2024-17-08: 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: 2024-17-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22833; Docket No. FAA-2024-1297; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00736-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 7, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of water in the oil of a main gearbox (MGB), due to an incorrect installation of the upper main rotor mast cover plate. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent water in the MGB oil. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in corrosion of the main rotor mast and inside the MGB, degradation of the MGB, degradation of the upper stops assembly, failure of a critical part, 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 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 2022-0104, dated June 9, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0104). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0104 (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0104 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2022-0104 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where the material referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies using a rule (item zz), this AD requires using a straight edge. (4) Instead of complying with paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0104, comply with the following, "For Group 2 helicopters: Within 110 hours time-in-service or 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, collect a main gearbox oil sample and send the main gearbox oil sample for water content analysis. Thereafter, within 110 hours time-in-service or 3 months after accomplishing the initial instance of those actions, whichever occurs later, collect another main gearbox oil sample and send the main gearbox oil sample for water content analysis." (5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies discarding a part, this AD requires removing that part from service. (6) Where paragraphs (4.2) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0104 specify contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] with a request to accomplish a DET, this AD requires a detailed inspection done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. The detailed inspection must define what is considered a discrepancy. (7) Instead of complying with paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2022-0104, comply with the following, "If there is a discrepancy as a result of the detailed inspection, before further flight, replace the main gearbox with an airworthy main gearbox." (8) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2022-0104. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0104 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action. (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: [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 For more information about this AD, contact Dan McCully, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (404) 474-5548; email: [email protected]. (l) 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 AD 2022-0104, dated June 9, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: 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 September 27, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-22800 Filed 10-2-24; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P