Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 12424-12426 [2017-04116]
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12424
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 41
Friday, March 3, 2017
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 52
[Doc. No. AMS–FV–08–0076]
United States Standards for Grades of
Frozen Onions
Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the Agricultural Marketing Service
(AMS) is reopening the comment period
for the document inviting comments on
a proposal to create new United States
Standards for Grades of Frozen Onions
and request for comments published in
the Federal Register on November 23,
2016. The comment period for this
document closed on January 23, 2017.
The grade standards would provide a
common language for trade, a means of
measuring value in the marketing of
frozen onions, and guidance on the
effective use of frozen onions.
DATES: AMS is reopening the comment
period for the proposed rule published
November 23, 2016 (81 FR 84506).
Comments must be received by April 3,
2017.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
invited to submit comments on the
notice via the Internet at: https://
www.regulations.gov. Comments may
also be submitted by email to
Brian.Griffin@ams.usda.gov; by mail to
Brian E. Griffin, Standardization
Branch, Specialty Crops Inspection
Division, AMS, USDA, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., STOP 0247,
Washington, DC 20250–0247; and via
fax to (202) 690–1527. All comments
should reference the document number,
dates, and page numbers of this issue
and the November 23, 2016, issue of the
Federal Register. All comments
received will be posted online without
change, including any personal
information provided, and will be made
available for public inspection at the
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SUMMARY:
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above physical address during regular
business hours.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brian E. Griffin, Agricultural Marketing
Specialist, Specialty Crops Inspection
Division, Specialty Crops Program,
AMS, USDA; telephone: (202) 720–
5021, fax (202) 690–1527, or email
Brian.Griffin@ams.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A
document regarding proposed new
United States Standards for Grades of
Frozen onions was published in the
Federal Register on November 23, 2016
(81 FR 84506). The proposed standards
were developed at the request of the
frozen food industry and reflect the
industry’s extensive input. The
standards would establish a frozen
onion product description, designate
various product styles, provide the
criteria for various grade levels of frozen
onions, and describe tolerance limits for
defects.
The 60-day comment period provided
in the previously published proposed
rule closed January 23, 2017. The
comment period is reopened until April
3, 2017. AMS is reopening the public
comment period for 30 days to ensure
that interested persons have sufficient
time to review and comment on the
document.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627.
Dated: February 27, 2017.
Bruce Summers,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–04079 Filed 3–2–17; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–5019; Directorate
Identifier 2015–SW–079–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
SUMMARY:
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and
EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD
would require inspecting the sliding
cabin doors. This proposed AD is
prompted by the failure of the sliding
door’s jettison mechanism due to
corrosion. The proposed actions are
intended to address the unsafe
condition in these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by May 2, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
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–2016–
5019; or in person at the Docket
Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the
European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, the economic evaluation,
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Operations Office (telephone
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after receipt.
For service information identified in
this proposed 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.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
You may review the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
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Engineer, Safety Management Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5116; email
david.hatfield@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Comments Invited
We invite you to participate in this
rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also
invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or
federalism impacts that might result
from adopting the proposals in this
document. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
filed electronically, commenters should
submit only one time.
We will file in the docket all
comments that we receive, as well as a
report summarizing each substantive
public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking.
Before acting on this proposal, we will
consider all comments we receive on or
before the closing date for comments.
We will consider comments filed after
the comment period has closed if it is
possible to do so without incurring
expense or delay. We may change this
proposal in light of the comments we
receive.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015–
0156, dated July 29, 2015, and corrected
July 30, 2015, to correct an unsafe
condition for Airbus Helicopters Model
AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1,
and AS332L2 helicopters manufactured
before July 14, 2014, and equipped with
cabin sliding plug doors (sliding doors)
modified in accordance with Airbus
Helicopters modification (MOD)
AL25612 or 0725870. EASA AD No.
2015–0156 also applies to Airbus
Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters
manufactured before July 14, 2014, and
equipped with sliding doors.
EASA advises that the sliding door’s
emergency jettisoning mechanism failed
during a scheduled inspection and that
a subsequent investigation found
significant corrosion damage caused by
water that accumulated after a plasticrubber compound obstructed the water
drain of the door’s jettison mechanism
system. This condition, if not detected
and corrected, could lead to jamming of
the jettisoning mechanism, possibly
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preventing the jettisoning of the door
during an emergency and jeopardizing
the safe evacuation of occupants, EASA
advises.
