[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 10, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13633-13637]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04806]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0847; Product Identifier 2018-SW-087-AD; Amendment 
39-21434; AD 2021-04-13]
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 AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, 
and AS350D helicopters; Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, 
and AS355NP helicopters; and Model EC130 B4 and EC130 T2 helicopters. 
This AD requires a one-time inspection to verify the presence and 
correct installation of the main rotor mast (MRM) upper bearing 
retaining rings, a repetitive inspection of the sealant bead on the MRM 
for damage, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted 
by a

[[Page 13634]]

report of a missing retaining ring of the inner race of the MRM upper 
bearing. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 14, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of April 14, 2021.

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-
0847.

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-
0847; 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 Aviation Safety Agency (now 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: Scott Franke, 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:

Discussion

    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 AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D 
helicopters; Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and 
AS355NP helicopters; and Model EC130 B4 and EC130 T2 helicopters. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 21, 2020 (85 FR 
59217). The NPRM proposed to require a one-time inspection to verify 
the presence and correct installation of the MRM upper bearing 
retaining rings, a repetitive inspection of the sealant bead on the MRM 
for damage, and corrective actions if necessary. The proposed 
requirements were intended to detect, and correct if applicable, a 
missing retaining ring of the inner race of the MRM upper bearing. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition, which, if not 
detected and corrected, can lead to damage to the MRM and surrounding 
elements, possibly resulting in loss of control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2018-0206, dated September 20, 
2018 (EASA AD 2018-0206), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent 
for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, 
AS350BB, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters; Model 
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters; and 
Model EC130 B4 and EC130 T2 helicopters. Model AS355BB helicopters are 
not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type 
certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those 
helicopters in the applicability. EASA advises that during a scheduled 
inspection on an Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 helicopter, one of 
the two retaining rings of the inner race of the MRM upper bearing was 
found missing. These two retaining rings ensure that the inner race is 
correctly positioned with respect to the rollers, and, if one or both 
of these retaining rings are missing, it can lead to an unlimited shift 
of the inner race and compromise the function of the MRM upper bearing. 
This condition, if not detected and corrected, can lead to damage to 
the MRM and surrounding elements, possibly resulting in loss of control 
of the helicopter.
    Airbus Helicopters developed an inspection to check that the upper 
and lower retaining rings of the inner race of the MRM upper bearing 
are present and correctly installed. EASA determined that the same 
condition may exist or develop on Airbus Helicopters Model AS350 
helicopters, Model AS355 helicopters, and Model EC130 helicopters 
because they share a similar design and supply chain. Until the check 
of the upper and lower bearing retaining rings is accomplished, EASA 
specifies that repetitive inspections of the MRM upper bearing sealant 
bead (sealant bead) should be accomplished to ensure the MRM remains 
serviceable. EASA considers its AD an interim measure pending further 
investigation results, and notes that further AD action may follow.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received 4 comments in support of 
the NPRM.

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 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 design and that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    Although EASA AD 2018-0206 specifies accomplishing the inspection 
of the installation of the MRM upper bearing inner race retaining rings 
within 660 hours time in service (TIS) or 24 months, whichever occurs 
first, the FAA has determined that interval does not address the 
identified unsafe condition soon enough to ensure an adequate level of 
safety for the affected fleet. In developing an appropriate compliance 
time for this AD, the FAA considered the degree of urgency associated 
with the subject unsafe condition and the manufacturer's 
recommendation. In light of all of these factors, the FAA finds that a 
compliance time of within 660 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs 
first, represents an appropriate interval of time for affected 
helicopters to continue to operate without compromising safety.
    Although paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2018-0206 specifies that 
operators may contact the manufacturer for instructions if there are 
signs of degradation on the MRM inner race, paragraph (i)(3) of this AD 
requires operators to repair or replace the MRM if there is any 
degradation as indicated by damage to the retaining rings (including 
but not limited to cracks, scratches, and gouges), deterioration, or 
wear.

[[Page 13635]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Helicopters has issued the following service information.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS350-62.00.42, 
Revision 0, dated September 17, 2018.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS355-62.00.37, 
Revision 0, dated September 17, 2018.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC130-62A017, 
Revision 0, dated September 17, 2018.
    This service information describes procedures for a one-time 
inspection to verify presence and correct installation of the MRM upper 
bearing retaining rings, a repetitive inspection of the sealant bead on 
the MRM for damage, and corrective actions. Damage of the sealant bead 
includes flaws, cracks, folds, separation, or absence of the sealant 
bead. Corrective actions include repair and replacement. These 
documents are distinct since they apply to different helicopter models.
    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 1,212 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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               Labor cost                   Parts cost         Cost per product         Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 30 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up               $0  Up to $2,550..............  Up to $3,090,600.
 to $2,550.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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           Labor cost                 Parts cost       Cost per product
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Up to 80 work-hours x $85 per     Up to $33,124.....  Up to $39,924.
 hour = Up to $6,800.
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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.

2021-04-13 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21434; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0847; Product Identifier 2018-SW-087-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) becomes effective April 14, 
2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters, certificated in any 
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD.
    (1) Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D 
helicopters.
    (2) Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP 
helicopters.
    (3) Model EC130 B4 and EC130 T2 helicopters.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 6230, Main Rotor 
Mast Inner Race Rings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a missing retaining ring of 
the inner race of the main rotor mast (MRM) upper bearing. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address this condition, which, if not detected 
and corrected, can lead to damage to the MRM and surrounding 
elements, possibly resulting in loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the

[[Page 13636]]

specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished 
prior to that time.

(g) Definitions

    (1) For the purposes of this AD, an affected part is any MRM 
having part number (P/N) 350A37-1290-XX (where XX can be any 
numerical combination) and a serial number as listed in Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS350-62.00.42, Revision 0, dated 
September 17, 2018; Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS355-
62.00.37, Revision 0, dated September 17, 2018; or Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC130-62A017, Revision 0, dated 
September 17, 2018, as applicable to your model helicopter, unless 
the upper bearing inner race retaining rings are verified to be 
installed correctly as specified in the inspection required in 
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, a Group 1 helicopter is one on 
which an affected part is installed.
    (3) For the purposes of this AD, a Group 2 helicopter is one on 
which an affected part is not installed.

 (h) MRM Upper Sealant Bead Inspection

    (1) For Group 1 helicopters, within the compliance time 
specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD, and, thereafter, 
at intervals not to exceed 165 hours time-in-service (TIS): Inspect 
the MRM upper bearing sealant bead for damage in accordance with 
section 3.B.2.a of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS350-62.00.42, Revision 0, dated 
September 17, 2018; Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS355-
62.00.37, Revision 0, dated September 17, 2018; or Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC130-62A017, Revision 0, dated 
September 17, 2018, as applicable to your model helicopter, except 
you are not required to discard the plastic clamps (Item vv). For 
the purposes of this inspection, damage may be indicated by flaws, 
cracks, folds, separation, or absence of the sealant bead.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR10MR21.000

    Note 1 to paragraph (h)(1): Unless specified otherwise, the 
hours TIS specified in figure 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD are 
those accumulated on the effective date of this AD by the helicopter 
since first flight.

    (2) If, during any inspection of the MRM upper bearing sealant 
bead as required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, there is damage, 
before further flight, inspect the installation of the MRM upper 
bearing inner race retaining rings for discrepancies in accordance 
with paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.

 (i) MRM Inner Race Retaining Rings Inspection

    (1) For Group 1 Helicopters: Within 660 hours TIS or 6 months, 
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD: Inspect 
the installation of the MRM upper bearing inner race retaining rings 
for discrepancies in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of section 3.B.2.b of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 
AS350 62.00.42, Revision 0, dated September 17, 2018; Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS355-62.00.37, Revision 0, dated 
September 17, 2018; or Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 
EC130-62A017, Revision 0, dated September 17, 2018, as applicable to 
your model helicopter, except you are not required to discard the 
plastic clamps (Item vv). For the purposes of this inspection, 
discrepancies may be indicated by incorrect positioning or missing 
rings.
    (2) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (i)(1) of 
this AD there are any discrepancies, before further flight, remove 
the affected part, inspect the MRM inner race for degradation, and 
replace the retaining rings in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of section 3.B.2.c of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin AS350 62.00.42, Revision 0, dated September 17, 2018; 
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS355-62.00.37, Revision 
0, dated September 17, 2018; or Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin EC130-62A017, Revision 0, dated September 17, 2018, as 
applicable to you model helicopter, except you are not required to 
return parts to Airbus Helicopters. For the purposes of this 
inspection, degradation is indicated by damage to the retaining 
rings (including but not limited to cracks, scratches, and gouges), 
deterioration, or wear.
    (3) If, during the inspection of the MRM inner race, as required 
by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, there is any degradation, before 
next flight, repair or replace the MRM.

(j) Terminating Action

    Verification on a helicopter of correct installation of the MRM 
upper bearing inner race retaining rings, as required by paragraph 
(i)(1) of this AD, or corrective action on a helicopter, as 
specified in paragraphs (h)(2), (i)(2), or (i)(3) of this AD, as 
applicable, constitute terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD for that 
helicopter.

(k) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any helicopter, an affected part as identified in paragraph (g)(1) 
of this AD.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Scott Franke, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, 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, 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.

(m) Related Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-
0206, dated September 20, 2018. This EASA AD may be found in the AD 
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0847.

(n) 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 AS350-62.00.42, 
Revision 0, dated September 17, 2018.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS355-62.00.37, 
Revision 0, dated September 17, 2018.
    (iii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC130-62A017, 
Revision 0, dated September 17, 2018.

[[Page 13637]]

    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone 800-232-0323 or 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.

    Issued on February 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-04806 Filed 3-9-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P