Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 179 (Monday, September 16, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75470-75472]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20844]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-1291; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00901-R; 
Amendment 39-22811; AD 2024-16-05]
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 SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by a 
report of a main rotor gearbox (MGB) flange assembly coupling 
(coupling) that was incorrectly assembled. This AD requires a one-time 
visual inspection to determine correct assembly of each sliding flange 
installed on each MGB coupling, and if necessary, further corrective 
actions. This AD also prohibits installing certain MGB couplings or any 
MGB equipped with certain MGB couplings on any helicopter. These 
requirements are 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 October 21, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 21, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1291; 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 AD, 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 Parkway, 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-2024-1291.
    Other Related Service Information: For Airbus Helicopters material, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75052; phone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or 
at airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA; 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (303) 342-
1080; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022-0140, dated July 7, 2022 (EASA 
AD 2022-0140), to correct an unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters 
Model SA 330 J helicopters, all serial numbers.
    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, certificated in any category. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on May 15, 2024 (89 FR 42397). The 
NPRM was prompted by a report of an incorrectly assembled MGB coupling 
part number (P/N) 330A32-9392-01 which was installed in the reverse 
position, deviating from the assembly instructions.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require accomplishing the actions 
specified in EASA AD 2022-0140, as incorporated by reference, except 
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of 
this AD and except as discussed under ``Differences Between this AD and 
the EASA AD.'' This condition, which if not addressed, could lead to 
loss of the drive transmission from the left-hand or right-hand engine, 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[[Page 75471]]

    You may examine EASA AD 2022-0140 in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1291.

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.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2022-0140 requires a one-time inspection of the left-hand 
and right-hand MGB coupling P/N 330A32-9392-01 for correct assembly. If 
any MGB coupling is incorrectly assembled, EASA AD 2022-0140 requires 
replacing an affected MGB coupling with a serviceable MGB coupling. 
EASA AD 2022-0140 also prohibits installing an affected MGB coupling or 
an MGB equipped with an affected coupling installed, on any helicopter 
unless it has passed inspection requirements.
    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 Material

    The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
SA330-65.140, Revision 0, dated June 30, 2022, which specifies 
procedures for inspecting the assembly of the MGB coupling by ensuring 
the sliding flange is correctly assembled and there is no presence of 
embossments. This material also specifies procedures for replacing an 
affected MGB coupling with a correctly assembled MGB coupling and 
instructions to send affected parts to Airbus Helicopters.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    If any incorrectly assembled MGB coupling is found during the 
inspection, EASA AD 2022-0140 requires replacing each affected part 
with a serviceable part, whereas this AD requires removing each 
affected part from service and replacing it with a serviceable part, as 
defined in EASA AD 2022-0140.
    Service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0140 specifies 
reporting certain information and sending affected parts to Airbus 
Helicopters, whereas this AD does not require sending information or 
parts to Airbus Helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 7 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 each MGB coupling will take approximately 4 
work-hours for an estimated cost of $340 per helicopter and up to 
$2,380 for the U.S. fleet.
    If required, removing and replacing the MGB coupling will take 
approximately 8 work-hours and parts will cost approximately $23,215 
for an estimated cost of $23,895 per helicopter.

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:

2024-16-05 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22811; Docket No. FAA-
2024-1291; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00901-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 21, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an incorrectly assembled 
main rotor gearbox (MGB) flange assembly coupling (coupling). The 
FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address incorrectly assembled 
MGB couplings. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result 
in loss of the drive transmission from the left-hand or right-hand 
engine, and subsequent 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 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 
2022-0140, dated July 7, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0140).

[[Page 75472]]

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0140

    (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0140 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD, requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2022-0140 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0140 states, ``in 
accordance with the instructions of the ASB,'' for this AD, replace 
that text with ``in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.B.2.b. of the ASB, except you are not required to comply 
with paragraph 3.B.2.c.''
    (4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0140 states to ``replace 
the affected part with a serviceable part, in accordance with the 
instructions of the ASB'' for this AD, replace that text with 
``remove the affected part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0140, from 
service and replace it with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA 
AD 2022-0140, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.B.2.d. of the ASB, except you are not required to send 
an affected part to Airbus Helicopters or comply with paragraphs 2.D 
or 3.B.3 of the ASB.''
    (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0140 specifies ``install a flange assy coupling (1) correctly 
assembled,'' for this AD, replace that text with ``install a 
correctly assembled MGB coupling.''
    (6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2022-0140.

(i) No Reporting or Return of Parts

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0140 
specifies to submit certain information and return parts to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not require those actions.

(j) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199 in order to fly to a maintenance area to perform 
the required actions in this AD, provided there are no passengers 
onboard.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, West Certification 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 certification office, 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) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, FAA; 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; 
telephone (303) 342-1080; email [email protected].

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0140, 
dated July 7, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, 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 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.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on September 10, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-20844 Filed 9-13-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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