Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 36638-36641 [2021-14777]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 131 / Tuesday, July 13, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(3) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2018–0172 does not apply to this AD.
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2018–
0172 specifies to inspect each affected part,
for this AD, prior to the inspection for
corrosion, inspect the protective coating on
the inside of the attachment pin for scratches
and missing protective coating. If there is any
scratch or any missing protective coating,
prior to the inspection for corrosion, sand the
attachment pin to remove the varnish in the
area depicted as ‘‘Area A’’ in Figure 1 of the
‘‘applicable ASB’’ as defined in EASA AD
2018–0172.
(5) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2018–
0172 requires removing corrosion, for this
AD, if there is any corrosion pitting, before
further flight, replace the affected attachment
pin. Do not sand the attachment pin to
remove a corrosion pit.
(6) Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2018–0172 specifies
to do a non-destructive inspection if in doubt
about whether there is a crack, that action is
not required by this AD.
(7) Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2018–0172 specifies
contacting Airbus Helicopters if any
attachment pin with a crack is found and
returning that part to Airbus Helicopters,
those actions are not required by this AD.
(8) Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2018–0172 specifies
discarding certain parts, that action is not
required by this AD.
(9) Where EASA AD 2018–0172 refers to
flight hours (FH), this AD requires using
hours time-in-service.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are not allowed.
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(j) 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 (k) 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.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Katherine Venegas, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Cabin Safety, Mechanical and
Environmental Systems Section, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
phone: 562–627–5353; email:
katherine.venegas@faa.gov.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
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(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2018–0172, dated August 7,
2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018–0172, 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.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110. This
material may be found in the AD docket on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1033.
(5) You may view this material that is
incorporated by reference at the National
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@
nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/
federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on June 17, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–14775 Filed 7–12–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0195; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–00262–R; Amendment
39–21624; AD 2021–13–19]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014–11–
02 for Airbus Helicopters Model SA–
365N, SA–365N1, AS–365N2, and AS
365 N3 helicopters. AD 2014–11–02
required repetitively inspecting frame
number (No.) 9 for a crack. This AD was
prompted by Airbus Helicopters
developing a modification that provides
an optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspections required by AD
2014–11–02. This AD retains the
SUMMARY:
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requirements of AD 2014–11–02,
provides an optional terminating action
for the repetitive inspections, and
reduces the applicability by excluding
certain post-modified helicopters. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 17,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of August 17, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, 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 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. Service information
that is incorporated by reference is also
available at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0195.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.govby
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0195; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
final rule, the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
Fuller, AD Program Manager, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2014–11–02,
Amendment 39–17852 (79 FR 33050,
June 10, 2014) (AD 2014–11–02). AD
2014–11–02 applied to Airbus
Helicopters (previously Eurocopter
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 131 / Tuesday, July 13, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
France) Model SA–365N, SA–365N1,
AS–365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters.
The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on April 22, 2021 (86 FR
21231). The NPRM proposed to
continue to require, for helicopters that
have a No. 9 frame that has had any
repair or alteration made, within 10
hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of the AD and at intervals
not to exceed 110 hours TIS thereafter,
inspecting the LH and RH frame No. 9
for a crack in the areas of the latch
support and stretcher support with a
10X or higher power magnifying glass.
