Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 56189-56191 [2024-14880]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56189-56191]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-14880]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 131 / Tuesday, July 9, 2024 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 56189]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0042; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00659-R; 
Amendment 39-22759; AD 2024-10-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS3322L, AS332L1, AS332L2, 
and EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks on 
the fuel filter bowl (bowl) due to over-torquing. This AD requires 
visually inspecting the bowls of the right hand (RH) and left hand (LH) 
fuel filters for any cracks and seepage. Depending on the inspection 
results, this AD requires removing an affected fuel filter from service 
and replacing that part. This AD also allows a certain fuel filter to 
be installed on a helicopter if certain actions are accomplished. These 
requirements are 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 August 13, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 13, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-0042; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For EASA material, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 
material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
     You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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 at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-0042.
    Other Related Service Information: For Airbus Helicopters service 
information, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, TX 75052; phone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 
641-3775; or at airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan McCully, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 
238-7244; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2023-0095, dated May 8, 2023 (EASA 
AD 2023-0095), to correct an unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters AS 
332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, AS 332 L2, and EC 225 LP 
helicopters, all serial numbers.
    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, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP 
helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 2, 
2024 (89 FR 7302). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a report of 
cracks on the bowl due to over-torquing.
    The NPRM proposed to require accomplishing the actions specified in 
EASA AD 2023-0095, as incorporated by reference, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD 
and except as discussed under ``Differences Between this AD and the 
EASA AD.'' The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.
    You may examine EASA AD 2023-0095 in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-0042.

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 Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2023-0095 requires a one-time inspection of the bowls of 
the LH and RH fuel filters for cracks and seepage. Depending on the 
inspection results, EASA AD 2023-0095 requires replacement of an 
affected part with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0095. 
EASA AD 2023-0095 also allows certain fuel filters to be installed on a 
helicopter if certain actions are accomplished.
    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 Material

    The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. AS332-28.00.88, and Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC225-28A030, 
both Revision 0, and both dated April 25, 2023. This service 
information specifies procedures for a visual inspection the bowls on 
the RH and LH

[[Page 56190]]

fuel filters for any cracks and seepage. Depending on the inspection 
results, this service information specifies procedures to remove and 
replace an affected fuel filter. This service information also 
specifies sending an affected fuel filter along with certain 
information to Airbus Helicopters, and performing an aspect check after 
replacement of the affected parts.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    EASA AD 2023-0095 requires replacing each affected fuel filter with 
a serviceable fuel filter if any discrepancy is detected, whereas this 
AD requires removing each affected fuel filter from service and 
replacing it with a serviceable fuel filter, as described in EASA AD 
2023-0095, if any crack or seepage is detected.
    Service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0095 specifies 
reporting certain information and sending affected parts to Airbus 
Helicopters, whereas this AD does not require sending information or 
parts to Airbus Helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 40 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.
    Inspecting each bowl for cracks (with 2 bowls per helicopter) and 
seepage will take approximately 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of 
$170 per helicopter and $6,800 for the U.S. fleet.
    Replacing an affected fuel filter with a serviceable fuel filter 
will take approximately 1 work-hour and parts will cost approximately 
$6,290 for an estimated cost of $6,375 per fuel filter replacement.

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:

2024-10-13 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22759; Docket No. FAA-
2024-0042; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00659-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 13, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, certificated in 
any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2821, Aircraft 
fuel filter/strainer.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of cracks on the fuel filter 
bowl (bowl) due to over-torquing. The FAA is proposing this AD to 
inspect for cracks and seepage on the bowl of the left-hand (LH) and 
right-hand (RH) fuel filter. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in failure of the bowl, in-flight shutdown, and 
subsequent reduced 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 
2023-0095, dated May 8, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0095).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0095

    (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0095 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2023-0095 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0095 requires an 
inspection ``in accordance with the instructions of the applicable 
ASB,'' for this AD, replace that text with, ``in accordance with 
paragraph 3.B.2.a. of the applicable ASB, except you are not 
required to comply with paragraph 3.B.2.b or 3.B.3.''
    (4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0095 states ``replace 
the affected part with a serviceable part in accordance with the 
instructions of the applicable ASB,'' this AD requires replacing 
those words with ``remove the affected part from service and replace 
it with a serviceable part.''
    (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-
0095 specifies to ``make sure that there is no crack and no seepage 
on the bowls (a) of the RH and LH fuel filters (b),'' this AD 
requires replacing those words with ``Inspect for any crack and 
seepage on the bowls (a) of the RH and LH fuel filters (b).''
    (6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-
0095 specifies ``If there is a crack and/or a seepage on the bowls 
(a) of the RH and LH fuel filters (b), comply with paragraph 
3.B.2.b.,'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``If there is 
a crack or seepage on the bowls (a) of the RH or LH fuel filter (b), 
before further flight, remove the affected part from service and 
replace with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0095.''
    (7) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0095.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0095 
specifies to submit certain information and return parts to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include those requirements.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

[[Page 56191]]

(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 Dan McCully, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone (781) 238-7244; email 
[email protected].

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0095, 
dated May 8, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2023-0095, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 
material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on May 17, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-14880 Filed 7-8-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P