2022-09-04: Tail Rotor Drive 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 (AD) 2021-05-05, Amendment 39-21448 (86 FR 13972, March 12, 2021); and b. Adding the following new AD: 2022-09-04 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22024; Docket No. FAA-2022-0102; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00841-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 31, 2022. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2021-05-05, Amendment 39-21448 (86 FR 13972, March 12, 2021) (AD 2021-05-05). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-366G1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6500, Tail Rotor Drive System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report where during a landing phase, a helicopter lost tail rotor pitch control, which was caused by significant damage to the tail rotor gearbox (TGB) control rod double bearing (bearing). This AD was also prompted by the determination that reduced inspection intervals, updated corrective actions, and increased compliance time for replacement of affected parts are necessary to address the unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent damage to the bearing, which if not addressed, could result in 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) For Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters: Except 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 2021-0171, dated July 19, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0171). (2) For Model SA-366G1 helicopters: Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions ( e.g., modify the helicopter by replacing the TGB control shaft guide bushes, do repetitive inspections of the TGB magnetic plug and applicable corrective actions; do repetitive replacements of a certain bearing; and modify the helicopter by replacing the TGB) specified in paragraph (g)(l) of this AD using a method approved by the FAA. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0171 (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0171 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0171 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where EASA AD 2021-0171 requires action after the last flight of the day or "ALF," this AD requires those actions before the first flight of the day. (4) This AD does not mandate compliance with the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2021-0171. (5) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0171 requires inspections (checks) to be done "in accordance with the instructions of Paragraph 3.B.1 of the applicable inspection ASB," for this AD, those instructions are for reference only and are not required for the actions in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0171. The inspections (checks) required by paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0171 may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417 or 135.439. (6) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2021-0171 specifies "if any discrepancy is detected, as defined in the applicable inspection ASB, before next flight, accomplish the applicable corrective action(s) in accordance with the instructions of Paragraph 3.B.1 of the applicable inspection ASB," for this AD, a qualified mechanic must add oil to the TGB to the "max" level if the oil level is not at maximum. The instructions are for reference only and are not required for the actions in paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2021-0171. (7) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2021-0171 refers to "any discrepancy," for this AD, discrepancies include the presence of particles and other conditions such as abrasions, scales, flakes, and splinters. (8) Where the service information referred to in EASA AD 2021-0171 specifies to perform a metallurgical analysis and contact the manufacturer if collected particles are not clearly characterized, this AD does not require contacting the manufacturer to determine the characterization of the particles collected. (9) Although service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0171 specifies to scrap parts, this AD does not include that requirement. (10) Although service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0171 specifies reporting information to Airbus Helicopters, filling in a "particle detection" follow-up sheet, and returning a "bearing monitoring sheet" to Airbus Helicopters, this AD does not include those requirements. (11) Although service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0171 specifies returning certain parts to an approved workshop and returning certain parts to Airbus Helicopters, this AD does not include those requirements. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0171 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 provided that there are no passengers onboard. (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 Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; 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) AD 2021-0171, dated July 19, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2021-0171, 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-2022-0102. (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 April 14, 2022. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-08803 Filed 4-25-22; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P