Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 71235-71238 [2020-24675]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 217 / Monday, November 9, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(vii) GVII–G600 Maintenance Manual 28–
26–04 Fuel Boost Pump—Prime, dated
August 31, 2020.
(viii) GVII–G600 Maintenance Manual 28–
26–04 Fuel Boost Pump—Removal/
Installation dated August 31, 2020.
(ix) GVII–G600 Maintenance Manual 28–
26–05 Fuel Boost Pump Canister—Removal/
Installation, dated August 31, 2020.
(3) For Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
service information identified in this AD,
contact Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation,
Technical Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206,
Savannah, GA 31402; phone: (800) 810–4853;
email: pubs@gulfstream.com; website:
https://www.gulfstream.com/en/customersupport/.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
(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 go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/
cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on October 27, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–24808 Filed 11–6–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0378; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–060–AD; Amendment
39–21316; AD 2020–22–20]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA,
AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP,
EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters.
This AD requires visually inspecting
each main rotor gearbox (MGB)
suspension bar attachment bracket bolt
for missing bolt heads. Depending on
the outcome of the visual inspection,
measuring the tightening torque,
removing certain parts, sending photos
and reporting information to Airbus
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SUMMARY:
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Helicopters, and completing an FAAapproved repair is required. This AD
was prompted by a report of a missing
MGB suspension bar attachment bolt
head. The actions of this AD are
intended to address an unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December
14, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of December 14, 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 referenced service information at
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. It is also available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0378.
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–
0378; 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 Aviation Safety Agency (now
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 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, Aerospace Engineer,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; 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 Airbus Helicopters Model
AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3,
AS350BA, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1,
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and
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EC130T2 helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
April 13, 2020, (85 FR 20447). The
NPRM proposed to require visually
inspecting each MGB suspension bar
attachment bracket for missing bolt
heads. If one bolt head is missing, the
proposed AD would require performing
actions specified in the service
information including measuring the
tightening torque of the remaining bolts
of that bracket, removing the attachment
bracket bolts, washers, and nuts of that
bracket, and sending photos and
reporting certain information to Airbus
Helicopters. The proposed AD would
also require repairs in accordance with
an FAA-approved method if two or
more bolt heads are missing. The
proposed requirements were intended to
prevent failure of the MGB suspension
bar attachment bolts due to fatigue.
The NPRM was prompted by EASA
AD No. 2018–0152, dated July 18, 2018
(EASA AD 2018–0152), issued by
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European
Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for Airbus Helicopters (formerly
Eurocopter, Eurocopter France) Model
AS 350 B, AS 350 D, AS 350 B1, AS 350
B2, AS 350 BA, AS 350 BB, AS 350 B3,
EC 130 B4, EC 130 T2, AS 355 E, AS355
F, AS355 F1, AS 355 F2, AS 355 N, and
AS355 NP helicopters. EASA advises of
a reported occurrence of a missing MGB
suspension bar attachment bolt head.
EASA advises that investigations are
ongoing to determine the root cause of
this event. According to Airbus
Helicopters, the missing MGB
suspension bar attachment bolt head
was discovered during scheduled
maintenance of a Model EC 130 T2
helicopter. EASA states this condition
could lead to fatigue failure of other
affected bolts of the same MGB bracket,
possibly resulting in loss of the MGB
suspension bar and consequently loss of
helicopter control. As an interim
measure to address this potential unsafe
condition, the EASA AD also includes
Model AS 350 B, AS 350 D, AS 350 B1,
AS 350 B2, AS 350 BA, AS 350 BB, AS
350 B3, EC 130 B4, AS 355 E, AS355 F,
AS355 F1, AS355 F2, AS355 N, and
AS355 NP helicopters in its
applicability.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2018–0152
requires a one-time visual inspection to
check that all MGB suspension bar
attachment bracket bolt heads are
present and depending on the outcome,
measuring the tightening torque values
of the bolts, removing and sending bolts,
washers, and nuts to Airbus Helicopters,
installing new bolts, washers, and nuts,
sending photos and reporting certain
information to Airbus Helicopters, and
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 217 / Monday, November 9, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
contacting Airbus Helicopters for
approved repair instructions. EASA
states EASA AD 2018–0152 is
considered an interim action and further
AD action may follow.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The FAA received
comments from one commenter. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to the comments.
Request
The commenter requested that this
AD apply to Model AS350B3 and higher
model helicopters, specifically Model
AS350B3, AS350B3E, EC130B4,
EC130T2, H125, and H130 helicopters.
The commenter stated that, based on
experience with a fleet of AS350BA and
AS350B2 helicopters, the commenter
has never seen a bolt head break on
Model AS350BA and AS350B2
helicopters.
The FAA disagrees with removing
models from the Applicability. The FAA
determined that the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop
on all the model helicopters included in
the Applicability and is therefore
requiring corrective action to address
this unsafe condition on these models.
Request
The commenter requested the
manufacturer add the inspection
proposed in the NPRM to the 660-hour
‘‘T’’ inspection and also add the
inspection after a certain number of
flight hours after installation. The
commenter gave an example of after 165
flying hours.
The FAA disagrees; the commenter
provided no technical justification for
changing the compliance times.
Actions Since Issuance of the NPRM
After the NPRM was issued, the FAA
discovered that Airbus Helicopters
Model AS350C was inadvertently
included in the proposed Applicability.
This helicopter model has a different
engine model and therefore is not
subject to the unsafe condition. The
FAA has updated the Applicability
section accordingly.
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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 of the unsafe condition described
in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD
after evaluating all information
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provided by EASA, reviewing the
relevant information, considering the
comments received, and determining
the unsafe condition exists and is likely
to exist or develop on other helicopters
of these same type designs and that air
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed except for the change
described previously. The FAA has
determined that this change is
consistent with the intent that was
proposed for addressing the unsafe
condition and does not add any
additional burden upon the public than
was already proposed in the NPRM
except for minor editorial changes.
These minor editorial changes are
consistent with the intent of the
proposals in the NPRM and will not
increase the economic burden on any
operator nor increase the scope of this
AD.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an
interim action. If final action is later
identified, the FAA might consider
further rulemaking.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Model
AS350BB helicopters, whereas this AD
does not because that model is not FAA
type-certificated. The EASA AD directs
the operators to contact Airbus
Helicopters for repairs if more than one
screw head is missing, whereas this AD
does not.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopter
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
AS350–05.00.92 for Model AS350B, B1,
B2, B3, BA, and D helicopters, non-FAA
type-certificated Model AS350BB
helicopters, and military Model
AS350L1 helicopters; Airbus
Helicopters ASB No. AS355–05.00.79
for Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP
helicopters; and Airbus Helicopters ASB
No. EC130–05A028 for Model EC130B4
and T2 helicopters, all Revision 0 and
dated July 16, 2018. This service
information specifies a one-time visual
inspection using a light source and a
mirror, and using an endoscope for any
attachment bolts that are difficult to
access, for the presence of the 16
attachment bracket bolt heads of the 4
MGB suspension bars. The service
information also specifies different
actions depending on the results of the
visual inspection.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
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course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Airbus
Standard Practices Manual (MTC) 20–
02–05–404, Assembly by screws and
nuts Joining, dated May 23, 2017. This
service information specifies
instructions for installing screws and
nuts, tightening procedures when
installing multiple bolts, tightening
torque check and readjustment
procedures, tooling information,
measuring locking torque procedures,
standard tightening torque procedures
and values, torque tightening of screws
in sandwich panels information, use of
consumable materials and their
correction coefficient values pertaining
to screws, nuts, and washers, marking
torque stripes, and re-installation
criteria and inspection of attachment
components.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 1,277 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates that
operators may incur the following costs
in order to comply with this AD. Labor
costs are estimated at $85 per workhour.
Inspecting for any missing MGB
suspension bar attachment bracket bolt
heads takes about 2 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter
and $217,090 for the U.S. fleet.
Measuring the tightening torque of
three MGB suspension bar attachment
bracket bolts and replacing the set of
four MGB suspension bar attachment
bracket bolts, washers, and nuts takes
about 1 work-hour and parts cost about
$50 for an estimated cost of $135 per
helicopter.
Sending photos and reporting
required information takes about 1 hour
for an estimated cost of $85 per
helicopter.
The FAA does not have the data to
estimate the costs to do any FAAapproved repairs if two or more MGB
suspension bar attachment bracket bolt
heads are missing.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to a penalty for failure to comply with
a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid
OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information
collection is 2120–0056. Public
reporting for this collection of
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information is estimated to be
approximately 1 hour per response,
including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the
data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information.
All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send
comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this
collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden to:
Information Collection Clearance
Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524.
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
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 helicopters identified in this
rulemaking action.
2020–22–20 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment
39–21316; Docket No. FAA–2020–0378;
Product Identifier 2018–SW–060–AD.
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.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless it has
already been accomplished prior to that time.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
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15:57 Nov 06, 2020
Jkt 253001
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350D, AS350D1,
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2
helicopters, all serial numbers, certificated in
any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
missing main rotor gearbox (MGB)
suspension bar attachment bracket bolt head.
This condition could result in fatigue failure
of the other MGB suspension bar attachment
bracket bolts of the same MGB bracket, which
could result in loss of the MGB suspension
bar and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective December 14,
2020.
(e) Required Actions
For helicopters with less than 1035 hours
time-in-service (TIS), before reaching 1200
hours TIS, and for helicopters with 1035 or
more hours TIS, within 165 hours TIS or 12
months, whichever occurs first, visually
inspect each MGB suspension bar attachment
bracket bolt for missing bolt heads by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.B.2.a. of Airbus Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350–05.00.92,
Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS355–05.00.79,
or Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC130–
05A028, all Revision 0 and dated July 16,
2018 (ASB AS350–05.00.92, ASB AS355–
05.00.79, or ASB EC130–05A028), as
applicable to your model helicopter. If any
bolt heads are missing, do the following:
(1) If one bolt head is missing, do the
actions under the section ‘‘If only one screw
head (a) is missing’’ in the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b of ASB
AS350–05.00.92, ASB AS355–05.00.79, or
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71237
ASB EC130–05A028, as applicable to your
model helicopter, except you are not required
to return removed parts to Airbus
Helicopters. You must do the repair before
further flight, and you must submit the
photographs and reply form to Airbus
Helicopters within 30 days of completing the
inspection.
(2) If two or more bolt heads are missing,
before further flight, repair using a method
approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch. For a repair method to be
approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, as required by this
paragraph, the Manager’s approval letter
must specifically refer to this AD.
Note 1 to paragraph (e): Airbus Helicopters
refers to the bolts as screws.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special Flight permits are prohibited.
(g) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden
Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject to
a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction
Act unless that collection of information
displays a currently valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this
information collection is 2120–0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per
response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed,
and completing and reviewing the collection
of information. All responses to this
collection of information are mandatory.
Send comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this collection
of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden to: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Kristi Bradley,
Aerospace Engineer, General Aviation &
Rotorcraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5110;
email kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests
that you 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.
(i) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Standard Practices Manual
(MTC) 20–02–05–404, Assembly by screws
and nuts Joining, dated May 23, 2017, which
is not incorporated by reference, contains
additional information about the subject of
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this AD. 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. You may view the
referenced service information at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD No. 2018–0152, dated July 18,
2018. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA–2020–0378.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(j) Subject
SUMMARY:
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6320, Main Rotor Gearbox.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
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(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 Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350–05.00.92, Revision
0, dated July 16, 2018.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS355–
05.00.79, Revision 0, dated July 16, 2018.
(iii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC130–
05A028, Revision 0, dated July 16, 2018.
(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 October 23, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–24675 Filed 11–6–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
Examining the AD Docket
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0464; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–040–AD; Amendment
39–21307; AD 2020–22–11]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–18–
17, which applied to all Airbus SAS
Model A300 B4–603, A300 B4–620,
A300 B4–622, A300 B4–605R, A300 B4–
622R, A300 F4–605R, A300 F4–622R,
and A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes.
AD 2017–18–17 required modifying
certain fuselage frames and a repair on
certain modified airplanes. This AD
continues to require the actions in AD
2017–18–17, and also requires, for
certain airplanes, an inspection to
determine if rotating probe inspections
were performed prior to oversizing of
the open-holes, and repair if necessary;
as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is incorporated by reference. This
AD was prompted by a report indicating
that the material used to manufacture
the upper frame feet was changed and
negatively affected the fatigue life of the
frame feet, and a determination that
more work is required for certain
airplanes that were previously modified.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December
14, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 14, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For the material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000;
email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet:
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
IBR material on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may
view this IBR material 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.
It is also available in the AD docket on
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the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0464.
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You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0464; 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: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Large
Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206–231–3225; email:
dan.rodina@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2020–0051, dated March 11, 2020
(‘‘EASA AD 2020–0051’’) (also referred
to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus SAS Model A300 B4–603,
A300 B4–620, A300 B4–622, A300 B4–
605R, A300 B4–622R, A300 F4–605R,
A300 F4–622R, A300 C4–620, and A300
C4–605R Variant F airplanes. Model
A300 C4–620 airplanes are not
certificated by the FAA and are not
included on the U.S. type certificate
data sheet; this AD therefore does not
include those airplanes in the
applicability.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2017–18–17,
Amendment 39–19026 (82 FR 43160,
September 14, 2017) (‘‘AD 2017–18–
17’’). AD 2017–18–17 applied to all
Airbus SAS Model A300 B4–603, A300
B4–620, A300 B4–622, A300 B4–605R,
A300 B4–622R, A300 F4–605R, A300
F4–622R, and A300 C4–605R Variant F
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on June 8, 2020 (85 FR
35016). The NPRM was prompted by a
report indicating that the material used
to manufacture the upper frame feet was
changed and negatively affected the
fatigue life of the frame feet, and a
determination that more work is
E:\FR\FM\09NOR1.SGM
09NOR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 217 (Monday, November 9, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71235-71238]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-24675]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0378; Product Identifier 2018-SW-060-AD; Amendment
39-21316; AD 2020-22-20]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA,
AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP,
EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD requires visually inspecting
each main rotor gearbox (MGB) suspension bar attachment bracket bolt
for missing bolt heads. Depending on the outcome of the visual
inspection, measuring the tightening torque, removing certain parts,
sending photos and reporting information to Airbus Helicopters, and
completing an FAA-approved repair is required. This AD was prompted by
a report of a missing MGB suspension bar attachment bolt head. The
actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 14, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of December 14,
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 referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0378.
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-
0378; 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 Aviation Safety Agency (now 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 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, Aerospace Engineer,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-
5110; 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 Airbus Helicopters
Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350C, AS350D,
AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4,
and EC130T2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
April 13, 2020, (85 FR 20447). The NPRM proposed to require visually
inspecting each MGB suspension bar attachment bracket for missing bolt
heads. If one bolt head is missing, the proposed AD would require
performing actions specified in the service information including
measuring the tightening torque of the remaining bolts of that bracket,
removing the attachment bracket bolts, washers, and nuts of that
bracket, and sending photos and reporting certain information to Airbus
Helicopters. The proposed AD would also require repairs in accordance
with an FAA-approved method if two or more bolt heads are missing. The
proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of the MGB
suspension bar attachment bolts due to fatigue.
