DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1036; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01430-R;
Amendment 39-21409; AD 2021-03-06]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365
N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the FAA's
determination that to improve the process and performance in collecting
metal particles in the main gear box (MGB) certain existing magnetic
plugs (electrical and nonelectrical) installed in the MGB pump intake
must be replaced with improved non-electrical magnetic plugs. This AD
requires replacing the existing magnetic plug with an improved non-
electrical magnetic plug, as specified in a European Aviation Safety
Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 1, 2021.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 1, 2021.

ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. 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. It is also available in
the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1036.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
1036; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
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: Mahmood Shah, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth,
TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5538; email mahmood.g.shah@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0176, dated August 21, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0176) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS
365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus
Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and
EC155B1 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
November 30, 2020 (85 FR 76495). The NPRM was prompted by the FAA's
determination that to improve the process and performance in collecting
metal particles in the MGB certain existing magnetic plugs (electrical
and non-electrical) installed in the MGB pump intake must be replaced
with improved non-electrical magnetic plugs. The NPRM proposed to
require replacing the existing magnetic plug with an improved non-
electrical magnetic plug, as specified in an EASA AD.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address metal particles causing
seizure of the MGB, loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter. See the MCAI for additional
background information.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed,
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:

Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and

Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

EASA AD 2018-0176 describes procedures for replacing the existing
magnetic plug (electrical and non-electrical) installed in the MGB pump
intake with an improved non-electrical magnetic plug. This material 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.

Interim Action

The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 52 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs for Required Actions

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

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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive: