Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 54874-54877 [2022-19257]
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54874
§ 39.13
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 173 / Thursday, September 8, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
■
2022–19–05 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
22174; Docket No. FAA–2022–1069;
Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01175–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective September 15, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces Emergency AD 2022–18–
51, Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01125–T,
dated August 18, 2022.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model
A330–841 and –941 airplanes, certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Codes 75, Air.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
leaking bleed system high pressure valves
(HPVs), likely due to HPV clip failure and
sealing ring damage, and by the development
of additional instructions and maintenance
procedures to address HPV failures. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address a leaking HPV,
which may expose the pressure regulating
valve (PRV), which is installed downstream
from the HPV, to high pressure, possibly
damaging the PRV itself and preventing its
closure. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in high pressure and
temperatures in the duct downstream from
the PRV, with possible duct burst, damage to
several systems, and consequent loss of
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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(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 2022–0181, dated
August 29, 2022 (EASA AD 2022–0181).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022–0181
(1) Where EASA AD 2022–0181 refers to
‘‘18 August 2022 [the effective date of EASA
AD 2022–0170–E],’’ this AD requires using
‘‘August 19, 2022.’’
(2) Where EASA AD 2022–0181 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (7)
of EASA AD 2022–0181 specify to inform all
flightcrews of airplane flight manual (AFM)
revisions and dispatch limitations, and
thereafter to operate the airplane accordingly,
this AD does not require those actions, as
those actions are already required by existing
FAA regulations.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022–
0181 prohibits the dispatch of an airplane
under specified provisions of the A330
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master minimum equipment list (MMEL)
items, this AD alternatively allows revising
the operator’s existing FAA-approved
minimum equipment list (MEL) by removing
the items specified in paragraph (2) of EASA
AD 2022–0181, if accomplished before
further flight as of August 19, 2022, as
specified in FAA Emergency AD 2022–18–
51.
(5) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2022–0181 does not apply to this AD.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in
accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199
to operate the airplane to a location where
the actions required by this AD may be
accomplished, provided the requirements of
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2022–
0181 are first accomplished.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): 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
responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to 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-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.
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, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except
as required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, if
any service information referenced in EASA
AD 2022–0181 that contains paragraphs that
are labeled as RC, the instructions in RC
paragraphs, including subparagraphs under
an RC paragraph, must be done to comply
with this AD; any paragraphs, including
subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that
are not identified as RC are recommended.
The instructions in paragraphs, including
subparagraphs under those paragraphs, not
identified as RC may be deviated from using
accepted methods in accordance with the
operator’s maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an
AMOC, provided the instructions identified
as RC can be done and the airplane can be
put back in an airworthy condition. Any
substitutions or changes to instructions
identified as RC require approval of an
AMOC.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA,
PO 00000
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International Validation Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
206–231–3229; email Vladimir.Ulyanov@
faa.gov.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2022–0181, dated August 29,
2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022–0181, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website
easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD
on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material 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. This material may be found
in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2022–1069.
(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:
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on September 1, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–19459 Filed 9–6–22; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0804; Project
Identifier MCAI–2022–00081–R; Amendment
39–22158; AD 2022–18–07]
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 AS332C,
AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1
helicopters. This AD was prompted by
review of maintenance instructions that
showed conflicting methods of
SUMMARY:
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recording torque cycles for certain parts.
This AD requires recalculating the
torque cycles of certain parts and
updating log cards; removing certain
other parts from service; and applying
an operational restriction on certain
parts, as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is incorporated by reference. This
AD also requires incorporating the recalculated life limits into existing
maintenance records. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 13,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of October 13, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material that is
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
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. It is also
available in the AD docket at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–
0804.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2022–0804; 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:
Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS
Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance
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& Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2022–0012,
dated January 24, 2022 (EASA AD
2022–0012), to correct an unsafe
condition for Airbus Helicopters (AH),
formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France,
Aerospatiale, Model AS 332 C, AS 332
C1, AS 332 L, and AS 332 L1
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
AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and
AS332L1 helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
June 29, 2022 (87 FR 38689). The NPRM
was prompted by review of maintenance
instructions that showed conflicting
methods of recording torque cycles for
certain parts. The NPRM proposed to
require recalculating the torque cycles
of certain parts and updating log cards;
removing certain other parts from
service; and applying an operational
restriction on certain parts, as specified
in EASA AD 2022–0012. The NPRM
also proposed to require incorporating
the re-calculated life limits into existing
maintenance records.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
under-calculated torque cycle
accumulations and prevent a part from
remaining in service beyond its fatigue
life. See EASA AD 2022–0012 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.
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54875
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022–0012 requires
recalculating the torque cycles of certain
affected parts, updating log cards, and
replacing those parts before exceeding
their recalculated service life limits.
EASA AD 2022–0012 also requires
removing certain other affected parts
from service and prohibits installing
those parts. Lastly, EASA AD 2022–
0012 applies an operational restriction
to certain affected parts.
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
AS332–01.00.76, Revision 1, dated
March 8, 2022 (ASB AS332–01.00.76,
Rev 1). This service information
specifies procedures for determining the
corrected accumulated torque cycles
and updating the log cards for certain
parts, new life limits expressed in
torque cycles, and new procedures for
counting torque cycles.
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.
ADs Mandating Airworthiness
Limitations
The FAA has previously mandated
airworthiness limitations by mandating
each airworthiness limitation task (e.g.,
inspections and replacements (life
limits)) as an AD requirement or issuing
ADs that require revising the
airworthiness limitations section (ALS)
of the existing maintenance manual or
instructions for continued airworthiness
to incorporate new or revised
inspections and life limits. This AD,
however, requires operators to
incorporate into maintenance records
required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or
135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your
helicopter, the requirements
(airworthiness limitations) specified in
service information required by a civil
aviation authority AD. The FAA does
not intend this as a substantive change.
For these ADs, the ALS requirements for
operators are the same but are complied
with differently. Requiring the
incorporation of the new ALS
requirements into the maintenance
records, rather than requiring individual
ALS tasks (e.g., repetitive inspections
and replacements), requires operators to
record AD compliance once after
updating the maintenance records,
rather than after every time the ALS task
is completed.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
EASA AD 2022–0012 allows using
Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS332–
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 173 / Thursday, September 8, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
01.00.76, Revision 0, dated December
16, 2021, for corrective actions; whereas
this AD does not and instead requires
using ASB AS332–01.00.76, Rev 1.
EASA AD 2022–0012 requires replacing
each affected part before exceeding its
re-calculated life limit; whereas this AD
requires, within 30 days after the
effective date of the AD, incorporating
the re-calculated life limits into
maintenance records required by 14
CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as
applicable for your helicopter.
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Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 7 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.
Recalculating the torque cycles and
updating maintenance records takes
about 4 work-hours for an estimated
cost of about $340 per helicopter and
$2,380 for the U.S. fleet. Incorporating
actions and associated thresholds and
intervals, including life limits and
maintenance tasks, into maintenance
records, takes about 2 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter
and $1,190 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing
a main rotor shaft takes about 40 workhours and parts cost about $175,684 for
an estimated cost of $179,084. Replacing
a main gearbox flexible mounting plate
support takes about 80 work-hours and
parts cost about $57,457 for an
estimated cost of $64,257.
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
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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
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:
■
2022–18–07 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–22158; Docket No.
FAA–2022–0804; Project Identifier
MCAI–2022–00081–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective October 13, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and
AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 1400, Miscellaneous Hardware.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by review of
maintenance instructions that showed
conflicting methods of recording torque
cycles for certain parts. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address under-calculated torque
cycle accumulations and prevent a part from
remaining in service beyond its fatigue life.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in failure of a part and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and
(i) of this AD: Comply with all required
actions and compliance times specified in,
and in accordance with, European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022–
0012, dated January 24, 2022 (EASA AD
2022–0012).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022–0012
(1) Where EASA AD 2022–0012 defines
‘‘the ASB’’ as ‘‘AH Alert Service Bulletin
(ASB) AS332–01.00.76,’’ for this AD replace
that definition with ‘‘Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332–01.00.76,
Revision 1, dated March 8, 2022.’’
(2) Where EASA AD 2022–0012 references
flight hours (FH) and the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2022–0012 specifies
life limit thresholds in terms of FH, this AD
requires using total hours time-in-service.
(3) Where EASA AD 2022–0012 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(4) This AD does not mandate paragraph
(3) of EASA AD 2022–0012; instead, for this
AD, within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD, incorporate into maintenance
records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or
135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your
helicopter, the actions and associated
thresholds and intervals, including life limits
and maintenance tasks, specified in the
Appendix, section 4., of Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332–01.00.76,
Revision 1, dated March 8, 2022. After the
action required by this paragraph has been
done, no alternative actions and associated
thresholds and intervals, including life
limits, may be used unless the actions or
intervals are approved as an alternative
method of compliance (AMOC) in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2022–0012.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2022–0012 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(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.
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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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2022–1022; Amendment
No. 71–54]
(l) Related Information
RIN 2120–AA66
For more information about this AD,
contact Kristi Bradley, Program Manager,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
Airspace Designations; Incorporation
by Reference
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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(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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin No. AS332–01.00.76, Revision 1,
dated March 8, 2022.
(ii) European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2022–0012, dated
January 24, 2022.
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive,
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972)
641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–
3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/
helicopters/services/technical-support.html.
For EASA AD 2022–0012, 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–2022–0804.
(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 August 19, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–19257 Filed 9–7–22; 8:45 am]
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This action amends 14 CFR
part 71 relating to airspace designations
to reflect the approval by the Director of
the Federal Register of the incorporation
by reference of FAA Order JO 7400.11G,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points. This action also explains the
procedures the FAA will use to amend
the listings of Class A, B, C, D, and E
airspace areas; air traffic service routes;
and reporting points incorporated by
reference.
SUMMARY:
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
These regulations are effective
September 15, 2022, through September
15, 2023. The incorporation by reference
of FAA Order JO 7400.11G is approved
by the Director of the Federal Register
as of September 15, 2022, through
September 15, 2023.
ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11G,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, and subsequent amendments can
be viewed on line at www.faa.gov/air_
traffic/publications/. For further
information, you can contact the Rules
and Regulations Group, Federal
Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sarah A. Combs, Rules and Regulations
Group, Office of Policy, Federal
Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
History
FAA Order JO 7400.11F, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points,
effective September 15, 2021, listed
Class A, B, C, D and E airspace areas;
air traffic service routes; and reporting
points. Due to the length of these
descriptions, the FAA requested
approval from the Office of the Federal
Register to incorporate the material by
reference in the Federal Aviation
Regulations § 71.1, effective September
15, 2021, through September 15, 2022.
During the incorporation by reference
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
54877
period, the FAA processed all proposed
changes of the airspace listings in FAA
Order JO 7400.11F in full text as
proposed rule documents in the Federal
Register, unless there was good cause to
forego notice and comment. Likewise,
all amendments of these listings were
published in full text as final rules in
the Federal Register. This rule reflects
the periodic integration of these final
rule amendments into a revised edition
of FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points. The
Director of the Federal Register has
approved the incorporation by reference
of FAA Order JO 7400.11G in section
71.1, as of September 15, 2022, through
September 15, 2023. This rule also
explains the procedures the FAA will
use to amend the airspace designations
incorporated by reference in part 71.
This rule also updates sections 71.5,
71.15, 71.31, 71.33, 71.41, 71.51, 71.61,
71.71, and 71.901 to reflect the
incorporation by reference of FAA
Order JO 7400.11G.
Availability and Summary of
Documents for Incorporation by
Reference
This document incorporates by
reference FAA Order JO 7400.11G,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, dated August 19, 2022, and
effective September 15, 2022, in section
71.1. FAA Order JO 7400.11G is
publicly available as listed in the
ADDRESSES section of this final rule.
FAA Order JO 7400.11G lists Class A, B,
C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic
service routes, and reporting points.
The Rule
This action amends 14 CFR part 71 to
reflect the approval by the Director of
the Federal Register of the incorporation
by reference of FAA Order JO 7400.11G,
effective September 15, 2022, through
September 15, 2023. During the
incorporation by reference period, the
FAA will continue to process all
proposed changes of the airspace
listings in FAA Order JO 7400.11G in
full text as proposed rule documents in
the Federal Register, unless there is
good cause to forego notice and
comment. Likewise, all amendments of
these listings will be published in full
text as final rules in the Federal
Register. The FAA will periodically
integrate all final rule amendments into
a revised edition of FAA Order JO
7400.11, and submit the revised edition
to the Director of the Federal Register
for approval for incorporation by
reference in section 71.1.
FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, is
E:\FR\FM\08SER1.SGM
08SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 173 (Thursday, September 8, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54874-54877]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19257]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0804; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00081-R;
Amendment 39-22158; AD 2022-18-07]
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 AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1
helicopters. This AD was prompted by review of maintenance instructions
that showed conflicting methods of
[[Page 54875]]
recording torque cycles for certain parts. This AD requires
recalculating the torque cycles of certain parts and updating log
cards; removing certain other parts from service; and applying an
operational restriction on certain parts, as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by
reference. This AD also requires incorporating the re-calculated life
limits into existing maintenance records. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 13, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 13,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material that is 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 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. It is also available in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0804.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0804; 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: Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022-0012, dated January 24, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0012), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale,
Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, and AS 332 L1 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 AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on June 29, 2022 (87 FR 38689). The
NPRM was prompted by review of maintenance instructions that showed
conflicting methods of recording torque cycles for certain parts. The
NPRM proposed to require recalculating the torque cycles of certain
parts and updating log cards; removing certain other parts from
service; and applying an operational restriction on certain parts, as
specified in EASA AD 2022-0012. The NPRM also proposed to require
incorporating the re-calculated life limits into existing maintenance
records.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address under-calculated torque cycle
accumulations and prevent a part from remaining in service beyond its
fatigue life. See EASA AD 2022-0012 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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0012 requires recalculating the torque cycles of
certain affected parts, updating log cards, and replacing those parts
before exceeding their recalculated service life limits. EASA AD 2022-
0012 also requires removing certain other affected parts from service
and prohibits installing those parts. Lastly, EASA AD 2022-0012 applies
an operational restriction to certain affected parts.
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
No. AS332-01.00.76, Revision 1, dated March 8, 2022 (ASB AS332-
01.00.76, Rev 1). This service information specifies procedures for
determining the corrected accumulated torque cycles and updating the
log cards for certain parts, new life limits expressed in torque
cycles, and new procedures for counting torque cycles.
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.
ADs Mandating Airworthiness Limitations
The FAA has previously mandated airworthiness limitations by
mandating each airworthiness limitation task (e.g., inspections and
replacements (life limits)) as an AD requirement or issuing ADs that
require revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the
existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness
to incorporate new or revised inspections and life limits. This AD,
however, requires operators to incorporate into maintenance records
required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for
your helicopter, the requirements (airworthiness limitations) specified
in service information required by a civil aviation authority AD. The
FAA does not intend this as a substantive change. For these ADs, the
ALS requirements for operators are the same but are complied with
differently. Requiring the incorporation of the new ALS requirements
into the maintenance records, rather than requiring individual ALS
tasks (e.g., repetitive inspections and replacements), requires
operators to record AD compliance once after updating the maintenance
records, rather than after every time the ALS task is completed.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2022-0012 allows using Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS332-
[[Page 54876]]
01.00.76, Revision 0, dated December 16, 2021, for corrective actions;
whereas this AD does not and instead requires using ASB AS332-01.00.76,
Rev 1. EASA AD 2022-0012 requires replacing each affected part before
exceeding its re-calculated life limit; whereas this AD requires,
within 30 days after the effective date of the AD, incorporating the
re-calculated life limits into maintenance records required by 14 CFR
91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your helicopter.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 7 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.
Recalculating the torque cycles and updating maintenance records
takes about 4 work-hours for an estimated cost of about $340 per
helicopter and $2,380 for the U.S. fleet. Incorporating actions and
associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits and
maintenance tasks, into maintenance records, takes about 2 work-hours
for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $1,190 for the U.S.
fleet. Replacing a main rotor shaft takes about 40 work-hours and parts
cost about $175,684 for an estimated cost of $179,084. Replacing a main
gearbox flexible mounting plate support takes about 80 work-hours and
parts cost about $57,457 for an estimated cost of $64,257.
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:
2022-18-07 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22158; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0804; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00081-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 1400,
Miscellaneous Hardware.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by review of maintenance instructions that
showed conflicting methods of recording torque cycles for certain
parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address under-calculated torque
cycle accumulations and prevent a part from remaining in service
beyond its fatigue life. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in failure of a part and subsequent 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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0012, dated January 24, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0012).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0012
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0012 defines ``the ASB'' as ``AH Alert
Service Bulletin (ASB) AS332-01.00.76,'' for this AD replace that
definition with ``Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
AS332-01.00.76, Revision 1, dated March 8, 2022.''
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0012 references flight hours (FH) and the
service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0012 specifies life
limit thresholds in terms of FH, this AD requires using total hours
time-in-service.
(3) Where EASA AD 2022-0012 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(4) This AD does not mandate paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0012;
instead, for this AD, within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD, incorporate into maintenance records required by 14 CFR
91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your helicopter,
the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life
limits and maintenance tasks, specified in the Appendix, section 4.,
of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-01.00.76,
Revision 1, dated March 8, 2022. After the action required by this
paragraph has been done, no alternative actions and associated
thresholds and intervals, including life limits, may be used unless
the actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2022-0012.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0012
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(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.
[[Page 54877]]
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 Kristi Bradley,
Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
01.00.76, Revision 1, dated March 8, 2022.
(ii) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0012,
dated January 24, 2022.
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax
(972) 641-3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. For EASA AD 2022-0012, 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-2022-0804.
(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 August 19, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19257 Filed 9-7-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
