Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 66934-66937 [2021-25635]
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66934
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 224 / Wednesday, November 24, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
AP757–57–011, dated August 21, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 757–57A0074 RB, dated June 11,
2020, uses the phrase ‘‘the original issue date
of Requirements Bulletin 757–57A0074 RB,’’
this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of
this AD.’’
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 757–57A0074 RB, dated June 11,
2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the
repair before further flight using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(3) Where Aviation Partners Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin AP757–57–011, dated
August 21, 2020, uses the phrase ‘‘the
original issue date of this service bulletin,’’
this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of
this AD.’’
(4) Where Aviation Partners Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin AP757–57–011, dated
August 21, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing
for repair instructions: This AD requires
doing the repair before further flight using a
method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this
AD.
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(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in Related Information.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMLAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, to
make those findings. To be approved, the
repair method, modification deviation, or
alteration deviation must meet the
certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact David Truong, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–
5224; email: david.truong@faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:07 Nov 23, 2021
Jkt 256001
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) Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin AP757–57–011, dated August 21,
2020.
(ii) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
757–57A0074 RB, dated June 11, 2020.
(3) For Boeing service information
identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention:
Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600
Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal
Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–
1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. For Aviation
Partners Boeing service information
identified in this AD, contact Aviation
Partners Boeing, 2811 S. 102nd Street, Suite
200, Seattle, WA 98168; telephone: 206–830–
7699; internet: https://www.aviationpartners
boeing.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on October 22, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–25533 Filed 11–23–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–1009; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–01173–R; Amendment
39–21827; AD 2021–24–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
Examining the AD Docket
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2
helicopters. This AD was prompted by
a report of degradation of the rear
transmission shaft bearing support and
the determination that all of the
attachment rivets of the transmission
SUMMARY:
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shaft bearing support were sheared. This
AD requires repetitive visual
inspections of the rivets on the rear
transmission shaft bearing support and
of the local structure for cracking and
missing, loose, or sheared rivets and
accomplishment of applicable corrective
actions, as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD, which is incorporated by reference.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
December 9, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 9, 2021.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by January 10, 2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For EASA 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–
1009.
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–1009; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
final rule, the EASA AD, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
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listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD
2021–0235–E, dated October 28, 2021
(EASA AD 2021–0235–E), to correct an
unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters
(formerly Eurocopter) Model EC 130 T2
helicopters, all serial numbers, on
which Airbus Helicopters Modification
074581 has been embodied in
production.
This AD was prompted by a report of
degradation of the rear transmission
shaft bearing support on a Model
EC130T2 helicopter and the
determination that all of the attachment
rivets of the transmission shaft bearing
support were sheared. The investigation
is still on-going to identify the root
cause of this degradation. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address sheared
attachment rivets of the transmission
shaft bearing support. This condition, if
not addressed, could lead to failure of
the tail rotor drive shaft and subsequent
loss of yaw control of the helicopter. See
EASA AD 2021–0235–E for additional
background information.
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Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0235–E requires
repetitive visual inspections of the
rivets on the rear transmission shaft
bearing support and of the local
structure for cracking and, if any rivet
on the rear transmission bearing support
is missing, loose, or sheared, or any
visible crack is present, accomplishment
of applicable corrective actions (e.g.,
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.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by the aviation authority of another
country and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with this
State of Design Authority, it has notified
the FAA of the unsafe condition
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16:07 Nov 23, 2021
Jkt 256001
described in its AD. The FAA is issuing
this AD after evaluating all pertinent
information and determining that the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other helicopters of
the same type design.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires accomplishing the
actions specified in EASA AD 2021–
0235–E, described previously, as
incorporated by reference, except for
any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to
use some civil aviation authority (CAA)
ADs as the primary source of
information for compliance with
requirements for corresponding FAA
ADs. The FAA has been coordinating
this process with manufacturers and
CAAs. As a result, EASA AD 2021–
0235–E will be incorporated by
reference in this FAA final rule. This
AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2021–0235–
E in its entirety through that
incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD. Using
common terms that are the same as the
heading of a particular section in EASA
AD 2021–0235–E does not mean that
operators need comply only with that
section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ‘‘all required
actions and compliance times,’’
compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled
‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)’’ in EASA AD 2021–0235–E.
Service information referenced in EASA
AD 2021–0235–E for compliance will be
available at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–1009.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim
action. If final action is later identified,
the FAA might consider further
rulemaking then.
Justification for Immediate Adoption
and Determination of the Effective Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies
to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency,
for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those
procedures are ‘‘impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest.’’ Under this section, an agency,
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66935
upon finding good cause, may issue a
final rule without providing notice and
seeking comment prior to issuance.
Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules
effective in less than thirty days, upon
a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD without providing an opportunity
for public comments prior to adoption.
