Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 148 (Thursday, August 3, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51220-51223]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-16554]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0937; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00134-R; 
Amendment 39-22507; AD 2023-14-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC155B1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by 
reports of failure of the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan hub (fan 
hub). This AD requires, for helicopters with an affected part (fan hub) 
installed, using an endoscope, repetitively inspecting the fan hub, 
including the area around the fan hub attachment screws, for a crack. 
Depending on the inspection results, this AD requires performing 
additional inspections and replacing an affected fan hub. This AD

[[Page 51221]]

also allows an affected fan hub to be installed on a helicopter if 
certain actions are accomplished, 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 September 7, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 7, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0937; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For EASA material identified in this final rule, 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.
    <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 at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0937.
    Other Related Service Information: 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 airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld. You may also view this 
service information at the FAA contact information under Material 
Incorporated by Reference above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Kung, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (781) 
238-7244; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued a series of EASA ADs with the most recent 
being EASA AD 2022-0006R2, dated January 31, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-
0006R2), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model EC 
155 B1 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 
Model EC155B1 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on May 12, 2023 (88 FR 30682). The NPRM was prompted by reports of 
failure of the fan hub.
    The NPRM proposed to require, for helicopters with an affected fan 
hub installed, using an endoscope, repetitively inspecting the fan hub, 
including the area around the fan hub attachment screws, for a crack. 
Depending on the inspection results, the NPRM proposed to require 
performing additional inspections and replacing an affected fan hub. 
The NPRM also proposed to also allow an affected fan hub to be 
installed on a helicopter if certain actions proposed in the NPRM have 
been accomplished as specified in EASA AD 2022-0006R2.
    You may examine EASA AD 2022-0006R2 in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0937.

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 of 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 2022-0006R2 requires, for helicopters with a certain part-
numbered fan hub installed, repetitively inspecting the fan hub, 
including the area around the fan hub attachment screws, for a crack. 
EASA AD 2022-0006R2 also requires, if there is a crack, additional 
inspections, replacing an affected fan hub, and sending certain 
information to Airbus Helicopters.
    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 ADDRESSES.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
EC155-05A039, Revision 0, dated January 6, 2022. This service 
information specifies procedures, using an endoscope, to inspect the 
fan hub and the fan hub attachment screws for a crack. This service 
information also specifies procedures to interpret the results of the 
endoscope inspection; and depending on the results, performing close 
monitoring, replacing an affected fan hub, and sending certain 
information to Airbus Helicopters.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    EASA AD 2022-0006R2 requires replacing each affected fan hub with a 
serviceable fan hub if any crack is detected, whereas this AD requires 
removing each affected fan hub from service and replacing it with a 
serviceable fan hub if any crack is detected.
    Service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0006R2 specifies 
sending certain information, including pictures, to the manufacturer, 
whereas this AD does not.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final 
action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking 
then.

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 the fan hub, including each fan hub attachment screw, 
and interpreting the results takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated 
cost of $85 per inspection and $850 for the U.S. fleet per inspection 
cycle.
    Replacing an affected fan hub with a serviceable fan hub takes 
about 8 work-hours and parts cost about $7,273 for an estimated cost of 
$7,953 per fan hub replacement.

[[Page 51222]]

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:

2023-14-07 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22507; Docket No. FAA-
2023-0937; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00134-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 7, 
2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC155B1 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320, Main rotor 
gearbox.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of failure of the main gearbox 
(MGB) oil cooling fan hub (fan hub). The FAA is issuing this AD to 
inspect for cracks on and around the fan hub. The unsafe condition, 
if not addressed, could result in an undetected loss of lubrication 
of the MGB or engine and reduced control of the helicopter.

(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2022-0006R2, dated January 31, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0006R2).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0006R2

    (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0006R2 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
    (2) Where EASA AD 2022-0006R2 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where paragraph (2.2) of EASA AD 2022-0006R2 requires within 
50 FH [flight hours] after crack detection around the attachment 
screw, replace the affected part [fan hub] with a serviceable part, 
for this AD, within 50 hours TIS after crack detection around the 
attachment screw, remove the affected fan hub from service, and 
replace it with a serviceable fan hub.
    (4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0006R2 requires 
replacing an affected part with a serviceable part before next 
flight if any crack is detected in any area other than around the 
attachment screw, for this AD, if any crack is detected in any area 
other than around the attachment screw, before further flight, 
remove the affected fan hub from service, and replace it with a 
serviceable fan hub.
    (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0006R2 specifies to ``make sure that there is no crack,'' this AD 
requires inspecting the area for a crack.
    (6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0006R2 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing 
those parts from service.
    (7) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0006R2 specifies creating a Technical Event and sending certain 
information to Airbus Helicopters, this AD does not include those 
requirements.
    (8) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0006R2 specifies to use tooling, this AD allows the use of 
equivalent tooling.
    (9) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2022-0006R2.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0006R2 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, 
this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(l) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Kung, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone (781) 238-7244; email: [email protected].

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0006R2, 
dated January 31, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2022-0006R2, 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

[[Page 51223]]

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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on July 27, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-16554 Filed 8-2-23; 8:45 am]
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