For all other helicopters, the NPRM
proposed to require the inspection
within 110 hours TIS after the effective
date of the AD and thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 110 hours TIS. If there is
a crack, the NPRM proposed to continue
to require, before further flight,
repairing the crack. The NPRM also
proposed to provide an optional
terminating action for the repetitive
inspections that would consist of
installing Eurocopter modification
(MOD) 53C17 or MOD 53D02, or Airbus
Helicopters MOD 07 53D21 or MOD 07
53D22, as applicable to your helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by EASA
AD 2012–0108R1, dated September 19,
2019 (EASA AD 2012–0108R1), issued
by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus Model helicopters
except those that have been modified by
Eurocopter MOD 53C17 or MOD 53D02,
or Airbus Helicopters (AH) MOD 07
53D21 or MOD 07 53D22. EASA AD
2012–0108R1 revises EASA AD 2012–
0108–E, dated June 15, 2012 (EASA AD
2012–0108–E), which was issued after a
crack was discovered during the ‘‘T’’
inspection of an AS365 helicopter. The
crack started at a rivet hole of a doubler
that was installed on the frame No. 9 in
accordance with Eurocopter Alert
Service Bulletin No. 53.00.42, dated
January 31, 2001. EASA stated in EASA
AD 2012–0108–E that structural
alteration of frame No. 9 by
modifications or repairs can result in
fatigue crack initiation under normal
operational loads. According to EASA,
this condition, if not corrected, could
lead to crack propagation and failure of
frame No. 9, which would adversely
affect the structural integrity of the
helicopter. For these reasons, EASA AD
2012–0108–E required repetitive
inspections of frame No. 9 for a crack in
the area of the doubler or any repair
performed in the area of the latch
support and stretcher support. EASA
advises in EASA AD 2012–0108R1 that
Airbus Helicopters developed MOD 07
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53D21 and MOD 07 53D22.
Consequently, EASA AD 2012–0108R1
was issued to introduce the MODs as
optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspections, reduce the
applicability by excluding certain postMOD helicopters, and make some
editorial changes that do not affect the
required actions.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on
the NPRM nor on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
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 reviewed
the relevant data and determined that
air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus Helicopters has co-published
as one document Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin EASB No. 05.00.63,
Revision 2, dated December 20, 2018
(EASB 05.00.63 Rev 2), for Model
AS365-series helicopters and EASB No.
05.00.30, Revision 2, dated December
20, 2018 (EASB 05.00.30 Rev 2), for
non-FAA type certificated Model
AS565-series helicopters. EASB
05.00.63 Rev 2 is incorporated by
reference in this AD; EASB 05.00.30 Rev
2 is not.
EASB 05.00.63 Rev 2 applies to
helicopters with a frame No. 9 that has
not been modified by MOD 07 53C17,
07 53D21, 07 53D22, or 07 53D02, and
that has had doublers installed or
repairs performed in accordance with
certain service instructions. EASB
05.00.63 Rev 2 describes procedures for
inspecting the frame No. 9 for a crack
and specifies contacting Airbus
Helicopters for further procedures if
there is a crack.
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 Airbus Helicopters
Service Bulletin SB No. AS365–
53.00.57, Revision 0, dated December
20, 2018 (SB AS365–53.00.57), for
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36639
Model AS365-series helicopters. SB
AS365–53.00.57 specifies replacing the
upper section of the No. 9 frame with a
reinforced version as an option to
terminate the visual inspections
specified in EASB 05.00.63 Rev 2.
The FAA also reviewed Eurocopter
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin EASB
No. 05.00.63, Revision 1, dated June 18,
2012 (EASB 05.00.63 Rev 1). EASB
05.00.63 Rev 1 specifies the same
procedures as EASB 05.00.63 Rev 2;
however, EASB 05.00.63 Rev 2 excludes
helicopters with certain MODs installed
from its effectivity.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
EASA AD 2012–0108R1 requires
contacting Airbus Helicopters for repair
instructions if there is a crack; this AD
does not. EASA AD 2012–0108R1
applies to Airbus Helicopters Model
365-series helicopters with a frame No.
9 on which certain doublers or repairs
have been accomplished; this AD
applies to those model helicopters
regardless of if those doublers or repairs
have been accomplished.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 33 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
The FAA estimates that operators may
incur the following costs in order to
comply with this AD. At an average
labor rate of $85 per hour, inspecting
the LH and RH frame No. 9 takes about
3 work-hours, for a cost per helicopter
of $255 and a total cost to U.S. operators
of $8,415 per inspection cycle.
Repairing a cracked frame No. 9 takes
about 20 work-hours, and required parts
cost about $15,000, for a cost per
helicopter of $16,700.
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 131 / Tuesday, July 13, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(d) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 17, 2021.
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Matthew Fuller, AD Program
Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–
5110; email matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
(2) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin EASB No. 05.00.63, Revision 1,
dated June 18, 2012, which is not
incorporated by reference, contains
additional information about the subject of
this AD. This service information is available
at the contact information specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2012–0108R1, dated September
19, 2019. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA–2021–0195.
(e) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless it has
already been accomplished prior to that time.
(f) Required Actions
(1) For helicopters that have any repair or
alteration to the frame No. 9, within 10 hours
time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date
of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 110 hours TIS, using a 10X or higher
power magnifying glass, inspect the left-hand
(LH) and right-hand (RH) frame No. 9 for a
crack in the area of the latch support and
stretcher support, as depicted in Figure 1 of
Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin EASB No. 05.00.63, Revision 2,
dated December 20, 2018 (EASB 05.00.63).
(2) For all other helicopters, within 110
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110
hours TIS, perform the inspection in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(3) If there is a crack, before further flight,
repair the frame No. 9. Repairing a frame is
not terminating action for the repetitive
inspections required by paragraphs (f)(1) and
(2) of this AD.
(4) As an optional terminating action for
the repetitive inspections required by
paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this AD, replace
the upper section of frame No. 9 with a
reinforced frame, Eurocopter MOD 53C17 or
MOD 53D02, or Airbus Helicopters MOD 07
53D21 or MOD 07 53D22.
■
■
(g) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits to a repair facility
may be issued provided that the flight does
not exceed 10 hours TIS, any crack does not
exceed a maximum crack length of 80 mm,
and no passengers are onboard.
2021–13–19 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–21624; Docket No.
FAA–2021–0195; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–00262–R.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions
required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this
AD if you performed them before the
effective date of this AD using Eurocopter
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin EASB No.
05.00.63, Revision 1, dated June 18, 2012.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2014–11–02, Amendment 39–
17852 (79 FR 33050, June 10, 2014); and
■ b. Adding the following new AD:
(a) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies
to Airbus Helicopters Model SA–365N, SA–
365N1, AS–365N2, and AS 365 N3
helicopters, certificated in any category,
except helicopters with Eurocopter
modification (MOD) 53C17 or MOD 53D02,
or Airbus Helicopters MOD 07 53D21 or
MOD 07 53D22, installed.
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(c) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2014–11–02,
Amendment 39–17852 (79 FR 33050, June
10, 2014).
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in frame number (No.) 9, which if not
detected and corrected, could result in failure
of frame No. 9, loss of structural integrity,
and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
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(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 office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVSAIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
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(j) Related Information
(k) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5300, Fuselage Structure.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin EASB No. 05.00.63, Revision
2, dated December 20, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
Note 1 to paragraph (l)(2)(ii): Airbus
Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
EASB No. 05.00.63, Revision 2, dated
December 20, 2018 is co-published as one
document along with Airbus Helicopters
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin EASB No.
05.00.30, Revision 2, dated December 20,
2018, which is not incorporated by reference
in this AD.
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
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Issued on June 17, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
4. The National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@
nara.gov or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
[FR Doc. 2021–14777 Filed 7–12–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 97
[Docket No. 31377; Amdt. No. 3963]
Standard Instrument Approach
Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums
and Obstacle Departure Procedures;
Miscellaneous Amendments
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This rule establishes, amends,
suspends, or removes Standard
Instrument Approach Procedures
(SIAPS) and associated Takeoff
Minimums and Obstacle Departure
procedures (ODPs) for operations at
certain airports. These regulatory
actions are needed because of the
adoption of new or revised criteria, or
because of changes occurring in the
National Airspace System, such as the
commissioning of new navigational
facilities, adding new obstacles, or
changing air traffic requirements. These
changes are designed to provide safe
and efficient use of the navigable
airspace and to promote safe flight
operations under instrument flight rules
at the affected airports.
DATES: This rule is effective July 13,
2021. The compliance date for each
SIAP, associated Takeoff Minimums,
and ODP is specified in the amendatory
provisions.
The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the
regulations is approved by the Director
of the Federal Register as of July 13,
2021.
ADDRESSES: Availability of matters
incorporated by reference in the
amendment is as follows:
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SUMMARY:
For Examination
1. U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Ops-M30. 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, West Bldg., Ground Floor,
Washington, DC 20590–0001.
2. The FAA Air Traffic Organization
Service Area in which the affected
airport is located;
3. The office of Aeronautical
Information Services, 6500 South
MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK
73169 or,
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Availability
All SIAPs and Takeoff Minimums and
ODPs are available online free of charge.
Visit the National Flight Data Center at
nfdc.faa.gov to register. Additionally,
individual SIAP and Takeoff Minimums
and ODP copies may be obtained from
the FAA Air Traffic Organization
Service Area in which the affected
airport is located.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Thomas J. Nichols, Flight Procedures
and Airspace Group, Flight
Technologies and Procedures Division,
Flight Standards Service, Federal
Aviation Administration. Mailing
Address: FAA Mike Monroney
Aeronautical Center, Flight Procedures
and Airspace Group, 6500 South
MacArthur Blvd., Registry Bldg. 29,
Room 104, Oklahoma City, OK 73169.
Telephone (405) 954–4164.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule
amends 14 CFR part 97 by establishing,
amending, suspending, or removes
SIAPS, Takeoff Minimums and/or
ODPS. The complete regulatory
description of each SIAP and its
associated Takeoff Minimums or ODP
for an identified airport is listed on FAA
form documents which are incorporated
by reference in this amendment under 5
U.S.C. 552(a), 1 CFR part 51, and 14
CFR part 97.20. The applicable FAA
Forms 8260–3, 8260–4, 8260–5, 8260–
15A, 8260–15B, when required by an
entry on 8260–15A, and 8260–15C.
The large number of SIAPs, Takeoff
Minimums and ODPs, their complex
nature, and the need for a special format
make publication in the Federal
Register expensive and impractical.
Further, airmen do not use the
regulatory text of the SIAPs, Takeoff
Minimums or ODPs, but instead refer to
their graphic depiction on charts
printed by publishers or aeronautical
materials. Thus, the advantages of
incorporation by reference are realized
and publication of the complete
description of each SIAP, Takeoff
Minimums and ODP listed on FAA form
documents is unnecessary. This
amendment provides the affected CFR
sections and specifies the typed of
SIAPS, Takeoff Minimums and ODPs
with their applicable effective dates.
This amendment also identifies the
airport and its location, the procedure,
and the amendment number.
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
36641
Availability and Summary of Material
Incorporated by Reference
The material incorporated by
reference is publicly available as listed
in the ADDRESSES section.
The material incorporated by
reference describes SIAPS, Takeoff
Minimums and/or ODPs as identified in
the amendatory language for part 97 of
this final rule.
The Rule
This amendment to 14 CFR part 97 is
effective upon publication of each
separate SIAP, Takeoff Minimums and
ODP as amended in the transmittal.
Some SIAP and Takeoff Minimums and
textual ODP amendments may have
been issued previously by the FAA in a
Flight Data Center (FDC) Notice to
Airmen (NOTAM) as an emergency
action of immediate flights safety
relating directly to published
aeronautical charts.
The circumstances that created the
need for some SIAP and Takeoff
Minimums and ODP amendments may
require making them effective in less
than 30 days. For the remaining SIAPs
and Takeoff Minimums and ODPs, an
effective date at least 30 days after
publication is provided.
Further, the SIAPs and Takeoff
Minimums and ODPs contained in this
amendment are based on the criteria
contained in the U.S. Standard for
Terminal Instrument Procedures
(TERPS). In developing these SIAPs and
Takeoff Minimums and ODPs, the
TERPS criteria were applied to the
conditions existing or anticipated at the
affected airports. Because of the close
and immediate relationship between
these SIAPs, Takeoff Minimums and
ODPs, and safety in air commerce, I find
that notice and public procedure under
5 U.S.C. 553(b) are impracticable and
contrary to the public interest and,
where applicable, under 5 U.S.C. 553(d),
good cause exists for making some
SIAPs effective in less than 30 days.
