2024-18-05: Fuselage Main, Frame

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: 2024-18-05 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22839; Docket No. FAA-2024-1686; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00595-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 12, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and SA330J helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5311, Fuselage Main, Frame. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the installation of unapproved main gearbox (MGB) forward and left-hand and right-hand rear suspension bar attachment plates. The FAA is issuing this AD to ensure installation of approved parts. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in damage to the MGB suspension bar attachment plates and surrounding fuselage structure, and subsequent failure of load carrying structural elements. (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 2023-0076, dated April 11, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0076). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0076 (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0076 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2023-0076 refers to its effective date and March 21, 2023 (the effective date of EASA AD 2023-0049, dated March 7, 2023), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0076 specifies contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] for approved corrective action instructions and within the compliance time indicated therein, accomplishing those instructions accordingly and, where the material referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0076 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters to get an approved repair, this AD requires, before further flight, corrective action 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. (4) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2023-0049. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0076 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 or email to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also submit information by email. (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) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Hye Yoon Jang, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-3758; 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 (EASA) AD 2023-0076, dated April 11, 2023. (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 this 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 4, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-23137 Filed 10-7-24; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P