[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 140 (Monday, July 24, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47355-47358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-15596]



[[Page 47355]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0931; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00653-R; 
Amendment 39-22493; AD 2023-13-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-05-03 
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. AD 2021-05-03 
required various inspections of a certain part-numbered left-hand (LH) 
engine fuel supply (fuel supply) hose and depending on the inspection 
results, reinstalling or removing the fuel supply hose from service. AD 
2021-05-03 also required installing an improved part and prohibited 
installing an affected fuel supply hose on any helicopter unless it was 
installed by following certain procedures. Since the FAA issued AD 
2021-05-03, there were reports of difficulties using an adjusting tool 
to install the improved fuel supply hose. This AD continues to require 
the actions of AD 2021-05-03, expands the applicability, expands the 
parts installation limitations, and requires using an improved 
adjusting tool and updated procedures. This AD also updates certain 
compliance times and clarifies certain requirements. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 28, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 28, 
2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
January 27, 2022 (86 FR 72824, December 23, 2021).

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0931; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, 
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax 
(972) 641-3775; or at airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html.
     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. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0931.
    Other Related Service Information: Other Airbus Helicopters service 
information identified in this final rule is available at the Airbus 
Helicopters contact information under Material Incorporated by 
Reference above. You may also view this service information at the FAA 
contact information under Material Incorporated by Reference above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 26805 E 68th Ave., Mail Stop: Room 214, Denver, CO 80249; 
telephone (303) 342-1080; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-05-03, Amendment 39-21864 (86 FR 
72824, December 23, 2021) (AD 2021-05-03). AD 2021-05-03 applied to 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters with an LH fuel supply 
hose part number (P/N) 704A34416087 installed. AD 2021-05-03 required 
visually inspecting the LH fuel supply hose for twisting, and if 
needed, borescope inspecting the entire length of the inside of the 
fuel supply hose for twisting. Depending on the inspection results, AD 
2021-05-03 required reinstalling or removing the fuel supply hose from 
service. Additionally, AD 2021-05-03 prohibited installing that part-
numbered LH fuel supply hose on any helicopter unless that LH fuel 
supply hose was installed by following certain procedures described in 
the manufacturer's service bulletin. Finally, AD 2021-05-03 required 
modifying your helicopter by removing LH fuel supply hose P/N 
704A34416087 from service and installing the improved LH fuel supply 
hose P/N 704A34416101. The FAA issued AD 2021-05-03 to prevent 
restricted fuel flow to the LH engine, which if not addressed, could 
result in a decrease of the LH engine power when accelerating to a 
power setting corresponding to One Engine Inoperative power and 
subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 18, 2023 (88 FR 
23586). The NPRM was prompted by European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD 2022-0087, dated May 16, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0087) which 
superseded EASA AD 2021-0156, dated July 2, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0156), 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus 
Helicopters Model EC 225 LP helicopters. EASA advises of difficulties 
that were reported during installation of the improved LH fuel supply 
hose due to using an inappropriately shaped adjusting tool. 
Accordingly, EASA AD 2022-0087 retains the requirements of EASA AD 
2021-0156 and requires replacing the affected part with the improved 
part by following updated modification instructions and using an 
improved adjusting tool. The updated modification instructions also 
specify updated torque values for the junction nuts and re-tightening 
instructions for helicopters modified with previous instructions. EASA 
AD 2022-0087 requires a repetitive inspection for fuel leakage for 
those helicopters modified with previous instructions and considers the 
re-tightening of the junction nuts of the improved part as terminating 
action for the repetitive inspection requirements. You may examine EASA 
AD 2022-0087 in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-
2023-0931.
    In the NPRM, for helicopters with LH fuel supply hose P/N 
704A34416087 installed, the FAA proposed to require visually inspecting 
the LH fuel supply hose for twisting, and if needed, borescope 
inspecting the entire length of the inside of the fuel supply hose for 
twisting. Depending on the inspection results, the NPRM proposed to 
require reinstalling or removing the fuel supply hose from service. The 
NPRM also proposed to require modifying the helicopter by removing LH 
fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 from service and installing improved 
LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 using updated procedures. 
Additionally, for helicopters modified with the improved LH fuel supply 
hose P/N 704A34416101 using previous procedures or if the installation 
procedures cannot be determined, the NPRM proposed to

