Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 35695-35697 [2021-14399]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 7, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
mitch.soth@faa.gov.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
Transport Canada Emergency AD CF–2019–
16, dated May 6, 2019. You may view the
Transport Canada AD on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2021–0497.
Issued on June 10, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–14400 Filed 7–6–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–500; Project
Identifier 2017–SW–069–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and
EC130T2 helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report of a jammed
pilot collective pitch lever (collective).
This proposed AD would require
inspecting the collective for proper
engagement of the locking pin. 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 August 23,
2021.
SUMMARY:
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.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
ADDRESSES:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:33 Jul 06, 2021
Jkt 253001
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Airbus Helicopters,
2701 North 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. You
may view the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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–2021–500; 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, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Anthony Kenward, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–
5152; email anthony.kenward@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–2021–500; Project Identifier 2017–
SW–069–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
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
35695
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 Anthony Kenward,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth
ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5152; email
anthony.kenward@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.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2017–0062,
dated April 11, 2017 (EASA AD 2017–
0062), to correct an unsafe condition for
Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and
EC130T2 helicopters. EASA states that
during an autorotation test conducted
during an acceptance flight, the pilot
felt a jamming sensation when pushing
the collective to the low pitch position,
and he subsequently was able to free the
collective by pulling on it. According to
EASA, an analysis determined that the
locking tab hook (hook) and the low
pitch locking pin (pin) were extremely
close, and that a fold in the control lever
boot may have become caught between
the two components. EASA states that
this condition, if not detected and
corrected, could result in an untimely
locking of the collective and subsequent
reduced control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2017–0062
requires inspecting and adjusting, if
necessary, the clearance between the
hook and the pin while in the low pitch
position.
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
E:\FR\FM\07JYP1.SGM
07JYP1
35696
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 7, 2021 / Proposed Rules
known relevant information and
determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of these
same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin ASB No. EC130–
67A019, Revision 0, dated February 23,
2016, which specifies inspecting and
adjusting the clearance between the
hook and pin.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require,
within 90 hours time-in-service (TIS)
after the effective date of the AD, or
before the next autorotation training
flight, whichever occurs first, removing
the protective boot along the collective
and measuring the clearance between
the hook and pin. If the clearance is less
than 5 mm (0.196 in), adjusting the
clearance between the hook and the pin
to prevent interference would be
required. This proposed AD would then
require re-installing the protective boot
in accordance with the manufacturer’s
service information.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires compliance
within 165 hours TIS or 3 months,
whichever occurs first. Since the unsafe
condition occurred at a collective
position commanded during an
autorotation, this proposed AD would
require compliance within 90 hours TIS
after the effective date of this AD or
before the next autorotation training
flight, whichever occurs first. Based on
the average fleet usage, 90 hours TIS
would correspond with the 3-month
compliance requirement of the EASA
AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD would affect 214 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. At an average labor rate of $85
per work-hour, the FAA estimates that
operators may incur the following costs
in order to comply with this proposed
AD. Removing the protective boot
would require about 2 work-hours for a
cost of $170 per helicopter and a cost of
$36,380 for the U.S. fleet. Determining
the clearance between the hook and pin
would require about 0.5 work-hour, for
a cost of $43 per helicopter and a cost
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:33 Jul 06, 2021
Jkt 253001
of $9,202 for the U.S. fleet. If required,
adjusting the clearance would take
about 2 work-hours for a cost of $170
per helicopter. Re-installing the
protective boot would require about 2
work-hours, for a cost of $170 per
helicopter and a cost of $36,380 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:
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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–
500; Project Identifier 2017–SW–069–
AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by August 23,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model EC130B4 and Model EC130T2
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6700, Rotorcraft Flight Control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a
jammed pilot collective pitch lever
(collective). The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent an untimely locking of the collective
and subsequent reduced control of the
helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 90 hours time-in-service after the
effective date of this AD or before the next
autorotation training flight, whichever occurs
first:
(1) For each collective, remove the
protective boot along the collective and
measure the clearance between the edge of
the collective tab hook (a) and the edge of the
low pitch locking pin (b) as shown in Figure
1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
ASB No. EC130–67A019, Revision 0, dated
February 23, 2016 (ASB EC130–67A019). If
the clearance is less than 5 mm (0.196 in),
before further flight:
(i) Adjust the clearance by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.B.3., of ASB EC130–67A019.
(ii) Test the collective for proper
engagement of the low pitch locking pin by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.B.4., of ASB EC130–67A019.
(2) Re-install the protective boot on the
collective, ensuring that no boot folds have
entered the space between the collective tab
hook and the low pitch locking pin, by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.B.5., of ASB EC130–67A019.
(h) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
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07JYP1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 7, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(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 the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j)(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Anthony Kenward, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222–5152; email
anthony.kenward@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701
North 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. 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 2017–0062, dated April 11, 2017.
You may view the EASA AD at https://
www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket FAA–
2021–500.
