Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 7705-7708 [2022-02748]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
(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
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:
■
2022–03–11 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment
39–21928; Docket No. FAA–2021–1014;
Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00428–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 17, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Bombardier, Inc.,
Model BD–100–1A10 airplanes.
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 27, Flight controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that the
design of the spoiler control system causes
certain engine indication and crew alerting
system (EICAS) messages to be posted
intermittently and repetitively during flight
and on the ground, and flightcrews must
action the appropriate checklist each time
these messages appear. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address intermittent and repetitive
messaging, which increases overall workload
and introduces a risk that flightcrews could
become desensitized over time to the
messages. This could result in the required
checklist not being carried out or completed,
and could adversely affect the airplane’s
continued safe flight and landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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(g) Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual
(AFM)
Within 60 days after the effective date of
this AD: Revise the existing AFM to
incorporate the information specified in
Section 05–23, Flight Controls, of Chapter 05,
Non-Normal Procedures, of the AFM
revisions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and
(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) Bombardier Challenger 300 (Imperial
Version) Airplane Flight Manual, Publication
No. CSP 100–1, Revision 61, dated
September 25, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1): For obtaining
this section of the Bombardier Challenger 300
(Imperial Version) Airplane Flight Manual,
Publication No. CSP 100–1, use Document
Identification No. CH 300 AFM–I.
(2) Bombardier Challenger 350 Airplane
Flight Manual, Publication No. CH 350 AFM,
Revision 27, dated September 25, 2020.
(h) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, New York 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 ATTN: Program Manager,
Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New
York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531. Before
using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a
principal inspector, the manager of the
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, New York ACO Branch,
FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design
Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by
the DAO, the approval must include the
DAO-authorized signature.
(i) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) TCCA AD
CF–2021–14, dated April 7, 2021, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the
AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2021–1014.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Thomas Niczky, Aerospace Engineer,
Avionics and Electrical Systems Section,
FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 516–228–7347; fax 516–794–5531;
email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
(j) 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.
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7705
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Section 05–23, Flight Controls, of
Chapter 05, Non-Normal Procedures, of the
Bombardier Challenger 300 (Imperial
Version) Airplane Flight Manual, Publication
No. CSP 100–1, Revision 61, dated
September 25, 2020.
(ii) Section 05–23, Flight Controls, of
Chapter 05, Non-Normal Procedures, of the
Bombardier Challenger 350 Airplane Flight
Manual, Publication No. CH 350 AFM,
Revision 27, dated September 25, 2020.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bombardier Business
Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400 CoˆteVertu Road West, Dorval, Que´bec H4S 1Y9,
Canada; telephone 514–855–2999; email
ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; internet https://
www.bombardier.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on January 21, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–02755 Filed 2–9–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0886; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00341–R; Amendment
39–21903; AD 2022–02–06]
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 EC120B
helicopters. This AD was prompted by
a report of geometrical non-conformities
in the tail rotor blade (TRB) root section
discovered during an accident
investigation of a Model EC130B
helicopter. Due to the similarity of
design and production requirements,
certain TRBs for the Model EC120B
helicopters were inspected and
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
geometrical non-conformities were also
found. This AD requires an inspection
(dimensional check) to verify
conformity, and replacement of certain
TRBs if necessary, 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 is effective March 17,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 17, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone:
+49 221 8999 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. 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–2021–0886.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0886; 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
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; phone: (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 AD 2021–0079,
dated March 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–
0079), to correct an unsafe condition for
all Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B
helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all Airbus Helicopters Model
EC120B helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
October 28, 2021 (86 FR 59653). The
NPRM was prompted by a report of
geometrical non-conformities in the
TRB root section discovered during an
accident investigation of a Model
EC130B helicopter. Due to the similarity
of design and production requirements,
certain TRBs for the Model EC120B
helicopters were inspected and
geometrical non-conformities were also
found. The NPRM proposed to require
an inspection (dimensional check) to
verify conformity, and replacement of
certain TRBs if necessary, as specified
in EASA AD 2021–0079.
The FAA is issuing this AD to detect
and correct geometrical non
conformities of the TRB root section.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in crack initiation and TRB
failure, and possibly result in loss of
control of the helicopter. See EASA AD
2021–0079 for additional background
information.
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. Except
for minor editorial changes, this AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0079 requires an
inspection (dimensional check) to verify
TRB conformity, and replacement of
certain TRBs if necessary. EASA AD
2021–0079 also prohibits rework, repair,
or modification of affected parts in the
critical section (affected area of the TRB
assembly root).
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 89 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
Labor rates are estimated at $85 per
work-hour. Based on these numbers, the
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspection ...............
4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 ......................................................
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The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the
Cost per
product
Parts cost
results of the required inspection. The
agency has no way of determining the
$0
$340
Cost on U.S.
operators
$30,260
number of aircraft that might need these
replacements:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Blade Replacement ......................................................
10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850 .........................
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Parts cost
10FER1
$4,000
Cost per
product
$4,850
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
The FAA has included all known
costs in its cost estimate. According to
the manufacturer, however, some of the
costs of this AD may be covered under
warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
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.
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
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:
■
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:22 Feb 09, 2022
Jkt 256001
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:
■
2022–02–06 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–21903; Docket No.
FAA–2021–0886; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00341–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 17, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B helicopters, certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6410, Tail Rotor Blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
geometrical non-conformities in the tail rotor
blade (TRB) root section discovered during
an accident investigation of a Model EC130B
helicopter. Due to the similarity of design
and production requirements, certain TRBs
for the Model EC120B helicopters were
inspected and geometrical non-conformities
were also found. The FAA is issuing this AD
to detect and correct geometrical nonconformities of the TRB root section. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in crack initiation and TRB failure, and
possibly result 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 2021–0079, dated
March 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0079).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0079
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0079 requires
compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021–0079 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0079 specifies
discarding a part, this AD requires removing
that part from service.
(4) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0079.
(5) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0079 specifies
to measure using the Smartphone
application, the PowerPoint method, or
‘‘Contacting customer support with a specific
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7707
procedure,’’ this AD requires determining the
specified measurements but those methods of
measurement are not required by this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0079 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in
accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199
to operate the helicopter to a location where
the actions of this AD can be performed,
provided no passengers are onboard.
(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.
(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; phone:
(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) AD 2021–0079, dated March 17,
2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021–0079, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 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
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7708
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0886.
(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 January 7, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–02748 Filed 2–9–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0952; Project
Identifier 2019–CE–039–AD; Amendment
39–21918; AD 2022–03–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Diamond
Aircraft Industries GmbH Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH
(DAI) Model DA 42, DA 42 M–NG, and
DA 42 NG airplanes. This AD was
prompted by mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by the aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as dissolved or detached fuel
tank hose material entering the main
fuel tank chambers, which could result
in restricted fuel flow with consequent
fuel starvation. This AD requires
removing the fuel tank connection hoses
from service and inspecting the fuel
tank connection hoses for damage and
detached rubber material. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 17,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 17, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH,
N.A. Otto-Stra+e 5, A–2700 Wiener
Neustadt, Austria; phone: +43 2622
26700; fax: +43 2622 26780; email:
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:22 Feb 09, 2022
Jkt 256001
office@diamond-air.at; website: https://
www.diamondaircraft.com. You may
view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 64106. 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–2021–0952.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0952; 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 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:
Penelope Trease, Aviation Safety
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 26805 E. 68th Avenue,
Denver, CO 80249; phone: (303) 342–
1094; fax: (303) 342–1088; email:
penelope.trease@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 DAI Model DA 42, DA 42 M–
NG, and DA 42 NG airplanes with a
certain fuel tank connection hose
installed. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on November 3, 2021
(86 FR 60600). The NPRM was
prompted by MCAI originated by the
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2019–
0218, dated September 3, 2019 (referred
to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to address
an unsafe condition on certain DAI
Model DA 42, DA 42M, DA 42 M–NG,
and DA 42 NG airplanes. The MCAI
states:
Reports were received of dissolved fuel
tank connections hoses. Rubber parts were
found within the fuel tank. The investigation
results showed that the affected parts are
limited to 2 isolated batches, some of which
were installed on the production line. Other
affected parts have been supplied as spare for
in-service replacement.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to restricted fuel flow from the tank, possibly
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Sfmt 4700
resulting in fuel starvation and consequent
reduced control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
DAI issued the applicable MSB [Mandatory
Service Bulletin], providing instructions to
identify and replace the affected parts. The
applicable MSB identifies the MSN
[manufacturer serial numbers] of the
aeroplanes on which affected parts were
installed during aeroplane production. The
applicable MSB also indicates that any other
aeroplane may be affected, if an affected part
supplied as spare was installed.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD requires removal and
replacement of the affected parts, and, if a
removed affected part is found damaged,
inspection of the fuel tank chambers and
removal of any detached rubber material.
This [EASA] AD also prohibits
(re)installation of any affected parts.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0952.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on
the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country and is 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 the MCAI and service information
referenced above. 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 products. This AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM,
except for an editorial correction to the
Applicability section. Paragraph (c)(1)
states the AD applies to the airplanes in
paragraph (c)(1) ‘‘or’’ paragraph (c)(2)
when it should state the AD applies to
airplanes identified in both paragraphs.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Diamond Aircraft
Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB 42–
138/MSB 42NG–080, dated July 1, 2019
(issued as one document) published
with Diamond Aircraft Work Instruction
WI MSB 42–138/WI–MSB 42NG–080,
Revision 0, dated July 1, 2019 (issued as
one document) attached. This service
information identifies the list of affected
fuel tank connection hoses and also
contains procedures for replacing the
E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM
10FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 28 (Thursday, February 10, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7705-7708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02748]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0886; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00341-R;
Amendment 39-21903; AD 2022-02-06]
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 EC120B helicopters. This AD was prompted by a
report of geometrical non-conformities in the tail rotor blade (TRB)
root section discovered during an accident investigation of a Model
EC130B helicopter. Due to the similarity of design and production
requirements, certain TRBs for the Model EC120B helicopters were
inspected and
[[Page 7706]]
geometrical non-conformities were also found. This AD requires an
inspection (dimensional check) to verify conformity, and replacement of
certain TRBs if necessary, 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 is effective March 17, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
phone: +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. 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-2021-0886.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0886; 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 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; phone: (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 AD 2021-0079, dated March 17, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0079), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus
Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
October 28, 2021 (86 FR 59653). The NPRM was prompted by a report of
geometrical non-conformities in the TRB root section discovered during
an accident investigation of a Model EC130B helicopter. Due to the
similarity of design and production requirements, certain TRBs for the
Model EC120B helicopters were inspected and geometrical non-
conformities were also found. The NPRM proposed to require an
inspection (dimensional check) to verify conformity, and replacement of
certain TRBs if necessary, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0079.
The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct geometrical non
conformities of the TRB root section. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in crack initiation and TRB failure, and
possibly result in loss of control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2021-
0079 for additional background information.
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. Except for minor editorial changes,
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0079 requires an inspection (dimensional check) to
verify TRB conformity, and replacement of certain TRBs if necessary.
EASA AD 2021-0079 also prohibits rework, repair, or modification of
affected parts in the critical section (affected area of the TRB
assembly root).
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 89 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this AD.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.......................... 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 $340 $30,260
hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
required inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blade Replacement............................. 10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $4,000 $4,850
$850.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 7707]]
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2022-02-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21903; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0886; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00341-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 17, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor
Blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of geometrical non-conformities
in the tail rotor blade (TRB) root section discovered during an
accident investigation of a Model EC130B helicopter. Due to the
similarity of design and production requirements, certain TRBs for
the Model EC120B helicopters were inspected and geometrical non-
conformities were also found. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect
and correct geometrical non-conformities of the TRB root section.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in crack
initiation and TRB failure, and possibly result 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
2021-0079, dated March 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0079).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0079
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0079 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0079 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0079 specifies discarding a part, this AD requires removing that
part from service.
(4) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0079.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0079 specifies to measure using the Smartphone application, the
PowerPoint method, or ``Contacting customer support with a specific
procedure,'' this AD requires determining the specified measurements
but those methods of measurement are not required by this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0079
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the
actions of this AD can be performed, provided no passengers are
onboard.
(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; phone: (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) AD 2021-0079,
dated March 17, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0079, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +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
[[Page 7708]]
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2021-0886.
(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 January 7, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02748 Filed 2-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
