2022-24-12: Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate

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 2020-23-05, Amendment 39-21321 (85 FR 73604, November 19, 2020); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2022-24-12 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22252; Docket No. FAA-2022-0015; Project Identifier AD-2021-00832-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 6, 2023. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2020-23-05, Amendment 39-21321 (85 FR 73604, November 19, 2020). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main rotor (M/R) rotating swashplate (swashplate) part number (P/N) 332A31-3074-00 or P/N 332A31-3074-01 installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6230, Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by results of testing, which determined that a crack could develop in a swashplate control rod attachment yoke (yoke), and the notification of a new life limit for certain swashplates. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct a crack in a yoke. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the yoke, loss of M/R control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Before further flight, review Appendix 4.A. of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 05A051, Revision 4, dated February 28, 2022 (EASB 05A051 Rev 4) to determine the date of manufacture of the swashplate. (1) If the swashplate has accumulated 13 or more years since the date of manufacture, remove the swashplate from service. (2) If the swashplate has accumulated less than 13 years since the date of manufacture, create a component history card or equivalent record indicating a life limit of 13 years since the date of manufacture. Thereafter, continue to record the life limit of the swashplate on its component history card or equivalent record and remove any swashplate from service before accumulating 13 years since the date of manufacture. (3) For each swashplate that has accumulated 7 or more years, but less than 13 years, since the date of manufacture, 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 or 7 days, whichever occurs first, until the swashplate accumulates 13 years since the date of manufacture, visually inspect each yoke for a crack, paying particular attention to the areas shown in Details B, C, and D of Figure 1 of EASB 05A051 Rev 4. If there is any crack on the yoke, before further flight, remove the swashplate from service. (i) If no cracks are visually detected, before further flight, visually inspect for a scratch and surface degradation on the yoke. (ii) If there is any scratch or surface degradation on the yoke, before further flight, perform a dye penetrant inspection of the yoke for a crack. (iii) If there is any crack on the yoke, before further flight, remove the swashplate from service. (4) For each swashplate that has accumulated 7 or more years, but less than 13 years, since the date of manufacture, within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD: (i) Remove the grease from areas (E), (F), (G), (H), (J), and (K) of each yoke as shown in Details B, C, and D of Figure 1 of EASB 05A051 Rev 4. Using a plastic spatula, strip areas (E), (F), (G), (H), (J), and (K) of each yoke as shown in Details B, C, and D of Figure 1 of EASB 05A051 Rev 4. Do not use a metal tool to strip any area of a yoke. (ii) Inspect areas (E), (F), (G), (H), (J), and (K) of each yoke as shown in Details B, C, and D of Figure 1 of EASB 05A051 Rev 4 for corrosion, pitting, and loss of material. (A) If there is any corrosion less than 0.0078 in. (0.2 mm), before further flight, remove the corrosion and apply varnish (Vernelec 43022 or equivalent) to the surface of areas (E), (F), (G), (H), (J), and (K). (B) If there is any pitting or loss of material of less than 0.0078 in. (0.2 mm), before further flight, remove the damage by sanding with sandpaper 200/400 or 330. (C) If there is any corrosion, pitting, or loss of material of 0.0078 in. (0.2 mm) or greater, before further flight, remove the swashplate from service. (iii) Visually inspect each yoke for a crack, paying particular attention to the areas shown in Details B, C, and D of Figure 1 of EASB 05A051 Rev 4. (A) If there is any crack on the yoke, before further flight, remove the swashplate from service. (B) If no cracks are visually detected, before further flight, perform the actions as required in paragraphs (g)(3)(i) through (iii) of this AD. (h) Credit for Previous Actions If you performed the actions in paragraph (g)(4) of this AD before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 05A051, Revision 1, dated November 16, 2017; Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 05A051, Revision 2, dated February 26, 2019; or Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 05A051 Revision 3, dated December 7, 2021, you have met the requirements of paragraph (g)(4) of this AD. (i) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (j) 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 (k)(1) 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. (k) Related Information (1) 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; phone: (202) 267-9167; email: [email protected]. (2) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 05A051, Revision 1, dated November 16, 2017; Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 05A051, Revision 2, dated February 26, 2019; and Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 05A051 Revision 3, dated December 7, 2021, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this AD. This service information is available at the contact information specified in paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD. (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0074R1, dated March 8, 2022. You may view the EASA AD at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0015. (l) 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 No. 05A051, Revision 4, dated February 28, 2022. Note 1 to paragraph (l)(2)(i): Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A051, Revision 4, dated February 28, 2022, is co-published as one document along with Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A046, Revision 4, dated February 28, 2022, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone: (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at 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: [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on November 16, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-26219 Filed 12-1-22; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P