Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 14023-14026 [2021-05148]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 47 / Friday, March 12, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in
Transport Canada AD CF–2004–24, dated
November 24, 2004. You may view the
Transport Canada AD on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov in the AD
Docket.
Issued on March 8, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–05149 Filed 3–11–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0143; Product
Identifier 2019–SW–024–AD]
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For material that is proposed for 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. 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–2021–0143.
RIN 2120–AA64
Examining the AD Docket
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0143; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Blaine Williams, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
CA 90712–4137; telephone 562–627–
5371; email blaine.willaims@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH Model BO–105A, BO–105C, BO–
105S, and BO–105LS A–3 helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by the
FAA’s determination that aging of the
elastomeric material in a tension torsion
strap (TT-strap) could affect the
structural characteristics of the TTstrap. This proposed AD would require
replacement of certain TT-straps with
serviceable parts and implementation of
a new storage life limit for TT-straps, as
specified in a European Aviation Safety
Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is
proposed for incorporation by reference
(IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by April 26, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
SUMMARY:
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Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–0143; Product Identifier
2019–SW–024–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, 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 proposal
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
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personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposal.
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 Blaine Williams,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
telephone 562–627–5371; email
blaine.willaims@faa.gov. Any
commentary that the FAA receives that
is not specifically designated as CBI will
be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Discussion
The EASA (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States
of the European Union, has issued
EASA AD 2019–0024, dated February 4,
2019 (EASA AD 2019–0024) (also
referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model BO–105A,
BO–105C, BO–105D, BO–105S, and BO–
105LS A–3 helicopters. Model BO–105D
helicopters are not certificated by the
FAA and are not included on the U.S.
type certificate data sheet; this proposed
AD therefore does not include those
helicopters in the applicability.
This proposed AD was prompted by
the FAA’s determination that aging of
the elastomeric material in a TT-strap
could affect the structural
characteristics of the TT-strap. The FAA
is proposing this AD to address aging of
the elastomeric material in a TT-strap,
which could lead to premature failure of
a TT-strap, resulting in loss of control of
the helicopter. See the MCAI for
additional background information.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 47 / Friday, March 12, 2021 / Proposed Rules
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD and
except as discussed under ‘‘Differences
Between this Proposed AD and the
MCAI.’’
Relationship Between This Proposed
AD and AD 2016–25–14
This proposed AD would not
supersede AD 2016–25–14, Amendment
39–18740 (81 FR 94944, December 27,
2016) (AD 2016–25–14). This proposed
AD would require replacement of
certain TT-straps with serviceable parts.
Accomplishment of the proposed
replacement would then terminate all of
the requirements of AD 2016–25–14 for
Model BO–105LS A–3 helicopters only.
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019–0024 describes
procedures for replacing certain TTstraps with serviceable parts and
requires a storage life limit for TTstraps.
This material is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, the FAA has been
notified of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced
above. The FAA is proposing this AD
after evaluating all the relevant
information and determining the unsafe
condition described previously is likely
to exist or develop in other products of
the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2019–0024, described
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with
Airbus and EASA to develop a process
to use certain EASA ADs as the primary
source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding
FAA ADs. The FAA has since
coordinated with other manufacturers
and civil aviation authorities (CAAs) to
use this process. As a result, EASA AD
2019–0024 will be incorporated by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2019–0024
in its entirety, through that
incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same
as the heading of a particular section in
the EASA AD does not mean that
operators need comply only with that
section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ‘‘all required
actions and compliance times,’’
compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled
‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)’’ in the EASA AD. Service
information specified in EASA AD
2019–0024 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2019–0024
will be available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0143 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the MCAI
Although EASA AD 2019–0024 does
not specify a life limit for the Lord TTStraps part number (P/N) J17322–1 and
P/N 117–14111, this proposed AD does
specify a life limit for those parts.
