Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 63235-63237 [2020-22125]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 7, 2020 / Proposed Rules
63235
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (g)(1)—Continued
If the covered company is a
Then the Board will conduct its analysis
Category IV U.S. intermediate holding company .....................................
Nonbank financial company supervised by the Board .............................
Biennially, occurring in each year ending in an even number.
Annually.
(2) Change in frequency. (i) The Board
may conduct a stress test of a covered
company on a more or less frequent
basis than would be required under
paragraph (d)(1) of this section based on
the company’s financial condition, size,
complexity, risk profile, scope of
operations, or activities, or risks to the
U.S. economy.
(ii) A Category IV bank holding
company or Category IV U.S.
intermediate holding company may
elect to have the Board conduct a stress
test with respect to the company in a
year ending in an odd number by
providing notice to the Board by
December 31 of the preceding year
(ending in an even number).
Notwithstanding the previous sentence,
such a company may elect to have the
Board conduct a stress test with respect
to the company in the year 2021 by
providing notice to the Board by
February 15, 2021.
(3) Notice and response—(i)
Notification of change in frequency. If
the Board determines to change the
frequency of the stress test under
paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, the
Board will notify the company in
writing and provide a discussion of the
basis for its determination.
(ii) Request for reconsideration and
Board response. Within 14 calendar
days of receipt of a notification under
paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this section, a
covered company may request in
writing that the Board reconsider the
requirement to conduct a stress test on
a more or less frequent basis than would
be required under paragraph (d)(1) of
this section. A covered company’s
request for reconsideration must include
an explanation as to why the request for
reconsideration should be granted. The
Board will respond in writing within 14
calendar days of receipt of the
company’s request.
(i) * * *
(B) Is not a Category IV bank holding
company as the term is used in 12 CFR
225.8.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 10. In § 252.56, revise paragraph (a)(2)
to read as follows:
Subpart F—Company-Run Stress Test
Requirements for Certain U.S. Bank
Holding Companies and Nonbank
Financial Companies Supervised by
the Board
Appendix B to Part 252—[Amended]
9. In § 252.54, revise paragraph
(b)(2)(i)(B) to read as follows:
■
§ 252.54
*
Stress test.
*
*
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
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*
*
16:45 Oct 06, 2020
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§ 252.56
Methodologies and practices.
(a) * * *
(2) The potential impact on the
regulatory capital levels and ratios
applicable to the covered bank, and any
other capital ratios specified by the
Board, and in doing so must:
(i) Incorporate the effects of any
capital action over the planning horizon
and maintenance of an allowance for
loan losses or adjusted allowance for
credit losses, as appropriate, for credit
exposures throughout the planning
horizon; and
(ii) Exclude the impacts of changes to
a firm’s business plan that are likely to
have a material impact on the covered
company’s capital adequacy and
funding profile.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 11. In § 252.58, revise paragraph (a)(1)
to read as follows:
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0904; Product
Identifier 2019–SW–041–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
By order of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System.
Ann E. Misback,
Secretary of the Board.
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP
helicopters. This proposed AD would
require various inspections of the lefthand side (LH) engine fuel supply (fuel
supply) hose and depending on the
inspection results, removing from
service or reinstalling the hose. This
proposed AD would also prohibit
installing any LH fuel supply hose
unless it is installed by following the
service information. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report of an
incorrect installation of the LH fuel
supply hose causing restricted fuel flow
to the LH engine. The actions of this
proposed AD are intended to address an
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by November 23,
2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
[FR Doc. 2020–22166 Filed 10–6–20; 8:45 am]
Examining the AD Docket
BILLING CODE 6210–01–P
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
§ 252.58
Disclosure of stress test results.
(a) * * *
(1) In general. A covered company
must publicly disclose a summary of the
results of the stress test required under
§ 252.54 within the period that is 15
calendar days after the Board publicly
discloses the results of its supervisory
stress test of the covered company
pursuant to § 252.46(b), unless that time
is extended by the Board in writing.
*
*
*
*
*
12. Amend appendix B to part 252 by
removing and reserving section 2.6.
■
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SUMMARY:
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63236
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 7, 2020 / Proposed Rules
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0904; 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 proposed
AD, the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 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 service information identified in
this proposed 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/technicalsupport.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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
James Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations and Policy Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email
james.blyn@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. 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.
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 file in the docket all
comments received, 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 on or before 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 proposal in light of the comments
received.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:45 Oct 06, 2020
Jkt 253001
Confidential Business Information
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 James Blyn, Aviation
Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–
5110; email james.blyn@faa.gov.
described in its AD. The FAA is
proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and
determining that an unsafe condition is
likely to exist or develop on other
helicopters of the same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225–
71A019, Revision 1, dated February 28,
2019, which specifies procedures for
removing the fuel supply hose from the
LH power plant, visually inspecting the
fuel supply hose for twisting, and
depending on inspection results,
performing an endoscope inspection on
the inside of the hose. This service
information also specifies procedures
required to install a serviceable fuel
supply hose.
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.
Discussion
Proposed AD Requirements
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2019–
0092, dated April 26, 2019 (EASA AD
2019–0092), to correct an unsafe
condition for Airbus Helicopters
(formerly Eurocopter) Model EC 225 LP
helicopters, all serial numbers. EASA
advises that an occurrence was reported
where during an in-flight single engine
power check, the LH side engine
experienced a power loss. EASA states
that a subsequent investigation
determined that the fuel flow to the
affected engine was restricted by a
twisted fuel supply hose. EASA states
this condition if not detected and
corrected could lead to a decrease of the
LH engine power when accelerating to
the power setting corresponding to One
Engine Inoperative power, and
subsequent reduced control of the
helicopter. Accordingly, the EASA AD
requires a one-time visual inspection of
the fuel supply hose and depending on
the inspection results, removing from
service or replacing the affected part.
EASA also introduces re-installation
requirements for a fuel supply hose that
is being replaced or reinstalled.
This proposed AD would require
compliance with certain procedures
described in the manufacturer’s service
bulletin. For helicopters delivered to the
first operator before November 30, 2018,
and for helicopters delivered to the first
operator on or after November 30, 2018
that have had the LH fuel supply hose
replaced or reinstalled before May 10,
2019, this proposed AD would require
visually inspecting the LH fuel supply
hose for twisting, and if needed,
borescope inspecting the entire length of
the inside of the fuel supply hose for
twisting and depending on the
inspection results, reinstalling or
removing the fuel supply hose from
service. Additionally, this proposed AD
would prohibit installing a certain partnumbered LH fuel supply hose on any
helicopter unless that LH fuel supply
hose is installed by following certain
procedures described in the
manufacturer’s service bulletin.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA about the unsafe condition
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Sfmt 4702
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires compliance
within 110 flight hours or 6 months,
whichever occurs first, while this
proposed AD would require compliance
within 110 hours time-in-service. The
EASA AD requires reporting
information to Airbus Helicopters if the
LH fuel supply hose is twisted on the
inside, while this proposed AD would
not.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 7, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD
to be an interim action. An investigation
is ongoing and if final action is later
identified, the FAA might consider
further rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD would affect 96 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates that
operators may incur the following costs
in order to comply with this proposed
AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per
work-hour. Visually inspecting the LH
fuel supply hose for twisting would take
about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost
of $85 per helicopter and $8,160 for the
U.S. fleet. Replacing a LH fuel supply
hose would take about 8 work-hours
and parts would cost about $2,278 for
an estimated replacement cost of $2,958
per replacement. Borescope inspecting
the LH fuel supply hose would take
about 8 work-hours for an estimated
cost of $680 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on 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, 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:45 Oct 06, 2020
Jkt 253001
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
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):
■
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2020–
0904; Product Identifier 2019–SW–041–
AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in
any category, with left-hand side (LH) engine
fuel supply (fuel supply) hose part number
(P/N) 704A34416087 installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
incorrect installation of the LH fuel supply
hose causing restricted fuel flow to the LH
engine. This condition could result in a
decrease of the LH engine power when
accelerating to a power setting corresponding
to One Engine Inoperative power and
subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
November 23, 2020.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless it has
already been accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) For helicopters delivered to the first
operator before November 30, 2018; and for
helicopters delivered to the first operator on
or after November 30, 2018 that have had the
LH fuel supply hose replaced or reinstalled
before May 10, 2019:
(i) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS),
visually inspect the LH fuel supply hose for
twisting as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
EC225–71A019, Revision 1, dated February
28, 2019 (ASB EC225–71A019).
(ii) If the LH fuel supply hose has any
twisting, before further flight, borescope
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 9990
63237
inspect the entire length of the inside of the
fuel supply hose for twisting as shown in
Figures 3 through 5 of ASB EC225–71A019.
(A) If the inside of the LH fuel supply hose
has any twisting, before further flight, remove
the LH fuel supply hose from service and
install an airworthy LH fuel supply hose by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.B.3.b of ASB EC225–71A019.
(B) If the LH fuel supply hose does not
have any twisting, reinstall the LH fuel
supply hose by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.B.3.b of ASB EC225–71A019.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install an LH fuel supply hose P/N
704A34416087 on any helicopter unless it is
installed by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3.b of ASB
EC225–71A019.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: James Blyn,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and
Policy 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.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD No. 2019–0092, dated April 26,
2019. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the
AD Docket.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 2820, Aircraft Fuel Distribution
System.
Issued on October 1, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–22125 Filed 10–6–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 7, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63235-63237]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22125]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0904; Product Identifier 2019-SW-041-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 Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD
would require various inspections of the left-hand side (LH) engine
fuel supply (fuel supply) hose and depending on the inspection results,
removing from service or reinstalling the hose. This proposed AD would
also prohibit installing any LH fuel supply hose unless it is installed
by following the service information. This proposed AD was prompted by
a report of an incorrect installation of the LH fuel supply hose
causing restricted fuel flow to the LH engine. The actions of this
proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November
23, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://
[[Page 63236]]
www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0904; 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 proposed AD, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
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 service information identified in this proposed 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
written comments, data, or views. 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.
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 file in the docket all comments received, 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 on or before 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 proposal in light
of the comments received.
Confidential Business Information
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 James Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations
and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email
[email protected].
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2019-0092, dated April 26, 2019
(EASA AD 2019-0092), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) Model EC 225 LP helicopters, all
serial numbers. EASA advises that an occurrence was reported where
during an in-flight single engine power check, the LH side engine
experienced a power loss. EASA states that a subsequent investigation
determined that the fuel flow to the affected engine was restricted by
a twisted fuel supply hose. EASA states this condition if not detected
and corrected could lead to a decrease of the LH engine power when
accelerating to the power setting corresponding to One Engine
Inoperative power, and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, the EASA AD requires a one-time visual inspection of the
fuel supply hose and depending on the inspection results, removing from
service or replacing the affected part. EASA also introduces re-
installation requirements for a fuel supply hose that is being replaced
or reinstalled.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an
unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of
the same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
EC225-71A019, Revision 1, dated February 28, 2019, which specifies
procedures for removing the fuel supply hose from the LH power plant,
visually inspecting the fuel supply hose for twisting, and depending on
inspection results, performing an endoscope inspection on the inside of
the hose. This service information also specifies procedures required
to install a serviceable fuel supply hose.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require compliance with certain procedures
described in the manufacturer's service bulletin. For helicopters
delivered to the first operator before November 30, 2018, and for
helicopters delivered to the first operator on or after November 30,
2018 that have had the LH fuel supply hose replaced or reinstalled
before May 10, 2019, this proposed AD would require visually inspecting
the LH fuel supply hose for twisting, and if needed, borescope
inspecting the entire length of the inside of the fuel supply hose for
twisting and depending on the inspection results, reinstalling or
removing the fuel supply hose from service. Additionally, this proposed
AD would prohibit installing a certain part-numbered LH fuel supply
hose on any helicopter unless that LH fuel supply hose is installed by
following certain procedures described in the manufacturer's service
bulletin.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires compliance within 110 flight hours or 6
months, whichever occurs first, while this proposed AD would require
compliance within 110 hours time-in-service. The EASA AD requires
reporting information to Airbus Helicopters if the LH fuel supply hose
is twisted on the inside, while this proposed AD would not.
[[Page 63237]]
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD to be an interim action. An
investigation is ongoing and if final action is later identified, the
FAA might consider further rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 96 helicopters
of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the
following costs in order to comply with this proposed AD. Labor costs
are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Visually inspecting the LH fuel
supply hose for twisting would take about 1 work-hour for an estimated
cost of $85 per helicopter and $8,160 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing a
LH fuel supply hose would take about 8 work-hours and parts would cost
about $2,278 for an estimated replacement cost of $2,958 per
replacement. Borescope inspecting the LH fuel supply hose would take
about 8 work-hours for an estimated cost of $680 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on 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, 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):
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2020-0904; Product Identifier
2019-SW-041-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters,
certificated in any category, with left-hand side (LH) engine fuel
supply (fuel supply) hose part number (P/N) 704A34416087 installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as incorrect installation
of the LH fuel supply hose causing restricted fuel flow to the LH
engine. This condition could result in a decrease of the LH engine
power when accelerating to a power setting corresponding to One
Engine Inoperative power and subsequent reduced control of the
helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by November 23, 2020.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) For helicopters delivered to the first operator before
November 30, 2018; and for helicopters delivered to the first
operator on or after November 30, 2018 that have had the LH fuel
supply hose replaced or reinstalled before May 10, 2019:
(i) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS), visually inspect the
LH fuel supply hose for twisting as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-71A019, Revision
1, dated February 28, 2019 (ASB EC225-71A019).
(ii) If the LH fuel supply hose has any twisting, before further
flight, borescope inspect the entire length of the inside of the
fuel supply hose for twisting as shown in Figures 3 through 5 of ASB
EC225-71A019.
(A) If the inside of the LH fuel supply hose has any twisting,
before further flight, remove the LH fuel supply hose from service
and install an airworthy LH fuel supply hose by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3.b of ASB EC225-71A019.
(B) If the LH fuel supply hose does not have any twisting,
reinstall the LH fuel supply hose by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3.b of ASB EC225-71A019.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an LH
fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 on any helicopter unless it is
installed by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.B.3.b of ASB EC225-71A019.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: James Blyn, Aviation
Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests
that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office
or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft
complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2019-0092, dated April 26, 2019. You may
view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
the AD Docket.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2820, Aircraft
Fuel Distribution System.
Issued on October 1, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-22125 Filed 10-6-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
