2021-26-07: Tail rotor system

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: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2020-11-05, Amendment 39-21130 (85 FR 31042, May 22, 2020); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2021-26-07 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21866; Docket No. FAA-2021-0872; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00312-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 27, 2022. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2020-11-05, Amendment 39-21130 (85 FR 31042, May 22, 2020) (AD 2020-11-05). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters, certificated in any category, all serial numbers. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6400, Tail rotor system. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of recurrent loss of tightening torque on several attachment bolts on the tail rotor (TR) hub body. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect cracking and fretting, which if not addressed, could result in potential loss of the TR drive and consequent loss of yaw control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 7 days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, using a light source and mirror, visually inspect TR hub body part number (P/N) C642A0100103 for a crack in the entire inspection area depicted in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 05A020 Revision 2, dated February 8, 2021. If there is a crack, before further flight, perform the actions in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD. (i) Remove the TR hub body and each bolt, washer, and nut installed on the TR hub body from service and replace with airworthy parts. (ii) Inspect the TR splined flange for corrosion, impacts, fretting, wear, and a crack in the areas identified in Figure 2 to paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD. If the condition of the part (including corrosion, impacts, fretting, wear, or cracks) exceeds the criteria as specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, before further flight, remove the splined flange from service and replace with an airworthy part. Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1)(ii): You may refer to "Detailed Check-Splined Flange," Task 64-21-00, 6-5, Airbus Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), dated October 15, 2020, which pertains to the TR splined flange inspection. BILLING CODE 4910-13-P ER23DE21.000 ER23DE21.001 BILLING CODE 4910-13-C (2) For helicopters with 9,000 or more total hours TIS, or with unknown total hours TIS, within 15 hours TIS or 7 days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS, remove each bolt, washer, and nut installed on the TR hub body from service and replace with airworthy parts and perform the actions in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD. (3) For helicopters with less than 9,000 total hours TIS, within 1,000 hours TIS or before accumulating 9,000 total hours TIS, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS, remove each bolt, washer, and nut installed on the TR hub body from service and replace with airworthy parts and perform the actions in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD. (4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install TR hub body P/N C642A0100103 on any helicopter, unless the actions of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD have been accomplished. (h) Special Flight Permits A special flight permit may be permitted provided that there are no passengers onboard. (i) 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 (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. (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. (j) Related Information (1) 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 andrea.jimenez@faa.gov. (2) Service information identified in this AD, is available at the contact information specified in paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD. (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0069, dated March 11, 2021. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0872. (k) 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 the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 05A020, Revision 2, dated February 8, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, 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 https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. (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. (5) 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: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on December 9, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021-27625 Filed 12-22-21; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P