Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 30840-30842 [2020-10936]
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30840
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 99 / Thursday, May 21, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(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.
issuing this AD to mitigate failure of the
engine thrust reverser system. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
the airplane overrunning the runway or a
runway excursion.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Install a Thrust Reverser Voice Command
Warning System
Within the next 1,200 hours time-inservice or within the next 48 months after
June 25, 2020 (the effective date of this AD),
whichever occurs first, install a Thrust
Reverser Voice Command Warning System
and perform a functional test in accordance
with sections 3.A. through 3.C. of the
Accomplishment Instructions in Bombardier
Learjet 60 Service Bulletin SB 60–78–9, dated
June 25, 2018.
(1) The Manager, Wichita 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 (i) of this
AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact James Galstad, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita ACO Branch, 1801 Airport Road,
Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone:
(316) 946–4135; fax: (316) 946–4107; email:
james.galstad@faa.gov or Wichita-COS@
faa.gov.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bombardier Learjet 60 Service Bulletin
SB 60–78–9, dated June 25, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Learjet Inc., MS 53, P.O. Box
7707, Wichita, Kansas 67277–7707;
telephone: (toll free) 1–866–538–1247; (514)
855–2999; internet: https://
my.businessaircraft.bombardier.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
16:00 May 20, 2020
Jkt 250001
[FR Doc. 2020–10915 Filed 5–20–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0026; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–052–AD; Amendment
39–21127; AD 2020–11–02]
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Issued on May 15, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and
EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires
revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual
(RFM) for your helicopter and either
installing placards or removing the hoist
arm. This AD was prompted by a failure
of a right-hand (RH) side lateral sliding
plug door (sliding door) to jettison. The
actions of this AD are intended to
address an unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 25,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of June 25, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone 972–641–0000 or 800–232–
0323; fax 972–641–3775; or at https://
www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html. You may view
the referenced service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. It is also available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0026.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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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–
0026; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this AD, the
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety
Agency) (EASA) AD, any service
information that is incorporated by
reference, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristin Bradley, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email
kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On February 12, 2020, at 85 FR 7894,
the Federal Register published the
FAA’s notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM), which proposed to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
would apply to Airbus Helicopters
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L,
AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP
helicopters with a hoist arm and with
RH sliding door reinforced bracket
modification (MOD) 0726841 installed.
The NPRM proposed to require revising
the RFM for your helicopter by adding
emergency and normal procedures and
installing placards to require using the
normal door handle instead of the
jettison handle for the RH side sliding
door. Alternatively, the NPRM proposed
to allow removing the hoist arm instead
of installing the placards. The proposed
requirements were intended to prevent
interference between the hoist arm and
the reinforced bracket, which results in
failure of the sliding door to jettison,
and could prevent helicopter occupants
from evacuating the helicopter during
an emergency.
The NPRM was prompted by EASA
AD No. 2018–0140–E, dated June 29,
2018 (EASA AD 2018–0140–E), issued
by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for Airbus Helicopters (formerly
Eurocopter, Eurocopter France,
Aerospatiale) Model AS 332 C, AS 332
C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, AS 332 L2,
and EC 225 LP helicopters. EASA
E:\FR\FM\21MYR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 99 / Thursday, May 21, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
advises that during a jettison test of the
RH side sliding door, the sliding door
became blocked between the hoist,
airframe, and access step. Interference
was identified between the hoist arm
and the sliding door median fitting
(reinforced bracket). EASA identifies the
reinforced bracket as Airbus Helicopter
MOD 0726841, which was required by
EASA AD No. 2015–0167, dated August
12, 2015. EASA states that this
condition could prevent jettisoning of
the RH sliding door in an emergency,
subsequently obstructing evacuation,
and possibly resulting in injury to
occupants. To correct this unsafe
condition, EASA AD 2018–0140–E
requires removing the hoist arm, or
alternatively revising the applicable
RFM and installing placards to specify
using the normal door handle instead of
the jettison handle for the RH side
sliding door.
EASA states that Airbus Helicopters is
developing a modification to eliminate
the interference between the hoist arm
and the reinforced bracket. As a result,
EASA considers its AD an interim
action and states that further AD action
may follow.
Comments
After the NPRM was published, the
FAA received comments from one
commenter. However, the comments
addressed neither the proposed actions
nor the determination of the cost to the
public. Therefore, the FAA has made no
changes based on the comments.
FAA’s Determination
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 of the unsafe condition described
in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD
after evaluating all information
provided by EASA, reviewing the
relevant information, considering the
comments received, and determining
the unsafe condition exists and is likely
to exist or develop on other helicopters
of these same type designs and that air
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an
interim action. The design approval
holder is currently developing a
modification that will address the
unsafe condition identified in this AD.
