Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 52856-52859 [2021-20409]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 182 / Thursday, September 23, 2021 / Proposed Rules
identical design switch guard installed on the
pilot collective stick, Model AS355NP
helicopters are also affected. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address mechanical
deformation on the protective cover of the
‘‘SHEAR’’ control pushbutton installed on
the pilot collective stick. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
unintended shearing of the hoist cable,
possibly resulting in injury to hoisted
person(s).
For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
This material may be found in the AD docket
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0796.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L’Enfant
Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; phone:
(202) 267–9167; email: hal.jensen@faa.gov.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
Issued on September 15, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0027R1,
dated January 22, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–
0027R1).
[FR Doc. 2021–20407 Filed 9–22–21; 8:45 am]
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0027R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0027R1 refers to
its effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not require the
‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2021–
0027R1.
(i) Flight Condition Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD: Do not
perform external load operations until the
modification required by Paragraph (1) of
EASA AD 2021–0027R1 is complete.
(j) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0027R1
specifies to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
(k) 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 (l)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(l) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2021–0027R1, contact
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 view this
material at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
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BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0797; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00218–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3
helicopters. This proposed AD was
prompted by reduced life limits being
established for certain part-numbered
tail rotor (TR) blades. This proposed AD
would require determining the total
hours time-in-service (TIS) of certain
part-numbered TR blades, establishing a
life limit for certain part-numbered TR
blades, removing from service any TR
blade that has reached or exceeded its
life limit, creating a component history
card, re-identifying certain partnumbered TR blades, and removing any
TR blade from service before reaching
its retirement life. This proposed AD
would also prohibit installing certain
TR blades on certain model helicopters.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by November 8,
2021.
DATES:
You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
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11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Airbus Helicopters,
2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie,
TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or
(800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or
at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/
services/technical-support.html. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call (817) 222–5110.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0797 or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
NPRM, the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance
& Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228–7330; email
andrea.jimenez@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–0797; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00218–R’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 182 / Thursday, September 23, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Andrea Jimenez,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program
Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228–7330; email
andrea.jimenez@faa.gov. Any
commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2021–0050,
dated February 23, 2021 (EASA AD
2021–0050), to correct an unsafe
condition for Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD), formerly
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH,
Eurocopter Espan˜a S.A., Model EC135
P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 P3,
EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, EC135
T3, EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1,
EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters,
all variants, and all serial numbers.
EASA advises that a reduced life limit
has been established for certain partnumbered TR blades due to higher loads
experienced in service. This condition,
if not addressed, could result in fatigue
and failure of a TR blade and loss of
control of the helicopter.
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Accordingly, EASA AD 2021–0050
requires determining the total hours TIS
for certain part-numbered TR blades,
recalculating the TIS for affected parts,
and implementing a reduced life limit.
EASA AD 2021–0050 also prohibits
installing certain part-numbered TR
blades and TR head assemblies and
provides conditions for re-installation of
certain TR blades.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA about the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA is
proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and
determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of these
same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC135H–
04A–002 and Airbus Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin ASB EC135–04A–014,
both Revision 1, and both dated
December 21, 2020. This service
information specifies procedures to
determine the total hours TIS of certain
TR blades and provides instructions to
re-identify certain part-numbered TR
blades.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require
within 350 hours time-in-service (TIS),
determining the total hours TIS of
certain part-numbered TR blades and
removing from service certain partnumbered TR blades that have
accumulated or exceeded 6,800 total
hours TIS. This proposed AD would
also require for certain part-numbered
TR blades with less than 6,800 total
hours TIS, creating a component history
card or equivalent record to establish a
life limit of 6,800 total hours TIS, and
removing these TR blades from service
before accumulating 6,800 total hours
TIS. This proposed AD would require
for certain model helicopters reidentifying certain part-numbered TR
blades with new part numbers and
removing those newly re-identified TR
blades from service before exceeding
6,800 total hours TIS.
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52857
This proposed AD would also require
for certain model helicopters with
certain part-numbered TR blades
installed that have been previously
installed on certain model helicopters
determining the total hours TIS of the
TR blade in accordance with a method
approved by the FAA or EASA. Finally,
for certain model helicopters this
proposed AD would prohibit installing
certain part-numbered TR blades and for
certain model helicopters this proposed
AD would prohibit installing certain
part-numbered TR blades that have
exceeded or accumulated 500 total
hours TIS while previously installed on
certain model helicopters.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and EASA AD 2021–0050
EASA AD 2021–0050 requires
compliance using calendar time,
whereas this proposed AD would
require compliance using hours TIS
instead. EASA AD 2021–0050 applies to
Model EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1,
EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters,
which are not certificated by the FAA
and are not included on the U.S. type
certificate data sheet, except where the
U.S. type certificate data sheet explains
that the model EC635 T2+ helicopter
having serial number 0858 was
converted from Model EC635 T2+ to
Model EC135 T2+. This proposed AD,
therefore, does not include Model
EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635
T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters in the
applicability. EASA AD 2021–0050
specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH to determine the
total hours TIS accumulated by certain
TR blades whereas this proposed AD
would require determining the total
hours TIS accumulated by the TR blade
in accordance with a method approved
by the FAA or EASA. EASA AD 2021–
0050 prohibits installing certain partnumbered TR head assemblies as
defined in its AD, whereas this AD
would not contain this prohibition.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 341
helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates
are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Based on these numbers, the FAA
estimates the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD.
Determining the total hours TIS of
each TR blade, updating the helicopter
records and re-identifying each TR
blade would take about 10 work-hours
for each TR blade, for an estimated cost
of $850 per TR blade.
Replacing each TR blade would take
about 10 work-hours and parts would
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 182 / Thursday, September 23, 2021 / Proposed Rules
cost about $4,400 for an estimated cost
of $5,250 per TR blade replacement.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify
this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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Jkt 253001
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH:
Docket No. FAA–2021–0797; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00218–R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by November 8,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1,
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3
helicopters, certificated in any category, with
tail rotor (TR) blade part number (P/N)
L642A2002101, L642A2002103,
L642A2002104, L642A2002111, or
L642A2002112 installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6410, Tail rotor blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a notification of
certain parts needing a reduced life limit
when installed on certain model helicopters.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent certain
part-numbered TR blades from remaining in
service beyond their fatigue life. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
fatigue and failure of a TR blade and loss of
helicopter control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For all model helicopters identified in
paragraph (c) of this AD, within 350 hours
time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date
of this AD, determine the total hours TIS of
each TR blade P/N L642A2002101 or P/N
L642A2002111 in accordance with paragraph
3.B.2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
ASB EC135H–04A–002, Revision 1, dated
December 21, 2020 (ASB EC135H–04A–002)
or paragraph 3.B.2 (version A) or 3.B.4
(version B) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin ASB EC135–04A–014,
Revision 1, dated December 21, 2020 (ASB
EC135–04A–014) as applicable to your model
helicopter. Remove from service any TR
blade that has accumulated or exceeded
6,800 total hours TIS. For each TR blade that
has accumulated less than 6,800 total hours
TIS do the following:
(i) Create a component history card or
equivalent record to establish a life limit of
6,800 total hours TIS.
(ii) Re-identify each TR blade P/N
L642A2002101 as P/N L642A2002104 and reidentify each T/R blade P/N L642A2002111
as P/N L642A2002112 by following
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paragraph 3.B.5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of ASB EC135H–04A–002, or
paragraph 3.B.7 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of ASB EC135–04A–014 as
applicable to your model helicopter.
(iii) Thereafter, remove from service any
TR blade P/N L642A2002104 or P/N
L642A2002112 before it accumulates 6,800
total hours TIS.
(2) For Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, and
EC135T2+ helicopters with TR blade P/N
L642A2002103 that has previously been
installed on Model EC135P3 or EC135T3
helicopters, within 350 hours TIS after the
effective date of this AD, determine the total
hours TIS of the TR blade in accordance with
a method approved by the Manager, General
Aviation and Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Airbus Helicopters’ EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) For Model EC135P3 and EC135T3
helicopters within 350 hours TIS after the
effective date of this AD, remove from service
any TR blade P/N L642A2002103 before
exceeding 6,800 total hours TIS.
(4) For Model EC135P3 and EC135T3
helicopters, as of the effective date of this
AD, do not install any TR blade P/N
L642A2002101, P/N L642A2002103, or P/N
L642A2002111 on any helicopter.
(5) For Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+,
and EC635T2+ helicopters, as of the effective
date of this AD, do not install any TR blade
P/N L642A2002101 or L642A2002111 that
has accumulated or exceeded 500 total hours
TIS while installed on a Model EC135P3 or
EC135T3 helicopter.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart
Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone (516) 228–7330; email
andrea.jimenez@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 182 / Thursday, September 23, 2021 / Proposed Rules
North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323;
fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in
EASA AD 2021–0050, dated February 23,
2021. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA–2021–0797.
