Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France) Helicopters, 15140-15142 [2021-05426]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 53 / Monday, March 22, 2021 / Proposed Rules
procedures pursuant to which
individuals may access and view
records pertaining to themselves in the
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(f) From subsection (f) (Agency Rules)
because portions of this system are
exempt from the access and amendment
provisions of subsection (d).
*
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James Holzer,
Acting Chief Privacy Officer, U.S. Department
of Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. 2021–05644 Filed 3–19–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111–19–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
8 CFR Part 213a
[Docket ID: USCIS–2019–0023]
RIN 1615–AC39
Affidavit of Support on Behalf of
Immigrants
U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services, Department of
Homeland Security (DHS).
ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) is
withdrawing a proposed rule that
published on October 2, 2020. The
NPRM had proposed changes to DHS
regulations governing the affidavit of
support requirements under the
Immigration and Nationality Act.
DATES: DHS withdraws the proposed
rule published at 85 FR 62432 on
October 2, 2020, as of March 22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this
withdrawn proposed rule is available at
https://www.regulations.gov. Please
search for docket number USCIS–2019–
0023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mark Phillips, Residence and
Naturalization Chief, Office of Policy
and Strategy, U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services, DHS, 5900
Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs,
MD 20746; telephone 240–721–3000
(this is not a toll-free number).
Individuals with hearing or speech
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Service at 1–877–889–5627 (TTY/TDD).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
October 2, 2020, DHS published a notice
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM or
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:27 Mar 19, 2021
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proposed rule) titled ‘‘Affidavit of
Support for Immigrants in the Federal
Register (85 FR 62432). This rule
proposed to revise DHS regulations
governing the affidavit of support
requirements under section 213A of the
Immigration and Nationality Act.
The NPRM followed from a
Presidential Memorandum that
President Trump issued on May 23,
2019. The 2019 Presidential
Memorandum, ‘‘Enforcing the Legal
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had directed Federal agencies to
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On February 2, 2021, President Biden
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revoked the 2019 Presidential
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14012 revoked the 2019 Presidential
Memorandum, DHS is withdrawing the
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that 2019 Memorandum.
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Executive Order 14012, Restoring
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and Strengthening Integration and
Inclusion Efforts for New Americans; 42
U.S.C. 5201 et seq.
Alejandro N. Mayorkas,
Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
[FR Doc. 2021–05427 Filed 3–19–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111–97–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0432; Project
Identifier 2013–SW–074–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters (Type
Certificate previously held by
Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and
SUMMARY:
Frm 00007
Fmt 4702
The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by April 21, 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 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this NPRM,
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. For Safran
Turbomeca service information
identified in this NPRM, contact Safran
Helicopter Engines, S.A., 64511 Bordes,
France; phone: +33 (0) 5 59 74 45 11.
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.
DATES:
Examining the AD Docket
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Eurocopter France)
Helicopters
PO 00000
EC130T2 helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report of failure of
an engine digital electronic control unit
(DECU). This proposed AD would
require revising the existing Rotorcraft
Flight Manual (RFM) for your
helicopter. This proposed AD would
also allow the option of modifying the
electronic engine control unit (EECU) as
terminating action for the RFM revision.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Sfmt 4702
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2017–0432; 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, the European Aviation Safety
Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, the EASA
safety information bulletin (SIB), any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 53 / Monday, March 22, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Jon
Jordan, Rotorcraft Flight Test Pilot,
Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–
5110; email jon.jordan@faa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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–2017–0432; Project Identifier
2013–SW–074–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 NPRM.
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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 Jon Jordan, Rotorcraft
Flight Test Pilot, Southwest Section,
Flight Test Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
jon.jordan@faa.gov. Any commentary
that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be
placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:27 Mar 19, 2021
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Background
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2013–0287, dated December 5, 2013
(EASA AD 2013–0287), to correct an
unsafe condition for Eurocopter
(formerly Eurocopter France,
Aerospatiale) Model AS 350 B3 and EC
130 T2 helicopters with an ARRIEL 2D
engine and THALES full authority
digital engine control (FADEC) part
number (P/N) C13165DA00 or P/N
C13165FA00 installed. The EASA
advises of a report of an in-flight event
where the pilot noticed that the
temporary amber governor (GOV) light
had illuminated, followed by the failure
of the vehicle engine monitoring display
(VEMD) screens, and no availability of
the automatic or auxiliary engine backup control ancillary unit (EBCAU).