Where EASA AD 2019–0024 specifies
that installation of a Lord TT-Strap is
allowed provided the first flight of that
helicopter after that installation is
accomplished before the storage life of
that Lord TT-Strap exceeds 5 years, for
this proposed AD, the installation of a
Lord TT-Strap is allowed provided the
first flight of that helicopter after that
installation is accomplished before 5
years since the TT-strap’s date of
manufacture.
Where EASA AD 2019–0024 defines
‘‘serviceable part’’ as a Lord TT-Strap
having a storage life not exceeding 5
years, for this proposed AD, a
serviceable part is Lord TT-straps P/N
J17322–1 and P/N 117–14111 having
less than 5 years since that TT-strap’s
date of manufacture.
Where EASA AD 2019–0024 specifies
that the ‘‘cure date’’ of a TT-Strap can
be determined using the information
provided in the applicable service
information specified in EASA AD
2019–0024, or contacting Airbus
Helicopters for applicable instructions,
for this proposed AD, the option of
contacting Airbus Helicopters is not
required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 61 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this
proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per product
4 work-hours × $85 per hour =
$340.
Up to $4,800 .................................
Up to $5,140 .................................
According to the manufacturer, some
or all of the costs of this proposed AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
operators. The FAA does not control
warranty coverage for affected operators.
As a result, the FAA has included all
known costs in the cost estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
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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
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Cost on U.S. operators
Up to $313,540.
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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 47 / Friday, March 12, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
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:
■
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH:
Docket No. FAA–2021–0143; Product
Identifier 2019–SW–024–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by April
26, 2021.
(b) Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
This AD affects AD 2016–25–14,
Amendment 39–18740 (81 FR 94944,
December 27, 2016) (AD 2016–25–14).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model BO–105A, BO–
105C, BO–105S, and BO–105LS A–3
helicopters, certificated in any category,
equipped with a tension torsion strap (TTstrap) as identified in European Aviation
Safety Agency (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2019–
0024, dated February 4, 2019 (EASA AD
2019–0024).
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(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 6200, Main Rotor System.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the FAA’s
determination that aging of the elastomeric
material in a TT-strap could affect the
structural characteristics of the TT-strap. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address aging of
the elastomeric material in a TT-strap, which
could lead to premature failure of a TT-strap,
resulting in 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, EASA AD 2019–0024.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019–0024
(1) Where EASA AD 2019–0024 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2019–0024 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2019–0024 and the
service information referenced in EASA AD
2019–0024 specify contacting Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland if the storage time
for a TT-strap is equal to or greater than 5
years, this AD requires repair using a method
approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA. For a repair method
to be approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, as required by this
paragraph, the Manager’s approval letter
must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019–0024 specifies
to scrap certain parts, this AD requires
removing those parts from service instead.
(5) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019–
0024 specifies to replace each Lord TT-Strap
and Bendix TT-Strap ‘‘in accordance with the
instructions of the applicable ASB,’’ the
replacement must be done using FAAapproved procedures.
(6) Where EASA AD 2019–0024 refers to
the airworthiness limitations items of the
airworthiness limitations section of the
aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) for the
definition of service life limit (SLL), this AD
requires using the life limits specified in
paragraphs (h)(6)(i) through (iii) of this AD,
as applicable:
(i) For Bendix TT-Strap part number (P/N)
2604067 and P/N 117–14110: Before 10 years
or 40,000 flight cycles on the part, whichever
occurs first.
(ii) For Bendix TT-Strap P/N 2602559 and
P/N 2606576: Before 10 years, 2,400 hours
time-in-service, or 40,000 flight cycles on the
part, whichever occurs first.
(iii) For Lord TT-Strap P/N J17322–1 and
P/N 117–14111: Before 12 years or 40,000
flight cycles on the part, whichever occurs
first.
(7) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019–
0024 specifies that installation of a Lord TTStrap is allowed provided the first flight of
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14025
that helicopter after that installation is
accomplished before the storage life of that
Lord TT-Strap exceeds 5 years, for this AD,
the installation of a Lord TT-Strap is allowed
provided the first flight of that helicopter
after that installation is accomplished before
5 years since the TT-strap’s date of
manufacture.
(8) Where EASA AD 2019–0024 defines
‘‘serviceable part’’ as a Lord TT-Strap having
a storage life not exceeding 5 years, for this
AD, a serviceable part is Lord TT-straps P/
N J17322–1 and P/N 117–14111 having less
than 5 years since that TT-strap’s date of
manufacture.
(9) Where EASA AD 2019–0024 specifies
that the ‘‘cure date’’ of a TT-Strap can be
determined using the information provided
in the applicable service information
specified in EASA AD 2019–0024, or
contacting Airbus Helicopters for applicable
instructions, for this AD, the option of
contacting Airbus Helicopters is not required.
(i) Repetitive Replacement
After accomplishing the replacement
specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019–
0024, thereafter, replace the Lord TT-straps
P/N J17322–1 and P/N 117–14111, at
intervals not to exceed: Before 12 years or
40,000 flight cycles on the part, whichever
occurs first.
(j) Terminating Action for AD 2016–25–14
For Model B0–105LS A–3 helicopters:
After accomplishing the replacement
specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019–
0024 all of the actions required by AD 2016–
15–14 are terminated for that helicopter only.
(k) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are not allowed.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs):
The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (m)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(m) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2019–0024, 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. You may view this
material at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110. This
material may be found in the AD docket on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0143.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 47 / Friday, March 12, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Blaine Williams, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712
4137; telephone 562–627–5371; email
blaine.willaims@faa.gov.
Issued on March 8, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–05148 Filed 3–11–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0161; Airspace
Docket No. 21–ASW–5]
Authority for This Rulemaking
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Amendment of Class E
Airspace; Yoakum, TX
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
amend the Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface
at Yoakum Municipal Airport, Yoakum,
TX. The FAA is proposing this action as
the result of an airspace review caused
by the decommissioning of the Yoakum
non-directional beacon (NDB). The
geographic coordinates of the airport
would also be updated to coincide with
the FAAs aeronautical database.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before April 26, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590; telephone (202)
366–9826, or (800) 647–5527. You must
identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2021–
0161/Airspace Docket No. 21–ASW–5,
at the beginning of your comments. You
may also submit comments through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
You may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments
received, and any final disposition in
person in the Dockets Office between
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except federal holidays.
FAA Order 7400.11E, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed
online at https://www.faa.gov/air_
traffic/publications/. For further
SUMMARY:
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information, you can contact the
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order 7400.11E at NARA, email
fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rebecca Shelby, Federal Aviation
Administration, Operations Support
Group, Central Service Center, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222–5857.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it would
amend the Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface
at Yoakum Municipal Airport, TX, to
support instrument flight rule
operations at this airport.
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments, as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers and be submitted in
triplicate to the address listed above.
Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this notice must submit with those
comments a self-addressed, stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to
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Docket No. FAA–2021–0161/Airspace
Docket No. 21–ASW–5.’’ The postcard
will be date/time stamped and returned
to the commenter.
All communications received before
the specified closing date for comments
will be considered before taking action
on the proposed rule. The proposal
contained in this notice may be changed
in light of the comments received. A
report summarizing each substantive
public contact with FAA personnel
concerned with this rulemaking will be
filed in the docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through
the FAA’s web page at https://
www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/
airspace_amendments/.
You may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments
received, and any final disposition in
person in the Dockets Office (see the
ADDRESSES section for the address and
phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except federal holidays. An informal
docket may also be examined during
normal business hours at the Federal
Aviation Administration, Air Traffic
Organization, Central Service Center,
Operations Support Group, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177.
Availability and Summary of
Documents for Incorporation by
Reference
This document proposes to amend
FAA Order 7400.11E, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points,
dated July 21, 2020, and effective
September 15, 2020. FAA Order
7400.11E is publicly available as listed
in the ADDRESSES section of this
document. FAA Order 7400.11E lists
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,
air traffic service routes, and reporting
points.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment
to 14 CFR part 71 by amending the Class
E airspace extending upward from 700
feet above the surface within a 6.3-mile
(decreased from 7.2-mile) radius of
Yoakum Municipal Airport, Yoakum,
TX; and updating geographic
coordinates of the airport to coincide
with the FAA’s aeronautical database.
This action is the result of an airspace
review due to the decommissioning of
the Yoakum NDB which provided
E:\FR\FM\12MRP1.SGM
12MRP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 47 (Friday, March 12, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14023-14026]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05148]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0143; Product Identifier 2019-SW-024-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model BO-105A, BO-105C,
BO-105S, and BO-105LS A-3 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by
the FAA's determination that aging of the elastomeric material in a
tension torsion strap (TT-strap) could affect the structural
characteristics of the TT-strap. This proposed AD would require
replacement of certain TT-straps with serviceable parts and
implementation of a new storage life limit for TT-straps, as specified
in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by
reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 26,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For material that is proposed for 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.
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-2021-0143.
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-
0143; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Blaine Williams, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
CA 90712-4137; telephone 562-627-5371; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0143; Product Identifier
2019-SW-024-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 proposal 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 proposal.
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
Blaine Williams, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone 562-627-5371;
email [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives
that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public
docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The EASA (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued
EASA AD 2019-0024, dated February 4, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0024) (also
referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105D, BO-105S,
and BO-105LS A-3 helicopters. Model BO-105D helicopters are not
certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type
certificate data sheet; this proposed AD therefore does not include
those helicopters in the applicability.
This proposed AD was prompted by the FAA's determination that aging
of the elastomeric material in a TT-strap could affect the structural
characteristics of the TT-strap. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address aging of the elastomeric material in a TT-strap, which could
lead to premature failure of a TT-strap, resulting in loss of control
of the helicopter. See the MCAI for additional background information.
[[Page 14024]]
Relationship Between This Proposed AD and AD 2016-25-14
This proposed AD would not supersede AD 2016-25-14, Amendment 39-
18740 (81 FR 94944, December 27, 2016) (AD 2016-25-14). This proposed
AD would require replacement of certain TT-straps with serviceable
parts. Accomplishment of the proposed replacement would then terminate
all of the requirements of AD 2016-25-14 for Model BO-105LS A-3
helicopters only.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0024 describes procedures for replacing certain TT-
straps with serviceable parts and requires a storage life limit for TT-
straps.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, the FAA
has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all the
relevant information and determining the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2019-0024, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI.''
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2019-0024
will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2019-0024 in its
entirety, through that incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in the EASA AD does not mean that operators need comply only
with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in the EASA AD. Service information specified
in EASA AD 2019-0024 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2019-
0024 will be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0143 after the FAA
final rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
Although EASA AD 2019-0024 does not specify a life limit for the
Lord TT-Straps part number (P/N) J17322-1 and P/N 117-14111, this
proposed AD does specify a life limit for those parts.
Where EASA AD 2019-0024 specifies that installation of a Lord TT-
Strap is allowed provided the first flight of that helicopter after
that installation is accomplished before the storage life of that Lord
TT-Strap exceeds 5 years, for this proposed AD, the installation of a
Lord TT-Strap is allowed provided the first flight of that helicopter
after that installation is accomplished before 5 years since the TT-
strap's date of manufacture.
Where EASA AD 2019-0024 defines ``serviceable part'' as a Lord TT-
Strap having a storage life not exceeding 5 years, for this proposed
AD, a serviceable part is Lord TT-straps P/N J17322-1 and P/N 117-14111
having less than 5 years since that TT-strap's date of manufacture.
Where EASA AD 2019-0024 specifies that the ``cure date'' of a TT-
Strap can be determined using the information provided in the
applicable service information specified in EASA AD 2019-0024, or
contacting Airbus Helicopters for applicable instructions, for this
proposed AD, the option of contacting Airbus Helicopters is not
required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 61 helicopters of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340... Up to $4,800........... Up to $5,140........... Up to $313,540.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators. The FAA does not control warranty
coverage for affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all
known costs in the cost estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
[[Page 14025]]
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2021-0143;
Product Identifier 2019-SW-024-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by April 26, 2021.
(b) Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
This AD affects AD 2016-25-14, Amendment 39-18740 (81 FR 94944,
December 27, 2016) (AD 2016-25-14).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model BO-
105A, BO-105C, BO-105S, and BO-105LS A-3 helicopters, certificated
in any category, equipped with a tension torsion strap (TT-strap) as
identified in European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2019-0024, dated February 4, 2019
(EASA AD 2019-0024).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6200, Main Rotor
System.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the FAA's determination that aging of
the elastomeric material in a TT-strap could affect the structural
characteristics of the TT-strap. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address aging of the elastomeric material in a TT-strap, which could
lead to premature failure of a TT-strap, resulting in 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, EASA AD 2019-0024.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0024
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0024 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0024 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2019-0024 and the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019-0024 specify contacting Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland if the storage time for a TT-strap is equal
to or greater than 5 years, this AD requires repair using a method
approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA. For a
repair method to be approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's
approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-
0024 specifies to scrap certain parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service instead.
(5) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019-0024 specifies to
replace each Lord TT-Strap and Bendix TT-Strap ``in accordance with
the instructions of the applicable ASB,'' the replacement must be
done using FAA-approved procedures.
(6) Where EASA AD 2019-0024 refers to the airworthiness
limitations items of the airworthiness limitations section of the
aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) for the definition of service life
limit (SLL), this AD requires using the life limits specified in
paragraphs (h)(6)(i) through (iii) of this AD, as applicable:
(i) For Bendix TT-Strap part number (P/N) 2604067 and P/N 117-
14110: Before 10 years or 40,000 flight cycles on the part,
whichever occurs first.
(ii) For Bendix TT-Strap P/N 2602559 and P/N 2606576: Before 10
years, 2,400 hours time-in-service, or 40,000 flight cycles on the
part, whichever occurs first.
(iii) For Lord TT-Strap P/N J17322-1 and P/N 117-14111: Before
12 years or 40,000 flight cycles on the part, whichever occurs
first.
(7) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2019-0024 specifies that
installation of a Lord TT-Strap is allowed provided the first flight
of that helicopter after that installation is accomplished before
the storage life of that Lord TT-Strap exceeds 5 years, for this AD,
the installation of a Lord TT-Strap is allowed provided the first
flight of that helicopter after that installation is accomplished
before 5 years since the TT-strap's date of manufacture.
(8) Where EASA AD 2019-0024 defines ``serviceable part'' as a
Lord TT-Strap having a storage life not exceeding 5 years, for this
AD, a serviceable part is Lord TT-straps P/N J17322-1 and P/N 117-
14111 having less than 5 years since that TT-strap's date of
manufacture.
(9) Where EASA AD 2019-0024 specifies that the ``cure date'' of
a TT-Strap can be determined using the information provided in the
applicable service information specified in EASA AD 2019-0024, or
contacting Airbus Helicopters for applicable instructions, for this
AD, the option of contacting Airbus Helicopters is not required.
(i) Repetitive Replacement
After accomplishing the replacement specified in paragraph (1)
of EASA AD 2019-0024, thereafter, replace the Lord TT-straps P/N
J17322-1 and P/N 117-14111, at intervals not to exceed: Before 12
years or 40,000 flight cycles on the part, whichever occurs first.
(j) Terminating Action for AD 2016-25-14
For Model B0-105LS A-3 helicopters: After accomplishing the
replacement specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019-0024 all of
the actions required by AD 2016-15-14 are terminated for that
helicopter only.
(k) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are not allowed.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):
The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (m)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(m) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2019-0024, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may
view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 817-222-5110. This material may be found in the AD docket
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0143.
[[Page 14026]]
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Blaine Williams,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712 4137; telephone 562-627-5371; email
[email protected].
Issued on March 8, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05148 Filed 3-11-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
