[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 7, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19255-19257]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-07921]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2552; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01243-R;
Amendment 39-23019; AD 2025-08-06]
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) 2021-09-14
which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model SA330J
helicopters. AD 2021-09-14 required repetitively inspecting for a gap
between the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly (fan) rotor
blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing,
installing improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings, and repetitively
inspecting the improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings. Since the FAA
issued AD 2021-09-14, Airbus has developed modifications to the
components of the MGB fan bearing assembly and issued new material
regarding these modifications. This AD retains the actions required by
AD 2021-09-14 and also requires installing the improved MGB fan rotor
bearing assembly, which constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive inspections. These actions are specified in a 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 June 11, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 11,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2552; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for
[[Page 19256]]
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 EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find
this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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-2024-2552.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (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 2021-09-14, Amendment 39-21528 (86 FR
26829, May 18, 2021) (AD 2021-09-14). AD 2021-09-14 applied to Airbus
Model SA330J helicopters with MGB fan rotor shaft bearings (both rear
and front) part number (P/N) 704A33651114 (manufacturer P/N (MP/N)
205FFTX74K6-G33) or P/N 704A33651268 (MP/N 594918) installed. AD 2021-
09-14 required repetitively inspecting for a gap between the MGB fan
rotor blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing
and, depending on the results or within a specified compliance time,
installing improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings and repetitively
inspecting the improved MGB fan rotor shaft bearings. The FAA issued AD
2021-09-14 to prevent rotor burst of the MGB fan, damage to the
hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2024 (89
FR 99169). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2022-0191, dated September
15, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0191) (also referred to as the MCAI) issued by
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union. The MCAI states that Airbus has developed modifications
(mod) 0776102 and mod 0776104, which introduce a new Kevlar protection
on the fan bearing rectifier and a new flexible duct. Additionally,
Airbus issued revised material to provide in-service modification
instructions.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain all the requirements of AD
2021-09-14 and require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD
2022-0191 except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD and except as discussed under ``Differences
Between this AD and EASA AD 2022-0191.'' You may examine the MCAI in
the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2552.
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. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0191, which requires repetitively
inspecting for play (a gap) on the MGB fan rotor shaft bearings (both
rear and front) between the MGB fan rotor blade and the upper section
of the guide vane bearing housing. If there is play that does not meet
the minimum requirement or at a specified compliance time, EASA AD
2022-0191 requires replacing the affected MGB fan rotor shaft bearings
with serviceable MGB fan rotor shaft bearings (both rear and front) as
defined in EASA AD 2022-0191. Additionally, EASA AD 2022-0191 allows
credit for performing these inspections and corrective action, provided
specific requirements are met.
EASA AD 2022-0191 also requires modifying the MGB fan bearing
assembly, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive
inspections.
Lastly, EASA AD 2022-0191 only allows installing serviceable MGB
fan rotor shaft bearings as defined in EASA AD 2022-0191 and installing
an improved MGB fan bearing assembly as defined in EASA AD 2022-0191.
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 EASA AD 2022-0191
The inspection material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191 specifies
returning certain parts to the manufacturer, whereas this AD requires
removing those parts from service instead. The inspection material
referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191 specifies completing a response form,
whereas this AD does not require that action.
The modification material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191 specifies
sending the fan-bearing assembly to an approved D-level maintenance
center for modification, whereas this AD requires installing
modification 0776102, and as applicable, modification 0725373.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 6 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD.
Inspecting for a gap between the MGB fan rotor blade and the upper
section of the guide vane bearing housing takes 2 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $1,020 for the U.S. fleet,
per inspection cycle.
Replacing the MGB fan rotor shaft bearings takes 6 work-hours and
parts cost $1,938 for an estimated cost of $2,448 per helicopter and
$14,688 for the U.S. fleet.
Removing the flexible duct, installing new flexible duct MOD
0776104, removing the fan-bearing assembly, and installing the modified
fan-bearing assembly takes 8 work-hours and parts cost $10,000 for an
estimated cost of $10,680 per helicopter and $64,080 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.
[[Page 19257]]
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:
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 2021-09-14, Amendment 39-21528
(86 FR 26829, May 18, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2025-08-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23019; Docket No. FAA-
2024-2552; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01243-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 11, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-09-14, Amendment 39-21528 (86 FR 26829,
May 18, 2021) (AD 2021-09-14).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6322, Main Gearbox
Oil Cooler.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the development of a modification for an
improved main gearbox (MGB) fan rotor bearing assembly. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent rotor burst of the MGB fan, damage to the
hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent 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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0191, dated September 15, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0191).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0191
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0191 refers to August 11, 2020 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2020-0171, dated July 28, 2020) and to its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0191 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where the inspection ASB material referenced in EASA AD
2022-0191 specifies to return certain parts to Airbus Helicopters,
this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(4) Where the inspection ASB material referenced in EASA AD
2022-0191 specifies completing the response form in Appendix 4, this
AD does not require that action.
(5) Where the modification ASB material referenced in EASA AD
2022-0191 specifies ``sending the fan-bearing assembly to an
approved D-level maintenance center to integrate modification
0776102 and where applicable, modification 0725373,'' this AD
requires replacing that text with ``installing modification 0776102,
and as applicable, modification 0725373.''
(6) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0191.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0191 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(j) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the
actions of this AD can be performed, provided there are no
passengers onboard.
(k) 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 (l) 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.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (303) 342-1080; email: [email protected].
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0191,
dated September 15, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on May 1, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-07921 Filed 5-6-25; 8:45 am]
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