Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 41910-41912 [2020-14940]
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41910
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 134 / Monday, July 13, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–
231–3530; email: Wade.Sullivan@faa.gov.
(n) 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) Pages 32_110 and 32_111, section 3252,
Shimmy Damper, Chapter 32, Landing Gear,
of Quest Aircraft Company Kodiak 100
Maintenance Manual, Revision No. 21, dated
February 15, 2017.
(ii) Quest Aircraft Field Service Instruction
FSI–146, Revision 00, Release Date April 18,
2017.
Note 1 to paragraph (n)(2)(ii) of this AD:
The Release Date is a pen-and-ink addition
that appears only on the Revision Notice
transmitted with FSI–146.
(iii) Quest Aircraft Field Service
Instruction FSI–147, Revision 00, Release
Date January 29, 2018.
Note 2 to paragraph (n)(2)(iii) of this AD:
The Release Date is a pen-and-ink addition
that appears only on the Revision Notice
transmitted with FSI–147.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Kodiak Aircraft Company,
Inc., 1200 Turbine Drive, Sandpoint, Idaho
83864; phone: (208) 263–1111 or 1 (866) 263–
1112; email: KodiakCare@daher.com;
internet: https://Kodiak.aero/support.
(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.
(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 June 9, 2020.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–14886 Filed 7–10–20; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[Docket No. FAA–2019–1099; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–026–AD; Amendment
39–21164; AD 2020–15–01]
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 EC 155B and
EC155B1 helicopters. This AD requires
modifying the wiring of the attitude and
heading reference system (AHRS)
connector. This AD was prompted by a
report of wiring of the AHRS contrary to
approved design specifications. The
actions of this AD are intended to
address an unsafe condition on these
products.
This AD is effective August 17,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of August 17, 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–2019–1099.
DATES:
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–2019–
1099; 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
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George Schwab, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email
george.schwab@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
On February 28, 2020, at 85 FR 11879,
the FAA published a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal
Register, which proposed to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
would apply to Airbus Helicopters
Model EC 155B and EC155B1
helicopters. The NPRM proposed to
require modifying the wiring at
connector 11 ALPHA based on the
helicopter configuration and in
accordance with specified portions of
the applicable service information. The
proposed requirements were intended to
correct the AHRS wiring, and prevent
the display of misleading attitude and
vertical speed information and
subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter in instrument meteorological
conditions (IMC).
The NPRM was prompted by EASA
AD No. 2018–0069, dated March 26,
2018, issued by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States
of the European Union, to correct an
unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters
Model EC 155 B and EC 155 B1
helicopters. EASA advises that the
AHRS1 and AHRS2 on Model EC 155series helicopters use the same flight/
ground signal contrary to the approved
design specification, which requires the
AHRS1 and AHRS2 to use independent
signals to ensure redundancy. EASA
states that if AHRS1 and AHRS2 both
receive an incorrect ‘‘ground’’ status due
to a single failure while in flight, it will
generate an error in the computation of
the attitude and vertical speed and, as
a result, an incorrect display of these
indications to the flight crew. EASA
advises that this condition, if not
corrected, could lead to erroneous
attitude and vertical speed indications,
resulting in increased workload for the
flight crew and reduced control of the
helicopter during flight in IMC.
Accordingly, the EASA AD requires
modifying the connection of connector
11 ALPHA, and based on the helicopter
configuration, also modifying the wiring
to connector 11 ALPHA.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 134 / Monday, July 13, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The FAA received
comments from one commenter. The
commenter commented in support of
the NPRM.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA has reviewed the relevant
information and determined that an
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.
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Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The compliance time for the EASA
AD is within 7 or 12 months depending
on helicopter configuration. The
compliance time for this AD is before
further flight in IMC or within 660
hours time-in-service, whichever occurs
first.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC155–
34A033, Revision 2, dated January 30,
2018. This service information specifies
re-allocating the electronic board output
connections by modifying the wiring of
connector 11 ALPHA for helicopters
with modification (MOD) 0722B51
installed and modifying the wiring to
connector 11 ALPHA for those
helicopters that also have a combined
voice and flight data recording system
(MOD 0731B89) installed.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus
Helicopters ASB No. EC155–34A037,
Revision 0, dated February 19, 2018.
This service information specifies
installing MOD 0722B51 by modifying
the wiring of connector 11 ALPHA to
separate the flight/ground information
so the left-hand landing gear flight
information is also used by the
automatic pilot system as well as but
separately from the right-hand landing
gear flight information. This service
information also specifies re-allocating
the electronic board output connections
by modifying the wiring of connector 11
ALPHA.
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 also reviewed Airbus
Helicopters ASB No. EC155–34A033,
Revision 0, dated July 19, 2017, and
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Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC155–
34A033, Revision 1, dated October 9,
2017. Revisions 0 and 1 of this service
information contain the same
procedures for modifying the wiring as
Revision 2. However, Revision 1
clarifies the applicable helicopter
configurations and updates the postmodification testing procedures, and
Revision 2 clarifies the postmodification test procedures and
updates a figure.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 17 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
The FAA estimates that operators may
incur the following costs in order to
comply with this AD. Labor costs are
estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Modifying the wiring takes about 4
work-hours and parts cost about $20 for
an estimated cost of $360 per helicopter
and $6,120 for the U.S. fleet.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on 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
PO 00000
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41911
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2020–15–01 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–21164; Docket No.
FAA–2019–1099; Product Identifier
2018–SW–026–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
incorrect wiring of an attitude and heading
reference system (AHRS). This condition
could result in the display of misleading
attitude and vertical speed information, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter
in instrument meteorological conditions
(IMC).
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective August 17,
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
Before further flight in IMC or within 660
hours time-in-service, whichever occurs first:
(1) For helicopters with wiring change
modification (MOD) 0722B51 installed,
modify the wiring of connector 11 ALPHA as
depicted in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC155–
34A033, Revision 2, dated January 30, 2018
(ASB EC155–34A033). If a combined voice
and flight data recording system (MOD
0731B89) is installed, also modify the wiring
to connector 11 ALPHA as depicted in Figure
2 of ASB EC155–34A033.
(2) For helicopters without wiring change
MOD 0722B51 installed, modify the wiring of
connector 11 ALPHA as depicted in Figure
1 and Figure 2 of Airbus Helicopters ASB No.
EC155–34A037, Revision 0, dated February
19, 2018.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 134 / Monday, July 13, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(f) Special Flight Permits
A special flight permit may be issued for
operation under visual flight rules only.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email 9ASW-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, the FAA suggests
that you notify your principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office, before
operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC.
(h) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. EC155–34A033, Revision
0, dated July 19, 2017, and Airbus
Helicopters ASB No. EC155–34A033,
Revision 1, dated October 9, 2017, 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. 2018–0069, dated March 26,
2018. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA–2019–1099.
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(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3420, Attitude and Direction Data
System.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. EC155–34A033, Revision
2, dated January 30, 2018.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC155–
34A037, Revision 0, dated February 19, 2018.
(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.
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(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 July 7, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–14940 Filed 7–10–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 97
[Docket No. 31319 Amdt. No. 3911]
Standard Instrument Approach
Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums
and Obstacle Departure Procedures;
Miscellaneous Amendments
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This rule establishes, amends,
suspends, or removes Standard
Instrument Approach Procedures
(SIAPs) and associated Takeoff
Minimums and Obstacle Departure
Procedures (ODPs) for operations at
certain airports. These regulatory
actions are needed because of the
adoption of new or revised criteria, or
because of changes occurring in the
National Airspace System, such as the
commissioning of new navigational
facilities, adding new obstacles, or
changing air traffic requirements. These
changes are designed to provide safe
and efficient use of the navigable
airspace and to promote safe flight
operations under instrument flight rules
at the affected airports.
DATES: This rule is effective July 13,
2020. The compliance date for each
SIAP, associated Takeoff Minimums,
and ODP is specified in the amendatory
provisions.
The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the
regulations is approved by the Director
of the Federal Register as of July 13,
2020.
ADDRESSES: Availability of matters
incorporated by reference in the
amendment is as follows:
SUMMARY:
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For Examination
1. U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Ops–M30, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, West Bldg., Ground Floor,
Washington, DC 20590–0001.
2. The FAA Air Traffic Organization
Service Area in which the affected
airport is located;
3. The office of Aeronautical
Navigation Products, 6500 South
MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK
73169 or,
4. 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 .
Availability
All SIAPs and Takeoff Minimums and
ODPs are available online free of charge.
Visit the National Flight Data Center at
nfdc.faa.gov to register. Additionally,
individual SIAP and Takeoff Minimums
and ODP copies may be obtained from
the FAA Air Traffic Organization
Service Area in which the affected
airport is located.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Thomas J. Nichols, Flight Procedures
and Airspace Group, Flight
Technologies and Procedures Division,
Flight Standards Service, Federal
Aviation Administration. Mailing
Address: FAA Mike Monroney
Aeronautical Center, Flight Procedures
and Airspace Group, 6500 South
MacArthur Blvd., Registry Bldg. 29,
Room 104, Oklahoma City, OK 73169.
Telephone: (405) 954–4164.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule
amends Title 14 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 97 (14 CFR part 97), by
establishing, amending, suspending, or
removes SIAPS, Takeoff Minimums
and/or ODPS. The complete regulatory
description of each SIAP and its
associated Takeoff Minimums or ODP
for an identified airport is listed on FAA
form documents which are incorporated
by reference in this amendment under 5
U.S.C. 552(a), 1 CFR part 51, and 14
CFR part 97.20. The applicable FAA
forms are FAA Forms 8260–3, 8260–4,
8260–5, 8260–15A, and 8260–15B when
required by an entry on 8260–15A.
The large number of SIAPs, Takeoff
Minimums and ODPs, their complex
nature, and the need for a special format
make publication in the Federal
Register expensive and impractical.
Further, airmen do not use the
regulatory text of the SIAPs, Takeoff
Minimums or ODPs, but instead refer to
their graphic depiction on charts
printed by publishers of aeronautical
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 134 (Monday, July 13, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41910-41912]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-14940]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-1099; Product Identifier 2018-SW-026-AD; Amendment
39-21164; AD 2020-15-01]
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 EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters. This AD
requires modifying the wiring of the attitude and heading reference
system (AHRS) connector. This AD was prompted by a report of wiring of
the AHRS contrary to approved design specifications. The actions of
this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 17, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of August 17, 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-2019-
1099.
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-2019-
1099; 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: George Schwab, 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 28, 2020, at 85 FR 11879, the FAA published a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register, which proposed to
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus
Helicopters Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters. The NPRM proposed to
require modifying the wiring at connector 11 ALPHA based on the
helicopter configuration and in accordance with specified portions of
the applicable service information. The proposed requirements were
intended to correct the AHRS wiring, and prevent the display of
misleading attitude and vertical speed information and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter in instrument meteorological conditions
(IMC).
The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2018-0069, dated March 26,
2018, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC 155 B and EC 155 B1 helicopters. EASA advises that
the AHRS1 and AHRS2 on Model EC 155-series helicopters use the same
flight/ground signal contrary to the approved design specification,
which requires the AHRS1 and AHRS2 to use independent signals to ensure
redundancy. EASA states that if AHRS1 and AHRS2 both receive an
incorrect ``ground'' status due to a single failure while in flight, it
will generate an error in the computation of the attitude and vertical
speed and, as a result, an incorrect display of these indications to
the flight crew. EASA advises that this condition, if not corrected,
could lead to erroneous attitude and vertical speed indications,
resulting in increased workload for the flight crew and reduced control
of the helicopter during flight in IMC.
Accordingly, the EASA AD requires modifying the connection of
connector 11 ALPHA, and based on the helicopter configuration, also
modifying the wiring to connector 11 ALPHA.
[[Page 41911]]
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received comments from one
commenter. The commenter commented in support of the NPRM.
FAA's Determination
The FAA has reviewed the relevant information and determined that
an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other
helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The compliance time for the EASA AD is within 7 or 12 months
depending on helicopter configuration. The compliance time for this AD
is before further flight in IMC or within 660 hours time-in-service,
whichever occurs first.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
No. EC155-34A033, Revision 2, dated January 30, 2018. This service
information specifies re-allocating the electronic board output
connections by modifying the wiring of connector 11 ALPHA for
helicopters with modification (MOD) 0722B51 installed and modifying the
wiring to connector 11 ALPHA for those helicopters that also have a
combined voice and flight data recording system (MOD 0731B89)
installed.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC155-34A037,
Revision 0, dated February 19, 2018. This service information specifies
installing MOD 0722B51 by modifying the wiring of connector 11 ALPHA to
separate the flight/ground information so the left-hand landing gear
flight information is also used by the automatic pilot system as well
as but separately from the right-hand landing gear flight information.
This service information also specifies re-allocating the electronic
board output connections by modifying the wiring of connector 11 ALPHA.
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 also reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC155-34A033,
Revision 0, dated July 19, 2017, and Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC155-
34A033, Revision 1, dated October 9, 2017. Revisions 0 and 1 of this
service information contain the same procedures for modifying the
wiring as Revision 2. However, Revision 1 clarifies the applicable
helicopter configurations and updates the post-modification testing
procedures, and Revision 2 clarifies the post-modification test
procedures and updates a figure.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 17 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85
per work-hour.
Modifying the wiring takes about 4 work-hours and parts cost about
$20 for an estimated cost of $360 per helicopter and $6,120 for the
U.S. fleet.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on 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:
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):
2020-15-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21164; Docket No. FAA-
2019-1099; Product Identifier 2018-SW-026-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155B and EC155B1
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as incorrect wiring of an
attitude and heading reference system (AHRS). This condition could
result in the display of misleading attitude and vertical speed
information, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter in
instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective August 17, 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
Before further flight in IMC or within 660 hours time-in-
service, whichever occurs first:
(1) For helicopters with wiring change modification (MOD)
0722B51 installed, modify the wiring of connector 11 ALPHA as
depicted in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
(ASB) No. EC155-34A033, Revision 2, dated January 30, 2018 (ASB
EC155-34A033). If a combined voice and flight data recording system
(MOD 0731B89) is installed, also modify the wiring to connector 11
ALPHA as depicted in Figure 2 of ASB EC155-34A033.
(2) For helicopters without wiring change MOD 0722B51 installed,
modify the wiring of connector 11 ALPHA as depicted in Figure 1 and
Figure 2 of Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC155-34A037, Revision 0,
dated February 19, 2018.
[[Page 41912]]
(f) Special Flight Permits
A special flight permit may be issued for operation under visual
flight rules only.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, 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.
(h) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC155-
34A033, Revision 0, dated July 19, 2017, and Airbus Helicopters ASB
No. EC155-34A033, Revision 1, dated October 9, 2017, 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.
2018-0069, dated March 26, 2018. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2019-1099.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3420, Attitude and
Direction Data System.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC155-
34A033, Revision 2, dated January 30, 2018.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC155-34A037, Revision 0, dated
February 19, 2018.
(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 July 7, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-14940 Filed 7-10-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
