Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 37549-37551 [2020-13404]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 121 / Tuesday, June 23, 2020 / Rules and Regulations April 7, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair instructions: This AD requires doing the repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. (i) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2899 RB, dated April 5, 2019. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) phone: 562–797–1717; internet: https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (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 fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO 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 (k)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (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. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. Issued on June 11, 2020. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Eric Lin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3523; email: eric.lin@faa.gov. (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD. SUMMARY: (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:24 Jun 22, 2020 Jkt 250001 [FR Doc. 2020–13407 Filed 6–22–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0238; Product Identifier 2018–SW–072–AD; Amendment 39–21144; AD 2020–12–09] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that a changed manufacturing process for the tail rotor blades (TRB) was implemented, affecting the structural characteristics of the blades and generating a new part number for these blades. This AD requires re-identifying each affected TRB having a certain part number and serial number and establishing a life limit for the new part numbers. This AD also prohibits installation of any affected TRB identified with the old part number on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective July 28, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 28, 2020. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 37549 Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. 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 on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0238. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0238; 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, 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, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5485; email Kristin.Bradley@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion 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 EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 11, 2020 (85 FR 14180). The NPRM was prompted by a report that a changed manufacturing process for the TRB was implemented, affecting the structural characteristics of the blades and generating a new part number for these blades. The NPRM proposed to require re-identifying each affected TRB having a certain part number and serial number and establishing a life limit for the new part numbers. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit installation of any affected TRB identified with the old part number on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to ensure the new part number (P/ N) TRBs do not exceed their life limit, which could lead to loss of the TRB and E:\FR\FM\23JNR1.SGM 23JNR1 37550 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 121 / Tuesday, June 23, 2020 / Rules and Regulations subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018–0182, dated August 28, 2018 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0238. Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin EC130–04A007, Revision 0, dated July 18, 2018 (‘‘ASB EC130–04A007’’). This service information describes procedures for reidentifying a TRB with P/N 350A333002.02 for certain serial numbers, as specified in ASB EC130– 04A007. 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. Difference Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service Information EASA AD 2018–0182 specifies to replace TRBs having P/N 350A333002.05. However, this part number is not installed on in-service helicopters and is not addressed in Airbus Helicopters ASB EC130–04A007. Therefore, this AD does not require replacing TRBs having P/N 350A333002.05. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 253 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS* Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .............................................................................................. $0 ** $85 $21,505 * * The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide cost estimates for the additional applicable maintenance instructions specified in this AD. ** The FAA has received no definitive data on the parts costs for required actions. 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. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:24 Jun 22, 2020 Jkt 250001 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. Adoption of 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ 2020–12–09 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–21144; Docket No. FAA–2020–0238; Product Identifier 2018–SW–072–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is July 28, 2020. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 6410, Tail rotor blade. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a report that a new manufacturing process for the tail rotor blades (TRBs) has been implemented, affecting the structural characteristics of the TRB and generating a new part number (P/ N) for these blades. It was determined that a new life limit is needed for the new P/N TRBs. The FAA is issuing this AD to ensure the new P/N TRBs do not exceed their life limit, which could lead to loss of the TRB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. E:\FR\FM\23JNR1.SGM 23JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 121 / Tuesday, June 23, 2020 / Rules and Regulations (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Definition of an Affected Part for the Reidentification and Validation of Rework/ Repair/Modification An ‘‘affected part’’ is a TRB having P/N 350A333002.02 and a serial number specified in Appendix 4.A. of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC130–04A007, Revision 0, dated July 18, 2018 (‘‘ASB EC130–04A007’’). (h) Part Replacement (Life Limit Implementation) Before exceeding 10,000 hours time-inservice (TIS) since first installation on a helicopter: Remove from service each TRB having P/N 350A333002.04. (i) Part Re-Identification and Validation of Rework/Repair/Modification (1) Within 1,200 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD: Re-identify each affected part, in accordance with 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Helicopters ASB EC130–04A007. (2) For each affected part which has been subject to rework, repair, or modification before the re-identification, as required by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, contact the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, for additional applicable maintenance instructions and, within the compliance time identified in those instructions, accomplish those instructions accordingly. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES (j) Parts Installation Prohibition and Rework/Repair/Modification Limitation (1) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a TRB having P/N 350A333002.02 and a serial number specified in Appendix 4.A. of ASB EC130–04A007 on any helicopter. (2) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may accomplish any rework, repair, or modification of an affected part, unless it has been determined that the rework, repair, or modification is FAA-approved for P/N 350A333002.04. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kristi Bradley, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5485; email 9ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, notify your principal inspector or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (l) Related Information (1) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018–0182, dated August 28, VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:24 Jun 22, 2020 Jkt 250001 2018. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0238. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5485; email Kristin.Bradley@faa.gov. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC130–04A007, Revision 0, dated July 18, 2018. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. 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 fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on June 4, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–13404 Filed 6–22–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2019–1020; Product Identifier 2019–SW–076–AD; Amendment 39–21147; AD 2020–13–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 37551 The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.A. Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD requires inspecting for movement and the tightening torque of the tail rotor (T/ R) plug, the installation of the outboard and inboard faces of the T/R duplex bearing, and the condition of the T/R plug threads, nut threads, and T/R duplex bearing. Depending on the inspection results, this AD requires removing parts from service, reassembling the T/R duplex assembly, and reporting information. This AD also prohibits installing a T/R duplex bearing unless it has been inspected. This AD was prompted by findings from a preliminary investigation of a Model AW119 MKII helicopter accident. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: This AD becomes effective July 8, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of July 8, 2020. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 7, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. DATES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2019– 1020; 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 AD, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any service information that is incorporated by reference, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this final rule, contact Leonardo S.p.A. E:\FR\FM\23JNR1.SGM 23JNR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 121 (Tuesday, June 23, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37549-37551]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-13404]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0238; Product Identifier 2018-SW-072-AD; Amendment 
39-21144; AD 2020-12-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was 
prompted by a report that a changed manufacturing process for the tail 
rotor blades (TRB) was implemented, affecting the structural 
characteristics of the blades and generating a new part number for 
these blades. This AD requires re-identifying each affected TRB having 
a certain part number and serial number and establishing a life limit 
for the new part numbers. This AD also prohibits installation of any 
affected TRB identified with the old part number on any helicopter. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 28, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 28, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. 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 on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0238.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0238; 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, 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, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5485; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    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 EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on March 11, 2020 (85 FR 14180). The NPRM was prompted 
by a report that a changed manufacturing process for the TRB was 
implemented, affecting the structural characteristics of the blades and 
generating a new part number for these blades. The NPRM proposed to 
require re-identifying each affected TRB having a certain part number 
and serial number and establishing a life limit for the new part 
numbers. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit installation of any 
affected TRB identified with the old part number on any helicopter. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to ensure the new part number (P/N) TRBs do not 
exceed their life limit, which could lead to loss of the TRB and

[[Page 37550]]

subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency) (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0182, dated 
August 28, 2018 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 
helicopters. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet 
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0238.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, 
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these 
minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin EC130-04A007, 
Revision 0, dated July 18, 2018 (``ASB EC130-04A007''). This service 
information describes procedures for re-identifying a TRB with P/N 
350A333002.02 for certain serial numbers, as specified in ASB EC130-
04A007. 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.

Difference Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    EASA AD 2018-0182 specifies to replace TRBs having P/N 
350A333002.05. However, this part number is not installed on in-service 
helicopters and is not addressed in Airbus Helicopters ASB EC130-
04A007. Therefore, this AD does not require replacing TRBs having P/N 
350A333002.05.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 253 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.............................         $0 \**\              $85      $21,505 \*\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide cost estimates for the
  additional applicable maintenance instructions specified in this AD.
** The FAA has received no definitive data on the parts costs for required actions.

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.

Adoption of 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 (AD):

2020-12-09 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21144; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0238; Product Identifier 2018-SW-072-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is July 28, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and 
EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 6410, Tail rotor 
blade.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that a new manufacturing 
process for the tail rotor blades (TRBs) has been implemented, 
affecting the structural characteristics of the TRB and generating a 
new part number (P/N) for these blades. It was determined that a new 
life limit is needed for the new P/N TRBs. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to ensure the new P/N TRBs do not exceed their life limit, which 
could lead to loss of the TRB and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

[[Page 37551]]

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition of an Affected Part for the Re-identification and 
Validation of Rework/Repair/Modification

    An ``affected part'' is a TRB having P/N 350A333002.02 and a 
serial number specified in Appendix 4.A. of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin EC130-04A007, Revision 0, dated July 18, 2018 
(``ASB EC130-04A007'').

(h) Part Replacement (Life Limit Implementation)

    Before exceeding 10,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) since first 
installation on a helicopter: Remove from service each TRB having P/
N 350A333002.04.

(i) Part Re-Identification and Validation of Rework/Repair/Modification

    (1) Within 1,200 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD: 
Re-identify each affected part, in accordance with 3.B. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Helicopters ASB EC130-04A007.
    (2) For each affected part which has been subject to rework, 
repair, or modification before the re-identification, as required by 
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, within 6 months after the effective 
date of this AD, contact the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 
FAA, for additional applicable maintenance instructions and, within 
the compliance time identified in those instructions, accomplish 
those instructions accordingly.

(j) Parts Installation Prohibition and Rework/Repair/Modification 
Limitation

    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
TRB having P/N 350A333002.02 and a serial number specified in 
Appendix 4.A. of ASB EC130-04A007 on any helicopter.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may 
accomplish any rework, repair, or modification of an affected part, 
unless it has been determined that the rework, repair, or 
modification is FAA-approved for P/N 350A333002.04.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kristi Bradley, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 
817-222-5485; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, notify your 
principal inspector or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of 
the local flight standards district office or certificate holding 
district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this 
AD through an AMOC.

(l) Related Information

    (1) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 
2018-0182, dated August 28, 2018. This EASA AD may be found in the 
AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0238.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft 
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone 817-222-5485; email [email protected].

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC130-04A007, 
Revision 0, dated July 18, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. 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 June 4, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-13404 Filed 6-22-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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