Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 231 (Friday, December 2, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73914-73916]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26175]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0881; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00424-R; 
Amendment 39-22233; AD 2022-23-06]
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 
certain Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model SA330J helicopters. This AD 
was prompted by a report of restricted movement of the collective lever 
caused by incidental contact of the secondary stop cover due to a 
loosened rivet. This AD requires removing the plate of the collective 
lever secondary stop and replacing it with self-adhesive tape to cover 
the stop support and decrease the risk of resistance on the rotor 
flight controls, 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 January 6, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 6, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0881; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For EASA material that is 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]. 
You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at 
ad.easa.europa.eu; internet easa.europa.eu.
    <bullet> 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 regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0881.
    Other Related Service Information: For Airbus 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 airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may also view this service information at 
the FAA contact information under Material Incorporated by Reference 
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

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022-0056, dated March 24, 2022 
(EASA AD 2022-0056), to correct an unsafe condition for all serial-
numbered Airbus (Eurocopter France, A[eacute]rospatiale, and Sud 
Aviation) Model SA 330 J helicopters, except those having Airbus 
modification (mod) 07 27362 embodied in production.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters 
Model SA330J helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
August 11, 2022 (87 FR 49554). The NPRM was prompted by a report of 
restricted movement of the collective lever during take-off. After an 
investigation, it was determined that the movement of the collective 
lever was restricted due to simultaneous movement of the collective 
secondary stop cover due to a loosened rivet. This investigation also 
determined that the loosened rivet securing the covering plate had come 
into contact with the collective flying control fulcrum, leading to the 
restricted movement of the collective lever. The NPRM proposed to 
require removing the plate of the collective lever secondary stop and 
replacing it with self-adhesive tape to cover the stop support and 
decrease the risk of resistance on the rotor flight controls, as 
specified in EASA AD 2022-0056.

[[Page 73915]]

    The FAA is issuing this AD to address the restricted movement of 
the collective lever. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in reduced control of the helicopter, potentially resulting in 
damage to the helicopter and injury to occupants. See EASA AD 2022-0056 
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 2022-0056 requires modification of the helicopter by 
removing and replacing the covering plate of the collective lever 
secondary stop with self-adhesive tape to decrease the risk of 
resistance on the rotor flight controls.
    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 Alert Service Bulletin No. SA330-67.27, 
Revision 0, dated February 2, 2022, for Model SA330J helicopters. This 
service information specifies modification procedures for removal of 
the covering plate and installation of the self-adhesive tape.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 14 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.
    Removing the covering plate of the collective lever secondary stop 
and replacing it with self-adhesive tape takes about 1 work-hour and 
parts cost up to $100 for an estimated cost of up to $185 per 
helicopter and $2,590 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:


2022-23-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22233; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0881; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00424-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 6, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, 
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0056, dated March 24, 2022 
(EASA AD 2022-0056).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft 
Flight Control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of restricted movement of the 
collective lever caused by incidental contact of the secondary stop 
cover due to a loosened rivet. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the restricted movement of the collective lever. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control of the 
helicopter, potentially resulting in damage to the helicopter and 
injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2022-0056.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0056

    (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0056 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2022-0056 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0056 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those 
parts from service.
    (4) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2022-0056.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0056 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

[[Page 73916]]

(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) Additional 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; telephone (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 2022-0056, 
dated March 24, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2022-0056, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 
material on the EASA website at 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.
    (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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on October 28, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-26175 Filed 12-1-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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