[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 121 (Tuesday, June 23, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37549-37551]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-13404]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0238; Product Identifier 2018-SW-072-AD; Amendment
39-21144; AD 2020-12-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a report that a changed manufacturing process for the tail
rotor blades (TRB) was implemented, affecting the structural
characteristics of the blades and generating a new part number for
these blades. This AD requires re-identifying each affected TRB having
a certain part number and serial number and establishing a life limit
for the new part numbers. This AD also prohibits installation of any
affected TRB identified with the old part number on any helicopter. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 28, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 28,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. 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. 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. It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2020-0238.
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-2020-
0238; 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: Kristi Bradley, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5485;
email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
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 EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on March 11, 2020 (85 FR 14180). The NPRM was prompted
by a report that a changed manufacturing process for the TRB was
implemented, affecting the structural characteristics of the blades and
generating a new part number for these blades. The NPRM proposed to
require re-identifying each affected TRB having a certain part number
and serial number and establishing a life limit for the new part
numbers. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit installation of any
affected TRB identified with the old part number on any helicopter. The
FAA is issuing this AD to ensure the new part number (P/N) TRBs do not
exceed their life limit, which could lead to loss of the TRB and
[[Page 37550]]
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0182, dated
August 28, 2018 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2
helicopters. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2020-0238.
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
Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin EC130-04A007,
Revision 0, dated July 18, 2018 (``ASB EC130-04A007''). This service
information describes procedures for re-identifying a TRB with P/N
350A333002.02 for certain serial numbers, as specified in ASB EC130-
04A007. This service information 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.
Difference Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service Information
EASA AD 2018-0182 specifies to replace TRBs having P/N
350A333002.05. However, this part number is not installed on in-service
helicopters and is not addressed in Airbus Helicopters ASB EC130-
04A007. Therefore, this AD does not require replacing TRBs having P/N
350A333002.05.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 253 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions*
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85............................. $0 \**\ $85 $21,505 \*\
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* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide cost estimates for the
additional applicable maintenance instructions specified in this AD.
** The FAA has received no definitive data on the parts costs for required actions.
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):
2020-12-09 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21144; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0238; Product Identifier 2018-SW-072-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is July 28, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and
EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 6410, Tail rotor
blade.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that a new manufacturing
process for the tail rotor blades (TRBs) has been implemented,
affecting the structural characteristics of the TRB and generating a
new part number (P/N) for these blades. It was determined that a new
life limit is needed for the new P/N TRBs. The FAA is issuing this
AD to ensure the new P/N TRBs do not exceed their life limit, which
could lead to loss of the TRB and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
[[Page 37551]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definition of an Affected Part for the Re-identification and
Validation of Rework/Repair/Modification
An ``affected part'' is a TRB having P/N 350A333002.02 and a
serial number specified in Appendix 4.A. of Airbus Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin EC130-04A007, Revision 0, dated July 18, 2018
(``ASB EC130-04A007'').
(h) Part Replacement (Life Limit Implementation)
Before exceeding 10,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) since first
installation on a helicopter: Remove from service each TRB having P/
N 350A333002.04.
(i) Part Re-Identification and Validation of Rework/Repair/Modification
(1) Within 1,200 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD:
Re-identify each affected part, in accordance with 3.B. of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Helicopters ASB EC130-04A007.
(2) For each affected part which has been subject to rework,
repair, or modification before the re-identification, as required by
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, within 6 months after the effective
date of this AD, contact the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch,
FAA, for additional applicable maintenance instructions and, within
the compliance time identified in those instructions, accomplish
those instructions accordingly.
(j) Parts Installation Prohibition and Rework/Repair/Modification
Limitation
(1) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
TRB having P/N 350A333002.02 and a serial number specified in
Appendix 4.A. of ASB EC130-04A007 on any helicopter.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may
accomplish any rework, repair, or modification of an affected part,
unless it has been determined that the rework, repair, or
modification is FAA-approved for P/N 350A333002.04.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kristi Bradley, Aviation
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone
817-222-5485; email [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, notify your
principal inspector or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office or certificate holding
district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC.
(l) Related Information
(1) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD
2018-0182, dated August 28, 2018. This EASA AD may be found in the
AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0238.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817-222-5485; email [email protected].
(m) 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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC130-04A007,
Revision 0, dated July 18, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. 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 [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on June 4, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-13404 Filed 6-22-20; 8:45 am]
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