Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 59454-59457 [2020-20718]
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59454
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Requirements Bulletin 747–21A2577 RB,
dated February 18, 2020, on any airplane.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle 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 (k)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make
those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Susan L. Monroe, Aerospace
Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3570; email:
susan.l.monroe@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
Issued on September 14, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–20807 Filed 9–21–20; 8:45 am]
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14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–3343; Product
Identifier 2015–SW–078–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM);
reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
The FAA is revising an earlier
proposal to supersede Airworthiness
Directive (AD) 2014–12–12, which
applies to certain Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B and EC130B4
helicopters. This action revises the
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
by revising the compliance time,
expanding the applicability, and
providing improved procedures for
modifying the sliding door star support
as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which will be incorporated by reference.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products. Since these actions would
impose an additional burden over those
in the NPRM, the FAA is reopening the
comment period to allow the public the
chance to comment on these changes.
DATES: The comment period for the
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on October 26, 2016 (81 FR
74362), is reopened.
The FAA must receive comments on
this SNPRM by November 6, 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 material incorporated by reference
(IBR) in this AD, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
SUMMARY:
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find this IBR material on the EASA
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this IBR material 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 in
the AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
3343.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
3343; 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 SNPRM,
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:
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Standards Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–
5116; email david.hatfield@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views about this
proposal. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
filed electronically, commenters should
submit only one time. Send your
comments to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2016–3343; Product Identifier
2015–SW–078–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, as well as a
report summarizing each substantive
public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking.
Before acting on this proposal, the FAA
will consider all comments received by
the closing date for comments. The FAA
will consider comments filed after the
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Proposed Rules
comment period has closed if it is
possible to do so without incurring
expense or delay. The FAA may change
this NPRM because of those comments.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to David Hatfield,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817–222–5116; email
david.hatfield@faa.gov. Any
commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2014–12–12,
Amendment 39–17873 (79 FR 36638,
June 30, 2014) (‘‘AD 2014–12–12’’). AD
2014–12–12 requires actions to address
an unsafe condition on certain Airbus
Helicopters Model EC120B and
EC130B4 helicopters. AD 2014–12–12
requires inspecting the upper and lower
locking pin control rod fittings for a
bend, twist, or breakage and the star
support pin for a crack; replacing
control rod end fittings and star support
pins if necessary; and reinforcing the
sliding door star support stringer by
installing three carbon fabric plies.
The FAA issued an NPRM to amend
14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD to
supersede AD 2014–12–12 that would
apply to certain Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B and EC130B4
helicopters. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on October 26, 2016
(81 FR 74362) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The
NPRM was prompted by a report of
passengers not being able to open a
helicopter’s left-hand door after landing.
The NPRM proposed to require
inspecting each upper and lower
locking pin control rod end fitting and
replacing it if necessary, cleaning and
dye-penetrant inspecting the star
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support pin for cracking and replacing
it if necessary, and reinforcing the
sliding door star support stringer.
Actions Since Previous NPRM Was
Issued
Since the FAA issued the NPRM,
there have been several incidents
involving helicopter left-hand doors
(both swinging and sliding) that
revealed weaknesses in the locking
mechanism. The FAA has determined
the NPRM must be revised by revising
the compliance time, expanding the
applicability, and providing improved
procedures for modifying the sliding
door star support.
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2020–0095, dated April 29, 2020
(‘‘EASA AD 2020–0095’’) (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model
EC120B and EC130B4 helicopters.
EASA advises that, after landing, the
passengers on an Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B helicopter could not
open the sliding door from inside. The
passengers had to leave the helicopter
through the other door. The results of
the subsequent investigation revealed
failure of a sliding door star axle
support. This condition, if not
corrected, could delay the evacuation
from the helicopter in case of
emergency, possibly resulting in injury
to the occupants.
EASA AD 2020–0095 superseded
EASA AD 2015–0020, dated February
11, 2015 (‘‘EASA AD 2015–0020’’),
which corresponds to FAA NPRM,
Docket No. FAA–2016–3343. EASA AD
2015–0020 superseded EASA AD 2013–
0093, dated April 15, 2013; corrected
April 17, 2013, which corresponds to
FAA AD 2014–12–12.
EASA AD 2020–0095 revises the
compliance time that was specified in
EASA AD 2015–0020 and expands the
applicability.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
3343.
This proposed AD was prompted by
a report of passengers not being able to
open a helicopter’s left-hand door after
landing. The FAA is proposing this AD
to address failure of the sliding door star
support, which could inhibit the
operation of the sliding door from the
inside, delaying the evacuation of
passengers during an emergency. See
the MCAI for additional background
information.
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Related Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020–0095 describes
improved procedures for modifying the
door locking/unlocking mechanism (e.g.
modifying the sliding door star support
by installing a reinforcing bracket and
replacing rod ends). This material is
reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business
or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this proposed AD. The following
presents the comment received on the
NPRM and the FAA’s response to that
comment.
Request To Refer to Revised Service
Information
Airbus Helicopters proposed that the
service information specified in the
NPRM be revised because it was not the
current revision level. The commenter
stated that revising the service
information to reflect the current
revision level would prevent having to
revise the final rule in the near future.
The commenter explained that Airbus
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
EC120–52A018, Revision 01; and Alert
Service Bulletin EC130–52A019,
Revision 01, were released July 12,
2016, and included improved
procedures for replacing the rod ends
and installing the reinforcements of the
sliding door star support. The
commenter noted that the revised
service information also included
additional helicopters in the effectivity.
The FAA acknowledges the
commenter’s concern regarding the
revision level of the service information
specified in the proposed AD (in the
NPRM). Since the FAA issued the
NPRM, the AD format has changed and
instead of specifying the required
service information in paragraph (g),
Requirements, of this proposed AD
(SNPRM), operators would be required
to comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2020–0095,
except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this
proposed AD and except as discussed
under ‘‘Differences Between This
Proposed AD and the MCAI.’’ EASA AD
2020–0095 specifies that operators must
use Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin EC120–52A018, Revision 01;
and Alert Service Bulletin EC130–
52A019, Revision 01, both dated July
12, 2016, as the required service
information. The FAA has not changed
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Proposed Rules
this proposed AD (SNPRM) in regard to
this issue.
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with
Airbus and EASA to develop a process
to use certain EASA ADs as the primary
source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding
FAA ADs. The FAA has since
coordinated with other manufacturers
and civil aviation authorities (CAAs) to
use this process. As a result, EASA AD
2020–0095 will be incorporated by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2020–0095
in its entirety, through that
incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same
as the heading of a particular section in
the EASA AD does not mean that
operators need comply only with that
section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ‘‘all required
actions and compliance times,’’
compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, the FAA has been
notified of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced
above. The FAA is proposing this AD
because the FAA evaluated all the
relevant information and determined
the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop
in other products of the same type
design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2020–0095 described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD and except as
discussed under ‘‘Differences Between
this Proposed AD and the MCAI.’’
‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)’’ in the EASA AD. Service
information specified in EASA AD
2020–0095 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2020–0095
will be available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2016–3343 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the MCAI
EASA AD 2020–0095 specifies to do
the modification within 24 months. This
proposed AD would require the
modification be done within 460 hours
time-in-service (TIS), based on an
average of 230 hours TIS per year. The
FAA has determined this compliance
time represents the maximum interval
of time allowable for the affected
helicopters to continue to safely operate
before the modification is done.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 355 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this
proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
20 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,700 .....................................................................................
$642
$2,342
$831,410
According to the manufacturer, some
or all of the costs of this proposed AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
operators. The FAA does not control
warranty coverage for affected operators.
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
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that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
Frm 00010
Fmt 4702
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(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.
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List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Sfmt 4702
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2014–12–12, Amendment 39–17873 (79
FR 36638, June 30, 2014), and adding
the following new AD:
■
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2016–
3343; Product Identifier 2015–SW–078–
AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Proposed Rules
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
November 6, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2014–12–12,
Amendment 39–17873 (79 FR 36638, June
30, 2014) (‘‘AD 2014–12–12’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B and EC130B4 helicopters,
certificated in any category, as identified in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2020–0095, dated April 29, 2020
(‘‘EASA AD 2020–0095’’).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 5200, Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
passengers not being able to open a
helicopter’s left-hand door after landing. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of
the sliding door star support, which could
inhibit the operation of the sliding door from
the inside, delaying the evacuation of
passengers during an emergency.
(j) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020–
0095, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; 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. You may view this
material 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. 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–2016–3343.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5485; email
david.hatfield@faa.gov.
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
Examining the AD Docket
Issued on September 15, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–20718 Filed 9–21–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0095
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0095 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020–
0095 specifies to complete the actions within
24 months after its effective date, this AD
requires completion within 460 hours timein-service after the effective date of this AD.
(3) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0095 does not apply to this AD.
(4) Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2020–0095 specifies
to discard certain parts, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone
817–222–5116; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOCRequests@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.
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The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by November 6,
2020.
DATES:
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 NPRM, contact Textron Aviation
Inc., One Cessna Boulevard, Wichita, KS
67215: Telephone: 316–517–5800:
email: teamturbopropsupport@
txtav.com; internet: https://
support.cessna.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust
St., Kansas City, MO 64106. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 816–329–4148.
(f) Compliance
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2020–0095.
59457
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0811; Product
Identifier 2019–CE–055–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Textron
Aviation Inc. (Textron) Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Textron (type certificate
previously held by Cessna Aircraft
Company) Models 208 and 208B
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of loose elevator
torque tube attach fasteners. This
proposed AD would require repetitively
inspecting the inboard and outboard
elevator torque tube attachments for
loose or incorrectly installed fasteners,
replacing all fasteners if loose or
incorrectly installed fasteners are found,
and reporting the inspection results to
the FAA. This AD also includes
optional actions to terminate the
repetitive inspections. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
SUMMARY:
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ADDRESSES:
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0811; 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 NPRM, 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:
Bobbie Kroetch, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801
Airport Road, Wichita, Kansas 67209;
phone: 316–946–4155; fax: 316–946–
4107; email: bobbie.kroetch@faa.gov or
Wichita-COS@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include
‘‘Docket No. FAA–2020–0811; Product
Identifier 2019–CE–055–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The FAA
will consider all comments received by
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 184 (Tuesday, September 22, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59454-59457]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20718]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-3343; Product Identifier 2015-SW-078-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening
of comment period.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an earlier proposal to supersede
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-12-12, which applies to certain
Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B and EC130B4 helicopters. This action
revises the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by revising the
compliance time, expanding the applicability, and providing improved
procedures for modifying the sliding door star support as specified in
a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will be
incorporated by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an
additional burden over those in the NPRM, the FAA is reopening the
comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these
changes.
DATES: The comment period for the NPRM published in the Federal
Register on October 26, 2016 (81 FR 74362), is reopened.
The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by November 6, 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 material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49
221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu.
You may find this IBR material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this IBR material 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 in the AD
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-3343.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
3343; 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 SNPRM, 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: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5116; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
written comments, data, or views about this proposal. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed
electronically, commenters should submit only one time. Send your
comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include
``Docket No. FAA-2016-3343; Product Identifier 2015-SW-078-AD'' at the
beginning of your comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, as well
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments received by the closing
date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after the
[[Page 59455]]
comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring
expense or delay. The FAA may change this NPRM because of those
comments.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to David
Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5116;
email [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2014-12-12, Amendment 39-17873 (79 FR 36638, June
30, 2014) (``AD 2014-12-12''). AD 2014-12-12 requires actions to
address an unsafe condition on certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B
and EC130B4 helicopters. AD 2014-12-12 requires inspecting the upper
and lower locking pin control rod fittings for a bend, twist, or
breakage and the star support pin for a crack; replacing control rod
end fittings and star support pins if necessary; and reinforcing the
sliding door star support stringer by installing three carbon fabric
plies.
The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD to
supersede AD 2014-12-12 that would apply to certain Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B and EC130B4 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on October 26, 2016 (81 FR 74362) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was
prompted by a report of passengers not being able to open a
helicopter's left-hand door after landing. The NPRM proposed to require
inspecting each upper and lower locking pin control rod end fitting and
replacing it if necessary, cleaning and dye-penetrant inspecting the
star support pin for cracking and replacing it if necessary, and
reinforcing the sliding door star support stringer.
Actions Since Previous NPRM Was Issued
Since the FAA issued the NPRM, there have been several incidents
involving helicopter left-hand doors (both swinging and sliding) that
revealed weaknesses in the locking mechanism. The FAA has determined
the NPRM must be revised by revising the compliance time, expanding the
applicability, and providing improved procedures for modifying the
sliding door star support.
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0095, dated April 29, 2020
(``EASA AD 2020-0095'') (referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B and
EC130B4 helicopters. EASA advises that, after landing, the passengers
on an Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopter could not open the
sliding door from inside. The passengers had to leave the helicopter
through the other door. The results of the subsequent investigation
revealed failure of a sliding door star axle support. This condition,
if not corrected, could delay the evacuation from the helicopter in
case of emergency, possibly resulting in injury to the occupants.
EASA AD 2020-0095 superseded EASA AD 2015-0020, dated February 11,
2015 (``EASA AD 2015-0020''), which corresponds to FAA NPRM, Docket No.
FAA-2016-3343. EASA AD 2015-0020 superseded EASA AD 2013-0093, dated
April 15, 2013; corrected April 17, 2013, which corresponds to FAA AD
2014-12-12.
EASA AD 2020-0095 revises the compliance time that was specified in
EASA AD 2015-0020 and expands the applicability.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2016-3343.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of passengers not being
able to open a helicopter's left-hand door after landing. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address failure of the sliding door star support,
which could inhibit the operation of the sliding door from the inside,
delaying the evacuation of passengers during an emergency. See the MCAI
for additional background information.
Related Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0095 describes improved procedures for modifying the
door locking/unlocking mechanism (e.g. modifying the sliding door star
support by installing a reinforcing bracket and replacing rod ends).
This material is reasonably available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal course of business or by the
means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this proposed AD. The following presents the comment
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to that comment.
Request To Refer to Revised Service Information
Airbus Helicopters proposed that the service information specified
in the NPRM be revised because it was not the current revision level.
The commenter stated that revising the service information to reflect
the current revision level would prevent having to revise the final
rule in the near future. The commenter explained that Airbus
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC120-52A018, Revision 01; and Alert
Service Bulletin EC130-52A019, Revision 01, were released July 12,
2016, and included improved procedures for replacing the rod ends and
installing the reinforcements of the sliding door star support. The
commenter noted that the revised service information also included
additional helicopters in the effectivity.
The FAA acknowledges the commenter's concern regarding the revision
level of the service information specified in the proposed AD (in the
NPRM). Since the FAA issued the NPRM, the AD format has changed and
instead of specifying the required service information in paragraph
(g), Requirements, of this proposed AD (SNPRM), operators would be
required to comply with all required actions and compliance times
specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2020-0095, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this
proposed AD and except as discussed under ``Differences Between This
Proposed AD and the MCAI.'' EASA AD 2020-0095 specifies that operators
must use Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC120-52A018,
Revision 01; and Alert Service Bulletin EC130-52A019, Revision 01, both
dated July 12, 2016, as the required service information. The FAA has
not changed
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this proposed AD (SNPRM) in regard to this issue.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, the FAA
has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the FAA
evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other
products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2020-0095 described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD and except as discussed under ``Differences
Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI.''
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2020-0095
will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2020-0095 in its
entirety, through that incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in the EASA AD does not mean that operators need comply only
with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in the EASA AD. Service information specified
in EASA AD 2020-0095 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2020-
0095 will be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-3343 after the FAA
final rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
EASA AD 2020-0095 specifies to do the modification within 24
months. This proposed AD would require the modification be done within
460 hours time-in-service (TIS), based on an average of 230 hours TIS
per year. The FAA has determined this compliance time represents the
maximum interval of time allowable for the affected helicopters to
continue to safely operate before the modification is done.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 355 helicopters of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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20 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,700........................ $642 $2,342 $831,410
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According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators. The FAA does not control warranty
coverage for affected operators. 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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2014-12-12, Amendment 39-17873 (79 FR 36638, June 30, 2014), and adding
the following new AD:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2016-3343; Product Identifier
2015-SW-078-AD.
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(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by November 6, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2014-12-12, Amendment 39-17873 (79 FR 36638,
June 30, 2014) (``AD 2014-12-12'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B and EC130B4
helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0095, dated April 29,
2020 (``EASA AD 2020-0095'').
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5200, Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of passengers not being able to
open a helicopter's left-hand door after landing. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address failure of the sliding door star support, which
could inhibit the operation of the sliding door from the inside,
delaying the evacuation of passengers during an emergency.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2020-0095.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0095
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0095 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020-0095 specifies to
complete the actions within 24 months after its effective date, this
AD requires completion within 460 hours time-in-service after the
effective date of this AD.
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0095 does not apply
to this AD.
(4) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0095 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include
that requirement.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, Aviation
Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5116; email [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
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020-0095, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You
may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material 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. 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-
2016-3343.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact David Hatfield,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5485; email
[email protected].
Issued on September 15, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20718 Filed 9-21-20; 8:45 am]
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