The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2018-0152, dated July 18, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0152), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France) Model
AS 350 B, AS 350 D, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 BA, AS 350 BB, AS 350
B3, EC 130 B4, EC 130 T2, AS 355 E, AS355 F, AS355 F1, AS 355 F2, AS
355 N, and AS355 NP helicopters. EASA advises of a reported occurrence
of a missing MGB suspension bar attachment bolt head.
EASA advises that investigations are ongoing to determine the root
cause of this event. According to Airbus Helicopters, the missing MGB
suspension bar attachment bolt head was discovered during scheduled
maintenance of a Model EC 130 T2 helicopter. EASA states this condition
could lead to fatigue failure of other affected bolts of the same MGB
bracket, possibly resulting in loss of the MGB suspension bar and
consequently loss of helicopter control. As an interim measure to
address this potential unsafe condition, the EASA AD also includes
Model AS 350 B, AS 350 D, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 BA, AS 350 BB,
AS 350 B3, EC 130 B4, AS 355 E, AS355 F, AS355 F1, AS355 F2, AS355 N,
and AS355 NP helicopters in its applicability.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2018-0152 requires a one-time visual
inspection to check that all MGB suspension bar attachment bracket bolt
heads are present and depending on the outcome, measuring the
tightening torque values of the bolts, removing and sending bolts,
washers, and nuts to Airbus Helicopters, installing new bolts, washers,
and nuts, sending photos and reporting certain information to Airbus
Helicopters, and
[[Page 71236]]
contacting Airbus Helicopters for approved repair instructions. EASA
states EASA AD 2018-0152 is considered an interim action and further AD
action may follow.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received comments from one
commenter. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to the comments.
Request
The commenter requested that this AD apply to Model AS350B3 and
higher model helicopters, specifically Model AS350B3, AS350B3E,
EC130B4, EC130T2, H125, and H130 helicopters. The commenter stated
that, based on experience with a fleet of AS350BA and AS350B2
helicopters, the commenter has never seen a bolt head break on Model
AS350BA and AS350B2 helicopters.
The FAA disagrees with removing models from the Applicability. The
FAA determined that the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist
or develop on all the model helicopters included in the Applicability
and is therefore requiring corrective action to address this unsafe
condition on these models.
Request
The commenter requested the manufacturer add the inspection
proposed in the NPRM to the 660-hour ``T'' inspection and also add the
inspection after a certain number of flight hours after installation.
The commenter gave an example of after 165 flying hours.
The FAA disagrees; the commenter provided no technical
justification for changing the compliance times.
Actions Since Issuance of the NPRM
After the NPRM was issued, the FAA discovered that Airbus
Helicopters Model AS350C was inadvertently included in the proposed
Applicability. This helicopter model has a different engine model and
therefore is not subject to the unsafe condition. The FAA has updated
the Applicability section accordingly.
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 of the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after
evaluating all information provided by EASA, reviewing the relevant
information, considering the comments received, and determining the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other
helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed except
for the change described previously. The FAA has determined that this
change is consistent with the intent that was proposed for addressing
the unsafe condition and does not add any additional burden upon the
public than was already proposed in the NPRM except for minor editorial
changes. These minor editorial changes are consistent with the intent
of the proposals in the NPRM and will not increase the economic burden
on any operator nor increase the scope of this AD.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action
is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Model AS350BB helicopters, whereas this AD
does not because that model is not FAA type-certificated. The EASA AD
directs the operators to contact Airbus Helicopters for repairs if more
than one screw head is missing, whereas this AD does not.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
AS350-05.00.92 for Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and D helicopters,
non-FAA type-certificated Model AS350BB helicopters, and military Model
AS350L1 helicopters; Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS355-05.00.79 for
Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP helicopters; and Airbus Helicopters
ASB No. EC130-05A028 for Model EC130B4 and T2 helicopters, all Revision
0 and dated July 16, 2018. This service information specifies a one-
time visual inspection using a light source and a mirror, and using an
endoscope for any attachment bolts that are difficult to access, for
the presence of the 16 attachment bracket bolt heads of the 4 MGB
suspension bars. The service information also specifies different
actions depending on the results of the visual inspection.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Airbus Standard Practices Manual (MTC) 20-02-
05-404, Assembly by screws and nuts Joining, dated May 23, 2017. This
service information specifies instructions for installing screws and
nuts, tightening procedures when installing multiple bolts, tightening
torque check and readjustment procedures, tooling information,
measuring locking torque procedures, standard tightening torque
procedures and values, torque tightening of screws in sandwich panels
information, use of consumable materials and their correction
coefficient values pertaining to screws, nuts, and washers, marking
torque stripes, and re-installation criteria and inspection of
attachment components.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,277 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85
per work-hour.
Inspecting for any missing MGB suspension bar attachment bracket
bolt heads takes about 2 work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per
helicopter and $217,090 for the U.S. fleet.
Measuring the tightening torque of three MGB suspension bar
attachment bracket bolts and replacing the set of four MGB suspension
bar attachment bracket bolts, washers, and nuts takes about 1 work-hour
and parts cost about $50 for an estimated cost of $135 per helicopter.
Sending photos and reporting required information takes about 1
hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.
The FAA does not have the data to estimate the costs to do any FAA-
approved repairs if two or more MGB suspension bar attachment bracket
bolt heads are missing.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of
[[Page 71237]]
information is estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this
collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this
burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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 helicopters 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):
2020-22-20 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21316; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0378; Product Identifier 2018-SW-060-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters, all
serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a missing main rotor
gearbox (MGB) suspension bar attachment bracket bolt head. This
condition could result in fatigue failure of the other MGB
suspension bar attachment bracket bolts of the same MGB bracket,
which could result in loss of the MGB suspension bar and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective December 14, 2020.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
For helicopters with less than 1035 hours time-in-service (TIS),
before reaching 1200 hours TIS, and for helicopters with 1035 or
more hours TIS, within 165 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs
first, visually inspect each MGB suspension bar attachment bracket
bolt for missing bolt heads by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.a. of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-05.00.92, Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS355-
05.00.79, or Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC130-05A028, all Revision 0
and dated July 16, 2018 (ASB AS350-05.00.92, ASB AS355-05.00.79, or
ASB EC130-05A028), as applicable to your model helicopter. If any
bolt heads are missing, do the following:
(1) If one bolt head is missing, do the actions under the
section ``If only one screw head (a) is missing'' in the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b of ASB AS350-
05.00.92, ASB AS355-05.00.79, or ASB EC130-05A028, as applicable to
your model helicopter, except you are not required to return removed
parts to Airbus Helicopters. You must do the repair before further
flight, and you must submit the photographs and reply form to Airbus
Helicopters within 30 days of completing the inspection.
(2) If two or more bolt heads are missing, before further
flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, as required by this paragraph, the
Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
Note 1 to paragraph (e): Airbus Helicopters refers to the bolts
as screws.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special Flight permits are prohibited.
(g) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this
collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding
this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to:
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kristi Bradley,
Aerospace Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email
[email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests
that you 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.
(i) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Standard Practices Manual (MTC) 20-02-05-404,
Assembly by screws and nuts Joining, dated May 23, 2017, which is
not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about
the subject of
[[Page 71238]]
this AD. 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.
You may view the referenced service information at the FAA, Office
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD
No. 2018-0152, dated July 18, 2018. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2020-0378.
(j) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320, Main Rotor
Gearbox.
(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 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-
05.00.92, Revision 0, dated July 16, 2018.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS355-05.00.79, Revision 0,
dated July 16, 2018.
(iii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC130-05A028, Revision 0, dated
July 16, 2018.
(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 October 23, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-24675 Filed 11-6-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
