[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 150 (Monday, August 9, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43449-43451]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16684]



[[Page 43449]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0620; Project Identifier 2019-SW-074-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal (HG) Model Cabri G2 helicopters 
with certain part-numbered aluminum cooling fans (cooling fan) 
installed. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of two occurrences 
of in-flight shutdowns due to a crack and subsequent failure of the 
cooling fan. This proposed AD would require removing certain part-
numbered cooling fans from service, or modifying certain part-numbered 
cooling fans before exceeding a certain total hours time-in-service 
(TIS), and installing newly designed cooling fans. This proposed AD 
would also prohibit installing any affected cooling fan on any 
helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 
23, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact 
H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal, Basile Ginel, 1070, rue du 
Lieutenant Parayre, A[eacute]rodrome d'Aix-en-Provence, 13290 Les 
Milles, France; telephone 33-04-42-39-10-88; email 
[email protected]; web https://www.guimbal.com. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0620; 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 NPRM, the European 
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed 
above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, 
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; 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-2021-0620; Project Identifier 
2019-SW-074-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. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    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 NPRM.

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 
Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 
1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7330; 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.

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2014-0038, dated February 14, 2014 
(EASA AD 2014-0038), to correct an unsafe condition for 
H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal Model Cabri G2 helicopters. EASA 
advises of a report of an in-flight engine shutdown caused by a failure 
of the cooling fan. EASA further advises the failure of the cooling fan 
was caused by a crack in the fan external ring. After EASA AD 2014-0038 
was issued, a second occurrence was reported of an in-flight engine 
shutdown caused by failure of the cooling fan, which was determined to 
be caused by a crack on the cooling fan front flange.
    Accordingly, EASA issued EASA AD 2014-0196, dated September 2, 2014 
(EASA AD 2014-0196), which retained the modification requirements of 
EASA AD 2014-0038 and required repetitive inspections of the engine 
cooling fan front flange and corrective actions depending on the 
findings. After EASA issued EASA AD 2014-0196, further analysis 
determined the crack was caused by the engine start/stop (ESS) cycles. 
Therefore, EASA superseded EASA AD 2014-0196 with EASA AD 2016-0033, 
dated February 24, 2016 (EASA AD 2016-0033), which retained the 
inspection and modification requirements of EASA AD 2014-0196 and 
depending on the findings, required replacement of the affected part 
pending approval of the newly designed part.
    After EASA issued EASA AD 2016-0033, HG developed a newly designed 
engine cooling fan part number (P/N) G52-04-101, which consists of 
composite materials having improved structural strength. Accordingly, 
EASA superseded EASA AD 2016-0033 with EASA AD 2017-0039, dated 
February

[[Page 43450]]

24, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0039), which retained the requirements of EASA 
AD 2016-0033 and required replacing the affected cooling fans with the 
newly designed cooling fan which terminates the repetitive inspections 
from EASA AD 2016-0033.
    Since EASA issued EASA AD 2017-0039, HG issued a revision to its 
service bulletin requiring a life limit requirement for the replacement 
of the affected cooling fans. Accordingly, EASA superseded EASA AD 
2017-0039 with EASA AD 2019-0187, dated July 31, 2019, and corrected 
August 2, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0187). EASA AD 2019-0187 retains some of 
the requirements in EASA AD 2017-0039 and requires a new compliance 
time and life limit for the replacement of the affected part. EASA AD 
2019-0187 also removes the modification and inspection requirements 
which are covered by EASA AD 2019-0025, dated February 4, 2019.
    The unsafe condition described in the EASA ADs, if not addressed, 
could result in failure of the cooling fan and subsequent engine in-
flight shut-down and reduced control of the helicopter.

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 proposing this AD 
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
on other helicopters of the same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 16-021, Revision E, 
dated August 27, 2019. This service information specifies instructions 
for retrofitting the cooling fan with the new front flange, aft ring, 
and 24-hole pulley. This service information also specifies that upon 
completion of all the required actions, the cooling fan assembly P/N 
G52-00-000, P/N G52-00-001 and P/N G52-04-100 become P/N G52-04-101.
    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

    The FAA also reviewed Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 16-021, Revision 
D, dated May 20, 2019, which is not incorporated by reference, and 
which specifies procedures for accessing the cooling fan and removing 
it from service; modifying, applying adhesive and torqueing the rear 
flange; installing the improved cooling fan, and additional actions.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require removing from service any affected 
part-numbered cooling fan. An alternative, for certain part-numbered 
cooling fans, modifying the cooling fan before it exceeds a certain 
total hours TIS.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and EASA AD 2019-0187

    EASA AD 2019-0187 allows certain cooling fans with certain total 
hours TIS to be retrofitted before exceeding their life limit, whereas 
this proposed AD would require removing these cooling fans from service 
or as an alternate to removing them from service, modifying the cooling 
fan before exceeding the total hours TIS. EASA AD 2019-0187 allows a 
compliance time in months TIS to replace certain part-numbered cooling 
fans, whereas this proposed AD would only allow hours TIS.
    EASA AD 2019-0187 retains the compliance time of March 10, 2017, 
which is the effective date of EASA AD 2017-0039. This proposed AD 
would require compliance within the effective date of this AD. The FAA 
has determined that these compliance times are adequate to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 32 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates are estimated at 
$85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the 
following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
    Removing the affected cooling fan from service and installing the 
newly designed cooling fan would take about 16 work-hours and parts 
would cost about $4,600 for an estimated cost of $5,960 per replacement 
and $190,720 for the U.S. fleet.

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 this proposed regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal: Docket No. FAA-2021-0620; 
Project Identifier 2019-SW-074-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by September 23, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

[[Page 43451]]

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal (HG) Model 
Cabri G2 helicopters, certificated in any category, the following 
aluminum cooling fan (cooling fan) part number (P/N) installed:
    (1) P/N G52-00-000,
    (2) P/N G52-00-001 or P/N G52-04-100, if it is or has previously 
been mounted on a 12-hole engine pulley P/N G52-10-100 or P/N G52-
10-101.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7100, Powerplant 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight engine shutdowns 
due to a crack and subsequent failure of the cooling fan. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the cooling fan. This 
condition, if not addressed, could result in an in-flight engine 
shut-down and loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For Model Cabri G2 helicopters with cooling fan P/N G52-00-
000 installed, within 150 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD:
    (i) Remove the cooling fan from service by following the 
Required Actions, Cooling Fan Removal, paragraphs (a) through (g), 
of Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 16-021, Revision E, dated August 27, 
2019 (SB 16-021 Rev E), except you are not required to discard any 
parts.
    (ii) Install the improved cooling fan P/N G52-04-101 by 
following the Required Actions, Cooling Fan Installation, paragraphs 
(a) through (j), of SB 16-021 Rev E.
    (2) For Model Cabri G2 helicopters with a cooling fan P/N G52-
00-001 or P/N G52-04-100 that is mounted or was previously mounted 
on a 12-hole engine pulley P/N G52-10-100 or P/N G52-10-101, and 
with 1,500 or more total hours TIS, since first installation on a 
helicopter, within 150 hours TIS after the effective date of this 
AD:
    (i) Remove the cooling fan from service by following the 
Required Actions, Cooling Fan Removal, paragraphs (a) through (g), 
of SB 16-021 Rev E, except you are not required to discard any 
parts, or remove the cooling fan by following the Required Actions, 
Cooling Fan Removal, paragraphs (a) through (g), of SB 16-021 Rev E 
and modify the cooling fan by following the Required Actions, 
Cooling Fan Retrofit, paragraphs (a) through (h) of SB 16-021 Rev E.
    (ii) Install the improved cooling fan P/N G52-04-101 by 
following the Required Actions, Cooling Fan Installation, paragraphs 
(a) through (j), of SB 16-021 Rev E.
    (3) For Model Cabri G2 helicopters with a cooling fan P/N G52-
00-001 or P/N G52-04-100 that is mounted or was previously mounted 
on a 12-hole engine pulley P/N G52-10-100 or P/N G52-10-101 and with 
500 total hours TIS but with less than 1,500 total hours TIS, since 
first installation on a helicopter, within 500 hours TIS after the 
effective date of this AD, perform the actions required by 
paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (4) For Model Cabri G2 helicopters with a cooling fan P/N G52-
00-001 or P/N G52-04-100 that is mounted or was previously mounted 
on a 12-hole engine pulley P/N G52-10-100 or P/N G52-10-101 and with 
less than 500 total hours TIS since first installation on a 
helicopter, within 1,000 hours TIS after the effective date of this 
AD, perform the actions required by paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of 
this AD.
    (5) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
cooling fan listed in paragraph (c) of this AD on any helicopter.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 16-021, 
Revision D, dated May 20, 2019.

(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)(1) 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

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Andrea Jimenez, 
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7330; email [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal, Basile Ginel, 1070, rue du 
Lieutenant Parayre, A[eacute]rodrome d'Aix-en-Provence, 13290 Les 
Milles, France; telephone 33-04-42-39-10-88; email 
[email protected]; web https://www.guimbal.com. 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. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0187, dated July 31, 2019 and 
corrected August 2, 2019. You may view the EASA AD on the internet 
at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0620.

    Issued on July 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-16684 Filed 8-6-21; 8:45 am]
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