2023-03-01: Main 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-03-01 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-22326; Docket No. FAA-2023-0159; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00046-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 21, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105S, BO-105LS A-1, BO-105LS A-3 (including those modified by Supplemental Type Certificate SR00043RD), MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, MBB-BK 117 C-1, MBB-BK 117 C-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any category. Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an MBB-BK117 C-2e designation are Model MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6230, Main Rotor System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a missing main rotor swashplate (swashplate) inner ring (inner ring). The FAA is issuing this AD to detect a missing inner ring. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of main rotor control and subsequent loss of 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency Emergency AD 2023-0006-E, dated January 12, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0006-E). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0006-E (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0006-E refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0006-E specifies that a pilot may check for installation of the inner ring on the swashplate, this AD requires that inspection to be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3. (3) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0006-E and where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0006-E specify contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] to obtain further instructions or approved instructions, this AD requires actions done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. As an option, you may accomplish the actions identified in paragraphs (h)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD. (i) Before further flight, replace the affected swashplate. (ii) At the applicable compliance time identified in paragraph (h)(3)(ii)(A) or (B) of this AD, report the inspection results and describe in detail any other findings, along with the helicopter model and serial number, swashplate part number, and the following text: "EASB BO105-40A-110, BO105LS-40A-15, BO105 LS A-3-STC-0654/3058-40A-3, MBB-BK117-40A-118, MBB-BK117-62-32-0001" by email to support.technical-bulletins.ahd@airbus.com. (A) If the inspection in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0006-E was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after completing paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0006-E. (B) If the inspection in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0006-E was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD. (4) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD 2023-0006-E. (i) Special Flight Permit 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) 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. (k) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Dan McCully, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1701 Columbia Ave., Mail Stop: ACO, College Park, GA 30337; telephone (404) 474-5548; email william.mccully@faa.gov. (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 this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2023-0006-E, dated January 12, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2023-0006-E, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at 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. (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 fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on January 31, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-02502 Filed 2-2-23; 11:15 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P