The FAA has found that the risk to the
flying public justifies foregoing notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because sheared attachment rivets
of the transmission shaft bearing
support could lead to failure of the tail
rotor drive shaft and subsequent loss of
yaw control of the helicopter. In
addition, the compliance time for the
required action is shorter than the time
necessary for the public to comment and
for publication of the final rule. The
initial visual inspection of the rivets on
the rear transmission shaft bearing
support and of the local structure for
cracking and missing, loose, or sheared
rivets must be accomplished before next
flight or within seven days after the
effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first. Accordingly, notice and
opportunity for prior public comment
are impracticable and contrary to the
public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(3)(B).
In addition, the FAA finds that good
cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)
for making this amendment effective in
less than 30 days, for the same reasons
the FAA found good cause to forego
notice and comment.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written data, views, or arguments about
this final rule. Send your comments to
an address listed under ADDRESSES.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2021–1009;
Project Identifier MCAI–2021–01173–R’’
at the beginning of your comments. The
most helpful comments reference a
specific portion of the final rule, explain
the reason for any recommended
change, and include supporting data.
The FAA will consider all comments
received by the closing date and may
amend this final rule because of those
comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 224 / Wednesday, November 24, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this AD contain
commercial or financial information
that is customarily treated as private,
that you actually treat as private, and
that is relevant or responsive to this AD,
it is important that you clearly designate
the submitted comments as CBI. Please
mark each page of your submission
containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA
will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they
will not be placed in the public docket
of this AD. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to 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. Any
commentary that the FAA receives that
is not specifically designated as CBI will
be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when
an agency finds good cause pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without
prior notice and comment. Because the
FAA has determined that it has good
cause to adopt this rule without notice
and comment, RFA analysis is not
required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 64 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Inspection .........
0.50 work-hour × $85 per hour =
$42.50 per inspection cycle.
The FAA has received no definitive
data on which to base the cost estimates
for the on-condition repairs specified in
this 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 products identified in this
rulemaking action.
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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, I certify
that this AD:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:07 Nov 23, 2021
Jkt 256001
Cost per product
$0
Cost on U.S. operators
$42.50 per inspection cycle ..........
$2,720 per inspection cycle.
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska.
Emergency AD 2021–0235–E, dated October
28, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0235–E).
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
degradation of the rear transmission shaft
bearing support and the determination that
all of the attachment rivets of the
transmission shaft bearing support were
sheared. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address sheared attachment rivets of the
transmission shaft bearing support. This
condition, if not addressed, could lead to
failure of the tail rotor drive shaft and
subsequent loss of yaw control of the
helicopter.
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 adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2021–24–06 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–21827; Docket No.
FAA–2021–1009; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–01173–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective December 9, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in
any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
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(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code: 5300, Fuselage Structure.
(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, EASA AD 2021–0235–E.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0235–E
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0235–E refers to
its effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021–
0235–E requires doing an inspection after
each last flight of the day or ‘‘ALF,’’ this AD
requires doing that inspection before each
first flight of the day.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021–
0235–E requires, if any rivet on the rear
transmission bearing support is found
missing, loose or sheared, or any visible
crack is present, contacting Airbus
Helicopters to obtain approved repair
instructions and accomplishing those
instructions, this AD requires doing a repair
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in accordance with an FAA-approved
method.
(4) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0235–E
specifies that the inspection can be done by
a mechanical technician, a pilot with correct
training and accreditation, or a pilot-owner,
this AD requires that the inspection be done
by a qualified mechanic.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0235–E.
(6) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021–
0235–E requires doing inspections of the
rivets for presence of cracks, for this AD,
inspect for visible cracks and missing, loose,
or sheared rivets.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0235–E
specifies to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be permitted
provided that there are no passengers on
board.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
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.
(m) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) Emergency AD 2021–0235–E, dated
October 28, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021–0235–E, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
16:07 Nov 23, 2021
Jkt 256001
Issued on November 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–25635 Filed 11–22–21; 11:15 am]
(k) 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 (l) 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the
EASA material 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
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–1009.
(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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0382; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00382–T; Amendment
39–21797; AD 2021–22–24]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MHI RJ
Aviation ULC (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.)
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
MHI RJ Aviation ULC Model CL–600–
2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 &
702), CL–600–2C11 (Regional Jet Series
550), CL–600–2D15 (Regional Jet Series
705), CL–600–2D24 (Regional Jet Series
900), and CL–600–2E25 (Regional Jet
Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a determination that new
or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations for structural inspections
and safe life components are necessary.
This AD requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December
29, 2021.
SUMMARY:
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66937
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 29, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact MHI
RJ Aviation ULC, 12655 Henri-Fabre
Blvd., Mirabel, Que´bec J7N 1E1 Canada;
Widebody Customer Response Center
North America toll-free telephone +1–
844–272–2720 or direct-dial telephone
+1–514–855–8500; fax +1–514–855–
8501; email thd.crj@mhirj.com; internet
https://mhirj.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0382.
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–
0382; 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:
Antariksh Shetty, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA,
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone 516–228–7300; fax
516–794–5531; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA), which is the aviation authority
for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF–
2020–53, dated December 7, 2020
(TCCA AD CF–2020–53) (also referred
to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information,
or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain MHI RJ Aviation
ULC Model CL–600–2C10 (Regional Jet
Series 700, 701 & 702), CL–600–2C11
(Regional Jet Series 550), CL–600–2D15
(Regional Jet Series 705), CL–600–2D24
(Regional Jet Series 900), and CL–600–
2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000)
airplanes. You may examine the MCAI
E:\FR\FM\24NOR1.SGM
24NOR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 24, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66934-66937]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25635]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1009; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01173-R;
Amendment 39-21827; AD 2021-24-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a report of degradation of the rear transmission shaft
bearing support and the determination that all of the attachment rivets
of the transmission shaft bearing support were sheared. This AD
requires repetitive visual inspections of the rivets on the rear
transmission shaft bearing support and of the local structure for
cracking and missing, loose, or sheared rivets and accomplishment of
applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 9, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 9,
2021.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by January 10, 2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact 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 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-2021-1009.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1009; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the
EASA AD, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is
[[Page 66935]]
listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
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 [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD 2021-0235-E, dated October
28, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0235-E), to correct an unsafe condition for
Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) Model EC 130 T2 helicopters,
all serial numbers, on which Airbus Helicopters Modification 074581 has
been embodied in production.
This AD was prompted by a report of degradation of the rear
transmission shaft bearing support on a Model EC130T2 helicopter and
the determination that all of the attachment rivets of the transmission
shaft bearing support were sheared. The investigation is still on-going
to identify the root cause of this degradation. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address sheared attachment rivets of the transmission shaft
bearing support. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to
failure of the tail rotor drive shaft and subsequent loss of yaw
control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2021-0235-E for additional
background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0235-E requires repetitive visual inspections of the
rivets on the rear transmission shaft bearing support and of the local
structure for cracking and, if any rivet on the rear transmission
bearing support is missing, loose, or sheared, or any visible crack is
present, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions (e.g.,
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.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after evaluating all pertinent
information and determining that the unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type
design.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD
2021-0235-E, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result,
EASA AD 2021-0235-E will be incorporated by reference in this FAA final
rule. This AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2021-
0235-E in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in EASA AD 2021-0235-E does not mean that operators need comply
only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2021-0235-E. Service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021-0235-E for compliance will be available at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-1009.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because sheared attachment rivets of the transmission shaft bearing
support could lead to failure of the tail rotor drive shaft and
subsequent loss of yaw control of the helicopter. In addition, the
compliance time for the required action is shorter than the time
necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final
rule. The initial visual inspection of the rivets on the rear
transmission shaft bearing support and of the local structure for
cracking and missing, loose, or sheared rivets must be accomplished
before next flight or within seven days after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first. Accordingly, notice and opportunity
for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public
interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and
comment.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-1009; Project Identifier MCAI-
2021-01173-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.
[[Page 66936]]
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 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 [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA
receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 64 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection................. 0.50 work-hour x $85 $0 $42.50 per inspection $2,720 per inspection
per hour = $42.50 cycle. cycle.
per inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this 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 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, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
2021-24-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21827; Docket No. FAA-
2021-1009; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01173-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 9, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters,
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2021-0235-E, dated
October 28, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0235-E).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5300, Fuselage
Structure.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of degradation of the rear
transmission shaft bearing support and the determination that all of
the attachment rivets of the transmission shaft bearing support were
sheared. The FAA is issuing this AD to address sheared attachment
rivets of the transmission shaft bearing support. This condition, if
not addressed, could lead to failure of the tail rotor drive shaft
and subsequent loss of yaw 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, EASA AD 2021-0235-E.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0235-E
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0235-E refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0235-E requires doing an
inspection after each last flight of the day or ``ALF,'' this AD
requires doing that inspection before each first flight of the day.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0235-E requires, if any
rivet on the rear transmission bearing support is found missing,
loose or sheared, or any visible crack is present, contacting Airbus
Helicopters to obtain approved repair instructions and accomplishing
those instructions, this AD requires doing a repair
[[Page 66937]]
in accordance with an FAA-approved method.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0235-E specifies that the inspection can be done by a mechanical
technician, a pilot with correct training and accreditation, or a
pilot-owner, this AD requires that the inspection be done by a
qualified mechanic.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0235-E.
(6) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0235-E requires doing
inspections of the rivets for presence of cracks, for this AD,
inspect for visible cracks and missing, loose, or sheared rivets.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0235-E specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be permitted provided that there are
no passengers on board.
(k) 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 (l) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact 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 [email protected].
(m) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD
2021-0235-E, dated October 28, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0235-E, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the
EASA material 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1009.
(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 November 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-25635 Filed 11-22-21; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P