The FAA has determined that this
regulation only involves an established
body of technical regulations for which
frequent and routine amendments are
necessary to keep them operationally
current. It, therefore—(1) is not a
‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a
‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44
FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3)
does not warrant preparation of a
regulatory evaluation as the anticipated
impact is so minimal. For the same
reason, the FAA certifies that this
amendment will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
E:\FR\FM\13JYR1.SGM
13JYR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 13, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36638-36641]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14777]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0195; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00262-R;
Amendment 39-21624; AD 2021-13-19]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-11-02
for Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3
helicopters. AD 2014-11-02 required repetitively inspecting frame
number (No.) 9 for a crack. This AD was prompted by Airbus Helicopters
developing a modification that provides an optional terminating action
for the repetitive inspections required by AD 2014-11-02. This AD
retains the requirements of AD 2014-11-02, provides an optional
terminating action for the repetitive inspections, and reduces the
applicability by excluding certain post-modified helicopters. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 17, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 17,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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 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. Service information that
is incorporated by reference is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0195.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.govby
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0195; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments received,
and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2014-11-02, Amendment 39-17852 (79 FR
33050, June 10, 2014) (AD 2014-11-02). AD 2014-11-02 applied to Airbus
Helicopters (previously Eurocopter
[[Page 36639]]
France) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2021 (86 FR
21231). The NPRM proposed to continue to require, for helicopters that
have a No. 9 frame that has had any repair or alteration made, within
10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of the AD and
at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS thereafter, inspecting the LH
and RH frame No. 9 for a crack in the areas of the latch support and
stretcher support with a 10X or higher power magnifying glass. For all
other helicopters, the NPRM proposed to require the inspection within
110 hours TIS after the effective date of the AD and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS. If there is a crack, the NPRM
proposed to continue to require, before further flight, repairing the
crack. The NPRM also proposed to provide an optional terminating action
for the repetitive inspections that would consist of installing
Eurocopter modification (MOD) 53C17 or MOD 53D02, or Airbus Helicopters
MOD 07 53D21 or MOD 07 53D22, as applicable to your helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2012-0108R1, dated September 19,
2019 (EASA AD 2012-0108R1), issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Airbus Model helicopters except those that have
been modified by Eurocopter MOD 53C17 or MOD 53D02, or Airbus
Helicopters (AH) MOD 07 53D21 or MOD 07 53D22. EASA AD 2012-0108R1
revises EASA AD 2012-0108-E, dated June 15, 2012 (EASA AD 2012-0108-E),
which was issued after a crack was discovered during the ``T''
inspection of an AS365 helicopter. The crack started at a rivet hole of
a doubler that was installed on the frame No. 9 in accordance with
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 53.00.42, dated January 31, 2001.
EASA stated in EASA AD 2012-0108-E that structural alteration of frame
No. 9 by modifications or repairs can result in fatigue crack
initiation under normal operational loads. According to EASA, this
condition, if not corrected, could lead to crack propagation and
failure of frame No. 9, which would adversely affect the structural
integrity of the helicopter. For these reasons, EASA AD 2012-0108-E
required repetitive inspections of frame No. 9 for a crack in the area
of the doubler or any repair performed in the area of the latch support
and stretcher support. EASA advises in EASA AD 2012-0108R1 that Airbus
Helicopters developed MOD 07 53D21 and MOD 07 53D22. Consequently, EASA
AD 2012-0108R1 was issued to introduce the MODs as optional terminating
action for the repetitive inspections, reduce the applicability by
excluding certain post-MOD helicopters, and make some editorial changes
that do not affect the required actions.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM nor on the determination
of the costs.
Conclusion
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 reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus Helicopters has co-published as one document Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin EASB No. 05.00.63, Revision 2, dated December 20, 2018
(EASB 05.00.63 Rev 2), for Model AS365-series helicopters and EASB No.
05.00.30, Revision 2, dated December 20, 2018 (EASB 05.00.30 Rev 2),
for non-FAA type certificated Model AS565-series helicopters. EASB
05.00.63 Rev 2 is incorporated by reference in this AD; EASB 05.00.30
Rev 2 is not.
EASB 05.00.63 Rev 2 applies to helicopters with a frame No. 9 that
has not been modified by MOD 07 53C17, 07 53D21, 07 53D22, or 07 53D02,
and that has had doublers installed or repairs performed in accordance
with certain service instructions. EASB 05.00.63 Rev 2 describes
procedures for inspecting the frame No. 9 for a crack and specifies
contacting Airbus Helicopters for further procedures if there is a
crack.
