AD 2022-06-17
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Airbus Helicopters | EC130T2 | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters |
Unsafe Condition
fatigue failure of the engine-to-main gearbox (engine-MGB) coupling shaft, which if not corrected, could result in loss of control of the helicopter.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
re-identifying a certain part-numbered engine-MGB coupling shaft by crossing out the old P/N and marking a new P/N and S/N on the engine-MGB coupling shaft, and creating a log card or equivalent record indicating the new P/N, S/N, and the initial value of accumulated torque cycles for the engine-MGB coupling shaft.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Before exceeding 660 hours time-in-service or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
All Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
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 EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the determination of a certain part needing a life limit and re- identification. This AD requires re-identifying a certain part-numbered engine-to-main gearbox (engine-MGB) coupling shaft, and creating a log card or equivalent record, 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.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2
helicopters, certificated in any category.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 64 (Monday, April 4, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19371-19373]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06942]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0005; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01062-R;
Amendment 39-21983; AD 2022-06-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by
the determination of a certain part needing a life limit and re-
identification. This AD requires re-identifying a certain part-numbered
engine-to-main gearbox (engine-MGB) coupling shaft, and creating a log
card or equivalent record, 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 May 9, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 9, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
final rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1f5e5b6c5f7a7e6c7e317a6a6d706f7e317a6a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7c3d380f3c191d0f1d5219090e130c1d521909">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 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 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0005.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0005; 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
EASA AD, 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: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e4858a80968185ca8e8d89818a819ea4828585ca838b92"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c1a0afa5b3a4a0efaba8aca4afa4bb81a7a0a0efa6aeb7">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0216, dated September 23, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0216), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Model EC 130 T2 helicopters, all
serial numbers.
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 EC130T2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on January 20, 2022 (87 FR 3050). The NPRM was prompted by the
determination from recent analysis related to service life, for the
need to introduce a service life limit (life limit) in torque cycles
for engine-MGB coupling shaft part number (P/N) 350A35-1100-21. The
NPRM proposed to require re-identifying a certain part-numbered engine-
MGB coupling shaft by crossing out the old P/N and marking a new P/N
and serial number (S/N) on the engine-MGB coupling shaft. The NPRM also
proposed to require creating a log card or equivalent record indicating
the new P/N, S/N, and the initial value of accumulated torque cycles
for the engine-MGB coupling shaft. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit
installing an affected engine-MGB coupling shaft on any helicopter.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent fatigue failure of the
engine-MGB coupling shaft, which if not corrected, could result in loss
of control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2021-0216 for additional
background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
[[Page 19372]]
Conclusion
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. 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 helicopters. This AD is adopted as proposed in the
NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0216 requires re-identifying each affected engine-MGB
coupling shaft, by crossing out the old P/N and marking the new P/N and
S/N, and creating a log card indicating the new P/N, S/N, and the
initial value of accumulated torque cycles. EASA AD 2021-0216 also
prohibits installing an affected engine-MGB coupling shaft on any
helicopter.
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 Service Information
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
EC130-04A010, dated July 15, 2021 (ASB EC130-04A010). This service
information specifies procedures for re-identifying the engine-MGB
coupling shaft by crossing out the old P/N and marking the new P/N and
a new S/N using a vibration scriber. ASB EC130-04A010 also specifies
instructions for creating a log card for the engine-MGB coupling shaft
indicating the new P/N, the new S/N, and the number of torque cycles.
Finally, ASB EC130-04A010 specifies instructions for calculating the
number of torque cycles that are required to be indicated on the log
card.
Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2021-0216
Service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0216 specifies
sending certain information to the manufacturer; this AD does not.
Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0216 specifies a compliance time of
before exceeding 660 flight hours or 24 months after the effective date
of EASA AD 2021-0216, whichever occurs first. However, this AD requires
compliance before exceeding 660 hours time-in-service or 24 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 264 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.
Re-identifying the engine-MGB coupling shaft takes about 4 work-
hours for an estimated cost of $340 per helicopter and up to $89,760
for the U.S. fleet.
Creating a log card or equivalent record takes about 1 work-hour
for an estimated cost of $85 per log card and up to $22,440 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.
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
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:
2022-06-17 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21983; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0005; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01062-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 9, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6300, Main Rotor
Drive System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the determination of a certain part
needing a life limit and re-identification. The FAA is issuing this
AD to prevent fatigue failure of the engine-to-main gearbox (engine-
MGB) coupling shaft, which if not corrected, could result 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0216, dated September 23, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0216).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0216
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0216 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0216 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0216 specifies ``in
accordance with the instructions of section 3.B of the ASB,'' for
this AD replace ``in accordance with the instructions of section 3.B
of the ASB'' with ``in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2. through 3.B.2.b. of the of the
ASB.''
[[Page 19373]]
(4) Where Note 1 of the service information referenced in EASA
AD 2021-0216 specifies to contact Airbus Helicopters if you have
more than one non-installed engine-MGB coupling shaft, this AD does
not require contacting Airbus Helicopters.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0216 specifies to use a vibration scriber to re-identify the engine-
MGB coupling shaft, this AD allows the use of equivalent tooling.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0216 specifies creating a log card for the engine-MGB coupling
shaft, this AD requires creating a log card or equivalent record.
(7) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0216.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0216
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199, provided no passengers are 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#edd4c0acbbbec0aca4bfc0dadeddc0aca0a2aead8b8c8cc38a829b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="88b1a5c9dedba5c9c1daa5bfbbb8a5c9c5c7cbc8eee9e9a6efe7fe">[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.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Andrea Jimenez,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ef8e818b9d8a8ec18586828a818a95af898e8ec1888099"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8eefe0eafcebefa0e4e7e3ebe0ebf4cee8efefa0e9e1f8">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0216,
dated September 23, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0216, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#93d2d7e0d3f6f2e0f2bdf6e6e1fce3f2bdf6e6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7031340330151103115e1505021f00115e1505">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the
EASA material 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 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0005.
(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#5036227e393e2320353324393f3e103e3122317e373f26"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1375613d7a7d60637670677a7c7d537d7261723d747c65">[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 March 10, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-06942 Filed 4-1-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 6, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. Always verify with official sources.
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