Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 13811-13814 [2021-05091]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 46 / Thursday, March 11, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
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
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:
■
2021–02–11 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH: Amendment 39–21394; Docket
No. FAA–2020–0967; Product Identifier
2018–SW–013–AD.
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(a) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies
to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Model MBB–BK117 A–1, MBB–BK117 A–3,
MBB–BK117 A–4, MBB–BK117 B–1, MBB–
BK117 B–2, MBB–BK117 C–1, and MBB–
BK117 C–2 helicopters, certificated in any
category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in a tail gearbox (TGB) bellcrank
attachment arm. This condition could result
in disconnection of the bellcrank attachment
arm from the TGB and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective April 15, 2021.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
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specified compliance time unless it has
already been accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
Within 100 hours time-in-service:
(1) Remove the surface coating from the
TGB bellcrank attachment arm and using a
5X or higher power magnifying glass, dyepenetrant inspect the TGB arm for a crack
and for any dent, nick, and scratch in the
area shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117 C–
2–65A–008 or ASB MBB–BK117–30A–120,
each Revision 0 and dated January 31, 2018,
as applicable to your model helicopter.
(2) If there is a crack, before further flight,
replace the TGB.
(3) If there is a dent, a nick, or a scratch,
before further flight, remove the surface
material up to 0.2 mm using 80-grit abrasive
paper and repeat the dye penetrant
inspection. If there is a crack or if the damage
cannot be removed, before further flight,
replace the TGB.
(4) If there is no crack and no dent, nick,
or scratch, before further flight, finish the
surface with 600-grit or finer abrasive paper.
13811
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N
Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone 972–641–0000 or 800–232–0323;
fax 972–641–3775; or at https://
www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on January 14, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–05090 Filed 3–10–21; 8:45 am]
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Kristi Bradley,
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation &
Rotorcraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110;
email 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(h) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD No. 2018–0046, dated February
19, 2018. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA–2020–0967.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6520, Tail Rotor Gearbox.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117 C–2–65A–008,
Revision 0, dated January 31, 2018.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB MBB–BK117–
30A–120, Revision 0, dated January 31, 2018.
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1018; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01383–R; Amendment
39–21391; AD 2021–02–08]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018–19–
01, which applied to all Airbus
Helicopters Model AS–365N2, AS 365
N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365N1, and
SA–366G1 helicopters. AD 2018–19–01
required repetitive inspections of the aft
fuselage outer skin. This AD continues
to require repetitive inspections and
adds Model SA–365N helicopters, as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference. This AD was
prompted by aft fuselage (baggage
compartment area) outer skin
disbonding and a determination that
Model SA–365N helicopters are also
affected by the unsafe condition
identified in AD 2018–19–01. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 15,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 46 / Thursday, March 11, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone and fax 206–231–
3218; email kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of April 15, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of October 22, 2018 (83 FR
46862, September 17, 2018).
ADDRESSES: For EASA material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, 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
material on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus
Helicopters service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/
en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. 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. 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–
1018.
Discussion
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–
1018; 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:
Kathleen Arrigotti, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA,
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2019–0080, dated April 3, 2019 (EASA
AD 2019–0080) (also referred to as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus
Helicopters Model AS–365N2, AS 365
N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365N, and
SA–365N1 helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2018–19–01,
Amendment 39–19401 (83 FR 46862,
September 17, 2018) (AD 2018–19–01).
AD 2018–19–01 applied to all Airbus
Helicopters Model AS 365N2, AS 365
N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365N1, and
SA–366G1 helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
November 10, 2020 (85 FR 71580). The
NPRM was prompted by a
determination that Model SA–365N
helicopters are also affected by the
unsafe condition identified in AD 2018–
19–01. The NPRM proposed to continue
to require repetitive inspections and add
Model SA–365N helicopters, as
specified in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
disbonding of the aft fuselage outer skin.
This condition could result in loss of aft
fuselage structural integrity and
subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
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 2019–0080 describes
procedures for repetitive inspections of
the aft fuselage outer skin for Model
AS–365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B,
EC155B1, SA–365N, and SA–365N1
helicopters.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. SA366–05.48,
Revision 1, dated March 27, 2019,
describes procedures for repetitive
inspections of the aft fuselage outer skin
for Model SA366–G1 helicopters.
This AD also requires Airbus
Helicopters ASB No. SA366–05.48,
Revision 0, dated July 21, 2017, which
the Director of the Federal Register
approved for incorporation by reference
as of October 22, 2018 (83 FR 46862,
September 17, 2018).
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.
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The FAA received no
comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
The applicability of EASA AD 2019–
0080 does not include Airbus
Helicopters Model SA–366G1
helicopters. Those helicopters are no
longer listed on the EASA type
certificate data sheet (TCDS); however,
they are still listed on the U.S. TCDS
and are affected by the unsafe condition.
Therefore, the FAA has included Airbus
Helicopters Model SA–366G1
helicopters in the applicability of this
AD.
Conclusion
Costs of Compliance
The FAA reviewed the relevant data
and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule as proposed, except for minor
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 52 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
Comments
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ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 ..........................................................................................
$0
$340
$17,680
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions that would be required based on
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the results of any required actions. The
FAA has no way of determining the
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number of helicopters that might need
these on-condition actions:
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 46 / Thursday, March 11, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
13813
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Up to 10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850 ..........................................................................................................
Up to $20,000
$20,850
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.
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2018–19–01, Amendment 39–19401 (83
FR 46862, September 17, 2018), and
adding the following new AD:
■
2021–02–08 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–21391; Docket No.
FAA–2020–1018; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–01383–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective April 15, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2018–19–01,
Amendment 39–19401 (83 FR 46862,
September 17, 2018) (AD 2018–19–01).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model AS–365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B,
EC155B1, SA–365N, SA–365N1, and SA–
366G1 helicopters, certificated in any
category, all serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 5300, Fuselage Structure.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by aft fuselage
(baggage compartment area) outer skin
disbonding and a determination that Model
SA–365N helicopters are also affected by the
unsafe condition identified in AD 2018–19–
01. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
disbonding of the aft fuselage outer skin. This
condition could result in loss of aft fuselage
structural integrity and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(2) Where EASA AD 2019–0080 refers to
September 19, 2017 (the effective date of
EASA AD 2017–0165), this AD requires using
October 22, 2018 (the effective date of AD
2018–19–01).
(3) For Airbus Helicopters Model SA–
366G1 helicopters: Where EASA AD 2019–
0080 refers to ‘‘the instructions of the
applicable ASB,’’ use Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. SA366–
05.48, Revision 0, dated July 21, 2017; or
Airbus Helicopters ASB No. SA366–05.48,
Revision 1, dated March 27, 2019.
(4) Where EASA AD 2019–0080 refers to
Group 1 helicopters, for this AD, Model SA–
366G1 helicopters are considered Group 1
helicopters.
(5) Paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2019–0080
specifies to ‘‘contact AH [Airbus Helicopters]
for approved skin panel repair or
replacement instructions and accomplish
those instructions accordingly.’’ For this AD,
for any repair or replacement of the panel
done before the effective date of this AD, it
is not required to contact Airbus Helicopters.
For any repair or replacement of the panel
done on or after the effective date of this AD,
the repair or replacement must be done using
a method approved by the Manager, Strategic
Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA. For a repair
or replacement method to be approved by the
Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section,
FAA, as required by this paragraph, the
Manager’s approval letter must specifically
refer to this AD.
(6) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2019–0080 does not apply to this AD.
(7) Where EASA AD 2019–0080 refers to
flight hours (FH), this AD requires using
hours time-in-service.
Adoption of the Amendment
(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 2019–0080, dated
April 3, 2019 (EASA AD 2019–0080).
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Strategic Policy
Rotorcraft Section, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the Strategic Policy
Rotorcraft Section, send it to: Manager,
Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110. Information
may be emailed to: 9-ASW-FTW-AMOCRequests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019–0080
(1) Where EASA AD 2019–0080 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
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PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:13 Mar 10, 2021
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 46 / Thursday, March 11, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3218; email
kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
(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.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on April 15, 2021.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. SA366–05.48, Revision 1,
dated March 27, 2019.
(ii) European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2019–0080, dated April
3, 2019.
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on October 22, 2018 (83 FR
46862, September 17, 2018).
(i) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. SA366–
05.48, Revision 0, dated July 21, 2017.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For EASA AD 2019–0080, 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.
(6) For Airbus Helicopters service
information, 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.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/
Technical-Support_73.html.
(7) 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–2020–1018.
(8) 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.
[FR Doc. 2021–05091 Filed 3–10–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
Issued on January 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0025; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01248–R; Amendment
39–21422; AD 2021–04–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.a. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model
AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD
requires removing certain forward
facing center seats (seats). This AD was
prompted by a design deficiency that
affects seats on certain main cabin floor
installations. The actions of this AD are
intended to address an unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
March 26, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of March 26, 2021.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by April 26, 2021.
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.
SUMMARY:
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–2021–
0025; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this AD, the
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, any service information
that is incorporated by reference, any
comments received, and other
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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 final rule, contact Leonardo S.p.A.
Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of
Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520,
21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy;
telephone +39–0331–225074; fax +39–
0331–229046; or at https://
www.leonardocompany.com/en/home.
You may view the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also
available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0025.
John
Miller, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Certification Section, Fort Worth ACO
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–
222–5140; email john.m.miller@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written data, views, or arguments about
this final rule. Send your comments to
an address listed under ADDRESSES.
Include the docket number FAA–2021–
0025 and Project Identifier MCAI–2020–
01248–R at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the final
rule, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this final rule
because of those 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, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
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 AD contain
commercial or financial information
that is customarily treated as private,
that you actually treat as private, and
E:\FR\FM\11MRR1.SGM
11MRR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 46 (Thursday, March 11, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13811-13814]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05091]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1018; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01383-R;
Amendment 39-21391; AD 2021-02-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-19-
01, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3,
EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters. AD 2018-19-01
required repetitive inspections of the aft fuselage outer skin. This AD
continues to require repetitive inspections and adds Model SA-365N
helicopters, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by
aft fuselage (baggage compartment area) outer skin disbonding and a
determination that Model SA-365N helicopters are also affected by the
unsafe condition identified in AD 2018-19-01. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 15, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference
[[Page 13812]]
of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 15, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of
October 22, 2018 (83 FR 46862, September 17, 2018).
ADDRESSES: For EASA 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 material on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus Helicopters service information
identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-
0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at https://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. 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. 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-
1018.
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-
1018; 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: 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:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0080, dated April 3, 2019 (EASA
AD 2019-0080) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1,
SA-365N, and SA-365N1 helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-19-01, Amendment 39-19401 (83 FR
46862, September 17, 2018) (AD 2018-19-01). AD 2018-19-01 applied to
all Airbus Helicopters Model AS 365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-
365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on November 10, 2020 (85 FR 71580). The NPRM was prompted by a
determination that Model SA-365N helicopters are also affected by the
unsafe condition identified in AD 2018-19-01. The NPRM proposed to
continue to require repetitive inspections and add Model SA-365N
helicopters, as specified in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address disbonding of the aft
fuselage outer skin. This condition could result in loss of aft
fuselage structural integrity and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data 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 2019-0080 describes procedures for repetitive inspections
of the aft fuselage outer skin for Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B,
EC155B1, SA-365N, and SA-365N1 helicopters.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. SA366-05.48,
Revision 1, dated March 27, 2019, describes procedures for repetitive
inspections of the aft fuselage outer skin for Model SA366-G1
helicopters.
This AD also requires Airbus Helicopters ASB No. SA366-05.48,
Revision 0, dated July 21, 2017, which the Director of the Federal
Register approved for incorporation by reference as of October 22, 2018
(83 FR 46862, September 17, 2018).
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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The applicability of EASA AD 2019-0080 does not include Airbus
Helicopters Model SA-366G1 helicopters. Those helicopters are no longer
listed on the EASA type certificate data sheet (TCDS); however, they
are still listed on the U.S. TCDS and are affected by the unsafe
condition. Therefore, the FAA has included Airbus Helicopters Model SA-
366G1 helicopters in the applicability of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 52 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340........................... $0 $340 $17,680
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
[[Page 13813]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 10 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $20,000 $20,850
$850.................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2018-19-01, Amendment 39-19401 (83 FR 46862, September 17, 2018), and
adding the following new AD:
2021-02-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21391; Docket No. FAA-
2020-1018; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01383-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 15, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2018-19-01, Amendment 39-19401 (83 FR 46862,
September 17, 2018) (AD 2018-19-01).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3,
EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, SA-365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters,
certificated in any category, all serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5300, Fuselage
Structure.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by aft fuselage (baggage compartment area)
outer skin disbonding and a determination that Model SA-365N
helicopters are also affected by the unsafe condition identified in
AD 2018-19-01. The FAA is issuing this AD to address disbonding of
the aft fuselage outer skin. This condition could result in loss of
aft fuselage structural integrity and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
(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
2019-0080, dated April 3, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0080).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0080
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0080 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2019-0080 refers to September 19, 2017 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2017-0165), this AD requires using October
22, 2018 (the effective date of AD 2018-19-01).
(3) For Airbus Helicopters Model SA-366G1 helicopters: Where
EASA AD 2019-0080 refers to ``the instructions of the applicable
ASB,'' use Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
SA366-05.48, Revision 0, dated July 21, 2017; or Airbus Helicopters
ASB No. SA366-05.48, Revision 1, dated March 27, 2019.
(4) Where EASA AD 2019-0080 refers to Group 1 helicopters, for
this AD, Model SA-366G1 helicopters are considered Group 1
helicopters.
(5) Paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2019-0080 specifies to ``contact AH
[Airbus Helicopters] for approved skin panel repair or replacement
instructions and accomplish those instructions accordingly.'' For
this AD, for any repair or replacement of the panel done before the
effective date of this AD, it is not required to contact Airbus
Helicopters. For any repair or replacement of the panel done on or
after the effective date of this AD, the repair or replacement must
be done using a method approved by the Manager, Strategic Policy
Rotorcraft Section, FAA. For a repair or replacement method to be
approved by the Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA,
as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must
specifically refer to this AD.
(6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0080 does not apply
to this AD.
(7) Where EASA AD 2019-0080 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section,
send it to: Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110.
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
[[Page 13814]]
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218; email
[email protected].
(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.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
April 15, 2021.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. SA366-
05.48, Revision 1, dated March 27, 2019.
(ii) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0080,
dated April 3, 2019.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
October 22, 2018 (83 FR 46862, September 17, 2018).
(i) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. SA366-05.48, Revision 0, dated
July 21, 2017.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For EASA AD 2019-0080, 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.
(6) For Airbus Helicopters service information, 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.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html.
(7) 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-
2020-1018.
(8) 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 January 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05091 Filed 3-10-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
