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2021-07-08 AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH (TYPE CERTIFICATE PREVIOUSLY HELD BY EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH AND EUROCOPTER CANADA LTD.):
Amendment 39-21485; Docket No. FAA-2020-0696; Product Identifier 2018-SW-019-AD.

(a) APPLICABILITY

    This  airworthiness  directive  (AD)  applies  to  Airbus  Helicopters
    Deutschland GmbH Model BO-105A,  BO-105C,  BO-105S,  BO-105LS A-1, and
    BO-105LS A-3 helicopters, certificated in any category,  with  a  main
    rotor (M/R) mast part number  (P/N) 4619 305 032 of M/R  mast assembly
    P/N 4638 205 005,  or  M/R mast P/N 4639 305 002 of M/R  mast assembly
    P/N 4639 205 017.

Note 1 to Paragraph (a): M/R mast assembly  P/N 4639 205 017 may also con-
tain reinforced M/R mast  P/N 4639 305 095,  which is not affected by this
AD.

(b) UNSAFE CONDITION

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as cracks  in the M/R mast flange
    (flange).  This condition  could result  in failure  of the flange and
    subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) AFFECTED ADS

    This AD replaces AD 97-26-02, Amendment 39-10245(62 FR 65749, December
    16, 1997).

(d) EFFECTIVE DATE

    This AD becomes effective April 30, 2021.

(e) COMPLIANCE

    You are  responsible for  performing each  action required  by this AD
    within  the  specified  compliance time  unless  it  has already  been
    accomplished prior to that time.

(f) REQUIRED ACTIONS

(1) Before further flight  and  thereafter  at intervals not to exceed 100
    hours time-in-service,  visually inspect the flange in the ribbed area
    for cracks using a 5-power  or  higher magnifying glass  in accordance
    with paragraphs  2.A.1. and 2.A.2.  of the Accomplishment Instructions
    in Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH  Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB-BO 105-
    10-110, dated August 27, 1997.

(2) If there is a crack,  remove from service the cracked M/R mast and re-
    place it with an airworthy M/R mast.

(g) 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 (h)(1)  of this AD. Information may  be
    emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.

(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate
    or under 14 CFR part 91,  subpart K, the FAA suggests that  you notify
    your  principal  inspector,  or  lacking  a  principal  inspector, the
    manager of the local  flight standards district office  or certificate
    holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying  with
    this AD through an AMOC.

(h) RELATED INFORMATION

(1) For more information about this AD,  contact  Matt Fuller,  AD Program
    Manager,  Operational  Safety  Branch, Airworthiness Products Section,
    General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit,  FAA,  10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,  Fort
    Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222–5110; email matthew.fuller@faa.gov.

(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency
    (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0056, dated
    March 14, 2018;  and Transport Canada AD CF-1997-18R1, dated March 12,
    2018.  You may view the EASA and Transport Canada ADs  on the Internet
    at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2020-0696.

(i) SUBJECT

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code:  6230,  Main Rotor Mast/
    Swashplate

(j) MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(1) The Director of the Federal Register  approved  the  incorporation  by
    reference of the service information  listed in this paragraph under 5
    U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) You must use  this service information as applicable to do the actions
    required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on December 31,
    1997 (62 FR 65749, December 16, 1997).

(i) Eurocopter Deutshland GmbH  Alert Service Bulletin  No. ASB-BO 105-10-
    110, dated August 27, 1997.

(ii) [Reserved]

(4) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicop-
    ters, 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/technicalsupport.html.

(5) You may view  this  service  information  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.

