[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 47 (Friday, March 12, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13982-13985]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05151]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1131; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00613-R; 
Amendment 39-21445; AD 2021-05-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, 
AS350C, and AS350D helicopters; Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, 
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters; and Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of failed main rotor hub-
to-mast attachment screws. This AD requires determining whether the 
helicopter has been operated in a severe environment since the last 
inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws, an 
inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if the 
helicopter has been operated in a severe environment, and replacement 
of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if necessary, as 
specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now 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 April 16, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 16, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; internet: 
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at 
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. 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. It is also available in 
the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1131.

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-
1131; 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, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 470 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 
20024; phone: 202-267-9167; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2017-0032, dated February 17, 2017; 
corrected February 20, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0032) (also referred to as 
the

[[Page 13983]]

Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS 350 B, 
AS 350 BA, AS 350 BB, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3, and AS 350 D 
helicopters; AS 355 E, AS 355 F, AS 355 F1, AS 355 F2, AS 355 N, and AS 
355 NP helicopters; and EC 130 B4 and EC 130 T2 helicopters. Model AS 
350 BB 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. This AD also applies to 
Airbus Helicopter Model AS 350C helicopters because these helicopters 
have a similar design and are included on the U.S. type certificate 
data sheet.
    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, AS350C, and AS350D 
helicopters; Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and 
AS355NP helicopters; and Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 15, 2020 (85 FR 
81157). The NPRM was prompted by a report of failed main rotor hub-to-
mast attachment screws. The NPRM proposed to require determining 
whether the helicopter has been operated in a severe environment since 
the last inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws, an 
inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if the 
helicopter has been operated in a severe environment, and replacement 
of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if necessary, as 
specified in an EASA AD.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address failed main rotor hub-to-mast 
attachment screws, which could lead to disconnection of the main rotor 
hub-to-mast attachment, possibly resulting in loss of control of the 
helicopter. See the MCAI for additional background information.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comments 
received. An individual indicated agreement with the NPRM.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor 
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2017-0032 describes procedures for determining whether the 
helicopter has been operated in a severe environment since the last 
inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws, an 
inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws for 
corrosion and damage (damage includes cracks, dents, and bolt 
distortion) if the helicopter was operated in a severe environment, and 
replacement of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if 
necessary. 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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    EASA AD 2017-0032 does not apply to Airbus Helicopter Model AS350C 
helicopters, which are included on the U.S. type certificate data 
sheet. However, this AD applies to Airbus Helicopter Model AS350C 
helicopters because those helicopters have a similar design to the 
helicopters identified in EASA AD 2017-0032.
    Where the service information specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 
2017-0032 specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters if damage or 
corrosion exceeds existing criteria, this AD requires replacing the 
affected screws using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Validation Branch, FAA.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,220 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

           Estimated Costs for Required Determination of Helicopter Operation in a Severe Environment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hours x $85 per hour = $85............................              $0              $85         $103,700
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 hour per product to 
comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the 
cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be 
$103,700, or $85 per product.
    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. If a helicopter is determined to have been operated 
in a severe environment, an inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast 
attachment screws will be required. If there is corrosion or damage to 
any of the screws, replacement of the affected screws will be required. 
The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might 
need these on-condition actions:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340....            $106             $446
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 13984]]

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 control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 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

    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:

AD 2021-05-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21445; Docket No. 
FAA-2020-1131; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00613-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 16, 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, AS350C, 
and AS350D helicopters.
    (2) Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP 
helicopters.
    (3) Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6200, Main Rotor 
System.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of failed main rotor hub-to-
mast attachment screws. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failed 
main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws, which could lead to 
disconnection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment, possibly 
resulting in loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2017-0032, dated February 17, 
2017; corrected February 20, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0032).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2017-0032

    (1) Where EASA AD 2017-0032 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2017-0032 does not apply 
to this AD.
    (3) Paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2017-0032 specifies to report 
inspection results to Airbus Helicopters within a certain compliance 
time. For this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (h)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD.
    (4) Where EASA AD 2017-0032 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD 
requires using hours time-in-service.
    (5) Where the service information specified in paragraph (3) of 
EASA AD 2017-0032 specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters if damage 
or corrosion exceeds existing criteria, for this AD, replace the 
affected screws using a method approved by the Manager, 
International Validation Branch, FAA. For a repair method to be 
approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, as 
required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (6) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2017-
0032 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include 
that requirement.

(i) 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 (j) 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.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, 
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 470 L'Enfant 
Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; phone: 202-267-9167; email: 
[email protected].

[[Page 13985]]

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2017-0032, dated 
February 17, 2017; corrected February 20, 2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2017-0032, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: 
[email protected]; internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (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. This material may be 
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2020-1131.
    (5) You may view this material 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 17, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05151 Filed 3-11-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P