Subsequent investigation identified an
internal failure of the engine DECU,
which led to loss of fuel flow regulation
(frozen fuel metering unit). This failure
was not indicated to the pilot by a red
GOV warning light as expected, but
with amber GOV indication and loss of
VEMD display instead. EASA also
advises that if this fuel metering unit is
frozen in the open position, it may lead
to a rotor overspeed, and if it is frozen
in the closed position, it may lead to
unavailability of engine power. EASA
states that this condition, if not
addressed, could result in the pilot
identifying the type of failure condition
incorrectly, possibly resulting in an
improper response.
Accordingly, and pending the
development of a DECU assembly
design improvement, the EASA AD
requires incorporating a new procedure
into the Emergency Procedures section
of the RFM and informing all flight
crews of the RFM change. EASA
considers its AD an interim action and
states that further AD action may follow.
After EASA issued EASA AD 2013–
0287, EASA issued SIB No. 2013–23,
dated December 19, 2013, for
Eurocopter AS 350 B3 and EC 130 T2
helicopters with a Turbome´ca ARRIEL
2D engine installed. The SIB
recommends modifying certain EECUs.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA about the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA is
proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and
determining that the unsafe condition
PO 00000
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Sfmt 4702
15141
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of the same
type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
AS350–01.00.67 and ASB No. EC130–
04A004, each Revision 2 and dated
February 17, 2014 (ASB AS350–
01.00.67 and ASB EC130–04A004). ASB
AS350–01.00.67 applies to Model
AS350B3 helicopters and ASB EC130–
04A004 applies to Model EC130T2
helicopters. This service information
provides a new RFM procedure in the
event of illumination of the amber GOV
followed by the loss of the VEMD
display.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Safran Turbomeca
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 292 73
2852, Revision B, dated February 12,
2014. This service information specifies
replacing certain FADEC D EECUs with
certain amended FADEC D EECUs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require
revising the Emergency Procedures of
the existing RFM for your helicopter by
inserting Appendix 4. of ASB AS350–
01.00.67 or ASB EC130–04A004, or a
different document with information
identical to that in Appendix 4., as
applicable to your helicopter model.
As an optional terminating action for
the RFM revision, this proposed AD
would allow installing amendment A on
FADEC P/N C13165DA00 or
amendment B on FADEC P/N
C13165FA00.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Model
AS350B3 and EC130T2 helicopters,
with an ARRIEL 2D engine and THALES
FADEC P/N C13165DA00 or P/N
C13165FA00 installed, whereas this
proposed AD would apply to those
helicopters except not those with
THALES FADEC P/N C13165DA00 with
amendment A or P/N C13165FA00 with
amendment B installed. This proposed
AD would also allow installing those
amendments on the FADEC as an
optional termination action, whereas the
EASA AD does not.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 53 / Monday, March 22, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect up to
628 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor
rates are estimated at $85 per workhour. Based on these numbers, the FAA
estimates the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD.
Revising the existing RFM for your
helicopter would take about 0.25 workhour for an estimated cost of $21 per
helicopter and up to $13,188 for the
U.S. fleet.
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.
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Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify
this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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.
