Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

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 all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 16, 2024 (89 FR 42820).

The NPRM was prompted by a report of water in the oil of an MGB, due to an incorrect installation of the upper M/R mast cover plate. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing certain M/R mast upper stops assembly screws. The NPRM also proposed to require inspecting certain M/R mast cover plates and accomplishing MGB oil analyses and, depending on the results, replacing the M/R mast cover plate, accomplishing an additional inspection, or replacing the MGB. The NPRM proposed to prohibit installing certain M/R mast upper stops assembly screws, M/R masts with an affected M/R mast upper stops assembly screw installed, and used M/R mast cover plates on any helicopter. Lastly, the NPRM proposed to prohibit installing affected M/R masts unless the inspections are done. These actions are specified in EASA AD 2022-0104, dated June 9, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0104).

The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent water in the MGB oil, which, if not addressed, could result in corrosion of the M/R mast and inside the MGB, degradation of the MGB, degradation of the upper stops assembly, failure of a critical part, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. You may examine EASA AD 2022-0104 in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1297.

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 its AD 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

EASA AD 2022-0104 requires replacing each M/R mast upper stops assembly screw, except those marked with “BC” on the screw head. For certain helicopters, EASA AD 2022-0104 requires inspecting a certain part- numbered M/R mast cover plate and depending on the results, replacing the cover plate and accomplishing an additional inspection. For those same certain helicopters, EASA AD 2022-0104 also requires accomplishing MGB oil analyses and, depending on the results, accomplishing an additional inspection. Depending on the results of the additional inspection following the M/R mast cover plate inspection or MGB oil analyses, EASA AD 2022-0104 requires replacing the MGB. As an option, EASA AD 2022-0104 allows replacing the MGB as an acceptable alternative method to comply with the required MGB oil sample analyses.

Lastly, EASA AD 2022-0104 prohibits installing M/R mast upper stops assembly screws—except those marked with “BC” on the screw head, M/R masts with an affected M/R mast upper stops assembly screw installed, and used M/R mast cover plates on any helicopter. EASA AD 2022-0104 also prohibits installing an affected M/R mast unless its required inspections are done.

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.

Other Related Material

The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-62A016, Revision 1, dated February 28, 2023. This material specifies procedures for inspecting the M/R mast upper stops assembly screws to determine if they're marked with “BC” on the screw head and depending on the results, replacing those screws one by one. This material also specifies procedures for checking the flatness of the M/R mast cover plate and, depending on the results, removing and discarding that cover plate, installing a flat cover plate, draining the MGB, writing to Airbus Helicopters to do a detailed MGB inspection, and removing the M/R mast. Depending on the detailed MGB inspection results, this material specifies filling the MGB with oil and installing the M/R mast; or replacing the MGB with an airworthy MGB, sending the removed MGB to an approved D-level center for repair, and installing the M/R mast.

This material also specifies procedures for collecting an MGB oil sample and sending the sample to an Airbus Helicopters approved laboratory for water content analysis. Depending on the analysis results, this material specifies draining the MGB, writing to Airbus Helicopters to do a detailed MGB inspection, and removing the M/R mast. Depending on the detailed MGB inspection results, this material specifies filling the MGB with oil and installing the M/R mast; or replacing the MGB with an airworthy MGB, sending the removed MGB to an approved D-level center for repair, and installing the M/R mast.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

For certain helicopters, EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies sending oil samples to an Airbus Helicopters approved laboratory for an analysis of the water content, whereas this AD requires sending the main gearbox oil sample for water content analysis. Additionally, for those helicopters, EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies taking and analyzing the second MGB oil sample within 110 FH or 3 months after the initial oil sample, whereas this AD requires collecting the second main gearbox oil sample and sending it for water content analysis within 110 hours time-in-service or 3 months after accomplishing the initial instance of those actions, whichever occurs later. Depending on the results of the cover plate inspection or an oil sample analysis, EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters to request to accomplish a detailed inspection, which shall be accomplished by authorized Airbus Helicopters staff and the Airbus Helicopters qualified staff identify any discrepancies, whereas this AD requires a detailed inspection, which must define what is considered a discrepancy and be done in accordance with a method approved by the FAA, EASA, or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 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 AD.

Replacing the M/R mast upper stops assembly screws (up to 10 screws) takes up to approximately 0.5 work-hour and parts cost up to approximately $250 (for 10 screws) for an estimated cost of up to $293 per helicopter and $9,376 for the U.S. fleet.

For certain helicopters, inspecting the M/R mast cover plate takes approximately 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and up to $1,376 for the U.S. fleet. Collecting an MGB oil sample and sending the MGB oil sample for water content analysis, which is considered a reporting requirement in this AD, takes approximately 1.5 work-hours (0.5 work-hour for collecting and 1 work-hour for sending) for an estimated cost of $128 per helicopter and up to $4,096 for the U.S. fleet, per instance.

If required, replacing the M/R mast cover plate takes approximately 2 work-hours and parts cost approximately $276 for an estimated cost of $446 per helicopter. The detailed inspection that may be needed could vary significantly from helicopter to helicopter. The FAA has no data to determine the costs to accomplish the detailed inspection or the number of helicopters that may need it. Replacing an MGB takes approximately 40 work-hours and parts cost approximately $998,595 (overhauled) for an estimated cost of $1,001,995 per helicopter.

Paperwork Reduction Act

A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take approximately 1.5 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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.

The Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2024-17-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22833; Docket No. FAA-2024-1297; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00736-R.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 7, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by a report of water in the oil of a main gearbox (MGB), due to an incorrect installation of the upper main rotor mast cover plate. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent water in the MGB oil. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in corrosion of the main rotor mast and inside the MGB, degradation of the MGB, degradation of the upper stops assembly, failure of a critical part, 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 2022-0104, dated June 9, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0104).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0104

(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0104 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.

(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0104 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

(3) Where the material referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies using a rule (item zz), this AD requires using a straight edge.

(4) Instead of complying with paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0104, comply with the following, “For Group 2 helicopters: Within 110 hours time-in-service or 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, collect a main gearbox oil sample and send the main gearbox oil sample for water content analysis. Thereafter, within 110 hours time-in-service or 3 months after accomplishing the initial instance of those actions, whichever occurs later, collect another main gearbox oil sample and send the main gearbox oil sample for water content analysis.”

(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies discarding a part, this AD requires removing that part from service.

(6) Where paragraphs (4.2) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0104 specify contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] with a request to accomplish a DET, this AD requires a detailed inspection done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. The detailed inspection must define what is considered a discrepancy.

(7) Instead of complying with paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2022-0104, comply with the following, “If there is a discrepancy as a result of the detailed inspection, before further flight, replace the main gearbox with an airworthy main gearbox.”

(8) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0104.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.

(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) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.

(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) Related Information

For more information about this AD, contact Dan McCully, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404) 474-5548; email: william.mccully@faa.gov.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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 AD 2022-0104, dated June 9, 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: ADs@easa.europa.eu; 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 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 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 fr.inspection@nara.gov.

[FR Doc. 2024-22800 Filed 10-2-24; 8:45 am]

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