Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 8150-8153 [2020-02841]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 30 / Thursday, February 13, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2019–0188, dated July 31, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For information about EASA AD 2019–
0188, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 89990 6017; email ADs@
easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA,
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206–231–3195. This material may
be found in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–0864.
(5) You may view this material that is
incorporated by reference 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 January 30, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–02864 Filed 2–12–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0125; Product
Identifier 2019–SW–104–AD; Amendment
39–21027; AD 2020–02–23]
RIN 2120–AA64
Examining the AD Docket
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B,
AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, A350D1,
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters.
This AD requires repetitive inspections
of the installation of the pull cables on
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SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:58 Feb 12, 2020
the emergency float kits. This AD was
prompted by the results of an accident
investigation and subsequent reports of
difficulty pulling the emergency float kit
float activation handle installed on the
pilot cyclic. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 28,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of February 28, 2020.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by March 30, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this final rule, contact Dart Aerospace
LTD., 1270 Aberdeen St., Hawkesbury,
ON, K6A 1K7, Canada; telephone: 1–
613–632–5200; Fax: 1–613–632–5246;
or at www.dartaero.com.
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 on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0125.
Jkt 250001
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0125; 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 regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Johann S. Magana, Aerospace Engineer,
PO 00000
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Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Section, FAA, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
phone: 562–627–5322; fax: 562–627–
5210; email: johann.magana@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
This AD is prompted by the results of
an investigation of a March 11, 2018,
fatal accident in which an Airbus
Helicopters Model AS350B2 helicopter
impacted a body of water during an
autorotation. The left-hand and righthand emergency floats did not inflate
symmetrically and the helicopter
subsequently capsized.
During the accident investigation, the
FAA learned of reports of difficulty
pulling the emergency float kit float
activation handle installed on the pilot
cyclic. Asymmetric inflation of the float
system and difficulty deploying the float
system from the float activation handle
installed on the pilot cyclic can be
caused by improperly installed pull
cables. These emergency float kits
utilize a system of pull cables to activate
and release compressed gas from the
float cylinders into the floats. Proper
installation of the pull cables allows the
two float cylinders installed on the
aircraft to activate simultaneously,
allowing for proper distribution of gas to
all floats in the system. Improperly
installed pull cables, if not addressed,
could result in loss of the left- or righthand float, causing the helicopter to roll
to one side but remain buoyant, or loss
of both floats, causing the helicopter to
capsize underwater.
These emergency float systems are
installed on Airbus Helicopters Model
AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D,
and AS350D1 helicopters under
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
SR00470LA, and on Model AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N,
and AS355NP helicopters under STC
SR00645LA. Both STCs are held by
Apical Industries, Inc., d/b/a DART
Aerospace (DART). Following the
investigation, DART developed a test
tool to verify correct installation and
rigging of the pull cables and
subsequently issued service information
to provide instructions for using the test
tool. The FAA approved these
instructions to correct the unsafe
condition on November 13, 2019.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 30 / Thursday, February 13, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
develop in other products of the same
type design.
The FAA has reviewed DART
Aerospace Service Bulletin SB–2018–
07, Revision D, dated November 25,
2019. This service information contains
procedures for inspecting the
installation of the pull cables on 20326series part-numbered emergency float
kits (e.g., inspecting for activation pull
forces on the float activation handle),
readjusting the cable rigging if
improperly installed, and contacting
DART if readjusting the rigging is not
successful. This service information also
contains optional procedures for
deactivating the emergency float system
as inoperative.
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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires repetitive
inspections of the installation of the
pull cables on the emergency float kits
and corrective action if necessary.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA has also reviewed DART
Aerospace Service Bulletin SB–2018–
07, Revision B, dated October 8, 2019,
and DART Aerospace Service Bulletin
SB–2018–07, Revision C, dated
November 14, 2019. The actions
specified in these service bulletins are
the same as those specified in DART
Aerospace Service Bulletin SB–2018–
07, Revision D, dated November 25,
2019. DART Aerospace Service Bulletin
SB–2018–07, Revision C, dated
November 14, 2019, adds a note that
includes a reference to the instructions
for continued airworthiness for a
specific float system configuration that
was not in DART Aerospace Service
Bulletin SB–2018–07, Revision B, dated
October 8, 2019. DART Aerospace
Service Bulletin SB–2018–07, Revision
D, dated November 25, 2019, clarifies
certain references to the operational
instructions manual. These differences
do not affect how operators would
accomplish the actions necessary to
address the identified unsafe condition.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD after
evaluating all the relevant information
and determining the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
Differences Between This AD and the
Service Information
DART Aerospace Service Bulletin SB–
2018–07, Revision D, dated November
25, 2019, specifies accomplishing the
actions before March 31, 2020, while
this AD requires compliance within 100
hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days
after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first.
FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.)
authorizes agencies to dispense with
notice and comment procedures for
rules when the agency, for ‘‘good cause’’
finds that those procedures are
‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary
to the public interest.’’ Under this
section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without
seeking comment prior to the
rulemaking.
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD without providing an opportunity
for public comments prior to adoption.
The FAA has found that the risk to the
flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because improperly installed pull
cables may lead to asymmetric inflation
of the float system or difficulty
deploying the float system from the float
activation handle installed on the pilot
cyclic, which could result in the loss of
one or more floats. Loss of the left- or
right-hand float could cause the
helicopter to roll to one side but remain
buoyant, while loss of both floats could
cause the helicopter to capsize
underwater. Because of the high
utilization rate of helicopters with these
emergency float kits installed, and
because these helicopters primarily
conduct operations over water, the FAA
determined a compliance time of no
more than 100 hours TIS or 30 days,
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whichever occurs first, was required to
correct the unsafe condition. This
compliance time is shorter than the time
necessary for the public to comment and
for publication of the final rule.
Therefore, notice and opportunity for
prior public comment are impracticable
and contrary to public interest pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for
the reasons stated above, the FAA finds
that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this
amendment effective in less than 30
days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and
was not preceded by notice and an
opportunity for public comment.
However, the FAA invites you to send
any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your
comments to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket
number FAA–2020–0125 and Product
Identifier 2019–SW–104–AD at the
beginning of your comments. The FAA
specifically invites comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this final rule. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this final rule
because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when
an agency finds good cause pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without
prior notice and comment. Because FAA
has determined that it has good cause to
adopt this rule without notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 71 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspection ................................
3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 per inspection .............
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:58 Feb 12, 2020
Jkt 250001
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Cost per
helicopter
Parts cost
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$0
13FER1
$255
Cost on U.S.
operators
$18,105
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 30 / Thursday, February 13, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
The inspection requires the use of a
pull cable test kit, which costs $2,000.
Only one pull cable test kit is needed
per operator such that the operator may
use the same pull cable test kit on any
affected helicopter. The FAA has no
way of determining what on-condition
actions may be required following the
inspection required by this AD, the
number of helicopters that might need
on-condition actions, or the costs to
perform the on-condition actions.
According to the manufacturer, some
or all of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. The FAA does not control
warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, the FAA has
included all known costs in the cost
estimate.
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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,
and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:58 Feb 12, 2020
Jkt 250001
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2020–02–23 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–21027; Docket No.
FAA–2020–0125; Product Identifier
2019–SW–104–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective February 28, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the helicopters
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this
AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B,
AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3,
AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1 helicopters,
modified by supplemental type certificate
(STC) SR00470LA.
(2) Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters, modified by STC
SR00645LA.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 25, Equipment/Furnishings,
and 32, Landing gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
difficulty pulling the emergency float kit float
activation handle installed on the pilot
cyclic. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
improperly installed pull cables, which can
lead to difficulty deploying the float system
from the float activation handle installed on
the pilot cyclic, and could result in loss of
the left- or right-hand float, causing the
helicopter to roll to one side but remain
buoyant, or loss of both floats causing the
helicopter to capsize underwater.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or
30 days, whichever occurs first after the
effective date of this AD, and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed six months, inspect
the installation of the pull cables on the
emergency float kit and readjust the cable
rigging if improperly installed, in accordance
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
with the Accomplishment Instructions,
sections 1.0 through 1.4, of DART Aerospace
Service Bulletin No. SB–2018–07, Revision
D, dated November 25, 2019 (‘‘SB–2018–07,
Revision D’’), except if the pull cable
installation does not pass the test in section
1.3 after re-adjusting the cable rigging, you
must comply with either paragraph (g)(1) or
(2) of this AD before further flight:
(1) Repair the pull cable installation.
(2) Deactivate and placard the emergency
float system as inoperative in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions,
section 3.0, of SB–2018–07, Revision D. If the
emergency float system has been deactivated
and placarded as inoperative, you are not
required to repeat the inspection specified in
the introductory text of paragraph (g) of this
AD.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD: This
AD does not allow operation with an
inoperative emergency float system unless
the requirements of 14 CFR 91.213 have been
met.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
actions specified in introductory text of
paragraph (g) and paragraph (g)(2) of this AD,
if the actions were done before the effective
date of this AD using DART Aerospace
Service Bulletin SB–2018–07, Revision B,
dated October 8, 2019, or DART Aerospace
Service Bulletin SB–2018–07, Revision C,
dated November 14, 2019.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO 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
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMLAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, 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.
(j) Related Information
For information about AMOCs, contact
Johann S. Magana, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems
Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA
90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5322; fax: 562–
627–5210; email: johann.magana@faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) 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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 30 / Thursday, February 13, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(i) DART Aerospace Service Bulletin SB–
2018–07, Revision D, dated November 25,
2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Dart Aerospace LTD., 1270
Aberdeen St., Hawkesbury, ON, K6A 1K7,
Canada; telephone: 1–613–632–5200; Fax: 1–
613–632–5246; or at www.dartaero.com.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference 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/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on February 7, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–02841 Filed 2–12–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0116; Product
Identifier 2019–CE–060–AD; Amendment
39–21026; AD 2020–02–18]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
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Examining the AD Docket
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
(Gulfstream) Models GVI, GVII–G500,
and GVII–G600 airplanes. This AD
requires revising the airplane flight
manual (AFM) by attaching an airplane
flight manual supplement (AFMS),
which contains new or revised
operating limitations, abnormal
procedures, and emergency procedures.
This AD was prompted by reports of
continued flight after a flight control
surface shutdown. If flight is continued
after a flight control surface shutdown,
the airplane is left without protection
against flight control surface hard-over
and force fight events on the remaining,
operable flight control surfaces. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:58 Feb 12, 2020
Jkt 250001
This AD is effective February 13,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of February 13, 2020.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by March 30, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this final rule, contact Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation, Technical
Publications Dept., P.O. Box 2206,
Savannah, GA 31402–2206; telephone:
(800) 810–4853; fax: (912) 965–3520;
email: pubs@gulfstream.com; internet:
https://www.gulfstream.com/customersupport. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329–4148. It is also available
on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0116.
DATES:
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0116; 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 regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Myles Jalalian, Aerospace Engineer,
Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701
Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia
30337; phone: (404) 474–5572; fax: (404)
474–5606; email: myles.jalalian@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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8153
Discussion
The FAA has received at least 30
reports of the flight control computer
(FCC) commanding flight control
surfaces into damped by-pass mode
(surface shutdown). During the
investigation of these events, it was
discovered that the existing GVI and
GVII airplane flight manuals, in most
cases, allow continued flight after a
surface shutdown, and the GVI airplane
flight manual allows takeoff with an
inboard spoiler shutdown.
The FCC commanding of a surface
into damped by-pass mode is the
protection provided against flight
control hydraulic force fights and flight
control surface hard-over events. If the
FCC detects a flight control anomaly, it
commands the surface into damped bypass mode. The FCC software will not
command a second surface on an axis of
control into damped by-pass mode. Any
flight control surface shutdown results
in the loss of FCC-provided protection
against future flight control surface
hard-over and force-fight events on the
remaining, operable flight control
surfaces on that axis of control. In
addition, certain other system failures
will result in the loss of FCC protection
against flight control surface hard-overs
and force-fights.
Loss of flight control surface
protection could lead to loss of
structural integrity of the airplane and
loss of control of the airplane. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Gulfstream
Aerospace G650 Airplane Flight Manual
Supplement No. G650–2019–04, dated
December 16, 2019; Gulfstream
Aerospace G650ER Airplane Flight
Manual Supplement No. G650ER–2019–
04, dated December 16, 2019;
Gulfstream Aerospace GVII–G500
Airplane Flight Manual Supplement No.
