Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 63238-63240 [2020-22124]
Download as PDF
63238
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 7, 2020 / Proposed Rules
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0909; Project
Identifier 2019–SW–118–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Model
AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and
AS332L1 helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report that the cabin
lateral sliding plug door failed its
emergency jettisoning test; subsequent
investigation revealed that the jettison
handle cable interfered with the cable
clamps. This proposed AD would
require modifying the release system of
each cabin lateral sliding plug door, or
modifying the design of the jettison
system of each cabin lateral sliding plug
door, 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.
SUMMARY:
The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by November 23,
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
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,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:45 Oct 06, 2020
Jkt 253001
Confidential Business Information
SUPPLEMENTARY 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 Kathleen Arrigotti,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax
206–231–3218; email
kathleen.arrigotti@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.
Comments Invited
Discussion
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 submit only one
copy of the comments. Send your
comments to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2020–0909; Project Identifier
2019–SW–118–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
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.
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2019–0064R1, dated December 19, 2019
(‘‘EASA AD 2019–0064R1’’) (also
referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model
AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and
AS332L1 helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by
a report that the cabin lateral sliding
plug door failed its emergency
jettisoning test; subsequent investigation
revealed that the jettison handle cable
interfered with the cable clamps. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address
this condition, which could lead to
jamming of the door jettisoning
mechanism, preventing the jettisoning
of the affected door in an emergency
situation, and possibly obstructing
occupant evacuation. See the MCAI for
additional background information.
Examining the AD Docket
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
DATES:
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–2020–
0909.
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0909; 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, 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:
Kathleen Arrigotti, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone and fax 206–231–
3218; email kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part
51
EASA AD 2019–0064R1 describes,
among other things, procedures for
modifying the release system of each
cabin lateral sliding plug door, or
modifying the design of the jettison
E:\FR\FM\07OCP1.SGM
07OCP1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 7, 2020 / Proposed Rules
discussed under ‘‘Differences Between
this Proposed AD and the MCAI.’’
system of each cabin lateral sliding plug
door.
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.
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 2019–0064R1, described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD and except as
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the MCAI
EASA AD 2019–0064R1 specifies
inspections of the jettisoning
mechanism of the cabin lateral sliding
plug doors and corrective actions. This
proposed AD does not include those
actions. AD 2019–09–03, Amendment
39–19637 (84 FR 22693, May 20, 2019)
(‘‘AD 2019–09–03’’) already requires
those actions. The FAA has determined
that this proposed AD would only
require the modification specified in
EASA AD 2019–0064R1, which would
then terminate the requirements of AD
2019–09–03.
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
2019–0064R1 will be incorporated by
63239
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2019–
0064R1 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
2019–0064R1 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2019–
0064R1 will be available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0909 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 19 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
Up to 214 work-hours × $85 per
hour = Up to $18,190.
$ * ..................................................
Up to $18,190 ...............................
Up to $345,610.
* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide parts cost estimates for the actions specified in this proposed AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Regulatory Findings
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
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.
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.
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:45 Oct 06, 2020
Jkt 253001
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
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):
■
E:\FR\FM\07OCP1.SGM
07OCP1
63240
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 7, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2020–
0909; Project Identifier 2019–SW–118–
AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
November 23, 2020.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and
AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any
category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019–
0064R1, dated December 19, 2019 (‘‘EASA
AD 2019–0064R1’’).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 5200, Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that the
cabin lateral sliding plug door failed its
emergency jettisoning test; subsequent
investigation revealed that the jettison handle
cable interfered with the cable clamps. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address this
condition, which could lead to jamming of
the door jettisoning mechanism, preventing
the jettisoning of the affected door in an
emergency situation, and possibly
obstructing occupant evacuation.
(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, paragraph (3) or (4) of
EASA AD 2019–0064R1.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019–0064R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2019–0064R1 refers to
April 10, 2019 (the effective date of EASA
AD 2019–0064, dated March 27, 2019), this
AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2019–0064R1 does not apply to this AD.
(3) If the modification specified in
paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2019–0064R1 is
done, it must be done at the compliance time
specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019–
0064R1.
(4) Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019–0064R1
specifies to discard or scrap certain parts,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(5) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019–
0064R1 specifies to do a modification ‘‘in
accordance with the instructions of section 3
of the modification ASB’’ this AD excludes
paragraph 3.B.5. of ‘‘the modification ASB.’’
(6) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2019–
0064R1 refers to ‘‘Eurocopter AS 322 SB No.
52.00.28,’’ for this AD use ‘‘Eurocopter AS
332 SB No. 52.00.28.’’
16:45 Oct 06, 2020
Jkt 253001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Accomplishing the actions required by this
AD terminates all requirements of AD 2019–
09–03.
Federal Aviation Administration
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2019–09–03,
Amendment 39–19637 (84 FR 22693, May 20,
2019) (‘‘AD 2019–09–03’’).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
(i) Terminating Action for AD 2019–09–03
The Manager, International Validation
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 International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@
faa.gov. 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2019–
0064R1, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 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–2020–0909.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3218; email
kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
Issued on October 1, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–22124 Filed 10–6–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0905; Product
Identifier 2019–SW–102–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2015–26–01, which applies to certain
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C1,
AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, AS–
365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and
EC155B1 helicopters with an energyabsorbing seat. AD 2015–26–01 requires
inspecting for the presence of labels
(placards) that prohibit stowing
anything under the seat, and if a label
(placard) is missing or not clearly
visible to each occupant, installing a
label (placard). Since the FAA issued
AD 2015–26–01, the FAA has
determined that additional helicopters
are affected by the unsafe condition, and
that new labels (placards) are required
for all affected helicopters. This
proposed AD would retain all of the
requirements of AD 2015–26–01. This
proposed AD would also add
helicopters to the applicability and
require a modification (installing new
labels (placards)). The FAA is proposing
this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by November 23,
2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Airbus Helicopters,
2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052; phone: 972–641–0000 or 800–
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\07OCP1.SGM
07OCP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 7, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63238-63240]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22124]
[[Page 63238]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0909; Project Identifier 2019-SW-118-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and
AS332L1 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the
cabin lateral sliding plug door failed its emergency jettisoning test;
subsequent investigation revealed that the jettison handle cable
interfered with the cable clamps. This proposed AD would require
modifying the release system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door,
or modifying the design of the jettison system of each cabin lateral
sliding plug door, 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.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November
23, 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-2020-0909.
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-
0909; 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, 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3218; 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 submit only one copy of the comments. Send your comments to an
address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-
2020-0909; Project Identifier 2019-SW-118-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
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
Kathleen Arrigotti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines,
WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218; 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 EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0064R1, dated December 19, 2019
(``EASA AD 2019-0064R1'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L,
and AS332L1 helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the cabin lateral
sliding plug door failed its emergency jettisoning test; subsequent
investigation revealed that the jettison handle cable interfered with
the cable clamps. The FAA is proposing this AD to address this
condition, which could lead to jamming of the door jettisoning
mechanism, preventing the jettisoning of the affected door in an
emergency situation, and possibly obstructing occupant evacuation. See
the MCAI for additional background information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0064R1 describes, among other things, procedures for
modifying the release system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door,
or modifying the design of the jettison
[[Page 63239]]
system of each cabin lateral sliding plug door.
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.
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 2019-0064R1, 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.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
EASA AD 2019-0064R1 specifies inspections of the jettisoning
mechanism of the cabin lateral sliding plug doors and corrective
actions. This proposed AD does not include those actions. AD 2019-09-
03, Amendment 39-19637 (84 FR 22693, May 20, 2019) (``AD 2019-09-03'')
already requires those actions. The FAA has determined that this
proposed AD would only require the modification specified in EASA AD
2019-0064R1, which would then terminate the requirements of AD 2019-09-
03.
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 2019-
0064R1 will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2019-
0064R1 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 2019-0064R1 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2019-0064R1 will be available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2020-0909 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 19 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 214 work-hours x $85 per hour = $ \*\.................. Up to $18,190.......... Up to $345,610.
Up to $18,190.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide parts cost estimates for the
actions specified in this proposed AD.
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
[[Page 63240]]
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2020-0909; Project Identifier
2019-SW-118-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by November 23, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2019-09-03, Amendment 39-19637 (84 FR 22693,
May 20, 2019) (``AD 2019-09-03'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-
0064R1, dated December 19, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0064R1'').
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5200, Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that the cabin lateral sliding
plug door failed its emergency jettisoning test; subsequent
investigation revealed that the jettison handle cable interfered
with the cable clamps. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this
condition, which could lead to jamming of the door jettisoning
mechanism, preventing the jettisoning of the affected door in an
emergency situation, and possibly obstructing occupant evacuation.
(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, paragraph (3) or (4) of EASA AD 2019-0064R1.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0064R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0064R1 refers to April 10, 2019 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2019-0064, dated March 27, 2019), this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0064R1 does not
apply to this AD.
(3) If the modification specified in paragraph (4) of EASA AD
2019-0064R1 is done, it must be done at the compliance time
specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0064R1.
(4) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-
0064R1 specifies to discard or scrap certain parts, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(5) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0064R1 specifies to do a
modification ``in accordance with the instructions of section 3 of
the modification ASB'' this AD excludes paragraph 3.B.5. of ``the
modification ASB.''
(6) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2019-0064R1 refers to
``Eurocopter AS 322 SB No. 52.00.28,'' for this AD use ``Eurocopter
AS 332 SB No. 52.00.28.''
(i) Terminating Action for AD 2019-09-03
Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all
requirements of AD 2019-09-03.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2019-0064R1, 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-
2020-0909.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen
Arrigotti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218; email
[email protected].
Issued on October 1, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-22124 Filed 10-6-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P