[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 237 (Tuesday, December 14, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70964-70966]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26975]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0797; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00218-R; 
Amendment 39-21838; AD 2021-24-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
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 
certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, 
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. 
This AD was prompted by reduced life limits being established for 
certain part-numbered tail rotor (TR) blades. This AD requires 
determining the total hours time-in-service (TIS) of certain part-
numbered TR blades, establishing a life limit for certain part-numbered 
TR blades, removing from service any TR blade that has reached or 
exceeded its life limit, creating a component history card, re-
identifying certain part-numbered TR blades, and removing any TR blade 
from service before reaching its retirement life. This AD also 
prohibits installing certain TR blades on certain model helicopters. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 18, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of January 18, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North 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 information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is 
also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0797.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0797; 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, the 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 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: 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:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters 
Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, 
EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, with TR blade part number 
L642A2002101, L642A2002103, L642A2002104, L642A2002111, or L642A2002112 
installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 23, 
2021 (86 FR 52856). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require within 350 
hours TIS, determining the total hours TIS of certain part-numbered TR 
blades and removing from service certain part-numbered TR blades that 
have accumulated or exceeded 6,800 total hours TIS. The NPRM also 
proposed to require for certain part-numbered TR blades with less than 
6,800 total hours TIS, creating a component history card or equivalent 
record to establish a life limit of 6,800 total hours TIS, and removing 
these TR blades from service before accumulating 6,800 total hours TIS. 
The NPRM proposed to require for certain model helicopters re-
identifying certain part-numbered TR blades with new part numbers and 
removing those newly re-identified TR blades from service before 
exceeding 6,800 total hours TIS.
    Additionally, the NPRM proposed to require for certain model 
helicopters with certain part-numbered TR blades installed that have 
been previously installed on certain model helicopters determining the 
total hours TIS of the TR blade in accordance with a method approved by 
the FAA or EASA. Finally, for certain model helicopters the NPRM 
proposed to prohibit installing certain part-numbered TR blades and for 
certain model helicopters the NPRM proposed to prohibit installing 
certain part-numbered TR blades that have exceeded or accumulated 500 
total hours TIS while previously installed on certain model 
helicopters.
    The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2021-0050, dated February 23, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0050), 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 (AHD), formerly Eurocopter 
Deutschland GmbH, Eurocopter Espa[ntilde]a S.A., Model EC135 P1, EC135 
P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 P3, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, EC135 T3, EC635 
P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters, all 
variants, and all serial numbers. EASA advises that a reduced life 
limit has been established for certain part-numbered TR blades due to 
higher loads experienced in service. This condition, if not addressed, 
could result in fatigue and failure of a TR blade and loss of control 
of the helicopter.
    Accordingly, EASA AD 2021-0050 requires determining the total hours 
TIS for certain part-numbered TR blades, recalculating the TIS for 
affected parts, and implementing a reduced life limit. EASA AD 2021-
0050 also prohibits installing certain part-numbered TR blades and TR 
head assemblies and provides conditions for re-installation of certain 
TR blades.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    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

[[Page 70965]]

FAA about the unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed 
the relevant data and determined that air safety requires adopting this 
AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these helicopters. Except for minor editorial 
changes, including removing Model EC635T2+ from paragraph (g)(5) of the 
Required Actions, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NRPM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB 
EC135H-04A-002 and Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC135-
04A-014, both Revision 1, and both dated December 21, 2020. This 
service information specifies procedures to determine the total hours 
TIS of certain TR blades and provides instructions to re-identify 
certain part-numbered TR blades.
    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.

Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2021-0050

    EASA AD 2021-0050 requires compliance using calendar time, whereas 
this AD requires compliance using hours TIS instead. EASA AD 2021-0050 
applies to Model EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 
helicopters, which are not certificated by the FAA and are not included 
on the U.S. type certificate data sheet, except where the U.S. type 
certificate data sheet explains that the Model EC635 T2+ helicopter 
having serial number 0858 was converted from Model EC635 T2+ to Model 
EC135 T2+. This AD, therefore, does not include Model EC635 P2+, EC635 
P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters in the applicability. 
EASA AD 2021-0050 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters Deutschland 
GmbH to determine the total hours TIS accumulated by certain TR blades 
whereas this AD requires determining the total hours TIS accumulated by 
the TR blade in accordance with a method approved by the FAA or EASA. 
EASA AD 2021-0050 prohibits installing certain part-numbered TR head 
assemblies as defined in its AD, whereas this AD does not contain this 
prohibition.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 341 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 AD.
    Determining the total hours TIS of each TR blade, updating the 
helicopter records and re-identifying each TR blade takes about 10 
work-hours for each TR blade, for an estimated cost of $850 per TR 
blade.
    Replacing each TR blade takes about 10 work-hours and parts cost 
about $4,400 for an estimated cost of $5,250 per TR blade replacement.

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.

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:

2021-24-17 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-21838; 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0797; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00218-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 18, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and 
EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any category, with tail rotor 
(TR) blade part number (P/N) L642A2002101, L642A2002103, 
L642A2002104, L642A2002111, or L642A2002112 installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail rotor 
blades.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a notification of certain parts needing 
a reduced life limit when installed on certain model helicopters. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent certain part-numbered TR 
blades from remaining in service beyond their fatigue life. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in fatigue and 
failure of a TR blade and loss of helicopter control.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For all model helicopters identified in paragraph (c) of 
this AD, within 350 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, determine the total hours TIS of each TR blade P/N 
L642A2002101 or P/N L642A2002111 in accordance with paragraph 3.B.2 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin ASB EC135H-04A-002, Revision 1, dated December 21, 
2020 (ASB EC135H-04A-002) or paragraph 3.B.2 (version A) or 3.B.4 
(version B) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Helicopters 
Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC135-04A-014, Revision 1, dated December 
21, 2020 (ASB EC135-04A-014) as applicable to your model helicopter. 
Remove from service any TR

[[Page 70966]]

blade that has accumulated or exceeded 6,800 total hours TIS. For 
each TR blade that has accumulated less than 6,800 total hours TIS 
do the following:
    (i) Create a component history card or equivalent record to 
establish a life limit of 6,800 total hours TIS.
    (ii) Re-identify each TR blade P/N L642A2002101 as P/N 
L642A2002104 and re-identify each T/R blade P/N L642A2002111 as P/N 
L642A2002112 by following paragraph 3.B.5 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of ASB EC135H-04A-002, or paragraph 3.B.7 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of ASB EC135-04A-014 as applicable to 
your model helicopter.
    (iii) Thereafter, remove from service any TR blade P/N 
L642A2002104 or P/N L642A2002112 before it accumulates 6,800 total 
hours TIS.
    (2) For Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, and 
EC135T2+ helicopters with TR blade P/N L642A2002103 that has 
previously been installed on Model EC135P3 or EC135T3 helicopters, 
within 350 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, determine 
the total hours TIS of the TR blade in accordance with a method 
approved by the Manager, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA; or European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) For Model EC135P3 and EC135T3 helicopters within 350 hours 
TIS after the effective date of this AD, remove from service any TR 
blade P/N L642A2002103 before exceeding 6,800 total hours TIS.
    (4) For Model EC135P3 and EC135T3 helicopters, as of the 
effective date of this AD, do not install any TR blade P/N 
L642A2002101, P/N L642A2002103, or P/N L642A2002111 on any 
helicopter.
    (5) For Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, and 
EC135T2+ helicopters, as of the effective date of this AD, do not 
install any TR blade P/N L642A2002101 or L642A2002111 that has 
accumulated or exceeded 500 total hours TIS while installed on a 
Model EC135P3 or EC135T3 helicopter.

(h) 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 (i)(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.

(i) 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) Service information identified in this AD, is available at 
the contact information specified in paragraphs (j)(3) and (4) of 
this AD.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0050, dated February 23, 2021. 
You may view the EASA AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2021-0797.

(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.
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC135H-04A-
002, Revision 1, dated December 21, 2020.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC135-04A-
014, Revision 1, dated December 21, 2020.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North 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.
    (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 November 17, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-26975 Filed 12-13-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P