To address this unsafe condition,
EASA AD No. 2015–0156 requires a
one-time inspection of the left hand and
right hand sliding doors for corrosion.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by the aviation authority of France and
are approved for operation in the United
States. Pursuant to our bilateral
agreement with France, EASA, its
technical representative, has notified us
of the unsafe condition described in its
AD. We are proposing this AD because
we evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an
unsafe condition is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin No. AS332–53.01.86,
Revision 1, dated June 29, 2015 (ASB
AS332–53.01.86), for Model AS332C,
AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and
AS332L2 helicopters and military
model AS332B, B1, F1, M, and M1
helicopters; and Alert Service Bulletin
No. EC225–53A048, Revision 0, dated
August 18, 2014 (ASB EC225–53A048),
for Model EC225LP helicopters. ASB
AS332–53.01.86 and ASB EC225–
53A048 specify checking areas of the
emergency jettisoning system of the
sliding doors for the absence of sealing
compound, for corrosion on the visible
surfaces of the bracket, for the absence
of interference between the stainless
steel pipe and the aluminum bracket,
and for non-obstruction of the drain.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require,
within 30 days, visually inspecting the
left-hand and right-hand sliding doors
for sealing compound and removing any
sealing compound.
This proposed AD also would require
inspecting all visible bracket surfaces
for corrosion. If there is any corrosion,
this proposed AD would require
removing the corrosion, measuring the
corrosion depth, and performing a
jettisoning test. If the measured
corrosion depth is less than 0.5 mm and
the door passes the test, this proposed
AD would require applying corrosion
protectant. If the measured corrosion
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12425
depth is 0.5 mm or more and the door
passes the test, this proposed AD would
require applying corrosion protectant,
retesting at intervals not to exceed two
months, and then replacing the
jettisoning system within 6 months. If
the door does not pass the test, this
proposed AD would require replacing
the jettisoning system before further
flight.
This proposed AD would also require
measuring the clearance between the
bracket and stainless steel pipe. If the
clearance is less than 3 mm, this
proposed AD would require removing
the lockwire from the union, loosening
the unions of the air vent pipe,
positioning the support and the air vent
pipe to ensure a minimum clearance of
3 mm. This proposed AD would then
require tightening the support and
unions of the pipe and safety the union
using lockwire.
For Model EC225LP helicopters and
Model AS332-series helicopters with
modification AL25612, this proposed
AD would require inspecting for drain
obstruction and, if the drain is
obstructed, removing the sealing
compound and adhesive from the gutter
in the bracket area and unclogging the
drain and gutter. This proposed AD
would then require cleaning the gutter,
applying adhesive to the gutter, and
applying sealing compound.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires compliance
within various times, depending on the
helicopter model and modifications.
This proposed AD would require
compliance within 30 days.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 24 helicopters of U.S.
Registry and that labor costs average $85
per work-hour. Based on these
estimates, we expect that visually
inspecting for corrosion would require 1
work-hour and no parts for a total cost
of $85 per helicopter, and $2,040 for the
U.S. fleet. Replacing corroded parts
would require 8 work-hours and parts
would cost $500 for a total cost of
$1,180 per helicopter. Replacing the
door jettisoning system would require
16 work-hours and parts would cost
$4,500 for a total cost of $5,860 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
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detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are 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
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would 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, I certify
this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction; and
4. 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.
We prepared an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
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The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
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16:11 Mar 02, 2017
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Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2016–
5019; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–
079–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Airbus
Helicopters, certificated in any category:
(1) Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L,
AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters with a
date of manufacture on or before July 14,
2014, and with a sliding cabin plug door
(sliding door) with Airbus Helicopters
modification AL25612 or 0725870 installed;
and
(2) Model EC225LP helicopters with a date
of manufacture on or before July 14, 2014.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
corrosion of a jettisoning mechanism which,
if not detected and corrected, could result in
failure of a sliding door to jettison,
preventing occupants from exiting the
helicopter during an emergency.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by May 2,
2017.
(d) 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.
(e) Required Actions
Within 30 days:
(1) Visually inspect the left-hand and righthand sliding doors for sealing compound as
shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332–53.01.86,
Revision 1, dated June 29, 2015 (ASB AS332–
53.01.86), or Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin No. EC225–53A048, Revision 0,
dated August 18, 2014 (ASB EC225–53A048),
as applicable for your model helicopter.
Remove any sealing compound.
(2) Inspect all visible bracket surfaces for
corrosion. If there is any corrosion, remove
the corrosion and measure the corrosion
depth.
(i) If the measured corrosion depth is less
than 0.5 mm, perform a jettisoning test. If the
door passes the test, apply corrosion
protectant. If the door does not pass the test,
replace the jettisoning system before further
flight.
(ii) If the measured corrosion depth is 0.5
mm or more, perform a jettisoning test. If the
door passes the test, apply corrosion
protectant, perform a jettisoning test at
intervals not to exceed two months for not
more than six months, and replace the
jettisoning system within six months. If the
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 9990
door does not pass the test, replace the
jettisoning system before further flight.
(3) Measure the clearance between the
bracket and stainless steel pipe. If the
clearance is less than 3 mm, remove the
lockwire from the union and loosen the
unions of the air vent pipe. Position the
support and the air vent pipe to ensure a
minimum clearance of 3 mm. Tighten the
support and unions of the pipe and safety the
union using lockwire.
(4) For Model EC225LP helicopters and
Model AS332-series helicopters with
modification AL25612, inspect for drain
obstruction by compressing the middle rail
roller well piston and injecting distilled
water through the roller well to determine if
the water drains. If the drain is obstructed,
remove the sealing compound and adhesive
from the gutter in the bracket area. Remove
the drain from the gutter and unclog the
drain and gutter using a spatula or brush.
Clean the gutter on the bracket side and the
drain. Apply adhesive to the gutter and then
slide in the drain. Allow the adhesive to dry
and then apply sealing compound.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5116; email 9-ASWFTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest 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.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2015–0156, dated July 29, 2015, and
corrected July 30, 2015. You may view the
EASA AD on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5220, Emergency Exits.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February
23, 2017.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–04116 Filed 3–2–17; 8:45 am]
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 41 (Friday, March 3, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12424-12426]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-04116]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-5019; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-079-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and
EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the
sliding cabin doors. This proposed AD is prompted by the failure of the
sliding door's jettison mechanism due to corrosion. The proposed
actions are intended to address the unsafe condition in these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 2, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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-2016-
5019; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
For service information identified in this proposed 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.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review the referenced
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX
76177.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
[[Page 12425]]
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; email
david.hatfield@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay.
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015-0156, dated July 29, 2015,
and corrected July 30, 2015, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2
helicopters manufactured before July 14, 2014, and equipped with cabin
sliding plug doors (sliding doors) modified in accordance with Airbus
Helicopters modification (MOD) AL25612 or 0725870. EASA AD No. 2015-
0156 also applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters
manufactured before July 14, 2014, and equipped with sliding doors.
EASA advises that the sliding door's emergency jettisoning
mechanism failed during a scheduled inspection and that a subsequent
investigation found significant corrosion damage caused by water that
accumulated after a plastic-rubber compound obstructed the water drain
of the door's jettison mechanism system. This condition, if not
detected and corrected, could lead to jamming of the jettisoning
mechanism, possibly preventing the jettisoning of the door during an
emergency and jeopardizing the safe evacuation of occupants, EASA
advises.
To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD No. 2015-0156 requires a
one-time inspection of the left hand and right hand sliding doors for
corrosion.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, its technical
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in
its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
53.01.86, Revision 1, dated June 29, 2015 (ASB AS332-53.01.86), for
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters and
military model AS332B, B1, F1, M, and M1 helicopters; and Alert Service
Bulletin No. EC225-53A048, Revision 0, dated August 18, 2014 (ASB
EC225-53A048), for Model EC225LP helicopters. ASB AS332-53.01.86 and
ASB EC225-53A048 specify checking areas of the emergency jettisoning
system of the sliding doors for the absence of sealing compound, for
corrosion on the visible surfaces of the bracket, for the absence of
interference between the stainless steel pipe and the aluminum bracket,
and for non-obstruction of the drain.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require, within 30 days, visually inspecting
the left-hand and right-hand sliding doors for sealing compound and
removing any sealing compound.
This proposed AD also would require inspecting all visible bracket
surfaces for corrosion. If there is any corrosion, this proposed AD
would require removing the corrosion, measuring the corrosion depth,
and performing a jettisoning test. If the measured corrosion depth is
less than 0.5 mm and the door passes the test, this proposed AD would
require applying corrosion protectant. If the measured corrosion depth
is 0.5 mm or more and the door passes the test, this proposed AD would
require applying corrosion protectant, retesting at intervals not to
exceed two months, and then replacing the jettisoning system within 6
months. If the door does not pass the test, this proposed AD would
require replacing the jettisoning system before further flight.
This proposed AD would also require measuring the clearance between
the bracket and stainless steel pipe. If the clearance is less than 3
mm, this proposed AD would require removing the lockwire from the
union, loosening the unions of the air vent pipe, positioning the
support and the air vent pipe to ensure a minimum clearance of 3 mm.
This proposed AD would then require tightening the support and unions
of the pipe and safety the union using lockwire.
For Model EC225LP helicopters and Model AS332-series helicopters
with modification AL25612, this proposed AD would require inspecting
for drain obstruction and, if the drain is obstructed, removing the
sealing compound and adhesive from the gutter in the bracket area and
unclogging the drain and gutter. This proposed AD would then require
cleaning the gutter, applying adhesive to the gutter, and applying
sealing compound.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires compliance within various times, depending on
the helicopter model and modifications. This proposed AD would require
compliance within 30 days.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 24 helicopters of
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on
these estimates, we expect that visually inspecting for corrosion would
require 1 work-hour and no parts for a total cost of $85 per
helicopter, and $2,040 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing corroded parts
would require 8 work-hours and parts would cost $500 for a total cost
of $1,180 per helicopter. Replacing the door jettisoning system would
require 16 work-hours and parts would cost $4,500 for a total cost of
$5,860 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
[[Page 12426]]
detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are 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
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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, I certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
4. 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.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2016-5019; Directorate Identifier
2015-SW-079-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Airbus Helicopters,
certificated in any category:
(1) Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2
helicopters with a date of manufacture on or before July 14, 2014,
and with a sliding cabin plug door (sliding door) with Airbus
Helicopters modification AL25612 or 0725870 installed; and
(2) Model EC225LP helicopters with a date of manufacture on or
before July 14, 2014.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion of a
jettisoning mechanism which, if not detected and corrected, could
result in failure of a sliding door to jettison, preventing
occupants from exiting the helicopter during an emergency.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by May 2, 2017.
(d) 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.
(e) Required Actions
Within 30 days:
(1) Visually inspect the left-hand and right-hand sliding doors
for sealing compound as shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-53.01.86, Revision 1, dated June
29, 2015 (ASB AS332-53.01.86), or Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin No. EC225-53A048, Revision 0, dated August 18, 2014 (ASB
EC225-53A048), as applicable for your model helicopter. Remove any
sealing compound.
(2) Inspect all visible bracket surfaces for corrosion. If there
is any corrosion, remove the corrosion and measure the corrosion
depth.
(i) If the measured corrosion depth is less than 0.5 mm, perform
a jettisoning test. If the door passes the test, apply corrosion
protectant. If the door does not pass the test, replace the
jettisoning system before further flight.
(ii) If the measured corrosion depth is 0.5 mm or more, perform
a jettisoning test. If the door passes the test, apply corrosion
protectant, perform a jettisoning test at intervals not to exceed
two months for not more than six months, and replace the jettisoning
system within six months. If the door does not pass the test,
replace the jettisoning system before further flight.
(3) Measure the clearance between the bracket and stainless
steel pipe. If the clearance is less than 3 mm, remove the lockwire
from the union and loosen the unions of the air vent pipe. Position
the support and the air vent pipe to ensure a minimum clearance of 3
mm. Tighten the support and unions of the pipe and safety the union
using lockwire.
(4) For Model EC225LP helicopters and Model AS332-series
helicopters with modification AL25612, inspect for drain obstruction
by compressing the middle rail roller well piston and injecting
distilled water through the roller well to determine if the water
drains. If the drain is obstructed, remove the sealing compound and
adhesive from the gutter in the bracket area. Remove the drain from
the gutter and unclog the drain and gutter using a spatula or brush.
Clean the gutter on the bracket side and the drain. Apply adhesive
to the gutter and then slide in the drain. Allow the adhesive to dry
and then apply sealing compound.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5116; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest 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.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0156, dated July 29, 2015, and corrected
July 30, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5220, Emergency
Exits.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 23, 2017.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-04116 Filed 3-2-17; 8:45 am]
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