DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1070; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00686-R;
Amendment 39-22247; AD 2022-24-07]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) (Type Certificates Previously Held by Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm
(MBB), and Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD)) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 77-04-06,
which applied to Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB) (now Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)) Model BO-105A and BO-105 C
helicopters; AD 2002-13-06, which applied to certain Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH (ECD) (now Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD))
Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105 C-2, BO-105 CB-2, BO-105 CB-4, BO-105
CS-2, BO-105 CBS-2, BO-105S, and BO-105LS A-1 helicopters; AD 2016-25-
14, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model BO-105LS A-3 helicopters; and AD 2021-10-14, which applied to
certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model BO-105A, BO-
105C, BO-105S, and BO-105LS A-3 helicopters. Since the FAA issued those
ADs, new and more restrictive airworthiness limitations have been
issued. This AD requires incorporating into existing maintenance
records requirements (airworthiness limitations) as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated
by reference. This AD also prohibits the installation of certain part-
numbered tension-torsion (TT) straps. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 6, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 6,
2023.

ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1070; 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, the EASA AD, 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For service information identified in this final rule,
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet easa.europa.eu.
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. It is also available at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1070.
Other Related Service Information: For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this final rule, that is not incorporated by
reference, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax
(972) 641-3775; or at airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristi Bradley, COS Program Manager,
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email kristin.bradley@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 77-04-06, Amendment 39-2835 (42 FR 9670,
February 17, 1977; amended 44 FR 46783, August 9, 1979) (AD 77-04-06);
AD 2002-13-06, Amendment 39-12794 (67 FR 43526, June 28, 2002) (AD
2002-13-06); AD 2016-25-14, Amendment 39-18740 (81 FR 94944, December
27, 2016) (AD 2016-25-14); and AD 2021-10-14, Amendment 39-21547 (86 FR
27268, May 20, 2021) (AD 2021-10-14).
AD 77-04-06 applied to Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB) Model BO-
105A and BO-105C helicopters. AD 77-04-06 was prompted by reports of
internal corrosion of the main rotor gearbox (MGB) supports, which
could significantly reduce the structural strength and service life.
After AD 77-04-06 was issued, the FAA determined based on service experience and
additional test investigations the total hours time-in-service (TIS)
for certain part-numbered MGB supports could be increased. Accordingly,
the FAA amended AD 77-04-06 by issuing Amendment 39-3528 (44 FR 46783,
August 9, 1979), which increased the life limit for the MGB supports.
AD 2002-13-06 applied to Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model
BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105 C-2, BO-105 CB-2, BO-105 CB-4, BO-105S, BO-105
CS-2, BO-105 CBS-2, BO-105 CBS-4, and BO-105LS A-1 helicopters, with
certain part-numbered main rotor (MR) head assemblies and certain part-
numbered TT straps installed. AD 2002-13-06 was prompted by an accident
in which an MR blade separated from a Eurocopter Model MBB-BK 117
helicopter due to fatigue failure of a TT strap; the same part-numbered
TT strap is used on Model BO-105 helicopters. AD 2002-13-06 was also
prompted by the determination that an additional life limit for certain
part-numbered TT straps needed to be established. AD 2002-13-06
required creating a component log card or equivalent record and
determining the calendar age, number of flights, and flight hours TIS
on certain part-numbered TT straps; removing and replacing certain TT
straps, and modifying certain MR heads before certain part-numbered TT
straps are installed. AD 2002-13-06 also required revising the
Airworthiness Limitations Schedule (ALS) of the existing maintenance
manual to reflect the new life limits.
AD 2016-25-14 applied to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model BO-105LS A-3 helicopters with certain part-numbered TT straps
installed. AD 2016-25-14 was prompted by the determination that life
limits have been introduced for certain part-numbered TT straps
installed on the helicopter lifting system, and during the revision of
the ALS for the existing Model BO-105LS A-3 maintenance manual, the
life limit for the TT strap was inadvertently deleted. AD 2016-25-14
required inspecting the helicopter records to determine the life limit
of the TT straps. Depending on the results, AD 2016-25-14 required
establishing a life limit if none exists; revising the ALS of the
existing maintenance manual, and creating a component history card or
equivalent record to reflect this life limit; and replacing certain TT
straps.
AD 2021-10-14 applied to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105S, and BO105LS A-3 helicopters equipped
with a certain TT strap. AD 2021-10-14 was prompted by the FAA's
determination that aging of the elastomeric material in a TT strap
could affect the structural characteristics of the TT strap. AD 2021-
10-14 required replacement of certain TT straps with serviceable parts
and implementation of a new storage life limit for TT straps.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 7, 2022 (87
FR 54636). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2021-0142, dated June 17,
2021 (EASA AD 2021-0142), 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 (AHD), formerly
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH, Eurocopter Hubschrauber Deutschland GmbH,
Messerschmitt-B[ouml]lkow-Blohm GmbH; Eurocopter Canada Ltd, formerly
Messerschmitt-B[ouml]lkow-Blohm Helicopter Canada Limited, Model BO105
A, BO105 C, BO105 D, BO105 S, BO105 LS A-1, and BO105 LS A-3
helicopters, all variants, all serial numbers, including BO105 LS A-3
helicopters modified in accordance with EASA Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) 10039633, or previously Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA)
Germany STC EMZ NR. 0654/3058 (commercially known as ``Superlifter'').
EASA AD 2021-0142 superseded a series of ADs to include EASA AD 2019-
0024, dated February 4, 2019 (which prompted AD 2021-10-14); EASA AD
2015-0042, dated March 9, 2015 (which prompted AD 2016-25-14); EASA AD
2013-0015, dated January 16, 2013; EASA AD 2010-0153, dated July 27,
2010; LBA Germany AD 2001-281, dated October 18, 2001 (which prompted
AD 2002-13-06); and LBA Germany AD 76-136/2, dated October 5, 1978
(which prompted AD 77-04-06).
The NPRM proposed to require incorporating into existing
maintenance records new and more restrictive requirements
(airworthiness limitations), as specified in EASA AD 2021-0142. The
NPRM also proposed to prohibit the installation of certain part-
numbered TT straps. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
Additionally, the actions required to address the unsafe conditions
in AD 77-04-06, AD 2002-13-06, AD 2016-25-14, and AD 2021-10-14 are
included in ``the applicable ALS,'' as defined in EASA AD 2021-0142.
Therefore, the FAA is superseding AD 77-04-06, AD 2002-13-06, AD 2016-
25-14, and AD 2021-10-14 in order to reduce the burden on operators by
requiring compliance with a single FAA AD in lieu of multiple FAA ADs.
You may examine EASA AD 2021-0142 in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1070.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received no comments regarding the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