Issued on June 10, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–14399 Filed 7–6–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0548; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00046–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; ATR–GIE
Avions de Transport Re´gional
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
AGENCY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:33 Jul 06, 2021
Jkt 253001
Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Re´gional
Model ATR42–500 and ATR72–212A
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports indicating that
certain Thales global positioning system
(GPS) satellite based augmentation
system (SBAS) receivers provided,
under certain conditions, erroneous
outputs on aircraft positions. This
proposed AD would require replacing
affected GPS SBAS receivers with new,
improved receivers, as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is proposed for
incorporation by reference. 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 August 23,
2021.
SUMMARY:
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 will be incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find this IBR material on the EASA
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this IBR material at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
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–
0548.
ADDRESSES:
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–
0548; or in person at Docket Operations
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
35697
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3220;
email: shahram.daneshmandi@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–2021–0548; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00046–T’’ 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 the 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 proposed
AD.
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 Shahram
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
E:\FR\FM\07JYP1.SGM
07JYP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 7, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35695-35697]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14399]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-500; Project Identifier 2017-SW-069-AD]
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 all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report of a jammed pilot collective pitch
lever (collective). This proposed AD would require inspecting the
collective for proper engagement of the locking pin. 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 August 23,
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 service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus
Helicopters, 2701 North 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. You may
view the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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-2021-500; 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, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Kenward, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5152; 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-2021-500; Project Identifier
2017-SW-069-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
Anthony Kenward, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5152; 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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2017-0062, dated April 11, 2017
(EASA AD 2017-0062), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. EASA states that
during an autorotation test conducted during an acceptance flight, the
pilot felt a jamming sensation when pushing the collective to the low
pitch position, and he subsequently was able to free the collective by
pulling on it. According to EASA, an analysis determined that the
locking tab hook (hook) and the low pitch locking pin (pin) were
extremely close, and that a fold in the control lever boot may have
become caught between the two components. EASA states that this
condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in an untimely
locking of the collective and subsequent reduced control of the
helicopter.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2017-0062 requires inspecting and adjusting,
if necessary, the clearance between the hook and the pin while in the
low pitch position.
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
[[Page 35696]]
known relevant information and determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters
of these same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB No.
EC130-67A019, Revision 0, dated February 23, 2016, which specifies
inspecting and adjusting the clearance between the hook and pin.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require, within 90 hours time-in-service
(TIS) after the effective date of the AD, or before the next
autorotation training flight, whichever occurs first, removing the
protective boot along the collective and measuring the clearance
between the hook and pin. If the clearance is less than 5 mm (0.196
in), adjusting the clearance between the hook and the pin to prevent
interference would be required. This proposed AD would then require re-
installing the protective boot in accordance with the manufacturer's
service information.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires compliance within 165 hours TIS or 3 months,
whichever occurs first. Since the unsafe condition occurred at a
collective position commanded during an autorotation, this proposed AD
would require compliance within 90 hours TIS after the effective date
of this AD or before the next autorotation training flight, whichever
occurs first. Based on the average fleet usage, 90 hours TIS would
correspond with the 3-month compliance requirement of the EASA AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 214
helicopters of U.S. Registry. At an average labor rate of $85 per work-
hour, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following costs in
order to comply with this proposed AD. Removing the protective boot
would require about 2 work-hours for a cost of $170 per helicopter and
a cost of $36,380 for the U.S. fleet. Determining the clearance between
the hook and pin would require about 0.5 work-hour, for a cost of $43
per helicopter and a cost of $9,202 for the U.S. fleet. If required,
adjusting the clearance would take about 2 work-hours for a cost of
$170 per helicopter. Re-installing the protective boot would require
about 2 work-hours, for a cost of $170 per helicopter and a cost of
$36,380 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: Docket No. FAA-2021-500; Project Identifier
2017-SW-069-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by August 23, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and Model
EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft
Flight Control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a jammed pilot collective
pitch lever (collective). The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent an
untimely locking of the collective and subsequent reduced control of
the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 90 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this
AD or before the next autorotation training flight, whichever occurs
first:
(1) For each collective, remove the protective boot along the
collective and measure the clearance between the edge of the
collective tab hook (a) and the edge of the low pitch locking pin
(b) as shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin ASB No. EC130-67A019, Revision 0, dated February 23, 2016
(ASB EC130-67A019). If the clearance is less than 5 mm (0.196 in),
before further flight:
(i) Adjust the clearance by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3., of ASB EC130-67A019.
(ii) Test the collective for proper engagement of the low pitch
locking pin by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.B.4., of ASB EC130-67A019.
(2) Re-install the protective boot on the collective, ensuring
that no boot folds have entered the space between the collective tab
hook and the low pitch locking pin, by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.5., of ASB EC130-67A019.
(h) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
[[Page 35697]]
(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 the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Anthony Kenward,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222-5152; email [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North 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. 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
2017-0062, dated April 11, 2017. You may view the EASA AD at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket FAA-2021-500.
Issued on June 10, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14399 Filed 7-6-21; 8:45 am]
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