Once this modification is developed,
approved, and available, the FAA might
consider additional rulemaking.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:00 May 20, 2020
Jkt 250001
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The EASA AD requires either
removing the hoist arm or prohibiting
use of the RH sliding door jettison
handle by revising the RFM and
installing placards. This AD requires
revising the applicable RFM for your
helicopter regardless of whether the
hoist arm is removed.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus Helicopters has co-published
as one document Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 01.00.89,
Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018 (EASB
01.00.89), for Model AS332-series
helicopters; EASB No. 04A014, Revision
1, dated June 28, 2018 (EASB 04A014),
for Model EC225 helicopters; and EASB
No. 01.00.52, Revision 1, dated June 28,
2018, for non-FAA type certificated
Model AS532 helicopters (EASB
01.00.52). EASBs 01.00.89 and 04A014
are incorporated by reference in this
AD. EASB 01.00.52 is not incorporated
by reference in this AD.
This service information provides
pages to add to the emergency and
normal procedures sections of the RFM,
and specifies either removing the hoist
arm or installing placards that require
using the normal door handle instead of
the jettison handle for the RH side
sliding door. This service information
further allows installing the placards
during each installation of the hoist arm
and removing the placards with each
removal of the hoist arm.
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.
30841
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter or
$3,060 for the U.S. fleet.
Installing the placards takes about 1
work-hour for an estimated cost of $85
per helicopter or $3,060 for the U.S.
fleet. Alternatively, removing the hoist
arm takes about 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on helicopters identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
Airbus Helicopters has issued Service
Bulletin (SB) No. AS332–52.00.43 for
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L,
AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters and
SB No. EC225–52–008 for Model
EC225LP helicopters, both Revision 0
and dated June 23, 2015. This service
information contains procedures for
installing the reinforced bracket
identified as MOD 0726841.
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.
Costs of Compliance
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 36 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
Labor costs are estimated at $85 per
work-hour. Based on these numbers, the
FAA estimates that operators may incur
the following costs in order to comply
with this AD.
Revising the RFM for your helicopter
takes about 1 work-hour for an
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Other Related Service Information
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
E:\FR\FM\21MYR1.SGM
21MYR1
30842
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 99 / Thursday, May 21, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
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):
■
2020–11–02 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–21127; Docket No.
FAA–2020–0026; Product Identifier
2018–SW–052–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L,
AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP
helicopters, certificated in any category, with
a hoist arm and with right-hand (RH) side
lateral sliding plug door (sliding door)
reinforced bracket modification (MOD)
0726841 installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD: Airbus
Helicopters reinforced bracket MOD 0726841
may also be identified as sliding door median
fitting reinforcement MOD 07.26841.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
interference between the hoist arm and the
reinforced bracket resulting in failure of the
sliding door to jettison. This condition could
prevent helicopter occupants from
evacuating the helicopter during an
emergency.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective June 25, 2020.
(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
(1) Within 10 hours time-in-service:
(i) Revise the Rotorcraft Flight Manual for
your helicopter by inserting the Emergency
Procedures page and the Normal Procedures
page applicable to your helicopter model and
configuration from Appendix 4.C. Flight
Manual of Airbus Helicopters Emergency
Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 01.00.89,
Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018 (EASB
01.00.89), or Airbus Helicopters EASB No.
04A014, Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018
(EASB 04A014). Inserting a different
document with information identical to that
in Appendix 4.C. Flight Manual of EASB
01.00.89 or EASB 04A014 is acceptable for
compliance with the requirements of this
paragraph.
(ii) Cover existing placards for each RH
sliding door in accordance with Appendix
4.B. Masking Tapes and Labels (RH lateral
sliding door) of EASB 01.00.89 or EASB
04A014.
(iii) Install new placards in accordance
with Appendix 4.A. Labels and Appendix
4.B. Masking Tapes and Labels (RH lateral
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:00 May 20, 2020
Jkt 250001
sliding door) of EASB 01.00.89 or EASB
04A014.
(2) After complying with paragraph (e)(1)
of this AD, each time the hoist arm is
removed from the helicopter, you may
remove the markings and placards that are
required by paragraphs (e)(1)(ii) and (iii) of
this AD. Before the hoist arm is re-installed,
you must re-install the markings and
placards that are required by paragraphs
(e)(1)(ii) and (iii) of this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
proposal to: Kristin Bradley, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817–222–5110; email 9-ASW-FTWAMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests
that you notify your principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office, before
operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin
(SB) No. AS332–52.00.43 and SB No. EC225–
52–008, both Revision 0 and dated June 23,
2015, which are not incorporated by
reference, contain additional information
about the subject of this AD. For service
information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive,
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 972–641–
0000 or 800–232–0323; fax 972–641–3775; or
at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/
services/technical-support.html. You may
view a copy of the service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) No. 2018–0140–E, dated June 29,
2018. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA–2020–0026.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5200, Doors.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 01.00.89,
Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 04A014,
Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018.
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Note 2 to paragraph (i)(2): Airbus
Helicopters EASB Nos. 01.00.89 and 04A014,
both Revision 1 and dated June 28, 2018, are
co-published as one document along with
Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 01.00.52,
Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018, which is not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 972–641–
0000 or 800–232–0323; fax 972–641–3775; or
at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/
services/technical-support.html.
(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 May 15, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–10936 Filed 5–20–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
20 CFR Part 404
[Docket No. SSA–2020–0016]
RIN 0960–AI48
Extension of Expiration Dates for
Three Body System Listings
Social Security Administration.
Final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
We are extending the
expiration dates of the following body
systems in the Listing of Impairments
(listings) in our regulations: Low Birth
Weight and Failure to Thrive, Endocrine
Disorders, and Cancer (Malignant
Neoplastic Diseases). We are making no
other revisions to these body systems in
this final rule. This extension ensures
that we will continue to have the
criteria we need to evaluate
impairments in the affected body
systems at step three of the sequential
evaluation processes for initial claims
and continuing disability reviews.
DATES: This final rule is effective on
May 21, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cheryl A. Williams, Director, Office of
Medical Policy, Social Security
Administration, 6401 Security
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235–6401,
(410) 965–1020.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\21MYR1.SGM
21MYR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 99 (Thursday, May 21, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30840-30842]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-10936]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0026; Product Identifier 2018-SW-052-AD; Amendment
39-21127; AD 2020-11-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and
EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight
Manual (RFM) for your helicopter and either installing placards or
removing the hoist arm. This AD was prompted by a failure of a right-
hand (RH) side lateral sliding plug door (sliding door) to jettison.
The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 25, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of June 25, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052; telephone 972-641-0000 or 800-232-0323; fax 972-641-3775; or at
https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You
may view the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0026.
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-
0026; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, any service information that is
incorporated by reference, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristin Bradley, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110;
email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On February 12, 2020, at 85 FR 7894, the Federal Register published
the FAA's notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend
14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP
helicopters with a hoist arm and with RH sliding door reinforced
bracket modification (MOD) 0726841 installed. The NPRM proposed to
require revising the RFM for your helicopter by adding emergency and
normal procedures and installing placards to require using the normal
door handle instead of the jettison handle for the RH side sliding
door. Alternatively, the NPRM proposed to allow removing the hoist arm
instead of installing the placards. The proposed requirements were
intended to prevent interference between the hoist arm and the
reinforced bracket, which results in failure of the sliding door to
jettison, and could prevent helicopter occupants from evacuating the
helicopter during an emergency.
The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2018-0140-E, dated June 29,
2018 (EASA AD 2018-0140-E), issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe
condition for Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter
France, Aerospatiale) Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1,
AS 332 L2, and EC 225 LP helicopters. EASA
[[Page 30841]]
advises that during a jettison test of the RH side sliding door, the
sliding door became blocked between the hoist, airframe, and access
step. Interference was identified between the hoist arm and the sliding
door median fitting (reinforced bracket). EASA identifies the
reinforced bracket as Airbus Helicopter MOD 0726841, which was required
by EASA AD No. 2015-0167, dated August 12, 2015. EASA states that this
condition could prevent jettisoning of the RH sliding door in an
emergency, subsequently obstructing evacuation, and possibly resulting
in injury to occupants. To correct this unsafe condition, EASA AD 2018-
0140-E requires removing the hoist arm, or alternatively revising the
applicable RFM and installing placards to specify using the normal door
handle instead of the jettison handle for the RH side sliding door.
EASA states that Airbus Helicopters is developing a modification to
eliminate the interference between the hoist arm and the reinforced
bracket. As a result, EASA considers its AD an interim action and
states that further AD action may follow.
Comments
After the NPRM was published, the FAA received comments from one
commenter. However, the comments addressed neither the proposed actions
nor the determination of the cost to the public. Therefore, the FAA has
made no changes based on the comments.
FAA's Determination
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 of the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after
evaluating all information provided by EASA, reviewing the relevant
information, considering the comments received, and determining the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other
helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. The design
approval holder is currently developing a modification that will
address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this
modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA might
consider additional rulemaking.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires either removing the hoist arm or prohibiting
use of the RH sliding door jettison handle by revising the RFM and
installing placards. This AD requires revising the applicable RFM for
your helicopter regardless of whether the hoist arm is removed.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus Helicopters has co-published as one document Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 01.00.89, Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018
(EASB 01.00.89), for Model AS332-series helicopters; EASB No. 04A014,
Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018 (EASB 04A014), for Model EC225
helicopters; and EASB No. 01.00.52, Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018,
for non-FAA type certificated Model AS532 helicopters (EASB 01.00.52).
EASBs 01.00.89 and 04A014 are incorporated by reference in this AD.
EASB 01.00.52 is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
This service information provides pages to add to the emergency and
normal procedures sections of the RFM, and specifies either removing
the hoist arm or installing placards that require using the normal door
handle instead of the jettison handle for the RH side sliding door.
This service information further allows installing the placards during
each installation of the hoist arm and removing the placards with each
removal of the hoist arm.
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
Airbus Helicopters has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. AS332-
52.00.43 for Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2
helicopters and SB No. EC225-52-008 for Model EC225LP helicopters, both
Revision 0 and dated June 23, 2015. This service information contains
procedures for installing the reinforced bracket identified as MOD
0726841.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 36 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD.
Revising the RFM for your helicopter takes about 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter or $3,060 for the U.S. fleet.
Installing the placards takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated
cost of $85 per helicopter or $3,060 for the U.S. fleet. Alternatively,
removing the hoist arm takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of
$85 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on helicopters identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
[[Page 30842]]
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):
2020-11-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21127; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0026; Product Identifier 2018-SW-052-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, certificated in
any category, with a hoist arm and with right-hand (RH) side lateral
sliding plug door (sliding door) reinforced bracket modification
(MOD) 0726841 installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD: Airbus Helicopters
reinforced bracket MOD 0726841 may also be identified as sliding
door median fitting reinforcement MOD 07.26841.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as interference between the
hoist arm and the reinforced bracket resulting in failure of the
sliding door to jettison. This condition could prevent helicopter
occupants from evacuating the helicopter during an emergency.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective June 25, 2020.
(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
(1) Within 10 hours time-in-service:
(i) Revise the Rotorcraft Flight Manual for your helicopter by
inserting the Emergency Procedures page and the Normal Procedures
page applicable to your helicopter model and configuration from
Appendix 4.C. Flight Manual of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 01.00.89, Revision 1, dated June 28,
2018 (EASB 01.00.89), or Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 04A014,
Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018 (EASB 04A014). Inserting a different
document with information identical to that in Appendix 4.C. Flight
Manual of EASB 01.00.89 or EASB 04A014 is acceptable for compliance
with the requirements of this paragraph.
(ii) Cover existing placards for each RH sliding door in
accordance with Appendix 4.B. Masking Tapes and Labels (RH lateral
sliding door) of EASB 01.00.89 or EASB 04A014.
(iii) Install new placards in accordance with Appendix 4.A.
Labels and Appendix 4.B. Masking Tapes and Labels (RH lateral
sliding door) of EASB 01.00.89 or EASB 04A014.
(2) After complying with paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, each time
the hoist arm is removed from the helicopter, you may remove the
markings and placards that are required by paragraphs (e)(1)(ii) and
(iii) of this AD. Before the hoist arm is re-installed, you must re-
install the markings and placards that are required by paragraphs
(e)(1)(ii) and (iii) of this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to:
Kristin Bradley, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests
that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office
or certificate holding district office, before operating any
aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin (SB) No. AS332-52.00.43
and SB No. EC225-52-008, both Revision 0 and dated June 23, 2015,
which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional
information about the subject of this AD. For service information
identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 972-641-0000 or 800-232-
0323; fax 972-641-3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may view a copy of the service
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) No.
2018-0140-E, dated June 29, 2018. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2020-0026.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5200, Doors.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB)
No. 01.00.89, Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 04A014, Revision 1, dated June
28, 2018.
Note 2 to paragraph (i)(2): Airbus Helicopters EASB Nos.
01.00.89 and 04A014, both Revision 1 and dated June 28, 2018, are
co-published as one document along with Airbus Helicopters EASB No.
01.00.52, Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018, which is not incorporated
by reference in this AD.
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 972-641-0000 or 800-232-0323; fax 972-
641-3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html.
(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 May 15, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-10936 Filed 5-20-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