16:27 Mar 19, 2021
Jkt 253001
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:
■
Authority for This Rulemaking
VerDate Sep<11>2014
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Eurocopter France):
Docket No. FAA–2017–0432; Project
Identifier 2013–SW–074–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by April 21,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
(Type Certificate previously held by
Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and
EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with an ARRIEL 2D engine and
THALES full authority digital engine control
(FADEC) part number (P/N) C13165DA00
without amendment A or P/N C13165FA00
without amendment B, installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with
an AS350B3e designation are Model
AS350B3 helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 7321, Engine Fuel Control/Turbine
Engines.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
failure of an engine digital electronic control
unit. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
incorrect indicator illumination, display
failure, and loss of fuel flow regulation
(frozen fuel metering unit). The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
misleading information to the pilot, rotor
overspeed or unavailability of engine power,
and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 25 hours time-in-service after
the effective date of this AD, revise the
Emergency Procedures of the existing
Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your
helicopter by inserting Appendix 4. of Airbus
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
AS350–01.00.67 or ASB No. EC130–04A004,
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 9990
each Revision 2 and dated February 17, 2014
(ASB AS350–01.00.67 or ASB EC130–
04A004), as applicable to your helicopter
model. Inserting a different document with
information identical to that in Appendix 4.
of ASB AS350–01.00.67 or ASB EC130–
04A004, as applicable to your helicopter
model, is acceptable for compliance with the
requirement of this paragraph.
(2) As an optional terminating action for
the requirement of paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD, install amendment A on FADEC P/N
C13165DA00 or amendment B on FADEC P/
N C13165FA00.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) 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 (i)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Jon Jordan, Rotorcraft Flight Test
Pilot, Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
jon.jordan@faa.gov.
(2) For Airbus Helicopters 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.
For Safran Turbomeca service information
identified in this NPRM, contact Safran
Helicopter Engines, S.A., 64511 Bordes,
France; phone: +33 (0) 5 59 74 45 11. You
may view this referenced 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.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD 2013–0287, dated December 5,
2013. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the
AD Docket.
Issued on March 5, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–05426 Filed 3–19–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 53 (Monday, March 22, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15140-15142]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05426]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0432; Project Identifier 2013-SW-074-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Eurocopter France) 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 (Type Certificate previously held by
Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and EC130T2 helicopters. This proposed
AD was prompted by a report of failure of an engine digital electronic
control unit (DECU). This proposed AD would require revising the
existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. This
proposed AD would also allow the option of modifying the electronic
engine control unit (EECU) as terminating action for the RFM revision.
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 21,
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 between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in this NPRM,
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. For Safran Turbomeca service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 64511 Bordes,
France; phone: +33 (0) 5 59 74 45 11. 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0432; 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, the European
Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD, the EASA safety information bulletin (SIB), any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
[[Page 15141]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Jordan, Rotorcraft Flight Test
Pilot, Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0432; Project Identifier
2013-SW-074-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 NPRM.
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 Jon
Jordan, Rotorcraft Flight Test Pilot, Southwest Section, Flight Test
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone
(817) 222-5110; email [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2013-0287, dated December 5, 2013
(EASA AD 2013-0287), to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter
(formerly Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale) Model AS 350 B3 and EC 130
T2 helicopters with an ARRIEL 2D engine and THALES full authority
digital engine control (FADEC) part number (P/N) C13165DA00 or P/N
C13165FA00 installed. The EASA advises of a report of an in-flight
event where the pilot noticed that the temporary amber governor (GOV)
light had illuminated, followed by the failure of the vehicle engine
monitoring display (VEMD) screens, and no availability of the automatic
or auxiliary engine back-up control ancillary unit (EBCAU). Subsequent
investigation identified an internal failure of the engine DECU, which
led to loss of fuel flow regulation (frozen fuel metering unit). This
failure was not indicated to the pilot by a red GOV warning light as
expected, but with amber GOV indication and loss of VEMD display
instead. EASA also advises that if this fuel metering unit is frozen in
the open position, it may lead to a rotor overspeed, and if it is
frozen in the closed position, it may lead to unavailability of engine
power. EASA states that this condition, if not addressed, could result
in the pilot identifying the type of failure condition incorrectly,
possibly resulting in an improper response.
Accordingly, and pending the development of a DECU assembly design
improvement, the EASA AD requires incorporating a new procedure into
the Emergency Procedures section of the RFM and informing all flight
crews of the RFM change. EASA considers its AD an interim action and
states that further AD action may follow.
