DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0404; Product Identifier 2015-SW-066-AD; Amendment
39-21112; AD 2020-09-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously
Eurocopter France)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-24-04
for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. AD 2008-24-04 required
repetitively inspecting the lubricating pump and checking the magnetic
chip detector plug (chip detector) and the main gearbox (MGB) oil-sight
glass. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2008-24-04 and allows
the option of altering the MGB oil flow distribution as a terminating
action for the inspections. This AD was prompted by an alteration
developed by Airbus Helicopters of the MGB oil flow distribution that
corrects the unsafe condition. The actions of this AD are intended to
address an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 28, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 28, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of
December 30, 2008 (73 FR 71530, November 25, 2008).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052; telephone 972-641-0000 or 800-232-0323; fax 972-641-3775; or at
https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You
may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the internet at https://www.
regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0404.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.
gov in Docket No. FAA-2017-0404; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (previously European Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD, any service information that is incorporated by reference,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email
james.blyn@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to remove AD 2008-24-04, Amendment 39-15744 (73 FR 71530,
November 25, 2008) (``AD 2008-24-04'') and add a new AD. AD 2008-24-04
applied to Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on December 31, 2019 (84 FR 72254). The NPRM
proposed to continue to require the requirements of AD 2008-24-04 of
repetitively inspecting the lubricating pump and checking the chip
detector and the MGB oil-sight glass. The NPRM proposed to add an
option to alter the lubrication system (modification (MOD) 077222) as a
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. For those
helicopters that incorporate Mod 077222, the NPRM also proposed to
require using mineral oil 0-155 in the combiner gearbox instead of
synthetic oil 0-156. This NPRM proposed to exclude helicopters with MOD
077222 from the applicability. An owner/operator (pilot) may perform
the visual checks proposed by the NPRM and must enter compliance with
that paragraph into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance
with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Sec. Sec.
43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may
perform this check because it involves only a visual check and can be
performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This check is an
exception to the FAA's standard maintenance regulations.
The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2007-0209R1, dated September
11, 2015 (EASA AD 2007-0209R1), issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA AD 2007-0209R1
followed the issuance of service information by Airbus Helicopters to
provide procedures for Airbus Helicopters MOD 077222, which improves
the distribution of the oil flow between the accessory modules of the
combiner gearbox and the MGB. EASA advises that Airbus Helicopters MOD
077222 provides the same level of safety as the MGB pump inspections.
Accordingly, the EASA AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters with a lubrication
pump part number 355A32-0700-01, 355A32-0700-02, or 355A32-0701-00
installed, except those with Airbus Helicopters MOD 077222 installed,
and requires repetitive MGB pump inspections and chip detector and MGB
oil-sight glass checks, and allows MOD 077222 as optional terminating
action for the repetitive inspections.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this AD, but the FAA did not receive any comments on the
NPRM.

FAA's Determination

These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA's bilateral agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified
the FAA of the unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is issuing
this AD after evaluating all information provided by EASA and
determining the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of these same type designs and that air
safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

The EASA AD requires that the initial and repetitive MGB oil
inspections be conducted after the last flight of each day without
exceeding 10 flight hours between two successive checks. This AD
requires those inspections before the first flight of each day and at
intervals not to exceed 10 hours time-in-service.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
05.00.51, dated July 9, 2007 (ASB 05.00.51), and Airbus Helicopters ASB
No. 05.00.51, Revision 1, dated July 29, 2015. This service information
contains procedures for monitoring the MGB oil pump for wear. Revision
1 of this service information omits helicopters with MOD 077222
installed.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No.
AS355-63.00.25, Revision 1, dated July 29, 2015, and Revision 2, dated
June 22, 2017. This service information contains procedures for
altering the lubrication system to increase oil flow between the
accessory modules of the combiner gearbox and the MGB. This service
information also specifies using mineral oil 0-155 in the combiner
gearbox instead of synthetic oil 0-156 after completing the alteration.
Airbus Helicopters identifies this alteration as MOD 077222. Revision 2
of this service information clarifies a procedure and updates a work
card.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

The FAA reviewed Eurocopter Emergency ASB No. 05.00.40, Revision 3,
dated July 9, 2007. This service information specifies inspecting the
MGB magnetic plug for sludge and oil sight for color. If there is
sludge or if the oil is dark or dark purple, this service information
specifies removing the lubrication pump and inspecting it for certain
conditions, and replacing it as necessary. Revision 3 of this service
information informs operators that this service information is
superseded by ASB 05.00.51.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 46 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD.
Checking the MGB oil and chip detector condition takes
about 0.25 work-hour for an estimated cost of about $21 per helicopter
and $966 for the U.S. fleet per check.
Inspecting the lubricating pump takes about 1 work-hour
for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $3,910 for the U.S.
fleet per inspection.
Replacing the MGB and pump takes about 8 work-hours and
costs about $64,000 (overhauled) in parts for an estimated cost of
$64,680 per helicopter.
Altering the lubrication system (optional MOD 077222)
takes about 4 work-hours and costs about $2,335 in parts for an
estimated cost of $2,675 per helicopter.

Authority for This Rulemaking

Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

The FAA has determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866,
2. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2008-24-04, Amendment 39-15744 (73 FR 71530, November 25, 2008), and
adding the following new AD: