2021-24-06: Fuselage Structure

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2021-24-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21827; Docket No. FAA-2021-1009; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01173-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 9, 2021. (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 2021-0235-E, dated October 28, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0235-E). (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5300, Fuselage Structure. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of degradation of the rear transmission shaft bearing support and the determination that all of the attachment rivets of the transmission shaft bearing support were sheared. The FAA is issuing this AD to address sheared attachment rivets of the transmission shaft bearing support. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to 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 2021-0235-E. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0235-E (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0235-E refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0235-E requires doing an inspection after each last flight of the day or "ALF," this AD requires doing that inspection before each first flight of the day. (3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0235-E requires, if any rivet on the rear transmission bearing support is found missing, loose or sheared, or any visible crack is present, contacting Airbus Helicopters to obtain approved repair instructions and accomplishing those instructions, this AD requires doing a repair in accordance with an FAA-approved method. (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0235-E specifies that the inspection can be done by a mechanical technician, a pilot with correct training and accreditation, or a pilot-owner, this AD requires that the inspection be done by a qualified mechanic. (5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2021-0235-E. (6) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0235-E requires doing inspections of the rivets for presence of cracks, for this AD, inspect for visible cracks and missing, loose, or sheared rivets. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0235-E specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits may be permitted provided that there are no passengers on board. (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 Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; 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) Emergency AD 2021-0235-E, dated October 28, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2021-0235-E, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected] ; internet www.easa.europa.eu . You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at https://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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1009. (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 . Issued on November 12, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021-25635 Filed 11-22-21; 11:15 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P