2021-04-04: Tail Rotor Blades

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: 0 a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2020-19-02, Amendment 39-21243 (85 FR 59416, September 22, 2020); and 0 b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: \n\n2021-04-04 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21425; Docket No. FAA- 2021-0027; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00048-R. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 1, 2021. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tThis AD replaces AD 2020-19-02, Amendment 39-21243 (85 FR 59416, September 22, 2020) (AD 2020-19-02). \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail rotor (T/R) blade part number (P/N) 330A12-0005-(all dash numbers) (without a de-icing system) or 330A12-0006-(all dash numbers) (with a de-icing system), installed. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor Blades. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by two reports of cracked metal T/R blade skin. The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking of a T/ R blade. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of a T/R blade and subsequent loss of 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) Required Actions \n\n\n\t(1) For T/R blade P/N 330A12-0006-(all dash numbers) (with a de- icing system), within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD or within 15 hours TIS after last inspecting the T/R blade as required by paragraph (f)(1) of AD 2020- 19-02, whichever occursfirst, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS; and for T/R blade P/N 330A12-0005-(all dash numbers) (without a de-icing system), within 30 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, or within 30 hours TIS after last inspecting the T/R blade as required by paragraph (f)(1) of AD 2020- 19-02, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30 hours TIS: \n\t(i) Inspect each T/R blade for debonding by following the visual and in-depth inspection procedures in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2., of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.101, Revision 0, dated March 21, 2016 (EASB 05.101). If there is debonding within allowable limits, before further flight, repair or replace the T/R blade. If there is debonding that exceeds allowable limits, before further flight, replace the T/R blade. \n\t(ii) Eddy current inspect each T/R blade for a crack by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3.a. of EASB 05.101, then either paragraph 3.B.3.b.1. or 3.B.3.b.2. of EASB 05.101 depending on your crack detector, and paragraph 3.B.3.c. of EASB 05.101 except the ''if there are no cracks'' and ''if there are one or several cracks'' steps. Instead of the ''if there are no cracks'' and ''if there are one or several cracks'' steps, if there is a crack, before further flight, replace the T/R blade. \n\t(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a T/R blade identified in paragraph (c) of this AD on any helicopter unless the actions of paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD have been accomplished. \n\n(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. \n\t(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. \n\n(i) Related Information \n\n\n\t(1) For more information about this AD, contact Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, \n\n((Page 9272)) \n\nAirworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222- 5110; email [email protected]. \n\t(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD No. 2016-0059-E, dated March 22, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021- 0027. \n\n(j) 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 the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on October 7, 2020 (85 FR 59416, September 22, 2020). \n\t(i) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.101, Revision 0, dated March 21, 2016. \n\t(ii) (Reserved) \n\t(4) For Airbus Helicopters 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. \n\t(5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. \n\t(6) 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. \n\n\n\tIssued on February 3, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2021-03056 Filed 2-10-21; 2:00 pm) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P