[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 42 (Friday, March 5, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12857-12862]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03954]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1182; Product Identifier 2018-SW-036-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2016-08-20 for certain Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter 
France) EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2016-08-20 requires 
repetitively inspecting the tail boom to Fenestron junction frame 
(junction frame) for a crack. Since the FAA issued AD 2016-08-20, 
additional cracks have been reported and a design change that modifies 
the junction frame has become available. This proposed AD would 
continue to require inspecting the junction frame with the horizontal 
stabilizer removed, and would propose to expand the applicability, 
revise the compliance time and the inspection procedures for inspecting 
the junction frame, add inspection procedures for certain helicopters, 
allow repair of the junction frame, and would require modifying and 
then repetitively inspecting the junction frame and reporting certain 
information. 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 April 5, 
2021.

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://

[[Page 12858]]

www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
1182; 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 Aviation Safety Agency (now European 
Union 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: Kristi Bradley, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation 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 send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include Docket No. FAA-2020-1182; Product Identifier 
2018-SW-036-AD at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data.
    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 post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this proposal.

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 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 
Kristi Bradley, Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft 
Section, International Validation 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

    The FAA issued AD 2016-08-20, Amendment 39-18497 (81 FR 26103, May 
2, 2016) (2016-08-20), for Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 
helicopters with a junction frame that has 690 or more hours time-in-
service (TIS) installed. AD 2016-08-20 requires dye penetrant and 
borescope inspecting around the circumference of the junction frame for 
a crack and replacing any cracked junction frame. AD 2016-08-20 was 
prompted by EASA AD 2015-0033-E, dated February 24, 2015 (EASA AD 2015-
0033-E), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union, to supersede an existing EASA AD. EASA 
had determined that it was necessary to define an inspection interval 
in sling cycles in addition to the existing flight hour inspection 
interval. EASA also acknowledged an alternative method to inspect from 
the outside of the tail boom.

Actions Since AD 2016-08-20 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2016-08-20, EASA has issued a series of 
ADs, the most recent being EASA AD 2018-0104, dated May 4, 2018 (EASA 
AD 2018-0104), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters 
(formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France) Model EC 130 B4 and EC 130 T2 
helicopters, all serial numbers, except those with Airbus modification 
(MOD) 074775 installed. EASA's initial AD was prompted by two incidents 
of crack propagation through the junction frame that initiated in the 
lower right-hand side between the web and the flange where the lower 
spar of the tail boom is joined. EASA states the cracks were of a 
significant length and not visible from the outside of the helicopter. 
EASA advised that this condition, if not detected, could lead to 
structural failure, possibly resulting in Fenestron detachment and 
consequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    Following EASA AD 2015-0033-E, EASA revised its AD to EASA AD 2015-
0033R1, dated May 3, 2016 (EASA AD 2015-0033R1), which was prompted by 
the determination that it was not necessary to inspect junction frames 
that had accumulated less than 1,200 flight hours. Accordingly, EASA AD 
2015-0033R1 extended the inspection threshold from 700 flight hours to 
1,200 flight hours. Thereafter, EASA issued EASA AD 2016-0240, dated 
December 2, 2016 (EASA AD 2016-0240) to supersede EASA AD 2015-0033R1. 
EASA AD 2016-0240 was prompted by a third incident of cracking in the 
same area of the junction frame as the first two incidents. 
Investigation determined that detection of the crack was delayed 
because of insufficient cleaning of the inspection area inside the 
junction frame. For that reason, EASA AD 2016-0240 retained the 
requirements of EASA AD 2015-0033R1 and added additional cleaning 
requirements before inspecting. After EASA AD 2016-0240 was issued, a 
fourth incident of cracking in the same area of the junction frame as 
the first three incidents was reported. This fourth incident prompted 
EASA to issue EASA AD 2017-0066-E, dated April 21, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-
0066-E) to supersede EASA AD 2016-0240. This fourth incident occurred 
on a junction frame that had accumulated significantly less flight 
hours than the first three incidents. In light of this, EASA AD 2017-
0066-E retained the requirements of EASA AD 2016-0240 and reduced the 
inspection threshold. Shortly after, EASA issued EASA AD 2017-0080, 
dated May 5, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0080) to supersede EASA AD 2017-0066-E. 
EASA AD 2017-0080 was prompted by the determination that improved 
procedures to remove the horizontal stabilizer before cleaning and 
inspecting were necessary for certain helicopters. Accordingly, EASA AD 
2017-0080 retained the requirements of EASA AD 2017-0066-E and added 
the improved procedures. Since EASA issued EASA AD 2017-0080, Airbus 
Helicopters developed MOD 074775, which consists of the installation of 
four carbon patches at the junction frame. Installation of MOD 074775, 
either in production or by retrofit, constitutes terminating action for 
the repetitive

[[Page 12859]]

inspections. Based on the latest information, EASA determined that 
continued inspections may not adequately address the long-term risk and 
requires modifying the affected helicopters, which also terminates the 
repetitive inspections of the pre-modified configuration. Accordingly, 
EASA issued EASA AD 2018-0104 to supersede EASA AD 2017-0080 to require 
installation of MOD 074775.
    Also since the FAA issued AD 2016-08-20, it has been determined 
that the dye penetrant inspections required by AD 2016-08-20 are 
unnecessary because visual inspections are adequate to inspect for 
cracks in the affected area instead.
    As a result of the EASA-issued ADs and the further incidents of 
cracked junction frames, this proposed AD proposes to expand the 
applicability to include all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and 
EC130T2 helicopters with a junction frame, regardless of how many hours 
TIS have accumulated on the junction frame; revise the compliance time 
to inspect the junction frame with the horizontal stabilizer removed to 
depend on the hours TIS accumulated on the junction frame; change the 
inspection of the junction frame with the horizontal stabilizer removed 
from the dye-penetrant inspection required by AD 2016-08-20 to a visual 
inspection; add inspection procedures for helicopters with a skin cut-
out at the junction frame; allow repairing a junction frame in 
accordance with an FAA approved repair procedure; require the 
installation of MOD 074775 or the four carbon patches reinforcements; 
and require repetitive inspections of a modified junction frame.

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 proposing 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 these same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Helicopters has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
05A017, Revision 7, dated March 21, 2018, for Model EC130 B4 and T2 
helicopters without MOD 074775 installed. This service information 
specifies procedures for cleaning inside the junction frame, inspecting 
the junction frame from the inside of the tail boom with the horizontal 
stabilizer both removed and installed for a crack, and inspecting the 
junction frame from the outside of the tail boom for a crack.
    Airbus Helicopters has issued Service Bulletin No. EC130-53-036, 
Revision 4, dated April, 28, 2020, for Model EC130 B4 and T2 
helicopters without MOD 074609 or 074775 installed and on which the 
skin of the junction frame area has not been repaired. This service 
information specifies procedures to reinforce the junction frame (MOD 
074775) by replacing the two lateral splices which join the skins with 
four carbon patches (left-hand side, right-hand side, and lower sides).
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    Airbus Helicopters has issued Service Bulletin No. EC130-53-029, 
Revision 1, dated January 27, 2016. This service information specifies 
procedures to make a cut-out of the splice and skin at the junction 
frame (MOD 350A087421).
    Airbus has issued EC 130 B4 Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations 
Section, Revision 11, dated January 19, 2019 and EC 130 T2 Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations Section, Revision 9, dated September 9, 2019, 
which specify visually checking the junction frame for cracks at an 
interval of 600 flight hours with a margin of 60 flight hours.
    Airbus Helicopters has also issued Section 55-11-00, 6-4--
Horizontal Stabilizer--Inspection/Check, of Aircraft Maintenance Manual 
EC130, dated November 9, 2017, which specifies procedures for cleaning 
inside the junction frame and inspecting the junction frame from the 
inside of the tail boom with the horizontal stabilizer removed.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require:
     For helicopters without MOD 074775, or MOD AH 350A087421 
or SB EC130-53-029 installed, at a compliance time based on the hours 
TIS accumulated on the junction frame, removing the horizontal 
stabilizer, cleaning the junction frame, and visually inspecting the 
junction frame area for a crack, paying particular attention to the 
area around the 4 spars.
    [cir] Following the initial visual inspection, within 25 hours TIS 
or 390 sling cycles, whichever comes first, and thereafter at intervals 
not exceeding 25 hours TIS or 390 sling cycles, whichever comes first, 
either repeating the initial visual inspection, or, if the surface area 
is clean, borescope inspecting the junction frame area for a crack, 
paying particular attention to the area around the 4 spars.
    [cir] Also following the initial visual inspection, within 150 
hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, 
repeating the initial visual inspection.
     For helicopters without MOD 074775 installed, but with MOD 
AH 350A087421 or SB EC130-53-029 installed, before the junction frame 
accumulates 350 hours TIS or within 10 hours TIS, whichever occurs 
later, visually inspecting for a crack on the junction frame area in 
each skin cut-out area.
    [cir] Following the initial visual inspection, within 10 hours TIS 
or 250 sling cycles, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at 
intervals not exceeding 10 hours TIS or 250 sling cycles, whichever 
occurs first, repeating the initial visual inspection.
    [cir] Also following the initial visual inspection, within 660 
hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 660 hours TIS, 
removing the horizontal stabilizer, cleaning the junction frame, and 
dye-penetrant inspecting the junction frame area for a crack, paying 
particular attention to the area around the 4 spars.
     If there is a crack, replacing or repairing the junction 
frame in accordance with an FAA approved repair procedure before 
further flight. Repairing the junction frame would not constitute 
terminating action for the requirements of this proposed AD.
     For helicopters without MOD 074775 installed, with or 
without MOD AH 350A087421 or SB EC130-53-029 installed, without MOD 
074609 or SB 53-024 installed, and on which the skin of the junction 
frame area has never been repaired, installing MOD 074775 within 24 
months as of the effective date of this AD and reporting certain 
information to Airbus Helicopters within 30 days after installing MOD 
074775.
     For helicopters without MOD 074775 installed, with MOD 
074609 or SB 53-024 installed, or on which the skin of the junction 
frame area has been previously repaired at any time, reinforcing the 
junction frame by replacing the two lateral splices which join the 
skins with four carbon patches (left-hand side, right-hand side, and 
lower sides) within 24 months as of the effective date of this AD.
     For helicopters with MOD 074775 installed or with the four 
carbon patches reinforcements installed, but without

[[Page 12860]]

MOD 074581 for Model EC130T2 helicopters, within 600 hours TIS after 
the installation of MOD 074775 or the reinforcement, and thereafter at 
intervals not exceeding 600 hours TIS, visually inspect the junction 
frame area for a crack. If there is a crack, replacing or repairing the 
junction frame in accordance with an FAA approved repair procedure 
before further flight. Repairing the junction frame would not 
constitute terminating action for the requirements of this proposed AD.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    EASA AD 2018-0104 does not apply to helicopters with MOD 074775, 
whereas this proposed AD does. EASA AD 2018-0104 requires performing a 
local non-destructive inspection if in doubt about if there is a crack, 
whereas this proposed AD does not. EASA AD 2018-0104 allows the pilot 
to visually inspect the junction frame from outside the tail boom for a 
crack, whereas this proposed AD does not. EASA AD 2018-0104 requires 
contacting Airbus Helicopters if any crack is detected, whereas this 
proposed AD would require replacing or repairing the junction frame in 
accordance with an FAA approved repair procedure instead. This proposed 
AD would require a repetitive inspection for helicopters with MOD 
074775 installed, whereas the EASA AD does not.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 263 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hours. Based 
on these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the 
following costs in order to comply with this proposed AD.
    Cleaning and inspecting the junction frame area with the horizontal 
stabilizer removed would take about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost 
of $85 per helicopter and $22,355 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection 
cycle.
    Internally borescope inspecting the junction frame area with the 
horizontal stabilizer installed would take about 0.5 work hour for an 
estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $11,309 for the U.S. fleet, 
per inspection cycle.
    If applicable, cleaning and inspecting the junction frame area in 
each skin cut-out area would take about 1.25 work-hour for an estimated 
cost of $106 per helicopter and $27,878 for the U.S. fleet, per 
inspection cycle.
    Modifying the junction frame skin reinforcements would take about 
90 work-hours and parts cost about $10,000 for an estimated cost of 
$17,650 per helicopter and $4,641,950 for the U.S. fleet. Reporting 
certain information would take about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost 
of $85 per helicopter and $22,355 for the U.S. fleet. Inspecting the 
modified junction frame area would take about 1 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $22,355 for the U.S. fleet, 
per inspection cycle.
    If required, repairing or replacing the junction frame would take 
up to 50 work-hours and parts would cost about $60,000 for an estimated 
cost of $64,250 per helicopter.
    According to Airbus Helicopters' service information, some of the 
costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby 
reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. The FAA does not 
control warranty coverage by Airbus Helicopters. Accordingly, the FAA 
has included all costs in this cost estimate.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate 
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including 
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection 
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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 that 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:

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-08-20, Amendment 39-18497 
(81 FR 26103, May 2, 2016); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2020-1182; Product Identifier 
2018-SW-036-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Airbus Helicopters 
Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category, 
with a tail boom to Fenestron junction frame (junction frame).

[[Page 12861]]

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in the junction 
frame. This condition could result in failure of the junction frame, 
which could result in loss of the Fenestron and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2016-08-20, Amendment 39-18497 (81 FR 
26103, May 2, 2016).

(d) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by April 5, 2021.

(e) 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.

(f) Required Actions

    (1) For helicopters without modification (MOD) 074775, or MOD AH 
350A087421 or SB EC130-53-029 installed, at the compliance time 
specified by the hours time-in-service (TIS) accumulated on the 
junction frame in Figure 1 to this paragraph, do the following:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP05MR21.008

    (i) Remove the horizontal stabilizer; using a clean, lint-free, 
white cloth soaked with liquid Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), clean the 
inside of the junction frame (a) as shown in Figure 1 of Airbus 
Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A017, Revision 7, 
dated March 21, 2018 (EASB 05A017, Rev 7); and visually inspect for 
cracking around the circumference of the junction frame, in the web 
of the junction frame (a) and in the radius between the web and the 
flange of the tail boom side as shown in Figure 1 EASB 05A017, Rev 
7. Pay particular attention to the area around the 4 spars (b) as 
shown in Figure 1 of EASB 05A017, Rev 7. Examples of cracks are 
shown in Figure 3 of EASB 05A017, Rev 7. If there is a crack, before 
further flight, replace or repair the junction frame in accordance 
with an FAA approved repair procedure. Repairing or replacing the 
junction frame does not constitute terminating action for the 
requirements of this AD.
    (ii) Thereafter following paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD, within 
25 hours TIS or 390 sling cycles for helicopters that perform 
external load carrying operations, whichever occurs first, and 
thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25 hours TIS or 390 sling 
cycles, whichever occurs first, either perform the actions of 
paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD or, if the surface of the junction 
frame area is clean, use a borescope through the horizontal 
stabilizer opening to borescope inspect for a crack around the 
circumference of the junction frame, and in the web of the junction 
frame (a) and in the radius between the web and the flange on the 
tail boom side as shown in Figure 2 EASB 05A017, Rev 7. Pay 
particular attention to the area around the 4 spars (b) of Figure 2 
of EASB 05A017, Rev 7. Examples of cracks are shown in Figure 3 of 
EASB 05A017, Rev 7. For purposes of this AD, a sling cycle is 
defined as one landing with or without stopping the rotor or one 
external load-carrying operation; an external load-carrying 
operation occurs each time a helicopter picks up an external load 
and drops it off. If there is a crack, before further flight, 
replace or repair the junction frame in accordance with an FAA 
approved repair procedure. Repairing or replacing the junction frame 
does not constitute terminating action for the requirements of this 
AD.
    (iii) Thereafter following paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD, 
within 150 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 
hours TIS, accomplish the actions required by paragraph (f)(1)(i) of 
this AD. Accomplishment of this paragraph constitutes compliance for 
an instance of paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (2) For helicopters without MOD 074775 installed, but with MOD 
AH 350A087421 or SB EC130-53-029 installed, before the junction 
frame accumulates 350 hours TIS or within 10 hours TIS, whichever 
occurs later:
    (i) Visually inspect for cracking on the junction frame (a) in 
the upper and lower right-hand side and upper and lower left-hand 
side areas of the skin cut-out as shown in Detail A, Figure 4 of 
EASB 05A017, Rev 7. If there is a crack, before further flight, 
replace or repair the junction frame in accordance with an FAA 
approved repair procedure. Repairing or replacing the junction frame 
does not constitute terminating action for the requirements of this 
AD.