[[Page 47356]]

require repetitive inspections for fuel leakage and, depending on the 
results, tightening the junction nuts of this improved fuel supply hose 
with the LH side engine removed. Tightening the junction nuts would 
provide terminating action for the repetitive fuel leakage inspections. 
Lastly, the NPRM proposed to require installation limitations for LH 
fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 and LH fuel supply hose P/N 
704A34416101.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

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

Conclusion

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI referenced above. 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 products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
No. EC225-28A026, Revision 1, dated May 6, 2022 (ASB EC225-28A026 Rev 
1), which specifies procedures for modifying the adjusting tool and 
replacing the LH fuel supply hose by using the modified adjusting tool. 
ASB EC225-28A026 Rev 1 also specifies updated allowable torque limits 
for the junction nuts and, for helicopters that have previously 
accomplished Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC225-28A026, Revision 0, dated 
May 21, 2021, ASB EC225-28A026 Rev 1 specifies procedures to 
repetitively inspect the junction nuts for fuel leakage until the LH 
engine is removed and the updated allowable torque limit is applied to 
the junction nuts.
    This AD also requires Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC225-71A019, 
Revision 2, dated May 21, 2021, which the Director of the Federal 
Register approved for incorporation by reference as of January 27, 2022 
(86 FR 72824, December 23, 2021).
    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 ADDRESSES.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC225-71A019, 
Revision 1, dated February 28, 2019. This service information specifies 
procedures for removing the fuel supply hose from the LH power plant, 
visually inspecting the fuel supply hose for twisting, and depending on 
inspection results, performing an endoscope inspection on the inside of 
the hose.

Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2022-0087

    EASA AD 2022-0087 is applicable to all serial-numbered Model 
EC225LP helicopters, whereas this AD applies to Model EC225LP 
helicopters with certain part-numbered LH fuel supply hoses installed.
    For helicopters modified with LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 
in accordance with previous instructions or by installation of AH 
modification 0728745 prior to initial delivery of the helicopter from 
the manufacturer, EASA AD 2022-0087 requires re-tightening the junction 
nuts to the new torque values during the next (re)installation of the 
LH engine or of the improved fuel supply hose, whereas this AD requires 
that action within 110 hours time-in-service with the LH side engine 
removed for helicopters with LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 
installed with previous instructions, by installation of AH 
modification 0728745 prior to initial delivery of the helicopter from 
the manufacturer, or if the previously accomplished installation 
procedures cannot be determined. Also, for those helicopters, depending 
on the interim fuel leakage inspection results, EASA AD 2022-0087 
requires corrective action in accordance with approved maintenance 
instructions, whereas this AD requires tightening the junction nuts to 
the new torque values with the LH engine removed.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects up to 28 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.
    Visually inspecting the LH fuel supply hose for twisting takes 
about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and 
$2,380 for the U.S. fleet. Borescope inspecting the LH fuel supply hose 
takes about 8 work-hours for an estimated cost of $680 per helicopter.
    Replacing an LH fuel supply hose takes up to 11 work-hours and 
parts cost about $2,363 for an estimated replacement cost of up to 
$3,298 per replacement.
    Inspecting for fuel leakage takes about 1 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter, per inspection cycle. Removing 
the LH engine and tightening the LH fuel supply hose fittings takes 8 
work-hours for an estimated cost of $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 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:

[[Page 47357]]

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 2021-05-03, Amendment 39-21864 (86 
FR 72824, December 23, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2023-13-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22493; Docket No. FAA-
2023-0931; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00653-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 28, 2023.

 (b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-05-03, Amendment 39-21864 (86 FR 72824, 
December 23, 2021).

 (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with a left-hand side (LH) engine fuel 
supply (fuel supply) hose part number (P/N) 704A34416087 or P/N 
704A34416101 installed.

 (d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2820, Aircraft 
Fuel Distribution System.

 (e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an incorrect installation of 
the LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to prevent restricted fuel flow to the LH engine. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in a decrease of the LH 
engine power when accelerating to a power setting corresponding to 
One Engine Inoperative power and subsequent reduced control of the 
helicopter.

