2020-23-02: Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: \n\n2020-23-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21318; Docket No. FAA- 2020-0978; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00459-R. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 4, 2020. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6230, Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate. \n\n(e) Reason \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by a report of amanufacturing and control issue regarding the ceramic balls in the bearing installed in the swashplate assembly of the main rotor mast assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address defective ceramic balls in the bearing installed in the swashplate assembly of the main rotor mast assembly, which could lead to premature spalling of the ball itself and of the bearing, loss of function of the bearing, and overload of the main rotor mast scissor, resulting in reduced control of the helicopter. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Requirements \n\n\n\tExcept 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 2020-0079, dated April 1, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0079). \n\n(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0079 \n\n\n\t(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0079 refers to its effective date, this AD requires usingthe effective date of this AD. \n\t(2) The ''Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0079 does not apply to this AD. \n\t(3) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020- 0079 specifies to return affected parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. \n\t(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020- 0079 specifies ''compliance with the works steps concerned with the check is described in a video'' this AD requires a complete rotation of the swashplate in both directions using a rate of one revolution per minute. \n\n\n\tNote 1 to paragraph (h)(4): Refer to the video specified in the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0079 for guidance. \n\n\n\t(5) Where EASA AD 2020-0079 refers to flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. The guidance provided by Note 1 to Table 1 in EASA AD 2020-0079 is still applicable. \n\n(i) No Reporting Requirement \n\n\n\tAlthough the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0079 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. \n\n(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\tThe 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. 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. \n\n(k) Related Information \n\n\n\tFor more information about this AD, Kathleen Arrigotti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3218; email: [email protected]. \n\n(l) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(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. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0079, dated April 1, 2020. \n\t(ii) (Reserved) \n\t(3) For EASA AD 2020-0079, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer- Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet \n\n((Page 73610)) \n\nwww.easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. \n\t(4) You may view this IBR material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N- 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. \n\t(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: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. \n\n\n\tIssued on October 27, 2020. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2020-25466 Filed 11-18-20; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P