AD 2021-05-02
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Airbus | AS350B | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters |
| aircraft | Aviat | Various | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters |
Unsafe Condition
Failed main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws, which could lead to disconnection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment, possibly resulting in loss of control of the helicopter.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Determining whether the helicopter has been operated in a severe environment since the last inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws, an inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if the helicopter has been operated in a severe environment, and replacement of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if necessary, as specified in an EASA AD.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Before further flight
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
All Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, and AS350D helicopters; Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters; and Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, and AS350D helicopters; Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters; and Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of failed main rotor hub- to-mast attachment screws. This AD requires determining whether the helicopter has been operated in a severe environment since the last inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws, an inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if the helicopter has been operated in a severe environment, and replacement of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if necessary, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now 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.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters, certificated in any
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD.
(1) Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C,
and AS350D helicopters.
(2) Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters.
(3) Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 47 (Friday, March 12, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13982-13985]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05151]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1131; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00613-R;
Amendment 39-21445; AD 2021-05-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3,
AS350C, and AS350D helicopters; Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters; and Model EC130B4 and EC130T2
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of failed main rotor hub-
to-mast attachment screws. This AD requires determining whether the
helicopter has been operated in a severe environment since the last
inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws, an
inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if the
helicopter has been operated in a severe environment, and replacement
of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if necessary, as
specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now 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 April 16, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 16,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f3b2b780b396928092dd9686819c8392dd9686"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cd8c89be8da8acbeace3a8b8bfa2bdace3a8b8">[email protected]</span></a>; internet:
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at
<a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. 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. It is also available in
the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1131.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
1131; 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 470 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC
20024; phone: 202-267-9167; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ff979e93d1959a918c9a91bf999e9ed1989089"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="167e777a387c73786573785670777738717960">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2017-0032, dated February 17, 2017;
corrected February 20, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0032) (also referred to as
the
[[Page 13983]]
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS 350 B,
AS 350 BA, AS 350 BB, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3, and AS 350 D
helicopters; AS 355 E, AS 355 F, AS 355 F1, AS 355 F2, AS 355 N, and AS
355 NP helicopters; and EC 130 B4 and EC 130 T2 helicopters. Model AS
350 BB helicopters are not certificated by the FAA and are not included
on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not
include those helicopters in the applicability. This AD also applies to
Airbus Helicopter Model AS 350C helicopters because these helicopters
have a similar design and are included on the U.S. type certificate
data sheet.
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 AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, and AS350D
helicopters; Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters; and Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 15, 2020 (85 FR
81157). The NPRM was prompted by a report of failed main rotor hub-to-
mast attachment screws. The NPRM proposed to require determining
whether the helicopter has been operated in a severe environment since
the last inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws, an
inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if the
helicopter has been operated in a severe environment, and replacement
of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if necessary, as
specified in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address failed main rotor hub-to-mast
attachment screws, which could lead to disconnection of the main rotor
hub-to-mast attachment, possibly resulting in loss of control of the
helicopter. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comments
received. An individual indicated agreement with the NPRM.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2017-0032 describes procedures for determining whether the
helicopter has been operated in a severe environment since the last
inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws, an
inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws for
corrosion and damage (damage includes cracks, dents, and bolt
distortion) if the helicopter was operated in a severe environment, and
replacement of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws if
necessary. 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 the MCAI
EASA AD 2017-0032 does not apply to Airbus Helicopter Model AS350C
helicopters, which are included on the U.S. type certificate data
sheet. However, this AD applies to Airbus Helicopter Model AS350C
helicopters because those helicopters have a similar design to the
helicopters identified in EASA AD 2017-0032.
Where the service information specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD
2017-0032 specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters if damage or
corrosion exceeds existing criteria, this AD requires replacing the
affected screws using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,220 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Determination of Helicopter Operation in a Severe Environment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hours x $85 per hour = $85............................ $0 $85 $103,700
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 hour per product to
comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the
cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be
$103,700, or $85 per product.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. If a helicopter is determined to have been operated
in a severe environment, an inspection of the main rotor hub-to-mast
attachment screws will be required. If there is corrosion or damage to
any of the screws, replacement of the affected screws will be required.
The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might
need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340.... $106 $446
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[[Page 13984]]
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 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 current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of 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:
AD 2021-05-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21445; Docket No.
FAA-2020-1131; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00613-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 16, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters, certificated in any
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD.
(1) Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C,
and AS350D helicopters.
(2) Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters.
(3) Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6200, Main Rotor
System.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of failed main rotor hub-to-
mast attachment screws. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failed
main rotor hub-to-mast attachment screws, which could lead to
disconnection of the main rotor hub-to-mast attachment, possibly
resulting in 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 paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2017-0032, dated February 17,
2017; corrected February 20, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0032).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2017-0032
(1) Where EASA AD 2017-0032 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2017-0032 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2017-0032 specifies to report
inspection results to Airbus Helicopters within a certain compliance
time. For this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time
specified in paragraph (h)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD.
(4) Where EASA AD 2017-0032 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(5) Where the service information specified in paragraph (3) of
EASA AD 2017-0032 specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters if damage
or corrosion exceeds existing criteria, for this AD, replace the
affected screws using a method approved by the Manager,
International Validation Branch, FAA. For a repair method to be
approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, as
required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must
specifically refer to this AD.
(6) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2017-
0032 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include
that requirement.
(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) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ab3a7cbdcd9a7cbc3d8a7bdb9baa7cbc7c5c9caecebeba4ede5fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="98a1b5d9cecbb5d9d1cab5afaba8b5d9d5d7dbd8fef9f9b6fff7ee">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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
For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen,
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 470 L'Enfant
Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; phone: 202-267-9167; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7810191456121d160b1d16381e1919561f170e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="660e070a480c03081503082600070748010910">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 13985]]
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2017-0032, dated
February 17, 2017; corrected February 20, 2017.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2017-0032, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bffefbccffdadeccde91dacacdd0cfde91daca"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fcbdb88fbc999d8f9dd299898e938c9dd29989">[email protected]</span></a>; internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
(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. This material may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2020-1131.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0d6b68697f686a2361686a6c614d636c7f6c236a627b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a3c5c6c7d1c6c48dcfc6c4c2cfe3cdc2d1c28dc4ccd5">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on February 17, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05151 Filed 3-11-21; 8:45 am]
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