 (f) Compliance

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

 (g) Required Actions

    (1) For helicopters with LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 
installed, within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 6 months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, visually 
inspect the LH fuel supply hose for twisting as shown in Figures 1 
and 2 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC225-
71A019, Revision 2, dated May 21, 2021 (ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2). If 
the LH fuel supply hose has any twisting or if it cannot be 
determined if the LH fuel supply hose has any twisting, before 
further flight, borescope inspect the entire length of the inside of 
the fuel supply hose for twisting as shown in Figures 3 through 5 of 
ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2.
    (i) If the inside of the LH fuel supply hose has any twisting, 
before further flight, remove the LH fuel supply hose from service 
and install an airworthy LH fuel supply hose in accordance with the 
actions required by paragraphs (g)(2) or (4) of this AD.
    (ii) If the inside of the LH fuel supply hose does not have any 
twisting, reinstall the LH fuel supply hose by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3.b., of ASB EC225-71A019 
Rev 2.
    (2) For helicopters with LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 
installed, within 1,200 hours TIS or 36 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, modify your helicopter by 
removing from service LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 and 
installing LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b., of Airbus 
Helicopters ASB No. EC225-28A026, Revision 1, dated May 6, 2022 (ASB 
EC225-28A026 Rev 1).
    (3) For helicopters with LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 
previously installed by accomplishing Airbus Helicopters ASB No. 
EC225-28A026, Revision 0, dated May 21, 2021, by installation of AH 
modification 0728745 prior to initial delivery of the helicopter 
from the manufacturer, or if the previously accomplished 
installation procedures cannot be determined, accomplish the actions 
required by paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this AD.
    (i) Within 15 hours TIS or 7 days after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 15 hours TIS or 7 days, whichever occurs first, inspect the 
LH fuel supply hose for fuel leakage in the area of each junction 
nut (items 1a and 1b) as depicted in Figure 1 of ASB EC225-28A026 
Rev 1.
    (A) If there is any fuel leakage, before further flight, remove 
the LH side engine and tighten each junction nut (items 1a and 1b) 
of the LH fuel supply hose by applying the torque depicted in Figure 
1 of ASB EC225-28A026 Rev 1.
    (B) If there is no fuel leakage, within 110 hours TIS after the 
effective date of this AD, remove the LH side engine and tighten 
each junction nut (items 1a and 1b) of the LH fuel supply hose by 
applying the torque depicted in Figure 1 of ASB EC225-28A026 Rev 1.
    (ii) Tightening the junction nuts as required by paragraphs 
(g)(3)(i)(A) and (B) of this AD constitutes terminating action for 
the repetitive inspection required by paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this 
AD.
    (4) For helicopters with LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 
installed, as of the effective date of this AD, you may replace an 
LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 with an LH fuel supply hose P/N 
704A34416087 or reinstall an LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 on 
any helicopter by following the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.B.3.b., of ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2, until required to 
install LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 by paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD, provided one of the conditions in paragraphs (g)(4)(i) 
through (iii) of this AD is met.
    (i) If installing, the LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 is 
new (zero total hours TIS).
    (ii) If reinstalling, before reinstallation, the LH fuel supply 
hose P/N 704A34416087 is inspected by accomplishing the actions 
required by the introductory text of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and 
the inside of the LH fuel supply hose does not have any twisting.
    (iii) If reinstalling, the initial delivery of the helicopter 
from the manufacturer was on or after November 30, 2018, and the LH 
fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 has never been previously 
reinstalled.
    (5) For helicopters with an LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 
installed, as of the effective date of this AD, do not remove LH 
fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 and replace it with LH fuel supply 
hose P/N 704A34416087 and do not install an LH engine with an LH 
fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 installed.

 (h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Airbus Helicopters ASB No. 
EC225-71A019, Revision 1, dated February 28, 2019.

 (i) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be permitted provided that there are 
no passengers on board and that helicopters identified in paragraph 
(g)(3) of this AD have no fuel leakage.

 (j) 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 (k)(2) 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.

 (k) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2022-0087, dated May 16, 2022, for related information. This EASA AD 
may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. 
FAA-2023-0931.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 26805 E 68th Ave., Mail Stop: Room 214, 
Denver, CO 80249; telephone (303) 342-1080; email 
[email protected].
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the contact information 
specified in paragraphs (l)(5) and (6) of this AD.

 (l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference

[[Page 47358]]

(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
August 28, 2023
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-28A026, 
Revision 1, dated May 6, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
January 27, 2022 (86 FR 72824, December 23, 2021).
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-71A019, 
Revision 2, dated May 21, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, TX 75052; phone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 
641-3775; or at airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html.
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on July 3, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-15596 Filed 7-21-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P