2023-00680. Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a crack in the tailboom. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the vibration level on the tail rotor drive shaft and, depending on the results, taking corrective action. This AD also requires reporting information and prohibits installing certain rotor drive shafts unless the inspection is done, 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 January 30, 2023.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 30, 2023.

The FAA must receive comments on this AD by February 27, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

• Fax: [phone].

• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1664; 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 listed above.

Material Incorporated by Reference:

• For EASA material that is incorporated by reference in this final rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at 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 [phone]. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1664.

Other Related Service Information: For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone [phone] or [phone]; fax [phone]; or at airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may also view this service information at the FAA contact information under Material Incorporated by Reference above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES . Include “Docket No. FAA-2022-1664; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01585-R” at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule because of those comments.

Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as “PROPIN.” The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD 2022-0251-E, dated December 14, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0251-E), to correct an unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters Model EC 130 T2 helicopters with modification 079809 incorporated in production.

This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in the tailboom. During the preceding flight, the pilot experienced a humming sound and vibrations in the pedals. A subsequent balancing of the tail rotor drive shaft revealed an excessive vibration level. The FAA is issuing this AD to address an excessive vibration level on the tail rotor drive shaft, which could result in failure of the tail rotor drive shaft and subsequent loss of yaw control of the helicopter.

You may examine EASA AD 2022-0251-E in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1664.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

EASA AD 2022-0251-E requires repetitively checking the balancing of the tail rotor drive shaft by measuring the vibration level. Depending on the results, EASA AD 2022-0251-E requires contacting Airbus Helicopters to obtain approved instructions, accomplishing those instructions, and reporting the results to Airbus Helicopters. Lastly, EASA AD 2022-0251-E prohibits installing certain part-numbered tail rotor drive shafts on any helicopter unless its requirements are met.

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 Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. EC130-05A042, Revision 0, dated December 14, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for measuring the vibration level on the tail rotor drive shaft and reporting the results to Airbus Helicopters.

The FAA also reviewed AMM Task 65-11-01,5-1A, Adjustment—Balancing of the tail rotor drive line (with the STEADY Control tuning equipment)—Tail Drive Line POST MOD 079809 and AMM Task 65-11-01,5-1B, Adjustment—Balancing of the tail rotor drive shaft (with the VIBREX 2000 adjustment equipment)—Tail Drive Line POST MOD 079809, both Update 2 and dated July 3, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for measuring the vibration level on the tail rotor drive shaft, analyzing the results, and balancing the tail rotor drive line or shaft.

FAA's Determination

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, its technical representative, has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type design.

Requirements of This AD

This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2022-0251-E, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD and discussed under “Differences Between this AD and the EASA AD.”

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, EASA AD 2022-0251-E is incorporated by reference in this FAA final rule. This AD, therefore, requires compliance with EASA AD 2022-0251-E in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2022-0251-E does not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to “all required actions and compliance times,” compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section titled “Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)” in EASA AD 2022-0251-E. Service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0251-E for compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1664 after this final rule is published.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

EASA AD 2022-0251-E requires tail rotor drive shaft checks, whereas this AD requires tail rotor drive shaft inspections because those actions must be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3. Depending on the results of the vibration check, EASA AD 2022-0251-E specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters to obtain approved instructions and accomplishing those instructions, whereas this AD requires accomplishing corrective action in accordance with a method approved by the FAA, EASA, or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval. For inspection results of more than 1.4 inch per second, this AD requires reporting those results to Airbus Helicopters before further flight, whereas EASA AD 2022-0251-E is unclear about reporting that information. For inspection results of 1.4 or less inch per second, EASA AD 2022-0251-E specifies to report results within 14 days, whereas this AD requires reporting those results within 10 days.

Interim Action

The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date

Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for “good cause,” finds that those procedures are “impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.” Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause.

An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the tail rotor drive shaft is critical to the control of a helicopter and a failure of the tail rotor drive shaft could occur during any phase of flight without previous indication. The FAA also has no information pertaining to how quickly the condition may propagate to failure. In light of this and, depending how many hours the helicopter has accumulated, for some operators the initial inspection must be accomplished before further flight. For other operators, the initial inspection must be accomplished before accumulating 50 total hours time-in-service or within three months, whichever occurs first, which is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).

In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and comment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 9 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.

Inspecting the tail rotor drive shaft takes about 4 work-hours for an estimated cost of $340 per helicopter and $3,060 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle. Reporting information to the manufacturer takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter for each report.

The corrective action that may be needed as a result of the inspection could vary significantly from helicopter to helicopter. The FAA has no data to determine the costs to accomplish the corrective action or the number of helicopters that may require corrective action.

Paperwork Reduction Act

A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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, I certify that this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866, and

(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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:

2022-27-09 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22294; Docket No. FAA-2022-1664; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01585-R.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 30, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2022-0251-E, dated December 14, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0251-E).

(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6510, Tail Rotor Drive Shaft.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in the tailboom. The FAA is issuing this AD to address an excessive vibration level on the tail rotor drive shaft. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the tail rotor drive shaft and subsequent loss of 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, EASA AD 2022-0251-E.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0251-E

(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0251-E requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.

(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0251-E refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

(3) Where EASA AD 2022-0251-E refers to tail rotor drive shaft checks, this AD requires tail rotor drive shaft inspections.

(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0251-E specifies contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] to obtain approved instructions, this AD requires, before further flight, reporting results to Airbus Helicopters and accomplishing corrective action in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(5) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0251-E specifies reporting results to AH [Airbus Helicopters] within 14 days after the check, this AD requires reporting the results at the applicable time in paragraph (h)(5)(i) or (ii) of this AD.

(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the inspection.

(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.

(6) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD 2022-0251-E.

(i) Special Flight Permit

Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 only to operate the helicopter to a location where the first tail rotor drive shaft inspection can be performed, provided no passengers are onboard.

(j) 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 (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [e-mail].

(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.

(k) Related Information

For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail].

(l) 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) Emergency AD 2022-0251-E, dated December 14, 2022.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3) For EASA AD 2022-0251-E, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]; 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 [phone].

(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 [e-mail], or go to: www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations.html.

Issued on January 2, 2023.

Christina Underwood,

Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.