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 Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin SB No. AS365-
53.00.57, Revision 0, dated December 20, 2018 (SB AS365-53.00.57), for
Model AS365-series helicopters. SB AS365-53.00.57 specifies replacing
the upper section of the No. 9 frame with a reinforced version as an
option to terminate the visual inspections specified in EASB 05.00.63
Rev 2.
The FAA also reviewed Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
EASB No. 05.00.63, Revision 1, dated June 18, 2012 (EASB 05.00.63 Rev
1). EASB 05.00.63 Rev 1 specifies the same procedures as EASB 05.00.63
Rev 2; however, EASB 05.00.63 Rev 2 excludes helicopters with certain
MODs installed from its effectivity.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2012-0108R1 requires contacting Airbus Helicopters for
repair instructions if there is a crack; this AD does not. EASA AD
2012-0108R1 applies to Airbus Helicopters Model 365-series helicopters
with a frame No. 9 on which certain doublers or repairs have been
accomplished; this AD applies to those model helicopters regardless of
if those doublers or repairs have been accomplished.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 33 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85
per hour, inspecting the LH and RH frame No. 9 takes about 3 work-
hours, for a cost per helicopter of $255 and a total cost to U.S.
operators of $8,415 per inspection cycle. Repairing a cracked frame No.
9 takes about 20 work-hours, and required parts cost about $15,000, for
a cost per helicopter of $16,700.
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
[[Page 36640]]
develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-11-02, Amendment 39-17852
(79 FR 33050, June 10, 2014); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2021-13-19 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21624; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0195; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00262-R.
(a) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters,
certificated in any category, except helicopters with Eurocopter
modification (MOD) 53C17 or MOD 53D02, or Airbus Helicopters MOD 07
53D21 or MOD 07 53D22, installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in frame number
(No.) 9, which if not detected and corrected, could result in
failure of frame No. 9, loss of structural integrity, and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2014-11-02, Amendment 39-17852 (79 FR 33050,
June 10, 2014).
(d) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 17, 2021.
(e) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(f) Required Actions
(1) For helicopters that have any repair or alteration to the
frame No. 9, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
110 hours TIS, using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect
the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) frame No. 9 for a crack in
the area of the latch support and stretcher support, as depicted in
Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin EASB
No. 05.00.63, Revision 2, dated December 20, 2018 (EASB 05.00.63).
(2) For all other helicopters, within 110 hours TIS after the
effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
110 hours TIS, perform the inspection in paragraph (f)(1) of this
AD.
(3) If there is a crack, before further flight, repair the frame
No. 9. Repairing a frame is not terminating action for the
repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this
AD.
(4) As an optional terminating action for the repetitive
inspections required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this AD,
replace the upper section of frame No. 9 with a reinforced frame,
Eurocopter MOD 53C17 or MOD 53D02, or Airbus Helicopters MOD 07
53D21 or MOD 07 53D22.
(g) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits to a repair facility may be issued
provided that the flight does not exceed 10 hours TIS, any crack
does not exceed a maximum crack length of 80 mm, and no passengers
are onboard.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions required by paragraphs
(f)(1) and (2) of this AD if you performed them before the effective
date of this AD using Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
EASB No. 05.00.63, Revision 1, dated June 18, 2012.
(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
office, 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 Matthew Fuller,
AD Program Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email [email protected].
(2) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin EASB No.
05.00.63, Revision 1, dated June 18, 2012, which is not incorporated
by reference, contains additional information about the subject of
this AD. This service information is available at the contact
information specified in paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2012-0108R1, dated September 19,
2019. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0195.
(k) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5300, Fuselage
Structure.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin EASB No.
05.00.63, Revision 2, dated December 20, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
Note 1 to paragraph (l)(2)(ii): Airbus Helicopters Emergency
Alert Service Bulletin EASB No. 05.00.63, Revision 2, dated December
20, 2018 is co-published as one document along with Airbus
Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin EASB No. 05.00.30,
Revision 2, dated December 20, 2018, which is not incorporated by
reference in this AD.
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
[[Page 36641]]
Issued on June 17, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14777 Filed 7-12-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
