Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 21240-21243 [2021-08179]
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21240
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 76 / Thursday, April 22, 2021 / Proposed Rules
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: Docket No. FAA–2021–
0333; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–
00252–R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by June
7, 2021.
(b) Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and
AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with a tail rotor hub (TRH)
assembly, having part number (P/N) 332A33–
0001–05 or P/N 332A33–0001–06, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 6420, Tail rotor head.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0021, dated
February 6, 2020 (EASA AD 2020–0021).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0021
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0021 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0021 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2020–0021 refers to
flight hours (FH), this AD requires using
hours time-in-service.
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020–
0021 requires doing inspections ‘‘in
accordance with the instructions of the ASB
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
(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 (j)(2) 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.
(j) Related Information
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a yaw
control failure that was the result of a
disconnection of the TRH pitch control rod
from the tail rotor servo-control, which
resulted from a seized TRH bearing. The TRH
bearing had grease dissolving after
contamination by leaked hydraulic fluid from
the tail rotor servo-control that came through
the TRH assembly boot. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address seized TRH bearings,
which could reduce the effectiveness of the
pitch control of the tail rotor system, possibly
resulting in reduced yaw control of the
helicopter.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
[alert service bulletin],’’ this AD requires
accomplishing a visual inspection for any
hydraulic fluid leak at the TRH boot.
(5) Where EASA AD 2020–0021 refers to
February 28, 2004 (the effective date of
Direction Ge´ne´rale de l’Aviation Civile
(DGAC) AD F–2004–031, dated February 18,
2004), this AD requires using the effective
date of this AD.
(1) For EASA AD 2020–0021, contact the
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +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–2021–0333.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950
L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024;
phone: 202–267–9167; email: hal.jensen@
faa.gov.
Issued on April 15, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–08182 Filed 4–21–21; 8:45 am]
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0314; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–00599–R]
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 Model
EC155B1 helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report of difficulties
when jettisoning the co-pilot door
during non-scheduled maintenance.
This proposed AD would require a
functional check of the pilot and copilot door jettisoning system and
corrective actions if necessary, as
specified in a European 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 May 24, 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, 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
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 76 / Thursday, April 22, 2021 / Proposed Rules
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0314.
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–
0314; 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:
Kathleen Arrigotti, Program Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3218; email
kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
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–2021–0314; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–00599–R’’ 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:20 Apr 21, 2021
Jkt 253001
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 Kathleen Arrigotti,
Program Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and
fax 206–231–3218; email
kathleen.arrigotti@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 2015–0157, dated July 30,
2015 (EASA AD 2015–0157) (also
referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155 B1
helicopters, all serial numbers delivered
after manufacturing before June 30,
2015, and equipped with a pilot or copilot door jettisoning system in
accordance with Airbus Helicopters
Modification POST MOD 0752C05,
except helicopters on which Aircraft
Maintenance Manual (AMM) Task 52–
11–00–712 was accomplished on both
pilot and co-pilot doors since the last
crew door installation.
This proposed AD was prompted by
a report of difficulties when jettisoning
the co-pilot door during non-scheduled
maintenance. The FAA is proposing this
AD to address jamming of the affected
door jettisoning mechanism, which
could reduce the ability of the
flightcrew to evacuate in the event of an
emergency situation. See the MCAI for
additional background information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part
51
EASA AD 2015–0157 describes
procedures for doing a functional check
of the pilot and co-pilot door jettisoning
system and corrective actions. The
corrective actions include greasing the
tenons and restoring the jettison system.
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.
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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 2015–0157, described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
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
2015–0157 will be incorporated by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2015–0157
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
2015–0157 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2015–0157
will be available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0314 after the FAA final
rule is published.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 76 / Thursday, April 22, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Costs of Compliance
registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this
proposed AD:
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 14 helicopters of U.S.
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 ..........................................................................................
$0
$680
$9,520
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
action 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
this on-condition action:
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ..........................................................................................................................
$0
$85
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
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) 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:45 Apr 21, 2021
Jkt 253001
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
pilot and co-pilot doors since the last crew
door installation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 5210, Passenger/Crew Doors.
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: Docket No. FAA–2021–
0314; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–
00599–R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by May
24, 2021.
(b) Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model EC155B1 helicopters, certificated in
any category, all serial numbers
manufactured before June 30, 2015, and
equipped with a pilot or co-pilot door
jettisoning system in accordance with Airbus
Helicopters modification POST MOD
0752C05, except helicopters on which
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) task
52–11–00–712 was accomplished on both
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(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of
difficulties when jettisoning the co-pilot door
during non-scheduled maintenance. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address jamming
of the affected door jettisoning mechanism,
which could reduce the ability of the
flightcrew to evacuate in the event of an
emergency situation.
(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 Aviation Safety
Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2015–0157, dated
July 30, 2015 (EASA AD 2015–0157).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2015–0157
(1) Where EASA AD 2015–0157 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2015–0157 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2015–0157 refers to
flight hours (FH), this AD requires using
hours time-in-service.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2015–
0157 provides an option to contact Airbus
Helicopters for approved instructions and
accomplish those instructions, for this AD,
the option is to repair the jettison system in
accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
(5) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2015–0157 specifies
to ‘‘speak to Airbus Helicopters,’’ this AD
requires repairing the jettison system in
accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 76 / Thursday, April 22, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(6) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2015–0157 specifies
to discard certain parts, this AD requires
removing the parts from service instead.
(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: Manager,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email 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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2015–0157, 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–2021–0314.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Program Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206–231–3218; email
kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
[FR Doc. 2021–08179 Filed 4–21–21; 8:45 am]
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
Issued on April 14, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0276; Airspace
Docket No. 21–ACE–1]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Amendment, Establishment,
and Revocation of Multiple Air Traffic
Service (ATS) Routes in the Vicinity of
Neosho, MO
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
amend Jet Route J–181 and VHF
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal
airways V–13, V–14, V–15, and V–307;
establish Area Navigation (RNAV)
routes T–411 and T–413; and remove
VOR Federal airway V–506. The FAA is
proposing this action due to the planned
decommissioning of the VOR portion of
the Neosho, MO (EOS), VOR/Distance
Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME)
navigation aid (NAVAID). The Neosho
VOR is being decommissioned in
support of the FAA’s VOR Minimum
Operational Network (MON) program.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before June 7, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590; telephone:
1(800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826.
You must identify FAA Docket No.
FAA–2021–0276; Airspace Docket No.
21–ACE–1 at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit
comments through the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
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 information,
you can contact the Rules and
Regulations 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.
SUMMARY:
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations
Group, Office of Policy, Federal
Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
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 the 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
modify the National Airspace System
(NAS) as necessary to preserve the safe
and efficient flow of air traffic.
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 (FAA Docket No. FAA–
2021–0276; Airspace Docket No. 21–
ACE–1) and be submitted in triplicate to
the Docket Management Facility (see
ADDRESSES section for address and
phone number). You may also submit
comments through the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those
comments a self-addressed, stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA
Docket No. FAA–2021–0276; Airspace
Docket No. 21–ACE–1.’’ The postcard
will be date/time stamped and returned
to the commenter.
All communications received on or
before the specified comment closing
date will be considered before taking
action on the proposed rule. The
proposal contained in this action may
be changed in light of comments
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 76 (Thursday, April 22, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21240-21243]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08179]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0314; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00599-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC155B1 helicopters. This proposed
AD was prompted by a report of difficulties when jettisoning the co-
pilot door during non-scheduled maintenance. This proposed AD would
require a functional check of the pilot and co-pilot door jettisoning
system and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European
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 May 24,
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
[[Page 21241]]
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0314.
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-
0314; 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Program Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218; 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-2021-0314; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-00599-R'' 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
Kathleen Arrigotti, Program Manager, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-
231-3218; 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 2015-0157, dated July 30, 2015 (EASA AD 2015-0157) (also
referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model
EC 155 B1 helicopters, all serial numbers delivered after manufacturing
before June 30, 2015, and equipped with a pilot or co-pilot door
jettisoning system in accordance with Airbus Helicopters Modification
POST MOD 0752C05, except helicopters on which Aircraft Maintenance
Manual (AMM) Task 52-11-00-712 was accomplished on both pilot and co-
pilot doors since the last crew door installation.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of difficulties when
jettisoning the co-pilot door during non-scheduled maintenance. The FAA
is proposing this AD to address jamming of the affected door
jettisoning mechanism, which could reduce the ability of the flightcrew
to evacuate in the event of an emergency situation. See the MCAI for
additional background information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2015-0157 describes procedures for doing a functional check
of the pilot and co-pilot door jettisoning system and corrective
actions. The corrective actions include greasing the tenons and
restoring the jettison system. 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 2015-0157, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
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 2015-0157
will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2015-0157 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 2015-0157 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2015-
0157 will be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0314 after the FAA
final rule is published.
[[Page 21242]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 14 helicopters of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680........................... $0 $680 $9,520
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action 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 this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85...... $0 $85
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
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) 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: Docket No. FAA-2021-0314; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-00599-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by May 24, 2021.
(b) Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC155B1 helicopters,
certificated in any category, all serial numbers manufactured before
June 30, 2015, and equipped with a pilot or co-pilot door
jettisoning system in accordance with Airbus Helicopters
modification POST MOD 0752C05, except helicopters on which Aircraft
Maintenance Manual (AMM) task 52-11-00-712 was accomplished on both
pilot and co-pilot doors since the last crew door installation.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5210, Passenger/Crew
Doors.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of difficulties when
jettisoning the co-pilot door during non-scheduled maintenance. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address jamming of the affected door
jettisoning mechanism, which could reduce the ability of the
flightcrew to evacuate in the event of an emergency situation.
(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 Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2015-0157, dated July 30, 2015
(EASA AD 2015-0157).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2015-0157
(1) Where EASA AD 2015-0157 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2015-0157 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2015-0157 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2015-0157 provides an option
to contact Airbus Helicopters for approved instructions and
accomplish those instructions, for this AD, the option is to repair
the jettison system in accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2015-
0157 specifies to ``speak to Airbus Helicopters,'' this AD requires
repairing the jettison system in accordance with FAA-approved
procedures.
[[Page 21243]]
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2015-
0157 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing
the parts from service instead.
(i) 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: Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [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
(1) For EASA AD 2015-0157, 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-2021-0314.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen
Arrigotti, Program Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3218; email [email protected].
Issued on April 14, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-08179 Filed 4-21-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