    (ii) Thereafter following paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this AD, within 
10 hours TIS or 250 sling cycles for helicopters that perform 
external load carrying operations, whichever occurs first, and 
thereafter at intervals not exceeding 10 hours TIS or 250 sling 
cycles, whichever occurs first, accomplish the actions required by 
paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this AD.
    (iii) Thereafter following paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this AD, 
within 660 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 660 
hours TIS, accomplish the actions required by paragraph (f)(1)(i) of 
this AD. Accomplishment of this paragraph constitutes compliance for 
an instance of paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (3) For helicopters without MOD 074775 installed, with or 
without MOD AH 350A087421 or SB EC130-53-029 installed, without MOD 
074609 or SB 53-024 installed, and on which the skin of the junction 
frame area has never been repaired, within 24 months as of the 
effective date of this AD, install MOD 074775 by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2.a. through g., of 
Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No. EC130-53-036, Revision 4, 
dated April, 28, 2020 (ASB EC130-53-036, Rev 4), except where ASB 
EC130-53-036, Rev. 4 specifies to certain discard parts, you are 
required to remove those parts from service instead and where ASB 
EC130-53-036, Rev 4. specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters for 
corrective action, the corrective action must be accomplished using 
a method approved by the FAA. Where ASB EC130-53-036, Rev 4, 
specifies completing the table in Appendix 4.H. under paragraph 
3.B.2.g., complete and return the table to Airbus Helicopters within 
30 days after installing MOD 074775. Installation of MOD 074775 
constitutes terminating action for the inspections required by 
paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (4) For helicopters without MOD 074775 installed, with MOD 
074609 or SB 53-024 installed, or on which the skin of the junction 
frame area has been previously repaired at any time, within 24 
months as of the effective date of this AD, reinforce the junction 
frame by replacing the two lateral splices which join the skins with 
four carbon patches (left-hand side, right-hand side, and lower 
sides) in accordance with an FAA approved corrective procedure. 
Installation

[[Page 12862]]

of this reinforcement constitutes terminating action for the 
inspections required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (5) For Model EC130B4 helicopters with MOD 074775 installed or 
with the reinforcement that is required by paragraph (f)(4) of this 
AD; and for Model EC130T2 helicopters with MOD 074775 installed or 
with the reinforcement that is required by paragraph (f)(4) of this 
AD, but without MOD 074581 installed:
    (i) Within 600 hours TIS after the installation of MOD 074775 or 
the reinforcement that is required by paragraph (f)(4) of this AD, 
and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 600 hours TIS, perform the 
actions of paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD.
    (ii) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace or 
repair the junction frame in accordance with an FAA approved repair 
procedure. Repairing the junction frame does not constitute 
terminating action for the requirements of this AD.

(g) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kristi Bradley, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation 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.

(i) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No. EC130-53-029, 
Revision 1, dated January 27, 2016, Airbus EC 130 B4 Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations Section, Revision 11, dated January 19, 
2019, Airbus EC 130 T2 Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Section, 
Revision 9, dated September 9, 2019, and Section 55-11-00, 6-4-
Horizontal Stabilizer--Inspection/Check, of Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual EC130, dated November 9, 2017, which are not incorporated by 
reference, contain additional information about the subject of this 
AD. 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. You may 
view a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) 
2018-0104, dated May 4, 2018. You may view the EASA AD on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating it in Docket No. FAA-2020-1182.

(j) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5302, Rotorcraft 
Tail Boom.

    Issued on February 19, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03954 Filed 3-4-21; 8:45 am]
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