[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 57 (Friday, March 26, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16041-16043]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-06205]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0696; Product Identifier 2018-SW-019-AD; Amendment 
39-21485; AD 2021-07-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH and 
Eurocopter Canada Ltd.) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-26-02 
for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105S, BO-
105LS A-1, and BO-105LS A-3 helicopters; and Eurocopter Canada Ltd. 
Model BO-105LS A-3 helicopters. AD 97-26-02 required a repetitive 
visual inspection for cracks in the ribbed area of the main rotor (M/R) 
mast flange (flange), and depending on the outcome, replacing the M/R 
mast. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 97-26-02 and removes 
the reinforced M/R mast from the applicability. This AD was prompted by 
the determination that a certain reinforced M/R mast is not affected by 
the unsafe condition. The actions of this AD are intended to address an 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 30, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 31, 
1997 (62 FR 65749, December 16, 1997).

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 this 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-
0696.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://

[[Page 16042]]

www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2020-0696; 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, 
the Transport Canada 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 to remove AD 97-26-02, Amendment 39-10245 (62 FR 65749, 
December 16, 1997) (AD 97-26-02), and add a new AD. AD 97-26-02 applied 
to Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105LS A-1, 
and BO-105LS A-3 helicopters and Eurocopter Canada Ltd. Model BO-105LS 
A-3 helicopters. AD 97-26-02 was prompted by Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) 
AD 97-275, effective September 25, 1997, issued by LBA, which is the 
airworthiness authority for Germany, to correct an unsafe condition for 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model BO 105 helicopters; and Transport 
Canada AD CF-97-18, dated September 30, 1997 (Transport Canada AD CF-
97-18), issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for 
Canada. The LBA and Transport Canada ADs required an immediate and 
repetitive visual inspection for a crack in the flange area after an M/
R mast was found to have cracks of critical magnitude.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2020 (85 FR 
43506). The NPRM proposed to continue to require the repetitive visual 
inspection for a crack in the ribbed area of the M/R mast flange, and 
if there is a crack, removing from service the M/R mast and replacing 
it with an airworthy M/R mast.
    The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2018-0056, dated March 14, 2018, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH, 
Eurocopter Hubschrauber GmbH, Messerschmitt-B[ouml]lkow-Blohm GmbH, 
Eurocopter Canada Ltd, Messerschmitt-B[ouml]lkow-Blohm Helicopter 
Canada Ltd.) Model BO105 A, BO105 C, BO105 D, BO105 LS A-1, BO105 LS A-
3 and BO105 S helicopters. EASA advises of the transfer of type 
certificate responsibility of Eurocopter Canada Ltd. Model BO-105LS A-3 
helicopters to Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH and the determination that 
reinforced M/R mast part number (P/N) 4639 305 095 of M/R mast assembly 
P/N 4639 205 017 is not affected by this unsafe condition. The EASA AD 
retains the repetitive visual inspection requirements but only for 
helicopters with M/R mast P/N 4619 305 032 of M/R mast assembly P/N 
4638 205 005, and M/R mast P/N 4639 305 002 of M/R mast assembly P/N 
4639 205 017. With the transfer of type certificate responsibility of 
Eurocopter Canada Ltd. Model BO-105LS A-3 helicopters, Transport Canada 
issued Transport Canada AD CF-1997-18R1, dated March 12, 2018, to 
cancel Transport Canada AD CF-97-18.
    Also, since the FAA issued AD 97-26-02, Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH 
changed its name to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH. This AD 
reflects that change and updates the contact information to obtain 
service documentation.

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 has 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 these same type designs and that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters if there is a 
crack in the flange, whereas this AD requires replacing the M/R mast 
instead. Also, the EASA AD applies to Model BO105 D and BO105 S 
helicopters; this AD does not as these model helicopters are not type-
certificated in the U.S.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 
ASB-BO 105-10-110, dated August 27, 1997, which specifies procedures 
for repetitive visual inspections of the flange for cracks.
    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 21 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 
per work-hour.
    Inspecting the flange takes about 0.25 work-hour for an estimated 
cost of $21 per helicopter and $441 for the U.S. fleet per inspection 
cycle.
    Replacing the M/R mast takes about 8 work-hours and parts cost 
about $30,000 for an estimated cost of $30,680 per helicopter.

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 has determined that 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

[[Page 16043]]

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-26-02, Amendment 39-10245 
(62 FR 65749, December 16, 1997); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:


2021-07-08 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH and Eurocopter Canada 
Ltd.): Amendment 39-21485; Docket No. FAA-2020-0696; Product 
Identifier 2018-SW-019-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Airbus Helicopters 
Deutschland GmbH Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105S, BO-105LS A-1, and 
BO-105LS A-3 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main 
rotor (M/R) mast part number (P/N) 4619 305 032 of M/R mast assembly 
P/N 4638 205 005, or M/R mast P/N 4639 305 002 of M/R mast assembly 
P/N 4639 205 017.

    Note 1 to Paragraph (a):  M/R mast assembly P/N 4639 205 017 may 
also contain reinforced M/R mast P/N 4639 305 095, which is not 
affected by this AD.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as cracks in the M/R mast 
flange (flange). This condition could result in failure of the 
flange and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 97-26-02, Amendment 39-10245 (62 FR 65749, 
December 16, 1997).

(d) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 30, 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) Before further flight and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 100 hours time-in-service, visually inspect the flange in the 
ribbed area for cracks using a 5-power or higher magnifying glass in 
accordance with paragraphs 2.A.1. and 2.A.2. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Alert Service Bulletin 
No. ASB-BO 105-10-110, dated August 27, 1997.
    (2) If there is a crack, remove from service the cracked M/R 
mast and replace it with an airworthy M/R mast.

(g) 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 (h)(1) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [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.

(h) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, 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].
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 
2018-0056, dated March 14, 2018; and Transport Canada AD CF-1997-
18R1, dated March 12, 2018. You may view the EASA and Transport 
Canada ADs on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2020-0696.

(i) Subject

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

(j) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 31, 1997 (62 FR 65749, December 16, 1997).
    (i) Eurocopter Deutshland GmbH Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB-BO 
105-10-110, dated August 27, 1997.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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 March 20, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-06205 Filed 3-25-21; 8:45 am]
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