Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 57550-57552 [2021-22472]
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57550
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 198 / Monday, October 18, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
November 29, 2021. The DNFSB
received one comment. The DNFSB
evaluated the comment against the
criteria described in the direct final rule
and determined that the comment was
not significant and adverse. Specifically,
the commentator opposed the legal
authority granted in the NDAA, not the
implementation of said authority in the
DNFSB’s regulations. The comment was
therefore out of scope, and the direct
final rule will become effective as
scheduled. The comment is publicly
available as part of the rulemaking
docket at https://www.dnfsb.gov/officegeneral-counsel.
Dated: October 13, 2021.
Joyce Connery,
Chair.
[FR Doc. 2021–22665 Filed 10–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3670–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0453; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00377–R; Amendment
39–21754; AD 2021–20–16]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021–04–
15, which applied to all Airbus
Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters; and certain
Model AS350B3 helicopters. AD 2021–
04–15 required repetitive visual
inspections of the right-hand side of the
vertical fin spar for discrepancies
(cracking), and corrective action if
necessary. This AD retains the
requirements of AD 2021–04–15, and
requires repetitive cleaning and
repetitive detailed inspections for
cracking of the vertical fin spar and
vertical fin upper attachments, and
corrective action if necessary, as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference. This AD also
expands the applicability to include
additional Model AS350B3 helicopters.
This AD was prompted by a report that,
during an unscheduled post-flight
inspection of the tail cone area, a crack
was found in the spar of the upper part
of the vertical fin and fractures were
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:35 Oct 15, 2021
Jkt 256001
found in the two front attachment
screws. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective November
22, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of November 22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
the 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
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 on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0453.
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–2021–
0453; 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:
Kathleen Arrigotti, Program Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3218; email
kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2021–0099, dated April 9, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021–0099) (also referred to as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus
Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters; and all Model
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
AS350B3 helicopters except those that
have that embodied Airbus Helicopters
Modification 073148 in production.
EASA stated that recent analysis
identified that AS350B3 helicopters
modified through Eurocopter AS350
Service Bulletin 55.00.14 (any revision)
in service might also be affected by the
identified unsafe condition.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2021–04–15,
Amendment 39–21437 (86 FR 13165,
March 8, 2021) (AD 2021–04–15). AD
2021–04–15 applied to all Airbus
Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters; and certain
Model AS350B3 helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
June 8, 2021 (86 FR 30395). Since the
FAA issued AD 2021–04–15, the FAA
has determined that additional actions
are required to address the unsafe
condition. The NPRM proposed to
retain the requirements of AD 2021–04–
15, and require repetitive cleaning and
repetitive detailed inspections for
cracking of the vertical fin spar and
vertical fin upper attachments, and
corrective action if necessary, as
specified in an EASA AD. The NPRM
also proposed to expand the
applicability to include additional
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3
helicopters.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
cracking in the spar of the upper part of
the vertical fin and fractures in the front
attachment screws. This condition
could lead to in-flight separation of the
upper part of the vertical fin, resulting
in loss of control of the helicopter. See
the MCAI for additional background
information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from
a commenter. The following presents
the comment received on the NPRM and
the FAA’s response.
Request To Allow Pilots To Do Visual
Inspection
The commenter requested that pilots
be allowed to perform the proposed
repetitive visual inspections of the righthand side of the vertical fin spar for
cracking at intervals not to exceed 10
hours time-in-service. The commenter
suggested that only if a crack is
suspected that a mechanic be notified.
The commenter stated that it is a burden
on operators to get a mechanic to a
helicopter every 10 hours time-inservice to do the inspection. The
E:\FR\FM\18OCR1.SGM
18OCR1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 198 / Monday, October 18, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
commenter also remarked that certain
current FAA ADs allow pilots to
perform visual inspections because
those inspections do not require
specialized tools, training, or any
disassembly and that the service
information referred to in EASA AD
2021–0099 mentions that a pilot can
perform the visual inspection.
The FAA does not agree with the
commenter’s request. Although there are
instances where the FAA does allow a
pilot to do a visual check, for this AD,
the FAA is not allowing this due to the
criticality of the crack location, the lack
of definition of what pilot training is
sufficient to do this visual inspection,
and because the area being inspected is
likely to need cleaning prior to each
inspection. The FAA has revised
paragraph (h) of this AD to clarify that
a pilot cannot do the visual check and
that it must be performed by a qualified
mechanic.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
as proposed. Except for minor editorial
changes, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any
operator. Accordingly, the FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0099 specifies
procedures for repetitive visual
57551
inspections of the right-hand side of the
vertical fin spar for cracking; repetitive
cleaning and repetitive detailed
inspections for cracking of the vertical
fin spar and vertical fin upper
attachments; and corrective action. The
corrective action includes repair.
This material is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 650 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action
Retained actions from AD
2021–04–15.
New actions ............................
Labor cost
Parts cost
7 work-hours × $85 per hour
= $595, per inspection/
cleaning cycle.
4 work-hours × $85 per hour
= $340, per inspection/
cleaning cycle.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions that would be required based on
Cost per product
Cost on U.S. operators
$0
$595, per inspection/cleaning
cycle.
$386,750, per inspection/
cleaning cycle.
0
$340, per inspection/cleaning
cycle.
$221,000, per inspection/
cleaning cycle.
the results of any required actions. The
FAA has no way of determining the
number of helicopters that might need
these on-condition actions:
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 ......................................................................................................................
$17,052
$17,392
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:35 Oct 15, 2021
Jkt 256001
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.
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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
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:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2021–04–15, Amendment 39–
21437 (86 FR 13165, March 8, 2021);
and
■
■
E:\FR\FM\18OCR1.SGM
18OCR1
57552
■
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 198 / Monday, October 18, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
b. Adding the following new AD:
2021–20–16 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–21754; Docket No.
FAA–2021–0453; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00377–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective November 22, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021–04–15,
Amendment 39–21437 (86 FR 13165, March
8, 2021) (AD 2021–04–15).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
specified in paragraph (c)(1) and (2) of this
AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters, all serial numbers.
(2) Model AS350B3 helicopters, all serial
numbers except those that have embodied
Airbus Helicopters Modification 073148 in
production.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 5531, Vertical Stabilizer, Spar/Rib.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that,
during an unscheduled post-flight inspection
of the tail cone area of an Airbus Helicopters
Model AS355NP helicopter, a crack was
found in the spar of the upper fin and
fractures were found in the two front
attachment screws. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address cracking in the spar of the
upper part of the vertical fin and fractures in
the front attachment screws. This condition
could lead to in-flight separation of the upper
part of the vertical fin, resulting in loss of
control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0099, dated
April 9, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0099).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0099
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0099 refers to its
effective date or to July 12, 2017, (the
effective date of EASA AD 2017–0114, dated
June 28, 2017), this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0099.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021–0099 requires
compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021–
0099 specifies to contact the manufacturer for
approved repair instructions, for this AD, if
any cracking is detected during any
inspection, repair before further flight using
a method approved by the Manager,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:35 Oct 15, 2021
Jkt 256001
International Validation Branch, FAA. For a
repair method to be approved by the
Manager, International Validation Branch, as
required by this paragraph, the Manager’s
approval letter must specifically refer to this
AD.
(5) Where the service information referred
to in EASA AD 2021–0099 specifies to
perform a visual inspection for cracking on
the ‘‘RH side of spar (a)’’ and ‘‘if you are not
sure’’ remove the rear and the tail rotor gear
box (TGB) fairings to perform a detailed
inspection and do a dye-penetrant
inspection, those actions are required by this
AD if any crack indication (e.g., paint chips,
dents, or swelling) is found during any
inspection done without removing the rear
and the TGB fairings.
(6) Where the service information referred
to in EASA AD 2021–0099 specifies to
perform a visual check for cracks in the
‘‘spars (a) of the top and bottom fins’’ and ‘‘if
you are not sure’’ do a dye-penetrant
inspection, the dye-penetrant inspection is
required by this AD if any crack indication
(e.g., paint chips, dents, or swelling) is found
during any visual check (inspection).
(7) Where the service information referred
to in EASA AD 2021–0099 specifies to check
the integrity of the two thrust pad attachment
screws for damage, for this AD, damage
includes loosening, deformation, and nicks.
(8) Where the service information referred
to in EASA AD 2021–0099 specifies that the
visual check can be performed by an airframe
technician or pilot, this AD requires that the
visual check be performed by a qualified
mechanic.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are prohibited.
(j) 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 (k) 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.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Program Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax (206) 231–3218; email
kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2021–0099, dated April 9, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021–0099, contact the
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
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110. This
material may be found in the AD docket on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0453.
(5) You may view this material 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/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on September 23, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–22472 Filed 10–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0876; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–01031–T; Amendment
39–21767; AD 2021–21–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A330–841 and
A330–941 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report of incorrect takeoff computations for crosswinds above
20 knots. This AD requires amending
the existing aircraft flight manual
(AFM), as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA),
which is incorporated by reference. The
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\18OCR1.SGM
18OCR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 198 (Monday, October 18, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57550-57552]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22472]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0453; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00377-R;
Amendment 39-21754; AD 2021-20-16]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-04-
15, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters; and certain Model
AS350B3 helicopters. AD 2021-04-15 required repetitive visual
inspections of the right-hand side of the vertical fin spar for
discrepancies (cracking), and corrective action if necessary. This AD
retains the requirements of AD 2021-04-15, and requires repetitive
cleaning and repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the
vertical fin spar and vertical fin upper attachments, and corrective
action if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also
expands the applicability to include additional Model AS350B3
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that, during an
unscheduled post-flight inspection of the tail cone area, a crack was
found in the spar of the upper part of the vertical fin and fractures
were found in the two front attachment screws. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 22, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 22,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0453.
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-2021-
0453; 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Program Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218; email
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0099, dated April 9, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0099) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters; and all Model AS350B3 helicopters
except those that have that embodied Airbus Helicopters Modification
073148 in production. EASA stated that recent analysis identified that
AS350B3 helicopters modified through Eurocopter AS350 Service Bulletin
55.00.14 (any revision) in service might also be affected by the
identified unsafe condition.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-04-15, Amendment 39-21437 (86 FR
13165, March 8, 2021) (AD 2021-04-15). AD 2021-04-15 applied to all
Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters; and certain Model AS350B3 helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on June 8, 2021 (86 FR 30395). Since
the FAA issued AD 2021-04-15, the FAA has determined that additional
actions are required to address the unsafe condition. The NPRM proposed
to retain the requirements of AD 2021-04-15, and require repetitive
cleaning and repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the
vertical fin spar and vertical fin upper attachments, and corrective
action if necessary, as specified in an EASA AD. The NPRM also proposed
to expand the applicability to include additional Airbus Helicopters
Model AS350B3 helicopters.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking in the spar of the
upper part of the vertical fin and fractures in the front attachment
screws. This condition could lead to in-flight separation of the upper
part of the vertical fin, resulting in loss of control of the
helicopter. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from a commenter. The following
presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response.
Request To Allow Pilots To Do Visual Inspection
The commenter requested that pilots be allowed to perform the
proposed repetitive visual inspections of the right-hand side of the
vertical fin spar for cracking at intervals not to exceed 10 hours
time-in-service. The commenter suggested that only if a crack is
suspected that a mechanic be notified. The commenter stated that it is
a burden on operators to get a mechanic to a helicopter every 10 hours
time-in-service to do the inspection. The
[[Page 57551]]
commenter also remarked that certain current FAA ADs allow pilots to
perform visual inspections because those inspections do not require
specialized tools, training, or any disassembly and that the service
information referred to in EASA AD 2021-0099 mentions that a pilot can
perform the visual inspection.
