Document ID: FAA-2022-0020-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Helicopteres Guimbal Helicopters
Posted Date: 2022-04-05T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 5, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19614-19617]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-07094]

[[Page 19614]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0020; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00784-R; 
Amendment 39-22000; AD 2022-07-12]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-02-
20, which applied to certain H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal (HG) 
Model Cabri G2 helicopters. AD 2021-02-20 required initial and 
repetitive inspections of certain rotating and non-rotating scissor 
fittings, and depending on the results, replacing the affected 
assembly. AD 2021-02-20 also prohibited installing certain main rotor 
hubs (MRHs) and swashplate guides unless the initial inspection was 
accomplished. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in a rotating 
scissor fitting. This AD retains certain requirements of AD 2021-02-20, 
and requires installation of newly designed parts, provides a 
terminating action for the initial and repetitive inspections, and 
revises the applicability. This AD also extends the repetitive 
inspection interval and prohibits installing certain MRHs and 
swashplate guides. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 10, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 10, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
February 22, 2021 (86 FR 8299, February 5, 2021).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal, 1070, rue du Lieutenant 
Parayre, A[eacute]rodrome d'Aix-en-Provence, 13290 Les Milles, France; 
telephone 33-04-42-39-10-88; email [email protected]; or at https://www.guimbal.com. 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. Service information 
that is incorporated by reference is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0020.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0020; 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 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (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: Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer, 
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone (516) 228-7323; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-02-20, Amendment 39-21403 (86 FR 8299, 
February 5, 2021) (AD 2021-02-20). AD 2021-02-20 applied to HG Model 
Cabri G2 helicopters, with rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting 
part number (P/N) G12-00-200, installed on the MRH or swashplate guide, 
respectively. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 31, 
2022 (87 FR 4822). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain certain 
inspection and corrective action requirements of AD 2021-02-20. The 
NPRM also proposed to require within 60 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 
6 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of the 
proposed AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 60 hours TIS or 
6 months, whichever occurs first, leaving each scissor fitting 
assembled and visually inspecting each scissor fitting for a crack. If 
there is a crack during the initial inspection or the recurring 
inspection, the NPRM proposed to require before further flight, 
replacing certain parts or as an alternative, installing HG 
modification (mod) 20-040.
    The NPRM proposed to require, within 60 months or during the next 
main gearbox overhaul, whichever occurs first after the effective date 
of the proposed AD, removing from service MRH P/N G12-00-100, or G12-
00-101, or G12-00-102 and swashplate guide P/N G21-01-101 or G21-01-102 
and installing HG mod 20-040. The proposed NPRM also allowed installing 
HG mod 20-040 to be a terminating action for the initial and recurring 
visual inspections required by the proposed AD.
    Additionally, for any pre-HG mod 20-040 helicopter, as of February 
22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-02-20), the NPRM proposed to 
prohibit installing an MRH or swashplate guide, with a certain part-
numbered rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting installed, unless 
certain actions have been accomplished. For any post-HG mod 20-040 
helicopter, as of the effective date of the proposed AD, the NPRM 
proposed to prohibit installing an MRH or swashplate guide, with a 
certain part-numbered rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting 
installed, on any helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2021-0155, dated July 2, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0155), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition 
for HG Cabri G2 helicopters, all manufacturer serial numbers. EASA 
advises that a design change was developed for the MRH and swashplate 
guide including installation instructions for the modification. EASA AD 
2021-0155 advises the design change requires installing new scissor 
fitting P/N G12-00-202, which is not affected by stress corrosion 
cracking. EASA AD 2021-0155 further advises once a helicopter installs 
a certain part-numbered MRH and a certain part-numbered swashplate 
guide containing the newly designed scissor fitting, HG mod 20-040 is 
accomplished. This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure 
of a rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.
    Accordingly, EASA AD 2021-0155 retains the requirements of EASA AD 
2020-0199, dated September 21, 2020, and corrected September 24, 2020 
(EASA AD 2020-0199), which prompted AD 2021-02-20, and requires 
replacement of the MRH and swashplate guide assemblies with assemblies 
equipped with the newly designed scissor fitting. EASA AD 2021-0155 
also increases the interval for the repetitive inspection and prohibits 
any affected part to be installed on any helicopter that has HG mod 20-
040 installed. EASA AD 2021-0155 allows a terminating action for the 
initial and

[[Page 19615]]

repetitive inspections if the helicopter has been modified and includes 
the updated modification information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

