[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 224 (Thursday, November 19, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73613-73615]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-25471]



[[Page 73613]]

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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; Amendment 
39-21322; AD 2020-23-06]
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 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 
helicopters. This AD requires 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 AD was prompted by reported occurrences of M/R 
revolutions per minute (``NR'') sensor fluctuations. The actions of 
this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 24, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of December 24, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final 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.
    It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0652.

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 AD, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any 
service information that is incorporated by reference, any comments 
received, and other information. The street 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: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager, 
Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General 
Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 
76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    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 AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters with an M/R 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. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 16, 2020 
(85 FR 43160). The NPRM proposed to require removing at least one M/R 
``NR'' sensor and borescope inspecting the phonic wheel lock washer for 
correct height of the lock washer. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit 
the installation of an affected M/R hub unless it has successfully 
passed the required inspection for correct lock washer installation. 
The proposed requirements were intended to prohibit the incorrect 
assembly of the M/R hub, which, if not corrected, could result in 
failure of the M/R hub components and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2019-0172, dated July 18, 
2019, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union. This EASA AD was issued to correct an 
unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 
332 L, and AS 332 L1 helicopters with an 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 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. 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.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule, but the FAA did not receive any comments on 
the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

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 of the 
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after 
evaluating all of the information provided by EASA and determining the 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
helicopters of the same type designs and that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting these AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This 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 AD requires 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 AD requires 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 AD requires repairing or 
replacing the M/R hub with an airworthy M/R hub instead.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

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

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 11 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry.

[[Page 73614]]

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.
    Removing an ``NR'' sensor and borescope inspecting takes 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 takes about 10 work-hours and parts cost up 
to about $3,000 for an estimated cost of up to $3,850 and replacing the 
M/R hub takes about 8 work-hours and parts 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 helicopters 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.

Adoption of 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:

2020-23-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21322; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0652; Product Identifier 2019-SW-066-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (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) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 24, 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, AD Program 
Manager, Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, 
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, 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 (EASA) No. 2019-0172, dated July 18, 2019. You may 
view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0652.

(h) Subject

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

(i) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
62.00.76, Revision 0, dated May 27, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, 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.
    (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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.


[[Page 73615]]


    Issued on October 30, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-25471 Filed 11-18-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P