The FAA does not agree with the commenter's request. Although there
are instances where the FAA does allow a pilot to do a visual check,
for this AD, the FAA is not allowing this due to the criticality of the
crack location, the lack of definition of what pilot training is
sufficient to do this visual inspection, and because the area being
inspected is likely to need cleaning prior to each inspection. The FAA
has revised paragraph (h) of this AD to clarify that a pilot cannot do
the visual check and that it must be performed by a qualified mechanic.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this AD as proposed. Except for minor editorial
changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Accordingly,
the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0099 specifies procedures for repetitive visual
inspections of the right-hand side of the vertical fin spar for
cracking; repetitive cleaning and repetitive detailed inspections for
cracking of the vertical fin spar and vertical fin upper attachments;
and corrective action. The corrective action includes repair.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 650 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2021-04- 7 work-hours x $85 $0 $595, per $386,750, per
15. per hour = $595, inspection/ inspection/
per inspection/ cleaning cycle. cleaning cycle.
cleaning cycle.
New actions...................... 4 work-hours x $85 0 $340, per $221,000, per
per hour = $340, inspection/ inspection/
per inspection/ cleaning cycle. cleaning cycle.
cleaning cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340.... $17,052 $17,392
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-04-15, Amendment 39-21437
(86 FR 13165, March 8, 2021); and
[[Page 57552]]
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2021-20-16 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21754; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0453; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00377-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 22,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-04-15, Amendment 39-21437 (86 FR 13165,
March 8, 2021) (AD 2021-04-15).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters specified in paragraph
(c)(1) and (2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters, all serial numbers.
(2) Model AS350B3 helicopters, all serial numbers except those
that have embodied Airbus Helicopters Modification 073148 in
production.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5531, Vertical
Stabilizer, Spar/Rib.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that, during an unscheduled
post-flight inspection of the tail cone area of an Airbus
Helicopters Model AS355NP helicopter, a crack was found in the spar
of the upper fin and fractures were found in the two front
attachment screws. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking in
the spar of the upper part of the vertical fin and fractures in the
front attachment screws. This condition could lead to in-flight
separation of the upper part of the vertical fin, resulting in loss
of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0099, dated April 9, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0099).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0099
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0099 refers to its effective date or to
July 12, 2017, (the effective date of EASA AD 2017-0114, dated June
28, 2017), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0099.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021-0099 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-0099 specifies to
contact the manufacturer for approved repair instructions, for this
AD, if any cracking is detected during any inspection, repair before
further flight using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA. For a repair method to be approved by the
Manager, International Validation Branch, as required by this
paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to
this AD.
(5) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-
0099 specifies to perform a visual inspection for cracking on the
``RH side of spar (a)'' and ``if you are not sure'' remove the rear
and the tail rotor gear box (TGB) fairings to perform a detailed
inspection and do a dye-penetrant inspection, those actions are
required by this AD if any crack indication (e.g., paint chips,
dents, or swelling) is found during any inspection done without
removing the rear and the TGB fairings.
(6) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-
0099 specifies to perform a visual check for cracks in the ``spars
(a) of the top and bottom fins'' and ``if you are not sure'' do a
dye-penetrant inspection, the dye-penetrant inspection is required
by this AD if any crack indication (e.g., paint chips, dents, or
swelling) is found during any visual check (inspection).
(7) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-
0099 specifies to check the integrity of the two thrust pad
attachment screws for damage, for this AD, damage includes
loosening, deformation, and nicks.
(8) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-
0099 specifies that the visual check can be performed by an airframe
technician or pilot, this AD requires that the visual check be
performed by a qualified mechanic.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are prohibited.
(j) 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 (k) 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.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti,
Program Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax (206) 231-3218; email
[email protected].
(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0099,
dated April 9, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0099, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
[email protected]; Internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110. This material may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0453.
(5) You may view this material 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 September 23, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22472 Filed 10-15-21; 8:45 am]
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