability, installed configuration or compliance.
The collection uses 33 explicit annual source snapshots. Source captures and operative-text qualifications have separate states. Missing information remains unknown.