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 about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters. Except for minor editorial changes,
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

EASA AD 2021-0142 requires replacing certain components before
exceeding their applicable life limit. EASA AD 2021-0142 also prohibits
installing Bendix TT-strap part number 2602559, 2606576, 2604067, or
117-14110, and requires revising the approved aircraft maintenance
program (AMP) by incorporating the limitations described in ``the
applicable ALS'' as defined in EASA AD 2021-0142.
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.

Other Related Service Information

The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters BO 105 Maintenance Manual (MM),
Revision 31, dated December 15, 2020, for Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-
105 D, BO-105S, and BO-105LS A-1 helicopters; Airbus Helicopters BO 105
LS A-3 MM, Revision 7, dated November 27, 2018, for Model BO-105 LS A-3
helicopters; and Airbus Helicopters MM BO 105 LS A-3 ``Super Lifter''
Appendix 010, Revision 4, dated March 28, 2019, for BO 105 LS A-3
``Superlifter'' helicopters.
This service information specifies certain actions and associated
thresholds and intervals, including life limits and maintenance tasks.
These requirements (airworthiness limitations) include new life limits,
including cure dates and storage life limits, for certain part-numbered
TT straps.

ADs Mandating Airworthiness Limitations

The FAA has previously mandated airworthiness limitations by
mandating each airworthiness limitation task (e.g., inspections and
replacements (life limits)) as an AD requirement or issuing ADs that
require revising the ALS of the existing maintenance manual or
instructions for continued airworthiness to incorporate new or revised
inspections and life limits. This AD, however, requires operators to
incorporate into maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or
135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your helicopter, the requirements
(airworthiness limitations) specified in EASA AD 2021-0142. The FAA
does not intend this as a substantive change. For these ADs, the ALS
requirements for operators are the same but are complied with
differently. Requiring the incorporation of the new ALS requirements
into the maintenance records, rather than requiring individual ALS
tasks (e.g., repetitive inspections and replacements), requires
operators to record AD compliance once after updating the maintenance
records, rather than after every time the ALS task is completed.
In addition, paragraph (h) of this AD allows operators to
incorporate later approved revisions of the ALS document as specified
in the ``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2021-0142 without the
need for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC).

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

This AD does not require compliance with paragraphs (3), (4), and
(5) of EASA AD 2021-0142.
EASA AD 2021-0142 is applicable to Model BO-105D helicopters,
whereas this AD is not because Model BO-105D helicopters are not
certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type
certificate data sheet. EASA AD 2021-0142 is applicable to Model BO-105
LS A-3 helicopters modified in accordance with EASA STC 10039633, or
previously LBA Germany STC EMZ NR. 0654/3058 (commercially known as
``Superlifter''), whereas this AD applies to Model BO-105 LS A-3
helicopters modified in accordance with STC SR00043RD.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 67 helicopters of U.S.
registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this AD.
Incorporating requirements (airworthiness limitations) into
existing maintenance records takes about 2 work-hours for an estimated
cost of $170 per helicopter and $11,390 for the U.S. fleet.

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.

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 77-04-06, Amendment 39-2835 (42 FR
9670, February 17, 1977; amended 44 FR 46783, August 9, 1979);
Airworthiness Directive 2002-13-06, Amendment 39-12794 (67 FR 43526,
June 28, 2002); Airworthiness Directive 2016-25-14, Amendment 39-18740
(81 FR 94944, December 27, 2016); and Airworthiness Directive 2021-10-
14, Amendment 39-21547 (86 FR 27268, May 20, 2021); and

b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: