Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 38909-38912 [2021-15480]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 139 / Friday, July 23, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(3) If, during the maintenance records
review required by paragraph (g)(1) of the
this AD or during the inspection required by
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, you can
positively determine that a disc assembly P/
N 101584–1 or –2 is not installed, before
further flight, make an entry in the log book
showing compliance with this AD.
(4) If, during the maintenance records
review required by paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD or during the inspection required by
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, you can
positively determine that a disc assembly P/
N 101584–1 or –2 is installed, within 30 days
or 100 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first, replace disc
assembly P/N 101584–1 or –2 with disc
assembly P/N 32721–1.
Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir,
Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; phone: 450–437–
2862 or 800–363–8023; fax: (450) 433–0272;
internet: https://www.bellcustomer.com.
(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.
(h) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not
install disc assembly P/N 101584–1 or –2.
Issued on July 9, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
(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.
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(j) Related Information
(1) 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; phone and
fax: (206) 231–3218; email:
kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA)
Canadian AD CF–2010–07, dated February
24, 2010. You may view the TCCA AD at
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2010–0865.
(k) 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) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin
206–09–123, Revision A, dated June 10,
2009.
(ii) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin
206L–09–157, Revision A, dated June 10,
2009.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron
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[FR Doc. 2021–15478 Filed 7–22–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0188; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–00642–R; Amendment
39–21572; AD 2021–11–10]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Helicopters Model SA–365N,
SA–365N1, AS–365N2, and AS 365 N3
helicopters. This AD was prompted by
a report that damage (scorch marks) was
found on an internal life raft installation
that contained a half rescue kit. This AD
requires identifying the part number
and serial number of each half rescue kit
located in the internal life raft
installation and, depending on the
findings, inspecting the life raft for
damage, inspecting the condition of the
flashlight battery, testing the flashlight
battery, and replacing the life raft or
flashlight battery (including the leak
test) as applicable, as specified in a
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety
Agency) (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 27,
2021.
SUMMARY:
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38909
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of August 27, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material
incorporated by reference (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. For Zodiac
Aerospace service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Safran Aerosystems—Plaisir, 61 rue
Pierre Curie CS20001, 78373 Plaisir
Cedex, France; telephone (33) 1 61 34 23
23; fax (33) 1 61 34 24 41; or at https://
www.safran-aerosystems.com. You may
view this material at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110.
It is also available in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0188.
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–
0188; 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,
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:
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:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2016–0028, dated February 15, 2016
(EASA AD 2016–0028) (also referred to
as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 139 / Friday, July 23, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
SA–365N, SA–365N1, AS–365N2, and
AS 365 N3 helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Model SA–365N, SA–
365N1, AS–365N2, and AS 365 N3
helicopters. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on March 23, 2021 (86
FR 15431). The NPRM was prompted by
a report that damage (scorch marks) was
found on an internal life raft installation
that contained a half rescue kit.
Investigation revealed that the damage
was caused by an unsuitable folding
process for the life raft, which led to
compression of the flashlight battery in
the half rescue kit. This compression
caused an electrolyte leakage, followed
by a short-circuit that damaged the
internal life raft. The NPRM proposed to
require identifying the part number and
serial number of each half rescue kit
located in the internal life raft
installation and, depending on the
findings, inspecting the life raft for
damage, inspecting the condition of the
flashlight battery, testing the flashlight
battery, and replacing the life raft or
flashlight battery (including the leak
test) as applicable, as specified in an
EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
leakage of the flashlight battery in a half
rescue kit, which could result in damage
to the internal life raft, and subsequent
failure of the internal life raft to deploy
(for example after a ditching), which
could impede or prevent safe evacuation
of the occupants from the helicopter.
See the MCAI for additional background
information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The FAA received no
comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Costs of Compliance Update
The NPRM did not include the kit
cost for the on-condition action
specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD
2016–0028. The FAA has received this
cost data and has updated the costs of
compliance accordingly.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data
and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule as proposed, except for minor
changes. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to require actions specified in
EASA AD 2016–0028 through
incorporation by reference, except for
certain differences. The FAA has
obtained approval to use this process
from certain manufacturers, including
Airbus Helicopters; however, the FAA
has not worked with Zodiac Aerospace
(which has been merged into Safran
Aerosystems) for approval of this
process. EASA AD 2016–0028 specifies
using Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin
SB 025–64–13, Revision 0, dated
November 23, 2015 (SB 025–64–13 Rev
0) or Revision 1, dated January 19, 2016
(SB 025–64–13 Rev 1), to accomplish a
certain action. In light of this, an
exception has been added into this final
rule to directly use SB 025–64–13 Rev
0 or SB 025–64–13 Rev 1, instead of
using SB 025–64–13 Rev 0 or SB 025–
64–13 Rev 1 through incorporation by
reference of EASA AD 2016–0028.
The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2016–0028 specifies
identifying the part number and serial
number of each half rescue kit located
in the internal life raft installation,
inspecting the life raft for damage
(scorch marks), inspecting the condition
of the flashlight battery (including
cracks, impacts, swelling, damage,
distorted case, and the connecting wire),
testing the flashlight battery (turning on
the flashlight), and replacing the life raft
or flashlight battery (including the leak
test).
The FAA reviewed SB 025–64–13 Rev
0, which specifies procedures to
visually inspect the condition of the life
raft and battery, and test the battery. The
FAA also reviewed SB 025–64–13 Rev
1, which specifies the same procedures
as SB 025–64–13 Rev 0, except SB 025–
64–13 Rev 1 corrects the serial numbers
identified in the effectivity.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2016–0028
specifies to return damaged life rafts to
the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that requirement.
Where EASA AD 2016–0028 refers to
its effective date or to January 7, 2016
(the effective date of EASA AD 2015–
0242), this AD requires compliance
within 3 months after the effective date
of this AD.
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2016–0028
specifies that trained and authorized
Zodiac Aerospace personnel must do
the inspection of the half rescue kit, this
AD does not require that Zodiac
Aerospace personnel do the inspection.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 30 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ..............................................................................................
$3,000
$3,085
$92,550
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions that would be required based on
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15:54 Jul 22, 2021
Jkt 253001
the results of any required actions. The
FAA has no way of determining the
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number of helicopters that might need
these on-condition actions:
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 139 / Friday, July 23, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
38911
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
7.5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $637.50 ..............................................................................................
Up to $78,154 ........
According to Zodiac Aerospace, some
or all of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
operators. The FAA does not control
warranty coverage for affected operators.
As a result, the FAA has included all
known costs in the cost estimate.
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
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.
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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
15:54 Jul 22, 2021
Jkt 253001
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:
■
2021–11–10 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–21572; Docket No.
FAA–2021–0188; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–00642–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective August 27, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model SA–365N, SA–365N1, AS–365N2, and
AS 365 N3 helicopters, certificated in any
category, as identified in European Aviation
Safety Agency (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2016–
0028, dated February 15, 2016 (EASA AD
2016–0028).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 2564, Life Raft.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that
damage (scorch marks) was found on an
internal life raft installation that contained a
half rescue kit. Investigation revealed that the
damage was caused by an unsuitable folding
process for the life raft, which led to
compression of the flashlight battery in the
half rescue kit. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address leakage of the flashlight battery in
a half rescue kit, which could result in
damage to the internal life raft, and
subsequent failure of the internal life raft to
deploy (for example after a ditching), which
could impede or prevent safe evacuation of
the occupants from the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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Cost per product
Up to $78,791.50.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2016–0028.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2016–0028
(1) Where EASA AD 2016–0028 refers to its
effective date or to January 7, 2016 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2015–0242), this
AD requires compliance within 3 months
after the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2016–0028 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2016–
0028 specifies accomplishing corrective
actions in accordance with the instructions of
Zodiac Aerospace SB No. 025–64–13 referred
to in paragraph 3.B of Airbus Helicopters
ASB AS365–25.01.63, this AD requires using
Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin SB 025–
64–13, Revision 0, dated November 23, 2015
or Revision 1, dated January 19, 2016.
(4) Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2016–0028 specifies
to return certain parts, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(5) Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2016–0028 specifies
that trained and authorized Zodiac
Aerospace personnel must do the inspection
of the half rescue kit, this AD does not
require that Zodiac Aerospace personnel do
the inspection.
(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) 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
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.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 139 / Friday, July 23, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(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 2016–0028, dated February 15,
2016.
(ii) Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin SB
025–64–13, Revision 0, dated November 23,
2015.
(iii) Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin SB
025–64–13, Revision 1, dated January 19,
2016.
(3) For EASA AD 2016–0028, 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. For Zodiac Aerospace
service information, contact Safran
Aerosystems—Plaisir, 61 rue Pierre Curie
CS20001, 78373 Plaisir Cedex, France;
telephone (33) 1 61 34 23 23; fax (33) 1 61
34 24 41; or at https://www.safranaerosystems.com.
(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–2021–0188.
(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 10, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–15480 Filed 7–22–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1179; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00818–E; Amendment
39–21638; AD 2021–14–11]
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RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; General
Electric Company Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:54 Jul 22, 2021
Jkt 253001
General Electric Company (GE) CF6–
80A and CF6–80C2 model turbofan
engines. This AD was prompted by an
inspection by the manufacturer that
revealed cracking of the high-pressure
turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 disk. This
AD requires visual inspection and
fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of
the HPT thermal shield and, if cracking
is detected, removal from service of the
HPT thermal shield, HPT rotor stage 1
disk and HPT rotor stage 2 disk. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 27,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
General Electric Company, 1 Neumann
Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone:
(513) 552–3272; email:
aviation.fleetsupport@ae.ge.com;
website: www.ge.com. You may view
this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (781) 238–
7759. It is also available at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
1179.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1179; 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, 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:
Kevin M. Clark, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238–7088; fax: (781) 238–
7199; email: Kevin.M.Clark@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all General Electric Company
(GE) CF6–80A, CF6–80A1, CF6–80A2,
CF6–80A3, CF6–80C2A1, CF6–80C2A2,
CF6–80C2A3, CF6–80C2A5, CF6–
80C2A5F, CF6–80C2A8, CF6–80C2B1,
CF6–80C2B1F, CF6–80C2B1F1, CF6–
80C2B1F2, CF6–80C2B2, CF6–80C2B2F,
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CF6–80C2B3F, CF6–80C2B4, CF6–
80C2B4F, CF6–80C2B5F, CF6–80C2B6,
CF6–80C2B6F, CF6–80C2B6FA, CF6–
80C2B7F, CF6–80C2B8F, CF6–
80C2D1F, CF6–80C2K1F, and CF6–
80C2L1F model turbofan engines. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on February 22, 2021 (86 FR
10496). The NPRM was prompted by an
inspection by the manufacturer that
revealed cracking of the HPT rotor stage
1 disk caused by increased stress on the
HPT rotor stage 1 disk as a result of
flange-to-flange cracking on the HPT
thermal shield. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to require visual inspection
and FPI of the HPT thermal shield and,
if cracking is detected, removal from
service of the HPT thermal shield, HPT
rotor stage 1 disk and HPT rotor stage
2 disk. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from
five commenters. The commenters were
Atlas Air, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
(Boeing), Delta Air Lines (Delta), United
Airlines (United) and the Air Line Pilots
Association, International (ALPA). The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
Request To Update Shop Manual
Atlas Air requested that the FAA
revise GE CF6–80C2, ESM 72–53–05,
High Pressure Turbine (HPT) Rotor
Thermal Shield—Inspection to add the
proposed requirement to remove from
service the HPT thermal shield, the HPT
rotor stage 1 disk, and the HPT rotor
stage 2 disk from service if a crack is
found, since the thermal shield can be
sent to different vendors outside the
engine shop. Delta also suggested that
the technical data within the Engine
Shop Manual (ESM) should be updated
to ensure inspection requirements are
equivalent across all tasks within the
ESM.
The FAA disagrees. Requiring updates
to the ESM is unnecessary to correct the
unsafe condition identified in this AD.
The visual and FPI inspections in the
required actions of this AD are the
necessary actions to correct the unsafe
condition. Operators, at their discretion,
may work with the original equipment
manufacturer to suggest changes to the
ESM to include the inspections required
by this AD.
E:\FR\FM\23JYR1.SGM
23JYR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 139 (Friday, July 23, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38909-38912]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15480]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0188; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00642-R;
Amendment 39-21572; AD 2021-11-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS
365 N3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that damage
(scorch marks) was found on an internal life raft installation that
contained a half rescue kit. This AD requires identifying the part
number and serial number of each half rescue kit located in the
internal life raft installation and, depending on the findings,
inspecting the life raft for damage, inspecting the condition of the
flashlight battery, testing the flashlight battery, and replacing the
life raft or flashlight battery (including the leak test) as
applicable, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is incorporated
by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 27, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 27,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (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. For Zodiac Aerospace service information
identified in this final rule, contact Safran Aerosystems--Plaisir, 61
rue Pierre Curie CS20001, 78373 Plaisir Cedex, France; telephone (33) 1
61 34 23 23; fax (33) 1 61 34 24 41; or at https://www.safran-aerosystems.com. You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110. It is also available in the AD
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0188.
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-
0188; 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, 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: 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:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2016-0028, dated February 15, 2016
(EASA AD 2016-0028) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model
[[Page 38910]]
SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Model SA-365N,
SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on March 23, 2021 (86 FR 15431). The NPRM was
prompted by a report that damage (scorch marks) was found on an
internal life raft installation that contained a half rescue kit.
Investigation revealed that the damage was caused by an unsuitable
folding process for the life raft, which led to compression of the
flashlight battery in the half rescue kit. This compression caused an
electrolyte leakage, followed by a short-circuit that damaged the
internal life raft. The NPRM proposed to require identifying the part
number and serial number of each half rescue kit located in the
internal life raft installation and, depending on the findings,
inspecting the life raft for damage, inspecting the condition of the
flashlight battery, testing the flashlight battery, and replacing the
life raft or flashlight battery (including the leak test) as
applicable, as specified in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address leakage of the flashlight
battery in a half rescue kit, which could result in damage to the
internal life raft, and subsequent failure of the internal life raft to
deploy (for example after a ditching), which could impede or prevent
safe evacuation of the occupants from the helicopter. See the MCAI for
additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Costs of Compliance Update
The NPRM did not include the kit cost for the on-condition action
specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2016-0028. The FAA has received
this cost data and has updated the costs of compliance accordingly.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed,
except for minor changes. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require
actions specified in EASA AD 2016-0028 through incorporation by
reference, except for certain differences. The FAA has obtained
approval to use this process from certain manufacturers, including
Airbus Helicopters; however, the FAA has not worked with Zodiac
Aerospace (which has been merged into Safran Aerosystems) for approval
of this process. EASA AD 2016-0028 specifies using Zodiac Aerospace
Service Bulletin SB 025-64-13, Revision 0, dated November 23, 2015 (SB
025-64-13 Rev 0) or Revision 1, dated January 19, 2016 (SB 025-64-13
Rev 1), to accomplish a certain action. In light of this, an exception
has been added into this final rule to directly use SB 025-64-13 Rev 0
or SB 025-64-13 Rev 1, instead of using SB 025-64-13 Rev 0 or SB 025-
64-13 Rev 1 through incorporation by reference of EASA AD 2016-0028.
The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2016-0028 specifies identifying the part number and serial
number of each half rescue kit located in the internal life raft
installation, inspecting the life raft for damage (scorch marks),
inspecting the condition of the flashlight battery (including cracks,
impacts, swelling, damage, distorted case, and the connecting wire),
testing the flashlight battery (turning on the flashlight), and
replacing the life raft or flashlight battery (including the leak
test).
The FAA reviewed SB 025-64-13 Rev 0, which specifies procedures to
visually inspect the condition of the life raft and battery, and test
the battery. The FAA also reviewed SB 025-64-13 Rev 1, which specifies
the same procedures as SB 025-64-13 Rev 0, except SB 025-64-13 Rev 1
corrects the serial numbers identified in the effectivity.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2016-0028
specifies to return damaged life rafts to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
Where EASA AD 2016-0028 refers to its effective date or to January
7, 2016 (the effective date of EASA AD 2015-0242), this AD requires
compliance within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2016-0028
specifies that trained and authorized Zodiac Aerospace personnel must
do the inspection of the half rescue kit, this AD does not require that
Zodiac Aerospace personnel do the inspection.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 30 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85............................. $3,000 $3,085 $92,550
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions 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 these on-condition actions:
[[Page 38911]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $637.50 Up to $78,154...................... Up to $78,791.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to Zodiac Aerospace, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in the cost estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-11-10 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21572; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0188; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00642-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 27, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1,
AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters, certificated in any category,
as identified in European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2016-0028, dated February 15, 2016
(EASA AD 2016-0028).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2564, Life Raft.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that damage (scorch marks) was
found on an internal life raft installation that contained a half
rescue kit. Investigation revealed that the damage was caused by an
unsuitable folding process for the life raft, which led to
compression of the flashlight battery in the half rescue kit. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address leakage of the flashlight battery
in a half rescue kit, which could result in damage to the internal
life raft, and subsequent failure of the internal life raft to
deploy (for example after a ditching), which could impede or prevent
safe evacuation of the occupants from the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2016-0028.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2016-0028
(1) Where EASA AD 2016-0028 refers to its effective date or to
January 7, 2016 (the effective date of EASA AD 2015-0242), this AD
requires compliance within 3 months after the effective date of this
AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2016-0028 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2016-0028 specifies
accomplishing corrective actions in accordance with the instructions
of Zodiac Aerospace SB No. 025-64-13 referred to in paragraph 3.B of
Airbus Helicopters ASB AS365-25.01.63, this AD requires using Zodiac
Aerospace Service Bulletin SB 025-64-13, Revision 0, dated November
23, 2015 or Revision 1, dated January 19, 2016.
(4) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2016-
0028 specifies to return certain parts, this AD does not include
that requirement.
(5) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2016-
0028 specifies that trained and authorized Zodiac Aerospace
personnel must do the inspection of the half rescue kit, this AD
does not require that Zodiac Aerospace personnel do the inspection.
(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) 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
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].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference
[[Page 38912]]
(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 2016-0028, dated
February 15, 2016.
(ii) Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin SB 025-64-13, Revision 0,
dated November 23, 2015.
(iii) Zodiac Aerospace Service Bulletin SB 025-64-13, Revision
1, dated January 19, 2016.
(3) For EASA AD 2016-0028, 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. For Zodiac
Aerospace service information, contact Safran Aerosystems--Plaisir,
61 rue Pierre Curie CS20001, 78373 Plaisir Cedex, France; telephone
(33) 1 61 34 23 23; fax (33) 1 61 34 24 41; or at https://www.safran-aerosystems.com.
(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-
2021-0188.
(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
[email protected], or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on June 10, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-15480 Filed 7-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