(6) You may view this service information  that is incorporated  by refer-
    ence at the National  Archives and Records Administration  (NARA). For
    information  on  the  availability of  this  material  at NARA,  email
    fedreg.legal@nara.gov,  or  go  to:  https://www.archives.gov/federal-
    register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Issued on March 20, 2021.  Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Stra-
tegic Initiatives,  Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certifi-
cation Service.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller,  AD Program Manager,  Opera-
tional Safety Branch,  Airworthiness Products Section,  General Aviation &
Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone
817-222–5110; email matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
PREAMBLE 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0696; Product Identifier 2018-SW-019-AD; Amendment
39-21485; AD 2021-07-08]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH and
Eurocopter Canada Ltd.) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-26-02
for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105S, BO-
105LS A-1, and BO-105LS A-3 helicopters; and Eurocopter Canada Ltd.
Model BO-105LS A-3 helicopters. AD 97-26-02 required a repetitive
visual inspection for cracks in the ribbed area of the main rotor (M/R)
mast flange (flange), and depending on the outcome, replacing the M/R
mast. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 97-26-02 and removes
the reinforced M/R mast from the applicability. This AD was prompted by
the determination that a certain reinforced M/R mast is not affected by
the unsafe condition. The actions of this AD are intended to address an
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 30, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 31,
1997 (62 FR 65749, December 16, 1997).

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-2020-0696.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2020-0696; 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 Aviation
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD,
the Transport Canada 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: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager,
Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email matthew.fuller@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to remove AD 97-26-02, Amendment 39-10245 (62 FR 65749,
December 16, 1997) (AD 97-26-02), and add a new AD. AD 97-26-02 applied
to Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105LS A-1,
and BO-105LS A-3 helicopters and Eurocopter Canada Ltd. Model BO-105LS
A-3 helicopters. AD 97-26-02 was prompted by Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA)
AD 97-275, effective September 25, 1997, issued by LBA, which is the
airworthiness authority for Germany, to correct an unsafe condition for
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model BO 105 helicopters; and Transport
Canada AD CF-97-18, dated September 30, 1997 (Transport Canada AD CF-
97-18), issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for
Canada. The LBA and Transport Canada ADs required an immediate and
repetitive visual inspection for a crack in the flange area after an M/
R mast was found to have cracks of critical magnitude.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2020 (85 FR
43506). The NPRM proposed to continue to require the repetitive visual
inspection for a crack in the ribbed area of the M/R mast flange, and
if there is a crack, removing from service the M/R mast and replacing
it with an airworthy M/R mast.
The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2018-0056, dated March 14, 2018,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH,
Eurocopter Hubschrauber GmbH, Messerschmitt-B[ouml]lkow-Blohm GmbH,
Eurocopter Canada Ltd, Messerschmitt-B[ouml]lkow-Blohm Helicopter
Canada Ltd.) Model BO105 A, BO105 C, BO105 D, BO105 LS A-1, BO105 LS A-
3 and BO105 S helicopters. EASA advises of the transfer of type
certificate responsibility of Eurocopter Canada Ltd. Model BO-105LS A-3
helicopters to Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH and the determination that
reinforced M/R mast part number (P/N) 4639 305 095 of M/R mast assembly
P/N 4639 205 017 is not affected by this unsafe condition. The EASA AD
retains the repetitive visual inspection requirements but only for
helicopters with M/R mast P/N 4619 305 032 of M/R mast assembly P/N
4638 205 005, and M/R mast P/N 4639 305 002 of M/R mast assembly P/N
4639 205 017. With the transfer of type certificate responsibility of
Eurocopter Canada Ltd. Model BO-105LS A-3 helicopters, Transport Canada
issued Transport Canada AD CF-1997-18R1, dated March 12, 2018, to
cancel Transport Canada AD CF-97-18.
Also, since the FAA issued AD 97-26-02, Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
changed its name to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH. This AD
reflects that change and updates the contact information to obtain
service documentation.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule, but the FAA did not receive any comments on
the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

FAA's Determination

These helicopters has 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 of the 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 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters if there is a
crack in the flange, whereas this AD requires replacing the M/R mast
instead. Also, the EASA AD applies to Model BO105 D and BO105 S
helicopters; this AD does not as these model helicopters are not type-
certificated in the U.S.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH has issued Alert Service Bulletin No.
ASB-BO 105-10-110, dated August 27, 1997, which specifies procedures
for repetitive visual inspections of the flange for cracks.
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.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 21 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85
per work-hour.
Inspecting the flange takes about 0.25 work-hour for an estimated
cost of $21 per helicopter and $441 for the U.S. fleet per inspection
cycle.
Replacing the M/R mast takes about 8 work-hours and parts cost
about $30,000 for an estimated cost of $30,680 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:

a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-26-02, Amendment 39-10245
(62 FR 65749, December 16, 1997); and

b. Adding the following new AD: