Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 53185-53187 [2021-20824]

Download as PDF 53185 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 86, No. 184 Monday, September 27, 2021 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–500; Project Identifier 2017–SW–069–AD; Amendment 39–21720; AD 2021–19–02] 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 all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a jammed pilot collective pitch lever (collective). This AD requires inspecting the collective for proper engagement of the locking pin. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective November 1, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of November 1, 2021. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232– 0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at 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. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–500. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:20 Sep 24, 2021 Jkt 253001 Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–500; 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, 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: Anthony Kenward, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222– 5152; email anthony.kenward@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background 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 EC130B4 and Model EC130T2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 7, 2021 (86 FR 35695). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require, within 90 hours time-inservice (TIS) after the effective date of the AD, or before the next autorotation training flight, whichever occurs first, removing the protective boot along the collective and measuring the clearance between the collective tab hook (hook) and low pitch locking pin (pin). If the clearance is less than 5 mm (0.196 in), adjusting the clearance between the hook and the pin to prevent interference was proposed. The NPRM then proposed to require re-installing the protective boot in accordance with the manufacturer’s service information. The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2017–0062, dated April 11, 2017 (EASA AD 2017–0062), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. EASA states that during an autorotation test conducted during an acceptance flight, the pilot felt a jamming sensation when pushing PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 the collective to the low pitch position, and he subsequently was able to free the collective by pulling on it. According to EASA, an analysis determined that the hook and the pin were extremely close, and that a fold in the control lever boot may have become caught between the two components. EASA states that this condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in an untimely locking of the collective and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter. Accordingly, EASA AD 2017–0062 requires inspecting and adjusting, if necessary, the clearance between the hook and the pin while in the low pitch position. 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. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB No. EC130– 67A019, Revision 0, dated February 23, 2016, which specifies inspecting and adjusting the clearance between the hook and pin. 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. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires compliance within 165 hours TIS or 3 months, whichever occurs first. Since the unsafe condition occurred at a collective position commanded during an autorotation, this AD requires compliance within 90 hours TIS after E:\FR\FM\27SER1.SGM 27SER1 53186 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 184 / Monday, September 27, 2021 / Rules and Regulations the effective date of this AD or before the next autorotation training flight, whichever occurs first. Based on the average fleet usage, 90 hours TIS corresponds with the 3-month compliance requirement of the EASA AD. (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. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 214 helicopters of U.S. Registry. At an average labor rate of $85 per workhour, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Removing the protective boot will require about 2 work-hours for a cost of $170 per helicopter and a cost of $36,380 for the U.S. fleet. Determining the clearance between the hook and pin will require about 0.5 work-hour, for a cost of $43 per helicopter and a cost of $9,202 for the U.S. fleet. If required, adjusting the clearance will take about 2 work-hours for a cost of $170 per helicopter. Reinstalling the protective boot will require about 2 work-hours, for a cost of $170 per helicopter and a cost of $36,380 for the U.S. fleet. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 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, VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:20 Sep 24, 2021 Jkt 253001 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: ■ 2021–19–02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–21720 Docket No. FAA– 2021–500; Project Identifier 2017–SW– 069–AD. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 1, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and Model EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft flight control. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a jammed pilot collective pitch lever (collective). The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent an untimely locking of the collective and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Within 90 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD or before the next autorotation training flight, whichever occurs first: (1) For each collective, remove the protective boot along the collective and measure the clearance between the edge of the collective tab hook (a) and the edge of the low pitch locking pin (b) as shown in Figure PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB No. EC130–67A019, Revision 0, dated February 23, 2016 (ASB EC130–67A019). If the clearance is less than 5 mm (0.196 in), before further flight: (i) Adjust the clearance by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3., of ASB EC130–67A019. (ii) Test the collective for proper engagement of the low pitch locking pin by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.4., of ASB EC130–67A019. (2) Re-install the protective boot on the collective, ensuring that no boot folds have entered the space between the collective tab hook and the low pitch locking pin, by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.5., of ASB EC130–67A019. (h) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@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. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Anthony Kenward, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5152; email anthony.kenward@faa.gov. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2017–0062, dated April 11, 2017. You may view the EASA AD at https:// www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– 2021–500. (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. EC130–67A019, Revision 0, dated February 23, 2016. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https:// E:\FR\FM\27SER1.SGM 27SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 184 / Monday, September 27, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 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: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. Issued on August 30, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–20824 Filed 9–24–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0507; Project Identifier 2018–SW–117–AD; Amendment 39–21712; AD 2021–18–11] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that, during a post-flight inspection of an in-service helicopter, a tail rotor slider assembly was found fractured, and the bushing and the actuator rod in the tail rotor servo were partially damaged. This AD requires an inspection of the rail rotor tail rotor slider assembly for corrosion and signs of circumferential refinishing and, depending on the findings, replacement of the tail rotor slider assembly with a serviceable part or repetitive inspections of the tail rotor slider assembly for corrosion and signs of circumferential refinishing, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now 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 November 1, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:20 Sep 24, 2021 Jkt 253001 of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 1, 2021. ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +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 material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. It is also available in the AD docket at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021– 0507. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0507; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228–7330; email andrea.jimenez@faa.gov. nyaco-cos@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018–0292, dated December 28, 2018 (EASA AD 2018–0292) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.a. (formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A, AgustaWestland S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A.; AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation, formerly Agusta Aerospace Corporation) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, all serial numbers. Although EASA AD 2018–0292 applies to all Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, this AD applies to helicopters with an affected part installed instead. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 53187 The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2021 (86 FR 33149). The NPRM was prompted by a report that, during a post-flight inspection of an in-service helicopter, a tail rotor slide assembly was found fractured, and the bushing and the actuator rod in the tail rotor servo were partially damaged. The subsequent investigation revealed that the failure was due to fatigue, initiated from corroded areas (corrosion craters) on the surface of the tail rotor slider assembly characterized by signs of circumferential refinishing. The corrosion craters originated along finishing signs consistent with low grit sanding operations, which can remove the passivation corrosion protection from the tail rotor slider assembly. Sanding is a maintenance activity that is not included in the maintenance manual for Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters and is not allowed on in-service helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require an inspection of the rail rotor tail rotor slider assembly for corrosion and signs of circumferential refinishing and, depending on the findings, replacement of the tail rotor slider assembly with a serviceable part or repetitive inspections of the tail rotor slider assembly for corrosion and signs of circumferential refinishing, as specified in EASA AD 2018–0292. The FAA is issuing this AD to address corrosion in the tail rotor slider assembly caused by improper refinishing (characterized by signs of circumferential refinishing consistent with sanding). The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in fatigue crack and fracture of the tail rotor slider assembly, resulting in failure of the tail rotor controls and consequent loss of yaw control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2018–0292 for additional background information. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive 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 requires adopting this AD as proposed. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is E:\FR\FM\27SER1.SGM 27SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 184 (Monday, September 27, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53185-53187]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20824]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 184 / Monday, September 27, 2021 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 53185]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-500; Project Identifier 2017-SW-069-AD; Amendment 
39-21720; AD 2021-19-02]
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 all 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was 
prompted by a report of a jammed pilot collective pitch lever 
(collective). This AD requires inspecting the collective for proper 
engagement of the locking pin. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 1, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of November 1, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; 
or at 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. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is 
also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-500.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-500; 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 
European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency) (EASA) AD, 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: Anthony Kenward, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5152; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    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 EC130B4 and Model EC130T2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on July 7, 2021 (86 FR 35695). In the NPRM, the FAA 
proposed to require, within 90 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of the AD, or before the next autorotation training 
flight, whichever occurs first, removing the protective boot along the 
collective and measuring the clearance between the collective tab hook 
(hook) and low pitch locking pin (pin). If the clearance is less than 5 
mm (0.196 in), adjusting the clearance between the hook and the pin to 
prevent interference was proposed. The NPRM then proposed to require 
re-installing the protective boot in accordance with the manufacturer's 
service information. The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2017-0062, dated 
April 11, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0062), issued by EASA, which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct 
an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 
helicopters. EASA states that during an autorotation test conducted 
during an acceptance flight, the pilot felt a jamming sensation when 
pushing the collective to the low pitch position, and he subsequently 
was able to free the collective by pulling on it. According to EASA, an 
analysis determined that the hook and the pin were extremely close, and 
that a fold in the control lever boot may have become caught between 
the two components. EASA states that this condition, if not detected 
and corrected, could result in an untimely locking of the collective 
and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.
    Accordingly, EASA AD 2017-0062 requires inspecting and adjusting, 
if necessary, the clearance between the hook and the pin while in the 
low pitch position.

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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB No. 
EC130-67A019, Revision 0, dated February 23, 2016, which specifies 
inspecting and adjusting the clearance between the hook and pin.
    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.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires compliance within 165 hours TIS or 3 months, 
whichever occurs first. Since the unsafe condition occurred at a 
collective position commanded during an autorotation, this AD requires 
compliance within 90 hours TIS after

[[Page 53186]]

the effective date of this AD or before the next autorotation training 
flight, whichever occurs first. Based on the average fleet usage, 90 
hours TIS corresponds with the 3-month compliance requirement of the 
EASA AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 214 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, the FAA 
estimates that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD. Removing the protective boot will require about 2 
work-hours for a cost of $170 per helicopter and a cost of $36,380 for 
the U.S. fleet. Determining the clearance between the hook and pin will 
require about 0.5 work-hour, for a cost of $43 per helicopter and a 
cost of $9,202 for the U.S. fleet. If required, adjusting the clearance 
will take about 2 work-hours for a cost of $170 per helicopter. Re-
installing the protective boot will require about 2 work-hours, for a 
cost of $170 per helicopter and a cost of $36,380 for the U.S. fleet.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on 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.

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:

2021-19-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21720 Docket No. FAA-
2021-500; Project Identifier 2017-SW-069-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 1, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft 
flight control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a jammed pilot collective 
pitch lever (collective). The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent an 
untimely locking of the collective and subsequent reduced control of 
the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 90 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this 
AD or before the next autorotation training flight, whichever occurs 
first:
    (1) For each collective, remove the protective boot along the 
collective and measure the clearance between the edge of the 
collective tab hook (a) and the edge of the low pitch locking pin 
(b) as shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin ASB No. EC130-67A019, Revision 0, dated February 23, 2016 
(ASB EC130-67A019). If the clearance is less than 5 mm (0.196 in), 
before further flight:
    (i) Adjust the clearance by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3., of ASB EC130-67A019.
    (ii) Test the collective for proper engagement of the low pitch 
locking pin by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
3.B.4., of ASB EC130-67A019.
    (2) Re-install the protective boot on the collective, ensuring 
that no boot folds have entered the space between the collective tab 
hook and the low pitch locking pin, by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.5., of ASB EC130-67A019.

(h) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Anthony Kenward, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 
76177; telephone (817) 222-5152; email [email protected].
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 
2017-0062, dated April 11, 2017. You may view the EASA AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-500.

(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. EC130-
67A019, Revision 0, dated February 23, 2016.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or 
at https://

[[Page 53187]]

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 August 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-20824 Filed 9-24-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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