GVII–G500–2019–08, dated December
16, 2019; and Gulfstream Aerospace
G600 Airplane Flight Manual
Supplement No. GVII–G600–2019–02,
dated December 16, 2019. For the
applicable airplane designation, each
AFMS contains new or revised
operating limitations, abnormal
procedures, and emergency procedures.
These limitations and procedures
prohibit flight operations if a flight
control or flight control computer
failure is detected and require landing
as soon as possible if the failure occurs
in flight. This service information is
reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it
E:\FR\FM\13FER1.SGM
13FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8150-8153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-02841]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0125; Product Identifier 2019-SW-104-AD; Amendment
39-21027; AD 2020-02-23]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, A350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. This AD requires repetitive
inspections of the installation of the pull cables on the emergency
float kits. This AD was prompted by the results of an accident
investigation and subsequent reports of difficulty pulling the
emergency float kit float activation handle installed on the pilot
cyclic. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 28, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 28,
2020.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 30, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact Dart
Aerospace LTD., 1270 Aberdeen St., Hawkesbury, ON, K6A 1K7, Canada;
telephone: 1-613-632-5200; Fax: 1-613-632-5246; or at www.dartaero.com.
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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0125.
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-
0125; 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 regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed
above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Johann S. Magana, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-
627-5322; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
This AD is prompted by the results of an investigation of a March
11, 2018, fatal accident in which an Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2
helicopter impacted a body of water during an autorotation. The left-
hand and right-hand emergency floats did not inflate symmetrically and
the helicopter subsequently capsized.
During the accident investigation, the FAA learned of reports of
difficulty pulling the emergency float kit float activation handle
installed on the pilot cyclic. Asymmetric inflation of the float system
and difficulty deploying the float system from the float activation
handle installed on the pilot cyclic can be caused by improperly
installed pull cables. These emergency float kits utilize a system of
pull cables to activate and release compressed gas from the float
cylinders into the floats. Proper installation of the pull cables
allows the two float cylinders installed on the aircraft to activate
simultaneously, allowing for proper distribution of gas to all floats
in the system. Improperly installed pull cables, if not addressed,
could result in loss of the left- or right-hand float, causing the
helicopter to roll to one side but remain buoyant, or loss of both
floats, causing the helicopter to capsize underwater.
These emergency float systems are installed on Airbus Helicopters
Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, and
AS350D1 helicopters under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
SR00470LA, and on Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters under STC SR00645LA. Both STCs are held by Apical
Industries, Inc., d/b/a DART Aerospace (DART). Following the
investigation, DART developed a test tool to verify correct
installation and rigging of the pull cables and subsequently issued
service information to provide instructions for using the test tool.
The FAA approved these instructions to correct the unsafe condition on
November 13, 2019. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
[[Page 8151]]
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA has reviewed DART Aerospace Service Bulletin SB-2018-07,
Revision D, dated November 25, 2019. This service information contains
procedures for inspecting the installation of the pull cables on 20326-
series part-numbered emergency float kits (e.g., inspecting for
activation pull forces on the float activation handle), readjusting the
cable rigging if improperly installed, and contacting DART if
readjusting the rigging is not successful. This service information
also contains optional procedures for deactivating the emergency float
system as inoperative.
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 has also reviewed DART Aerospace Service Bulletin SB-2018-
07, Revision B, dated October 8, 2019, and DART Aerospace Service
Bulletin SB-2018-07, Revision C, dated November 14, 2019. The actions
specified in these service bulletins are the same as those specified in
DART Aerospace Service Bulletin SB-2018-07, Revision D, dated November
25, 2019. DART Aerospace Service Bulletin SB-2018-07, Revision C, dated
November 14, 2019, adds a note that includes a reference to the
instructions for continued airworthiness for a specific float system
configuration that was not in DART Aerospace Service Bulletin SB-2018-
07, Revision B, dated October 8, 2019. DART Aerospace Service Bulletin
SB-2018-07, Revision D, dated November 25, 2019, clarifies certain
references to the operational instructions manual. These differences do
not affect how operators would accomplish the actions necessary to
address the identified unsafe condition.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD after evaluating all the relevant
information and determining the unsafe condition described previously
is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type
design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires repetitive inspections of the installation of the
pull cables on the emergency float kits and corrective action if
necessary.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
DART Aerospace Service Bulletin SB-2018-07, Revision D, dated
November 25, 2019, specifies accomplishing the actions before March 31,
2020, while this AD requires compliance within 100 hours time-in-
service (TIS) or 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.)
authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for
rules when the agency, for ``good cause'' finds that those procedures
are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.''
Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a
final rule without seeking comment prior to the rulemaking.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because improperly installed pull cables may lead to asymmetric
inflation of the float system or difficulty deploying the float system
from the float activation handle installed on the pilot cyclic, which
could result in the loss of one or more floats. Loss of the left- or
right-hand float could cause the helicopter to roll to one side but
remain buoyant, while loss of both floats could cause the helicopter to
capsize underwater. Because of the high utilization rate of helicopters
with these emergency float kits installed, and because these
helicopters primarily conduct operations over water, the FAA determined
a compliance time of no more than 100 hours TIS or 30 days, whichever
occurs first, was required to correct the unsafe condition. This
compliance time is shorter than the time necessary for the public to
comment and for publication of the final rule. Therefore, notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to
public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for the
reasons stated above, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30
days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. However, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views,
or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2020-
0125 and Product Identifier 2019-SW-104-AD at the beginning of your
comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final
rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 71 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost helicopter operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection......................... 3 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $255 $18,105
= $255 per inspection.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 8152]]
The inspection requires the use of a pull cable test kit, which
costs $2,000. Only one pull cable test kit is needed per operator such
that the operator may use the same pull cable test kit on any affected
helicopter. The FAA has no way of determining what on-condition actions
may be required following the inspection required by this AD, the
number of helicopters that might need on-condition actions, or the
costs to perform the on-condition actions.
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in the cost estimate.
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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
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):
2020-02-23 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21027; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0125; Product Identifier 2019-SW-104-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective February 28, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the helicopters identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) and (2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1 helicopters, modified by
supplemental type certificate (STC) SR00470LA.
(2) Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, modified by STC SR00645LA.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings, and 32, Landing gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of difficulty pulling the
emergency float kit float activation handle installed on the pilot
cyclic. The FAA is issuing this AD to address improperly installed
pull cables, which can lead to difficulty deploying the float system
from the float activation handle installed on the pilot cyclic, and
could result in loss of the left- or right-hand float, causing the
helicopter to roll to one side but remain buoyant, or loss of both
floats causing the helicopter to capsize underwater.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever
occurs first after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed six months, inspect the installation of the
pull cables on the emergency float kit and readjust the cable
rigging if improperly installed, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, sections 1.0 through 1.4, of DART
Aerospace Service Bulletin No. SB-2018-07, Revision D, dated
November 25, 2019 (``SB-2018-07, Revision D''), except if the pull
cable installation does not pass the test in section 1.3 after re-
adjusting the cable rigging, you must comply with either paragraph
(g)(1) or (2) of this AD before further flight:
(1) Repair the pull cable installation.
(2) Deactivate and placard the emergency float system as
inoperative in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
section 3.0, of SB-2018-07, Revision D. If the emergency float
system has been deactivated and placarded as inoperative, you are
not required to repeat the inspection specified in the introductory
text of paragraph (g) of this AD.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD: This AD does not allow
operation with an inoperative emergency float system unless the
requirements of 14 CFR 91.213 have been met.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
introductory text of paragraph (g) and paragraph (g)(2) of this AD,
if the actions were done before the effective date of this AD using
DART Aerospace Service Bulletin SB-2018-07, Revision B, dated
October 8, 2019, or DART Aerospace Service Bulletin SB-2018-07,
Revision C, dated November 14, 2019.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO 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 certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, 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.
(j) Related Information
For information about AMOCs, contact Johann S. Magana, Aerospace
Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Los
Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-
4137; phone: 562-627-5322; fax: 562-627-5210; email:
[email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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.
[[Page 8153]]
(i) DART Aerospace Service Bulletin SB-2018-07, Revision D,
dated November 25, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Dart
Aerospace LTD., 1270 Aberdeen St., Hawkesbury, ON, K6A 1K7, Canada;
telephone: 1-613-632-5200; Fax: 1-613-632-5246; or at
www.dartaero.com.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on February 7, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-02841 Filed 2-12-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
