[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 137 (Thursday, July 16, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43160-43162]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-15329]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0652; Product Identifier 2019-SW-066-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 
helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the main rotor 
(M/R) hub assembly (hub) phonic wheel lock washer (lock washer) for 
correct installation and depending on the outcome, repairing or 
replacing the M/R hub. This proposed AD was prompted by reported 
occurrences of M/R revolutions per minute (``NR'') sensor fluctuations. 
The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 31, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0652; 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 proposed AD, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (previously 
European Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed 
above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N 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 the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, 
Fort Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments reference a 
specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any 
recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket 
does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one 
copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, 
commenters should submit only one time.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will file in the docket all comments received, as well 
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this 
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments received on or before the 
closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after 
the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without 
incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light 
of the comments received.

Confidential Business Information

    Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial 
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by 
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), 
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to 
this NPRM contain commercial or financial

[[Page 43161]]

information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually 
treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it 
is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. 
Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' 
The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the 
FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. 
Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Matt Fuller, Senior 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft 
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected]. Any commentary 
that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will 
be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2019-0172, dated July 18, 2019, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters (formerly 
Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale) Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, 
AS 332 L, and AS 332 L1 helicopters with M/R hub part number 332A31-
0001-00, P/N 332A31-0001-01, P/N 332A31-0001-02, P/N 332A31-0001-03, P/
N 332A31-0001-04, P/N 332A31-0001-05, or P/N 332A31-0001-06 installed. 
EASA advises of reported occurrences of ``NR'' sensor fluctuation and 
subsequent investigation identifying incorrect positioning of the M/R 
hub phonic wheel due to incorrect installation of the M/R mast nut 
press screws during maintenance of the M/R hubs. The investigation also 
determined that this incorrect installation can be identified by 
inspecting the lock washer position. EASA advises that this condition, 
if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of M/R hub 
components, possibly resulting in loss of helicopter control.
    Accordingly, the EASA AD requires a one-time inspection of the lock 
washer position and depending on findings, replacing the M/R hub.

FAA's Determination

    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 is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an 
unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of 
the same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
AS332-62.00.76, Revision 0, dated May 27, 2019, for civilian Model 
AS332C, C1, L, and L1 and military Model AS332B, B1, F1, M, and M1 
helicopters. This service information specifies inspecting the position 
of the M/R hub lock washer.
    This service information 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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 55 hours time-in-service, 
removing at least one ``NR'' sensor and borescope inspecting for the 
correct height of the lock washer through the hole of the removed 
``NR'' sensor. This proposed AD would then require installing an ``NR'' 
sensor(s), and if the lock washer height is not correct, also repairing 
or replacing the M/R hub with an airworthy M/R hub.
    This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of an 
affected M/R hub unless it has successfully passed the required 
inspection for correct lock washer installation.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires using a flashlight and visually inspecting the 
position of the lock washer, and further specifies that using an 
endoscope can facilitate that inspection. This proposed AD would 
require borescope inspecting for the correct height of the lock washer 
instead. After inspecting, the EASA AD requires reinstalling the 
removed ``NR'' sensor(s), while this proposed AD would require 
installing airworthy ``NR'' sensor(s) instead. If the lock washer is in 
an incorrect position, the EASA AD requires replacing the M/R hub, 
whereas this proposed AD would require repairing or replacing the M/R 
hub with an airworthy M/R hub instead.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 11 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 proposed AD.
    Removing an ``NR'' sensor and borescope inspecting would take about 
0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $473 for 
the U.S. fleet.
    Repairing the M/R hub would take about 10 work-hours and parts 
would cost up to about $3,000 for an estimated cost of up to $3,850 and 
replacing the M/R hub would take about 8 work-hours and parts would 
cost about $50,000 for an estimated cost of $50,680.

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

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
    (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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 43162]]

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 (AD):

    Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2020-0652; Product Identifier 
2019-SW-066-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any category, with 
a main rotor (M/R) hub assembly (hub) part number (P/N) 332A31-0001-
00, 332A31-0001-01, 332A31-0001-02, 332A31-0001-03, 332A31-0001-04, 
332A31-0001-05, or 332A31-0001-06 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as incorrect assembly of 
the M/R hub. This condition could result in failure of the M/R hub 
components and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by August 31, 2020.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Within 55 hours time-in-service, remove at least one M/R 
revolutions per minute (``NR'') sensor and borescope inspect the 
phonic wheel lock washer (lock washer) for correct height of the 
lock washer (if the installation is correct, you can see the edge of 
the splines) through the hole of the removed ``NR'' sensor(s) as 
shown in Figure 1 to Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
AS332-62.00.76, Revision 0, dated May 27, 2019.
    (i) If the height of the lock washer is correct, before further 
flight, install the ``NR'' sensor(s).
    (ii) If the height of the lock washer is not correct, before 
further flight, install the ``NR'' sensor(s) and repair or replace 
the M/R hub in accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install M/R hub 
P/N 332A31-0001-00, 332A31-0001-01, 332A31-0001-02, 332A31-0001-03, 
332A31-0001-04, 332A31-0001-05, or 332A31-0001-06 on any helicopter 
unless the actions of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD have been 
accomplished.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft 
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests 
that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal 
inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office 
or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (previously European Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) 
No. 2019-0172, dated July 18, 2019. You may view the EASA AD on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6230, Main Rotor 
Mast/Swashplate.

    Issued on July 10, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2020-15329 Filed 7-15-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P