After EASA issued EASA AD 2013-0287, EASA issued SIB No. 2013-23,
dated December 19, 2013, for Eurocopter AS 350 B3 and EC 130 T2
helicopters with a Turbom[eacute]ca ARRIEL 2D engine installed. The SIB
recommends modifying certain EECUs.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
on other helicopters of the same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
No. AS350-01.00.67 and ASB No. EC130-04A004, each Revision 2 and dated
February 17, 2014 (ASB AS350-01.00.67 and ASB EC130-04A004). ASB AS350-
01.00.67 applies to Model AS350B3 helicopters and ASB EC130-04A004
applies to Model EC130T2 helicopters. This service information provides
a new RFM procedure in the event of illumination of the amber GOV
followed by the loss of the VEMD display.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Safran Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin No.
292 73 2852, Revision B, dated February 12, 2014. This service
information specifies replacing certain FADEC D EECUs with certain
amended FADEC D EECUs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require revising the Emergency Procedures of
the existing RFM for your helicopter by inserting Appendix 4. of ASB
AS350-01.00.67 or ASB EC130-04A004, or a different document with
information identical to that in Appendix 4., as applicable to your
helicopter model.
As an optional terminating action for the RFM revision, this
proposed AD would allow installing amendment A on FADEC P/N C13165DA00
or amendment B on FADEC P/N C13165FA00.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Model AS350B3 and EC130T2 helicopters, with
an ARRIEL 2D engine and THALES FADEC P/N C13165DA00 or P/N C13165FA00
installed, whereas this proposed AD would apply to those helicopters
except not those with THALES FADEC P/N C13165DA00 with amendment A or
P/N C13165FA00 with amendment B installed. This proposed AD would also
allow installing those amendments on the FADEC as an optional
termination action, whereas the EASA AD does not.
[[Page 15142]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect up to 628 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates are
estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA
estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter would take about 0.25
work-hour for an estimated cost of $21 per helicopter and up to $13,188
for the U.S. fleet.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter
France): Docket No. FAA-2017-0432; Project Identifier 2013-SW-074-
AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by April 21, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate
previously held by Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and EC130T2
helicopters, certificated in any category, with an ARRIEL 2D engine
and THALES full authority digital engine control (FADEC) part number
(P/N) C13165DA00 without amendment A or P/N C13165FA00 without
amendment B, installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an AS350B3e
designation are Model AS350B3 helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7321, Engine Fuel
Control/Turbine Engines.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of failure of an engine digital
electronic control unit. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
incorrect indicator illumination, display failure, and loss of fuel
flow regulation (frozen fuel metering unit). The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in misleading information to the
pilot, rotor overspeed or unavailability of engine power, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 25 hours time-in-service after the effective date of
this AD, revise the Emergency Procedures of the existing Rotorcraft
Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by inserting Appendix 4. of
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-01.00.67
or ASB No. EC130-04A004, each Revision 2 and dated February 17, 2014
(ASB AS350-01.00.67 or ASB EC130-04A004), as applicable to your
helicopter model. Inserting a different document with information
identical to that in Appendix 4. of ASB AS350-01.00.67 or ASB EC130-
04A004, as applicable to your helicopter model, is acceptable for
compliance with the requirement of this paragraph.
(2) As an optional terminating action for the requirement of
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, install amendment A on FADEC P/N
C13165DA00 or amendment B on FADEC P/N C13165FA00.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) 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 (i)(1) of
this AD. 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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Jon Jordan,
Rotorcraft Flight Test Pilot, Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817)
222-5110; email [email protected].
(2) For Airbus Helicopters 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. For Safran Turbomeca service information
identified in this NPRM, contact Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A.,
64511 Bordes, France; phone: +33 (0) 5 59 74 45 11. You may view
this referenced 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.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD
2013-0287, dated December 5, 2013. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
Issued on March 5, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05426 Filed 3-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