Issued on September 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–20409 Filed 9–22–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0829; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00189–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2021–04–21, which applies to certain
Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B
helicopters. AD 2021–04–21 requires an
inspection of the attachment bolts of the
main rotor (MR) hub scissors assembly
for discrepancies and repair if
necessary; part marking of the
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors
assembly; and repetitive inspections of
the part marking of the attachment bolts,
and repair if necessary. Since the FAA
issued AD 2021–04–21, the FAA has
determined that additional part marking
of the washer, scissor branch, and mast
ring of the corresponding nut side, and
repetitive inspections of the additional
part markings are necessary. This
proposed AD would continue to require
the actions in AD 2021–04–21; and also
would require part marking of the
washer, scissor branch, and mast ring of
the corresponding nut side, and
repetitive inspections of the additional
part markings and repair if necessary; as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
SUMMARY:
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proposed for incorporation by reference
(IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by November 8,
2021.
DATES:
You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For material that is proposed for IBR
in this AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000;
email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet:
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
IBR material on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may
view this 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–
0829.
ADDRESSES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0829; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal
Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950
L’Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC
20024; phone: (202) 267–9167; email:
hal.jensen@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
52859
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–0829; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00189–R’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposal.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Hal Jensen, Aerospace
Engineer, Operational Safety Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 950 L’Enfant Plaza N SW,
Washington, DC 20024; phone: (202)
267–9167; email: hal.jensen@faa.gov.
Any commentary that the FAA receives
that is not specifically designated as CBI
will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2021–04–21,
Amendment 39–21443 (86 FR 17278,
April 2, 2021) (AD 2021–04–21), which
applies to certain Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2021–
04–21 requires an inspection of the
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors
E:\FR\FM\23SEP1.SGM
23SEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 182 (Thursday, September 23, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52856-52859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20409]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0797; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00218-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by reduced life limits being established
for certain part-numbered tail rotor (TR) blades. This proposed AD
would require determining the total hours time-in-service (TIS) of
certain part-numbered TR blades, establishing a life limit for certain
part-numbered TR blades, removing from service any TR blade that has
reached or exceeded its life limit, creating a component history card,
re-identifying certain part-numbered TR blades, and removing any TR
blade from service before reaching its retirement life. This proposed
AD would also prohibit installing certain TR blades on certain model
helicopters. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 8,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus
Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
(972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may
view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort
Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0797 or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed
above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0797; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00218-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
[[Page 52857]]
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7330; email [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0050, dated February 23, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0050), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD), formerly Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH, Eurocopter Espa[ntilde]a S.A., Model EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135
P2+, EC135 P3, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, EC135 T3, EC635 P2+,
EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters, all variants,
and all serial numbers. EASA advises that a reduced life limit has been
established for certain part-numbered TR blades due to higher loads
experienced in service. This condition, if not addressed, could result
in fatigue and failure of a TR blade and loss of control of the
helicopter.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2021-0050 requires determining the total hours
TIS for certain part-numbered TR blades, recalculating the TIS for
affected parts, and implementing a reduced life limit. EASA AD 2021-
0050 also prohibits installing certain part-numbered TR blades and TR
head assemblies and provides conditions for re-installation of certain
TR blades.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
on other helicopters of these same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB
EC135H-04A-002 and Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC135-
04A-014, both Revision 1, and both dated December 21, 2020. This
service information specifies procedures to determine the total hours
TIS of certain TR blades and provides instructions to re-identify
certain part-numbered TR blades.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require within 350 hours time-in-service
(TIS), determining the total hours TIS of certain part-numbered TR
blades and removing from service certain part-numbered TR blades that
have accumulated or exceeded 6,800 total hours TIS. This proposed AD
would also require for certain part-numbered TR blades with less than
6,800 total hours TIS, creating a component history card or equivalent
record to establish a life limit of 6,800 total hours TIS, and removing
these TR blades from service before accumulating 6,800 total hours TIS.
This proposed AD would require for certain model helicopters re-
identifying certain part-numbered TR blades with new part numbers and
removing those newly re-identified TR blades from service before
exceeding 6,800 total hours TIS.
This proposed AD would also require for certain model helicopters
with certain part-numbered TR blades installed that have been
previously installed on certain model helicopters determining the total
hours TIS of the TR blade in accordance with a method approved by the
FAA or EASA. Finally, for certain model helicopters this proposed AD
would prohibit installing certain part-numbered TR blades and for
certain model helicopters this proposed AD would prohibit installing
certain part-numbered TR blades that have exceeded or accumulated 500
total hours TIS while previously installed on certain model
helicopters.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and EASA AD 2021-0050
EASA AD 2021-0050 requires compliance using calendar time, whereas
this proposed AD would require compliance using hours TIS instead. EASA
AD 2021-0050 applies to Model EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+,
and EC635 T3 helicopters, which are not certificated by the FAA and are
not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet, except where the
U.S. type certificate data sheet explains that the model EC635 T2+
helicopter having serial number 0858 was converted from Model EC635 T2+
to Model EC135 T2+. This proposed AD, therefore, does not include Model
EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters in
the applicability. EASA AD 2021-0050 specifies contacting Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH to determine the total hours TIS
accumulated by certain TR blades whereas this proposed AD would require
determining the total hours TIS accumulated by the TR blade in
accordance with a method approved by the FAA or EASA. EASA AD 2021-0050
prohibits installing certain part-numbered TR head assemblies as
defined in its AD, whereas this AD would not contain this prohibition.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 341 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates are estimated at
$85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
Determining the total hours TIS of each TR blade, updating the
helicopter records and re-identifying each TR blade would take about 10
work-hours for each TR blade, for an estimated cost of $850 per TR
blade.
Replacing each TR blade would take about 10 work-hours and parts
would
[[Page 52858]]
cost about $4,400 for an estimated cost of $5,250 per TR blade
replacement.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2021-0797;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00218-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by November 8, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and
EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any category, with tail rotor
(TR) blade part number (P/N) L642A2002101, L642A2002103,
L642A2002104, L642A2002111, or L642A2002112 installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail rotor
blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a notification of certain parts needing
a reduced life limit when installed on certain model helicopters.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent certain part-numbered TR
blades from remaining in service beyond their fatigue life. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in fatigue and
failure of a TR blade and loss of helicopter control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For all model helicopters identified in paragraph (c) of
this AD, within 350 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, determine the total hours TIS of each TR blade P/N
L642A2002101 or P/N L642A2002111 in accordance with paragraph 3.B.2
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin ASB EC135H-04A-002, Revision 1, dated December 21,
2020 (ASB EC135H-04A-002) or paragraph 3.B.2 (version A) or 3.B.4
(version B) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC135-04A-014, Revision 1, dated December
21, 2020 (ASB EC135-04A-014) as applicable to your model helicopter.
Remove from service any TR blade that has accumulated or exceeded
6,800 total hours TIS. For each TR blade that has accumulated less
than 6,800 total hours TIS do the following:
(i) Create a component history card or equivalent record to
establish a life limit of 6,800 total hours TIS.
(ii) Re-identify each TR blade P/N L642A2002101 as P/N
L642A2002104 and re-identify each T/R blade P/N L642A2002111 as P/N
L642A2002112 by following paragraph 3.B.5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of ASB EC135H-04A-002, or paragraph 3.B.7 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of ASB EC135-04A-014 as applicable to
your model helicopter.
(iii) Thereafter, remove from service any TR blade P/N
L642A2002104 or P/N L642A2002112 before it accumulates 6,800 total
hours TIS.
(2) For Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, and
EC135T2+ helicopters with TR blade P/N L642A2002103 that has
previously been installed on Model EC135P3 or EC135T3 helicopters,
within 350 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, determine
the total hours TIS of the TR blade in accordance with a method
approved by the Manager, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) For Model EC135P3 and EC135T3 helicopters within 350 hours
TIS after the effective date of this AD, remove from service any TR
blade P/N L642A2002103 before exceeding 6,800 total hours TIS.
(4) For Model EC135P3 and EC135T3 helicopters, as of the
effective date of this AD, do not install any TR blade P/N
L642A2002101, P/N L642A2002103, or P/N L642A2002111 on any
helicopter.
(5) For Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2,
EC135T2+, and EC635T2+ helicopters, as of the effective date of this
AD, do not install any TR blade P/N L642A2002101 or L642A2002111
that has accumulated or exceeded 500 total hours TIS while installed
on a Model EC135P3 or EC135T3 helicopter.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Andrea Jimenez,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7330; email [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701
[[Page 52859]]
North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000
or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort
Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in EASA AD 2021-0050,
dated February 23, 2021. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0797.
Issued on September 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-20409 Filed 9-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
