Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 73615-73617 [2020-25469]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 224 / Thursday, November 19, 2020 / Rules and Regulations Issued on October 30, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. 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– 0685. [FR Doc. 2020–25471 Filed 11–18–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0685; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00396–R; Amendment 39–21325; AD 2020–23–09] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of inflight detachment of the left-hand (LH) side cabin sliding doors and cases of impact damage on the main rotor blades, which were caused by degradation of the sliding door locking mechanism. This AD requires repetitive checks (measurements) of the load that operates the sliding door opening mechanism, repetitive inspections of the markings of the attachment screws for proper alignment, modifying the attachment system of the sliding door, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective December 24, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 24, 2020. ADDRESSES: 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, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:24 Nov 18, 2020 Jkt 253001 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– 0685; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristin Bradley, Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222– 5485; email Kristin.Bradley@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 6, 2020 (85 FR 47714). The NPRM was prompted by reports of inflight detachment of the LH side cabin sliding doors and cases of impact damage on the main rotor blades, which were caused by degradation of the sliding door locking mechanism. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive checks (measurements) of the load that operates the sliding door opening mechanism, repetitive inspections of the markings of the attachment screws for proper alignment, modifying the attachment system of the sliding door, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in an EASA AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address degradation of the locking mechanism, which could lead to further events of inflight detachment of a LH side cabin sliding door, and possibly result in damage to the helicopter and injury to persons on the ground. The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020–0069, dated March 24, 2020 (EASA AD 2020–0069) (also referred to PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 73615 as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 helicopters. See the MCAI for additional background information. Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comments received. An anonymous commenter indicated its support for the NPRM. Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 EASA AD 2020–0069 describes procedures for repetitive checks (measurements) of the load that operates the sliding door opening mechanism, repetitive inspections of the markings of the attachment screws of the rear LH upper catch for proper alignment, modifying the attachment system of the sliding door, and corrective actions if necessary. Corrective actions include adjusting the rear LH upper catch to increase the load required to operate the sliding door opening mechanism, inspecting the rear LH upper catch to determine if any anchor nut is not locked, and replacing the anchor nuts of the rear LH upper catch. EASA AD2020–0069 also specifies that doing the modification of the attachment system of the sliding door is a terminating action for the repetitive inspections of the markings of the attachment screws of the rear LH upper catch for proper alignment. 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. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 159 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: E:\FR\FM\19NOR1.SGM 19NOR1 73616 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 224 / Thursday, November 19, 2020 / Rules and Regulations ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Up to 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $255. Cost per product $0 The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition actions that would be required based on Cost on U.S. operators Up to $255 ............................................... the results of any required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the Up to $40,545. number of helicopters that might need these on-condition actions: ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product 1 work-hours × $85 per hour = $85 ........................................................................................................................ $0 $85 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 This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:24 Nov 18, 2020 Jkt 253001 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ 2020–23–09 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–21325; Docket No. FAA–2020–0685; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00396–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 24, 2020. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports of inflight detachment of the left-hand (LH) side cabin sliding doors and cases of impact damage on the main rotor blades, which were caused by degradation of the sliding door locking mechanism. The FAA is issuing this AD to address degradation of the locking mechanism, which could lead to further PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 events of inflight detachment of a LH side cabin sliding door, and possibly result in damage to the helicopter and injury to persons on the ground. (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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0069, dated March 24, 2020 (EASA AD 2020–0069). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0069 (1) Where EASA AD 2020–0069 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2020–0069 refers to January 24, 2019 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020–0069), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2020–0069 does not apply to this AD. (4) The ‘‘Parts Installation’’ allowance provided in paragraph (8) of EASA AD 2020– 0069 does not apply to this AD. (5) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020–0069 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include that requirement. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOCRequests@faa.gov. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Kristin Bradley, Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5485; email Kristin.Bradley@faa.gov. E:\FR\FM\19NOR1.SGM 19NOR1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 224 / Thursday, November 19, 2020 / Rules and Regulations (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0069, dated March 24, 2020. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2020–0069, 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 EASA AD on the EASA website at https:// ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110. 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–2020–0685. (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@ nara.gov, or go to https://www.archives.gov/ federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on November 4, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–25469 Filed 11–18–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 27 CFR Part 9 [Docket No. TTB–2020–0006; T.D. TTB–164; Ref: Notice No. 191] RIN 1513–AC69 Establishment of the Tehachapi Mountains Viticultural Area Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury. ACTION: Final rule; Treasury decision. AGENCY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) establishes the approximately 58,000-acre ‘‘Tehachapi Mountains’’ viticultural area in Kern County, California. The Tehachapi Mountains viticultural area is not located within, nor does it contain, any established viticultural area. TTB designates viticultural areas to allow SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:24 Nov 18, 2020 Jkt 253001 vintners to better describe the origin of their wines and to allow consumers to better identify wines they may purchase. DATES: This final rule is effective December 21, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202–453–1039, ext. 175. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background on Viticultural Areas TTB Authority Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act), 27 U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages. The FAA Act provides that these regulations should, among other things, prohibit consumer deception and the use of misleading statements on labels and ensure that labels provide the consumer with adequate information as to the identity and quality of the product. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) administers the FAA Act pursuant to section 1111(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The Secretary has delegated the functions and duties in the administration and enforcement of these provisions to the TTB Administrator through Treasury Order 120–01, dated December 10, 2013 (superseding Treasury Order 120–01, dated January 24, 2003). Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 4) authorizes TTB to establish definitive viticultural areas and regulate the use of their names as appellations of origin on wine labels and in wine advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 9) sets forth standards for the preparation and submission to TTB of petitions for the establishment or modification of American viticultural areas (AVAs) and lists the approved AVAs. Definition Section 4.25(e)(1)(i) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(1)(i)) defines a viticultural area for American wine as a delimited grape-growing region having distinguishing features, as described in part 9 of the regulations, and a name and a delineated boundary, as established in part 9 of the regulations. These designations allow vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in an area to the wine’s geographic origin. The PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 73617 establishment of AVAs allows vintners to describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers and helps consumers to identify wines they may purchase. Establishment of an AVA is neither an approval nor an endorsement by TTB of the wine produced in that area. Requirements Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(2)) outlines the procedure for proposing an AVA and provides that any interested party may petition TTB to establish a grapegrowing region as an AVA. Section 9.12 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12) prescribes standards for petitions for the establishment or modification of AVAs. Petitions to establish an AVA must include the following: • Evidence that the area within the proposed AVA boundary is nationally or locally known by the AVA name specified in the petition; • An explanation of the basis for defining the boundary of the proposed AVA; • A narrative description of the features of the proposed AVA affecting viticulture, such as climate, geology, soils, physical features, and elevation, that make the proposed AVA distinctive and distinguish it from adjacent areas outside the proposed AVA boundary; • The appropriate United States Geological Survey (USGS) map(s) showing the location of the proposed AVA, with the boundary of the proposed AVA clearly drawn thereon; and • A detailed narrative description of the proposed AVA boundary based on USGS map markings. Tehachapi Mountains Petition TTB received a petition from Julie Bell of Per La Vita LLC, on behalf of local vineyard owners and winemakers, proposing to establish the ‘‘Tehachapi Mountains’’ AVA. The proposed AVA is located in Kern County, California, and is not within any established AVA. The proposed Tehachapi Mountains AVA contains approximately 58,000 acres and has 6 commercially-producing vineyards covering approximately 25 acres, as well as 1 winery. The distinguishing features of the proposed Tehachapi Mountains AVA include its topography and climate. The proposed Tehachapi Mountains AVA is a broad, saddle-shaped region of mountain foot slopes, high valleys and rolling hills situated at the summit of the southernmost pass of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The proposed AVA has an east-west orientation, and the terrain at the east and west ends of E:\FR\FM\19NOR1.SGM 19NOR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 224 (Thursday, November 19, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73615-73617]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-25469]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0685; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00396-R; 
Amendment 39-21325; AD 2020-23-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by 
reports of inflight detachment of the left-hand (LH) side cabin sliding 
doors and cases of impact damage on the main rotor blades, which were 
caused by degradation of the sliding door locking mechanism. This AD 
requires repetitive checks (measurements) of the load that operates the 
sliding door opening mechanism, repetitive inspections of the markings 
of the attachment screws for proper alignment, modifying the attachment 
system of the sliding door, and corrective actions if necessary, as 
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which 
is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 24, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 24, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: 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-
0685.

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-
0685; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristin Bradley, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, International Validation Branch, General Aviation & 
Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone 817-222-5485; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters 
Model EC130B4 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on August 6, 2020 (85 FR 47714). The NPRM was prompted by reports of 
inflight detachment of the LH side cabin sliding doors and cases of 
impact damage on the main rotor blades, which were caused by 
degradation of the sliding door locking mechanism. The NPRM proposed to 
require repetitive checks (measurements) of the load that operates the 
sliding door opening mechanism, repetitive inspections of the markings 
of the attachment screws for proper alignment, modifying the attachment 
system of the sliding door, and corrective actions if necessary, as 
specified in an EASA AD.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address degradation of the locking 
mechanism, which could lead to further events of inflight detachment of 
a LH side cabin sliding door, and possibly result in damage to the 
helicopter and injury to persons on the ground.
    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0069, dated March 24, 2020 
(EASA AD 2020-0069) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 helicopters. See the MCAI for 
additional background information.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comments 
received. An anonymous commenter indicated its support for the NPRM.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor 
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2020-0069 describes procedures for repetitive checks 
(measurements) of the load that operates the sliding door opening 
mechanism, repetitive inspections of the markings of the attachment 
screws of the rear LH upper catch for proper alignment, modifying the 
attachment system of the sliding door, and corrective actions if 
necessary. Corrective actions include adjusting the rear LH upper catch 
to increase the load required to operate the sliding door opening 
mechanism, inspecting the rear LH upper catch to determine if any 
anchor nut is not locked, and replacing the anchor nuts of the rear LH 
upper catch. EASA AD2020-0069 also specifies that doing the 
modification of the attachment system of the sliding door is a 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections of the markings of 
the attachment screws of the rear LH upper catch for proper alignment.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 159 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 73616]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor cost                   Parts cost         Cost per product         Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 3 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up                $0  Up to $255................  Up to $40,545.
 to $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
helicopters that might need these on-condition actions:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hours x $85 per hour = $85.....              $0              $85
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2020-23-09 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21325; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0685; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00396-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 24, 
2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of inflight detachment of the 
left-hand (LH) side cabin sliding doors and cases of impact damage 
on the main rotor blades, which were caused by degradation of the 
sliding door locking mechanism. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address degradation of the locking mechanism, which could lead to 
further events of inflight detachment of a LH side cabin sliding 
door, and possibly result in damage to the helicopter and injury to 
persons on the ground.

(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2020-0069, dated March 24, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0069).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0069

    (1) Where EASA AD 2020-0069 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2020-0069 refers to January 24, 2019 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2020-0069), this AD requires using the 
effective date of this AD.
    (3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0069 does not apply 
to this AD.
    (4) The ``Parts Installation'' allowance provided in paragraph 
(8) of EASA AD 2020-0069 does not apply to this AD.
    (5) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0069 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include 
that requirement.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Manager, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 
817-222-5110; email [email protected].

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kristin Bradley, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, General 
Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, 
TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5485; email [email protected].

[[Page 73617]]

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0069, 
dated March 24, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2020-0069, 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110. 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-
2020-0685.
    (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email 
[email protected], or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on November 4, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-25469 Filed 11-18-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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