Document ID: FAA-2022-0875-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
Posted Date: 2022-10-07T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 194 (Friday, October 7, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60877-60879]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-21884]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0875; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00640-R; 
Amendment 39-22185; AD 2022-20-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(AHD) 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 Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 
helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of excessively worn bolts 
that connect the cardan-pivot joint with the piston rod of the tail 
rotor actuator (TRA) assembly. This AD requires repetitively inspecting 
certain TRA assemblies, and depending on the results, replacing or 
repairing parts, or accomplishing additional inspections. This AD also 
prohibits installing an affected TRA assembly unless it passes required 
inspections. Lastly, this AD provides terminating actions for certain 
inspections, 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 November 14, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 14, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For EASA material that is incorporated by reference (IBR) in 
this final rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, 
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet 
easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at 
ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus Helicopters service information 
identified in this final rule, 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 airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. 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 regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2022-0875.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0875; 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: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 
950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267-
9167; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued a series of EASA ADs, with the most recent 
being EASA AD 2022-0086, dated May 13, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0086), to 
correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(AHD), formerly Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH; and Airbus Helicopters 
Inc., formerly American Eurocopter LLC, Model MBB-BK117 C-2 
helicopters. EASA issued EASA AD 2022-0086 to supersede EASA AD 2019-
0313, dated December 20, 2019.
    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 
Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2022 (87 FR 42106). The 
NPRM was prompted by reports of excessively worn bolts that connect the 
cardan-pivot joint with the piston rod of the TRA assembly. According 
to Airbus Helicopters, manufacturer investigations of affected TRAs 
have revealed improperly assembled cardan-pivot joints as the main 
cause of the

[[Page 60878]]

excessively worn bolts. Additionally, incorrect washers as well as 
improperly shimmed laminated washers contribute to axial play and 
increased wear of the bolt. The NPRM proposed to require repetitively 
inspecting certain TRA assemblies, and depending on the results, 
replacing or repairing parts, or accomplishing additional inspections. 
The NPRM also proposed to prohibit installing an affected TRA assembly 
unless it passed required inspections. Lastly, the NPRM proposed 
terminating actions for certain inspections, as specified in EASA AD 
2022-0086.

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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2022-0086 requires, for certain TRAs with a steel or 
aluminum cardan-pivot joint, repetitively measuring the minimum 
diameter of the cardan-pivot joint assembly bolt. Depending on the 
results, EASA AD 2022-0086 requires replacing the bolt and laminated 
washers of the affected TRA or repetitively measuring the minimum 
diameter of the cardan-pivot joint assembly bolt at a reduced 
compliance time; or contacting AHD for approved repair instructions and 
compliance time or measuring the maximum diameter of the TRA piston rod 
bore hole. Depending on the results of measuring the maximum diameter 
of the TRA piston rod bore hole, EASA AD 2022-0086 requires replacing 
the bolt and laminated washers of the affected TRA; or contacting AHD 
for approved repair instructions and compliance time or repetitively 
measuring the maximum diameter of the TRA piston rod bore hole at a 
reduced compliance time. EASA AD 2022-0086 also prohibits installing an 
affected TRA assembly unless it passes its required inspections. 
Lastly, EASA AD 2022-0086 specifies certain terminating actions for 
repetitively measuring the minimum diameter of the cardan-pivot joint 
assembly bolt.
    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 MBB-
BK117 C-2-67A-027, Revision 2, dated December 15, 2021. This service 
information specifies, for TRAs with a steel or aluminum cardan-pivot 
joint, procedures for measuring the minimum diameter of the cardan-
pivot joint assembly bolt, measuring the maximum diameter of the TRA 
piston rod bore hole, replacing the bolt and laminated washers, and 
reassembling the TRA.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    EASA AD 2022-0086 requires discarding certain parts, whereas this 
AD requires removing those parts from service instead. EASA AD 2022-
0086 requires maintaining a removed bolt for possible investigation 
purposes for four weeks, whereas this AD does not require that action. 
EASA AD 2022-0086 requires contacting AHD for approved repair 
instructions and accomplishing those instructions within the compliance 
time specified therein, whereas this AD requires accomplishing a repair 
in accordance with certain approved methods before further flight.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 142 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.
    Measuring the cardan-pivot joint assembly bolt takes about 2 work-
hours and parts cost a nominal amount for an estimated cost of $170 per 
helicopter and $24,140 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle. If 
required, measuring the TRA piston rod bore hole following the cardan-
pivot joint assembly bolt inspection takes about an additional 0.5 
work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter, per inspection 
cycle. Replacing a bolt and the laminated washers following an 
inspection takes about an additional 0.25 work-hour and parts cost 
about $586 for an estimated cost of $607 per replacement.

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:

2022-20-01 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
22185; Docket No. FAA-2022-0875; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00640-
R.

[[Page 60879]]

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 14, 
2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) 
Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, certificated in any category.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an MBB-BK 117 C-2(e) 
designation are Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor 
Control System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of excessively worn bolts that 
connect the cardan-pivot joint with the piston rod of the tail rotor 
actuator assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and prevent 
worn bolts. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
helicopter oscillations on the yaw axis during flight, failure of a 
bolt resulting in loss of control of the tail rotor, and subsequent 
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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2022-0086, dated May 13, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0086).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0086

    (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0086 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
    (2) Where EASA AD 2022-0086 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where Note 1 of EASA AD 2022-0086 allows a non-cumulative 
tolerance of 10% to the repetitive inspection intervals specified in 
its paragraphs (1), (2.2), and (5.2), this AD requires the 
repetitive inspection intervals specified in paragraphs (h)(3)(i) 
through (iii) of this AD.
    (i) For the repetitive inspection interval specified in 
paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0086, within intervals not to exceed 
330 hours TIS.
    (ii) For the repetitive inspection interval specified in 
paragraph (2.2) of EASA AD 2022-0086, within intervals not to exceed 
165 hours TIS.
    (iii) For the repetitive inspection interval specified in 
paragraph (5.2) of EASA AD 2022-0086, within intervals not to exceed 
55 hours TIS.
    (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0086 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those 
parts from service.
    (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0086 specifies maintaining a removed bolt for possible investigation 
purposes for four weeks, this AD does not require that action.
    (6) Where paragraphs (3.1) and (5.1) of EASA AD 2022-0086 
specify contacting AHD for approved repair instructions and 
accomplishing those instructions within the compliance time 
specified therein, this AD requires, before further flight, repair 
done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General 
Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; 
EASA; or Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (7) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2022-0086.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0086 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199, provided that there are no passengers 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: [email protected].
    (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 Hal Jensen, 
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 
20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email [email protected].

(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 2022-0086, 
dated May 13, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2022-0086, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 
material on the EASA website at 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 at regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0875.
    (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 
[email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on September 12, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-21884 Filed 10-6-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P