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

    The FAA reviewed Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-012, Revision C; SB 
20-011, Revision D; and SB 21-007 Revision C, each dated July 22, 2021 
(SB 20-012 Rev C, SB 20-011 Rev D, and SB 21-007 Rev C). SB 20-012 Rev 
C specifies removing the bolts connecting the two scissor fittings P/N 
G12-00-200 and accomplishing a one-time detailed inspection for a crack 
in certain areas. SB 20-012 Rev C also specifies reassembling the two 
scissor fittings using correct bolt torque limits, installing new 
cotter pins, and reporting any findings to HG customer support.
    SB 20-011 Rev D specifies procedures for a recurring inspection 
after accomplishment of SB 20-012 Rev C of the same areas of the 
scissor fittings for a crack as SB 20-012 Rev C, except without 
removing the bolts which connect the two scissor fittings. SB 20-011 
Rev D also specifies reporting any findings to HG customer support. SB 
21-007 Rev C specifies instructions for installing the newly designed 
scissor fitting.
    This AD also requires Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-012, Revision 
B, dated October 5, 2020 (SB 20-012 Rev B), which the Director of the 
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of February 
22, 2021 (86 FR 8299, February 5, 2021).
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision 
C, dated October 5, 2020 (SB 20-011 Rev C). SB 20-011 Rev C specifies 
the same procedures as SB-20-011 Rev D, except SB 20-011 Rev D updates 
the applicability and references SB 21-007 Rev C.
    The FAA reviewed Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision B, 
and SB 20-012, Revision A, each dated September 1, 2020 (SB 20-011 Rev 
B and SB 20-012 Rev A). SB 20-012 Rev A specifies the same procedures 
as SB 20-012 Rev B, except SB 20-012 Rev B revises the compliance time, 
adds the EASA AD identification information, and updates the Situation 
section description. SB 20-011 Rev B specifies the same procedures as 
SB 20-011 Rev C, except SB 20-011 Rev C adds the EASA AD identification 
information and updates the Situation section description.
    The FAA also reviewed Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 21-007, Revision 
B, dated April 4, 2021 which states the same procedures as SB 21-007 
Rev C, except SB 21-007 Rev C revises the compliance time to coincide 
with the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0155.

Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2021-0155

    EASA AD 2021-0155 requires detailed inspections, whereas this AD 
requires cleaning each scissor fitting and visually inspecting each 
scissor fitting using a flashlight. EASA AD 2021-0155 also requires 
reporting certain information, whereas this AD does not. EASA AD 2021-
0155 requires replacing certain parts if a crack is detected with 
serviceable parts, whereas this AD requires replacing certain parts 
with airworthy parts.

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.
    Removing and installing the bolt and cotter pins in the initial 
inspection takes a minimal amount of time with a minimal parts cost.
    Inspecting each scissor fitting takes about 0.5 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $43 per fitting, per inspection cycle. There are 2 
scissor fittings installed on a helicopter, for an estimated cost of 
$85 per helicopter and $2,720 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
    Removing an MRH and swashplate guide and installing the improved 
MRH and swashplate guide takes about 6 work-hours and parts cost about 
$1,608 through the parts exchange program for an estimated cost of 
$2,118 per helicopter and $67,776 for the U.S. fleet. The FAA expects 
the majority of operators to use the parts exchange program. If not 
accomplished through the parts exchange program, an improved MRH and 
swashplate guide costs about $8,695 for an estimated cost of $9,205 per 
helicopter and $294,560 for the U.S. fleet.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacements that are required based on the results of the 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these on-condition replacements:
    Replacement of an MRH due to a crack in the scissor fitting with an 
airworthy MRH takes about 5 work-hours and parts cost about $7,360 for 
an estimated cost of $7,785 per helicopter; and replacement of a 
swashplate guide due to a crack in the scissor fitting with an 
airworthy swashplate guide takes about 6 work-hours and parts cost 
about $1,312 for an estimated cost of $1,822 per helicopter.

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:

[[Page 19616]]

    (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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-02-20, Amendment 39-21403 (86 
FR 8299, February 5, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2022-07-12 H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal: Amendment 39-22000; 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0020; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00784-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 10, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-02-20, Amendment 39-21403 (86 FR 8299, 
February 5, 2021) (AD 2021-02-20).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal (HG) Model 
Cabri G2 helicopters, all serial numbers, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft 
Flight Control; 6710, Main Rotor Control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in a rotating 
scissor fitting. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect a crack and 
prevent failure of a scissor fitting. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in failure of a rotating or non-rotating 
scissor fitting and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    For helicopters with rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting 
part number (P/N) G12-00-200, installed on the main rotor hub (MRH) 
or swashplate guide, respectively:
    (1) Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 calendar days, 
whichever occurs first after February 22, 2021 (the effective date 
of AD 2021-02-20):
    (i) Remove the cotter pins and bolts connecting the rotating and 
non-rotating scissor fitting by following the Required Actions, IPC 
4.1-2 a), of Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-012, Revision B, dated 
October 5, 2020 (SB 20-012 Rev B). Remove the cotter pins from 
service. Clean each scissor fitting. Using a flashlight, visually 
inspect each scissor fitting by following the Required Actions, IPC 
4.1-2 b), of SB 20-012 Rev B. As an alternative to using SB 20-012 
Rev B, you may remove the cotter pins and bolts in accordance with 
the Required Actions, IPC 4.1-2 a), of Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 
20-012, Revision C, dated July 22, 2021 (SB 20-012 Rev C), and 
visually inspect each scissor fitting in accordance with the 
Required Actions, IPC 4.1-2 b), of SB 20-012 Rev C.
    (ii) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the MRH 
or swashplate guide with an airworthy part as applicable; or, as an 
alternative, you may accomplish the modification specified in 
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD.
    (iii) If there is not a crack, reassemble the scissor fittings 
by following the Required Actions, IPC 4.1-2 c), of SB 20-012 Rev B. 
As an alternative to using SB 20-012 Rev B, you may reassemble the 
scissor fittings in accordance with the Required Actions, IPC 4.1-2 
c), of SB 20-012 Rev C.
    (2) Thereafter, within 60 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever 
occurs first after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 60 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs 
first:
    (i) Leaving each rotating and non-rotating scissor fitting 
assembled, clean each scissor fitting. Using a flashlight, visually 
inspect each scissor fitting by following the Required Actions, IPC 
4.1-2 a), of Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision D, dated 
July 22, 2021.
    (ii) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the MRH 
or swashplate guide, with an airworthy part as applicable; or, as an 
alternative, you may accomplish the modification specified in 
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD.
    (3) Within 60 months, or during the next main gearbox overhaul, 
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, remove 
MRH P/N G12-00-100, or G12-00-101, or G12-00-102 and swashplate 
guide P/N G21-01-101 or G21-01-102 from service and modify your 
helicopter by installing MRH P/N G12-00-103 and swashplate guide P/N 
G21-01-103 containing scissor fitting P/N G12-00-202 (HG 
modification (mod) 20-040) by following the Required Actions, IPC 
2.1-0 a) through k) and m) through aa) of Guimbal Service Bulletin 
SB 21-007, Revision C, dated July 22, 2021.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(3): HG mod 20-040, as referenced in 
paragraphs (g)(3), and (h)(1) and (2) of this AD, is accomplished 
after installation of MRH P/N G12-00-103 and swashplate guide P/N 
G21-01-103 containing scissor fitting P/N G12-00-202.
    (4) Completing the actions required by paragraph (g)(3) of this 
AD constitutes a terminating action for the requirements in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.

(h) Parts Installation

    (1) For any pre-HG mod 20-040 helicopter: As of February 22, 
2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-02-20), do not install an MRH or 
swashplate guide, with rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting P/N 
G12-00-200 installed, respectively, on any helicopter, even if new, 
unless the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD have been 
accomplished.
    (2) For any post-HG mod 20-040 helicopter: As of the effective 
date of this AD, do not install an MRH or swashplate guide, with 
rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting P/N G12-00-200 installed, 
respectively, on any helicopter.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD if you accomplished Guimbal Service 
Bulletin SB 20-012, Revision A, dated September 1, 2020, before 
February 22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-02-20).
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the first instance of the 
actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD if you accomplished 
Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision B, dated September 1, 
2020, before February 22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-02-
20).
    (3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD if you accomplished Guimbal Service 
Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision C, dated October 5, 2020, before the 
effective date of this AD.
    (4) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD if you accomplished Guimbal Service 
Bulletin SB 21-007, Revision B, dated April 4, 2021, before the 
effective date of this AD.

(j) Special Flight Permits

    A special flight permit may be permitted provided that there are 
no passengers onboard, and the flight is operating under day Visual 
Flight Rules, for the purpose of ferrying the helicopter to an 
authorized maintenance facility.

(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)(1) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager

[[Page 19617]]

of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Darren Gassetto, 
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7323; email [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD is available at 
the contact information specified in paragraphs (m)(5) and (6).
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0155, dated July 2, 2021. You 
may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FAA-2022-0020.

(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
May 10, 2022.
    (i) Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision D, dated July 
22, 2021.
    (ii) Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-012, Revision C, dated July 
22, 2021.
    (iii) Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 21-007 Revision C, dated July 
22, 2021.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
February 22, 2021 (86 FR 8299, February 5, 2021).
    (i) Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-012, Revision B, dated 
October 5, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal service information 
identified in this AD, contact H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal, 
1070, rue du Lieutenant Parayre, A[eacute]rodrome d'Aix-en-Provence, 
13290 Les Milles, France; telephone 33-04-42-39-10-88; email 
[email protected]; web https://www.guimbal.com.
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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 March 24, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-07094 Filed 4-4-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P