2024-10-13: Aircraft fuel filter/strainer

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: 2024-10-13 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22759; Docket No. FAA-2024-0042; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00659-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 13, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2821, Aircraft fuel filter/strainer. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of cracks on the fuel filter bowl (bowl) due to over-torquing. The FAA is proposing this AD to inspect for cracks and seepage on the bowl of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) fuel filter. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the bowl, in-flight shutdown, and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0095, dated May 8, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0095). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0095 (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0095 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2023-0095 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0095 requires an inspection "in accordance with the instructions of the applicable ASB," for this AD, replace that text with, "in accordance with paragraph 3.B.2.a. of the applicable ASB, except you are not required to comply with paragraph 3.B.2.b or 3.B.3." (4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0095 states "replace the affected part with a serviceable part in accordance with the instructions of the applicable ASB," this AD requires replacing those words with "remove the affected part from service and replace it with a serviceable part." (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0095 specifies to "make sure that there is no crack and no seepage on the bowls (a) of the RH and LH fuel filters (b)," this AD requires replacing those words with "Inspect for any crack and seepage on the bowls (a) of the RH and LH fuel filters (b)." (6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0095 specifies "If there is a crack and/or a seepage on the bowls (a) of the RH and LH fuel filters (b), comply with paragraph 3.B.2.b.," this AD requires replacing that text with "If there is a crack or seepage on the bowls (a) of the RH or LH fuel filter (b), before further flight, remove the affected part from service and replace with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0095." (7) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2023-0095. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0095 specifies to submit certain information and return parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not include those requirements. (j) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits are prohibited. (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 Dan McCully, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone (781) 238-7244; email [email protected]. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0095, dated May 8, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2023-0095, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material 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 at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected]. Issued on May 17, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-14880 Filed 7-8-24; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P