AD 2021-13-04

35601 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 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 ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2021–13–05 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39– 21610; Docket No. FAA–2019–0293; Product Identifier 2017–SW–052–AD. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 11, 2021. (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 with serial number (S/N) up to and including 1254 (except S/N 1235), certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor Control System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as interference between the tail rotor (T/R) control bearing connection close-tolerance bolt and the helicopter structure, which could lead to blockage of the pedal controlling the T/R thrust. This condition could result in loss of T/R control, prompting a forced landing. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Within 360 hours time-in-service, modify the T/R control by installing a Teflon washer and perform a functional test of the modification in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2 through 3.B.4.2., of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC135–67A–031, Revision 0, dated March 30, 2017. If, during the functional test, the clearance between the end of the close-tolerance bolt, castellated nut, and the lower stringer is less than 1.0 mm, repair in accordance with FAA- approved procedures. (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: 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. (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Aircraft Systems Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email david.hatfield@faa.gov. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2017–0147, dated August 10, 2017. You may view the EASA AD at https:// www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– 2019–0293. (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 EC135–67A–031, Revision 0, dated March 30, 2017. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Airbus Helicopters 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: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. Issued on June 10, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–14343 Filed 7–6–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0333; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00252–R; Amendment 39–21609; AD 2021–13–04] 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 certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a yaw control failure that was the result of the disconnection of the tail rotor hub (TRH) pitch control rod from the tail rotor servo-control, which resulted from a seized TRH bearing. The TRH bearing had grease dissolving after contamination by leaked hydraulic fluid from the tail rotor servo-control that came through the TRH assembly boot. This AD requires repetitive inspections for hydraulic leaks, corrective actions if necessary, and an optional modification which constitutes terminating action, as 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 August 11, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 11, 2021. ADDRESSES : For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:58 Jul 06, 2021 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\07JYR1.SGM 07JYR1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES

35602 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@ easa.europa.eu; internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at https:// ad.easa.europa.eu. 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0333. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021– 0333; 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, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L’Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; phone: (202) 267–9167; email: hal.jensen@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020–0021, dated February 6, 2020 (EASA AD 2020–0021) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. Although EASA AD 2020–0021 applies to all Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, this AD applies to helicopters with an affected part installed instead. The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2021 (86 FR 21238). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a yaw control failure that was the result of the disconnection of the TRH pitch control rod from the tail rotor servo- control, which resulted from a seized TRH bearing. The TRH bearing had grease dissolving after contamination by leaked hydraulic fluid from the tail rotor servo-control that came through the TRH assembly boot. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for hydraulic leaks, corrective actions if necessary, and an optional modification which constitutes terminating action, as specified in an EASA AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address seized TRH bearings, which could reduce the effectiveness of the pitch control of the tail rotor system, possibly resulting in reduced yaw control of the helicopter. See the MCAI for additional background information. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data 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: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and • 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 2020–0021 describes procedures for repetitive inspections for hydraulic leaks, corrective actions if necessary ( i.e., replacement of the pitch control rod bearing of the affected TRH assembly), and an optional modification ( i.e., installation of a TRH assembly having certain part numbers) which constitutes terminating action. 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. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 10 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: E STIMATED C OSTS FOR R EQUIRED A CTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per inspection cycle .......... $0 $85 per inspection cycle ......... $850 per inspection cycle. 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. The FAA has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need these on-condition actions: E STIMATED C OSTS OF O N -C ONDITION A CTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product 6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510 ...................................................................................................................... $509 $1,019 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:58 Jul 06, 2021 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\07JYR1.SGM 07JYR1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES

35603 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 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 ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2021–13–04 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–21609; Docket No. FAA–2021–0333; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00252–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 11, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail rotor hub (TRH) assembly, having part number (P/N) 332A33– 0001–05 or P/N 332A33–0001–06, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6420, Tail rotor head. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a report of a yaw control failure that was the result of a disconnection of the TRH pitch control rod from the tail rotor servo-control, which resulted from a seized TRH bearing. The TRH bearing had grease dissolving after contamination by leaked hydraulic fluid from the tail rotor servo-control that came through the TRH assembly boot. The FAA is issuing this AD to address seized TRH bearings, which could reduce the effectiveness of the pitch control of the tail rotor system, possibly resulting in reduced yaw 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0021, dated February 6, 2020 (EASA AD 2020–0021). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0021 (1) Where EASA AD 2020–0021 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2020–0021 does not apply to this AD. (3) Where EASA AD 2020–0021 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020– 0021 requires doing inspections ‘‘in accordance with the instructions of the ASB [alert service bulletin],’’ this AD requires accomplishing a visual inspection for any hydraulic fluid leak at the TRH boot. (5) Where EASA AD 2020–0021 refers to February 28, 2004 (the effective date of Direction Ge ´ne ´rale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC) AD F–2004–031, dated February 18, 2004), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (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: 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. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L’Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; phone: (202) 267–9167; email: hal.jensen@faa.gov . (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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0021, dated February 6, 2020. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2020–0021, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet: www.easa.europa.eu . You may find this material on the EASA website at https:// ad.easa.europa.eu . You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https:// ad.easa.europa.eu . (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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0333. (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 fedreg.legal@ nara.gov, or go to https://www.archives.gov/ federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html . Issued on June 10, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–14340 Filed 7–6–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:58 Jul 06, 2021 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\07JYR1.SGM 07JYR1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES