Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 7685-7687 [2022-02749]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
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
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:
■
2022–02–19 Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment
39–21916; Docket No. FAA–2021–1012;
Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00697–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 17, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1,
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3
helicopters, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0149, dated June
21, 2021 (EASA 2021–0149).
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 2510, Flight Compartment Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
restricted collective lever movement.
Subsequent inspection determined that the
emergency flashlight was stuck under that
lever caused by entanglement of the
emergency flashlight strap with the cargo
hook emergency release lever, causing the
emergency flashlight to leave its seat. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address
entanglement of the emergency flashlight
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:22 Feb 09, 2022
Jkt 256001
strap with the cargo hook emergency release
lever. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in reduced control of the
helicopter, resulting in damage to the
helicopter and injury to occupants.
(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 2021–0149.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0149
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0149 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0149.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950
L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024;
telephone (202) 267–9167; email hal.jensen@
faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2021–0149, dated June 21, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021–0149, 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 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
PO 00000
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7685
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–2021–1012.
(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 18, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–02752 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–2021–0887; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00045–R; Amendment
39–21910; AD 2022–02–13]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters.
This AD was prompted by a report of
corrosion found on the external tail
boom skin, under the Very High
Frequency (VHF) antenna. This AD
requires inspecting the tail boom at the
VHF antenna attachments and
depending on the results, repairing or
modifying the tail boom skin, 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
final rule, contact EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +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. For Airbus
SUMMARY:
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7686
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
Helicopters service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html. You may view
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. Service
information that is IBRed is also
available at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0887.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0887; 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:
Gregory Koenig, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe & Administrative Services
Section, Chicago ACO Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 2300 E Devon Ave., Des Plaines,
IL 60018; telephone (847) 294–7127;
email Gregory.L.Koenig@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2021–0015,
dated January 13, 2021 (EASA AD
2021–0015), to correct an unsafe
condition for Airbus Helicopters (AH),
formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France,
Model EC 120 B helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to Airbus Helicopters Model
EC120B helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
October 28, 2021 (86 FR 59655). The
NPRM was prompted by a report of
corrosion found on the external tail
boom skin, under the VHF antenna of an
EC120B helicopter. The NPRM
proposed to require inspecting the tail
boom at the VHF antenna attachments
and depending on the results, repairing
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:22 Feb 09, 2022
Jkt 256001
or modifying the tail boom skin, as
specified in EASA AD 2021–0015.
The FAA is issuing this AD to detect
corrosion in the area of the external tail
boom skin under the VHF antenna and
prevent degradation of the tail boom
structure. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in a possible
roll-over during landing. See EASA AD
2021–0015 for additional background
information.
Comments
The FAA received no comments on
the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA about the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA reviewed
the relevant data and determined that
air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0015 requires a onetime inspection of the VHF antenna
attachments to the tail boom and,
depending on the results, corrective
action or modification of the tail boom.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin No. EC120–
53A017, Revision 1, dated November
26, 2020. This service information
specifies procedures for inspecting and
modifying the VHF antenna attachments
on the tail boom.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus
Helicopters Service Bulletin No. EC120–
53–018, Revision 0, dated November 26,
2020. This service information specifies
procedures for repairing the tail boom if
there is any corrosion or a crack at the
VHF antenna attachments.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0015
specifies ‘‘to check for corrosion under
the VHF antenna base support,’’ this AD
requires inspecting for corrosion
because that action must be
accomplished by a mechanic that meets
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
the requirements of 14 CFR part 65
subpart D. Where the service
information referenced in EASA AD
2021–0015 specifies to ‘‘make sure that
there is no aluminum oxide (white
powder),’’ ‘‘make sure that there is no
pitting corrosion,’’ and ‘‘make sure that
there are no crack,’’ this AD requires
inspecting for any aluminum oxide
(white powder), pitting corrosion, and
cracks instead. Where the service
information referenced in EASA AD
2021–0015 specifies discarding parts,
this AD requires removing those parts
from service instead.
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 that operators may incur
the following costs in order to comply
with this AD.
Inspecting and modifying each tail
boom at the VHF attachment takes about
4 work-hours and parts cost about
$4,745, for an estimated cost of $5,085
per helicopter and $452,565 for the U.S.
fleet.
If required, repairing the VHF antenna
attachment at the tail boom takes up to
15 work-hours and parts cost up to
$7,812, for an estimated cost of up to
$9,087 per helicopter.
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
E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM
10FER1
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
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
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:
■
2022–02–13 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–21910; Docket No.
FAA–2021–0887; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00045–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 17, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B helicopters, certificated in
any category.
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5302, Rotorcraft Tail Boom.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
corrosion found on the external tail boom
skin of a Model EC120B helicopter under the
Very High Frequency antenna. The FAA is
issuing this AD to detect corrosion in that
area and prevent the degradation of the tail
boom structure. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in possible roll-over
during landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:22 Feb 09, 2022
Jkt 256001
(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 AD 2021–0015, dated January
13, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0015).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0015
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0015 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information
referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD
2021–0015 specifies to check for corrosion,
including to ‘‘make sure that there is no
aluminum oxide (white powder),’’ ‘‘make
sure that there is no pitting corrosion,’’ and
‘‘make sure that there are no crack,’’ this AD
requires inspecting for any aluminum oxide
(white powder), pitting corrosion, and cracks.
(3) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0015 specifies
discarding parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service.
(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021–
0015 requires certain actions prior to the
installation of a tail boom on any helicopter,
including inspecting the tail boom, for this
AD, the requirements of paragraph (h)(2) of
this AD also apply to the inspection of the
tail boom.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0015.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0015 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(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 Gregory Koenig, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe & Administrative Services Section,
Chicago ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2300 E Devon
Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847)
294–7127; email Gregory.L.Koenig@faa.gov.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
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7687
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 2021–0015, dated January 13,
2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021–0015, 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 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–2021–0887.
(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 11, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–02749 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–2021–0964; Project
Identifier 2018–SW–051–AD; Amendment
39–21909; AD 2022–02–12]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.a. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and
AW139 helicopters. This AD was
prompted by the identification of
certain parts needing maintenance
actions, including life limits and
maintenance tasks. This AD requires
incorporating into maintenance records
requirements (airworthiness
limitations), as specified in a European
Aviation Safety Agency (now European
Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA)
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM
10FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 28 (Thursday, February 10, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7685-7687]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02749]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0887; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00045-R;
Amendment 39-21910; AD 2022-02-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. This AD was prompted by a
report of corrosion found on the external tail boom skin, under the
Very High Frequency (VHF) antenna. This AD requires inspecting the tail
boom at the VHF antenna attachments and depending on the results,
repairing or modifying the tail boom skin, 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
final rule, 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. For Airbus
[[Page 7686]]
Helicopters service information identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at
https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You
may view 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. Service information that is IBRed is also
available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-0887.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0887; 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: Gregory Koenig, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe & Administrative Services Section, Chicago ACO Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2300 E Devon Ave., Des
Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-7127; email
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0015, dated January 13, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0015), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Model EC 120
B helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
October 28, 2021 (86 FR 59655). The NPRM was prompted by a report of
corrosion found on the external tail boom skin, under the VHF antenna
of an EC120B helicopter. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the
tail boom at the VHF antenna attachments and depending on the results,
repairing or modifying the tail boom skin, as specified in EASA AD
2021-0015.
The FAA is issuing this AD to detect corrosion in the area of the
external tail boom skin under the VHF antenna and prevent degradation
of the tail boom structure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in a possible roll-over during landing. See EASA AD 2021-
0015 for additional background information.
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0015 requires a one-time inspection of the VHF antenna
attachments to the tail boom and, depending on the results, corrective
action or modification of the tail boom.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
EC120-53A017, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2020. This service
information specifies procedures for inspecting and modifying the VHF
antenna attachments on the tail boom.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No.
EC120-53-018, Revision 0, dated November 26, 2020. This service
information specifies procedures for repairing the tail boom if there
is any corrosion or a crack at the VHF antenna attachments.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0015
specifies ``to check for corrosion under the VHF antenna base
support,'' this AD requires inspecting for corrosion because that
action must be accomplished by a mechanic that meets the requirements
of 14 CFR part 65 subpart D. Where the service information referenced
in EASA AD 2021-0015 specifies to ``make sure that there is no aluminum
oxide (white powder),'' ``make sure that there is no pitting
corrosion,'' and ``make sure that there are no crack,'' this AD
requires inspecting for any aluminum oxide (white powder), pitting
corrosion, and cracks instead. Where the service information referenced
in EASA AD 2021-0015 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires
removing those parts from service instead.
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 that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD.
Inspecting and modifying each tail boom at the VHF attachment takes
about 4 work-hours and parts cost about $4,745, for an estimated cost
of $5,085 per helicopter and $452,565 for the U.S. fleet.
If required, repairing the VHF antenna attachment at the tail boom
takes up to 15 work-hours and parts cost up to $7,812, for an estimated
cost of up to $9,087 per helicopter.
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
[[Page 7687]]
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:
2022-02-13 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21910; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0887; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00045-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 17, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5302, Rotorcraft
Tail Boom.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion found on the
external tail boom skin of a Model EC120B helicopter under the Very
High Frequency antenna. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect
corrosion in that area and prevent the degradation of the tail boom
structure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
possible roll-over during landing.
(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 AD 2021-0015,
dated January 13, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0015).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0015
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0015 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of
EASA AD 2021-0015 specifies to check for corrosion, including to
``make sure that there is no aluminum oxide (white powder),'' ``make
sure that there is no pitting corrosion,'' and ``make sure that
there are no crack,'' this AD requires inspecting for any aluminum
oxide (white powder), pitting corrosion, and cracks.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0015 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those
parts from service.
(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-0015 requires certain
actions prior to the installation of a tail boom on any helicopter,
including inspecting the tail boom, for this AD, the requirements of
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD also apply to the inspection of the tail
boom.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0015.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0015
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(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 Gregory Koenig,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe & Administrative Services Section,
Chicago ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2300 E
Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-7127; email
[email protected].
(l) 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 2021-0015,
dated January 13, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0015, 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-2021-0887.
(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 11, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02749 Filed 2-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
