Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 59655-59658 [2021-23233]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 206 / Thursday, October 28, 2021 / Proposed Rules
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2021–
0886; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–
00341–R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by December 13,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters
EC120B helicopters, certificated in any
category.
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(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6410, Tail Rotor Blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
geometrical non-conformities in the tail rotor
blade (TRB) root section discovered during
an accident investigation of a Model EC130B
helicopter. Due to the similarity of design
and production requirements, certain TRBs
for the Model EC120B helicopters were
inspected and geometrical non-conformities
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were also found. The FAA is issuing this AD
to detect and correct geometrical nonconformities of the TRB root section. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in crack initiation and TRB failure, and
possibly result in loss of control of 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, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0079, dated
March 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0079).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0079
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0079 requires
compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021–0079 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0079 specifies
discarding a part, this AD requires removing
that part from service.
(4) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0079.
(5) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0079 specifies
to measure using the Smartphone
application, the PowerPoint method, or
‘‘Contacting customer support with a specific
procedure,’’ this AD requires determining the
specified measurements but those methods of
measurement are not required by this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0079 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in
accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199
to operate the helicopter to a location where
the actions of this AD can be performed,
provided no passengers are onboard.
(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.
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59655
(l) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2021–0079, 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.
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–2021–0886.
(2) 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; phone:
(516) 228–7330; email: andrea.jimenez@
faa.gov.
Issued on October 19, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–23236 Filed 10–27–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0887; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00045–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B
helicopters. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report of corrosion found
on the external tail boom skin, under
the Very High Frequency (VHF)
antenna. This proposed AD would
require inspecting the tail boom at the
VHF antenna attachments and
depending on the results, repairing or
modifying the tail boom skin, as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is
proposed for incorporation by reference
(IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by December 13,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 206 / Thursday, October 28, 2021 / Proposed Rules
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 EASA material that is proposed
for IBR in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
For Airbus Helicopter 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 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. The EASA
material is also available at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0887.
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Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0887; 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 EASA AD, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gregory Koenig, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe & Administrative Services
Section, Chicago ACO Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 2300 E Devon Ave., Des Plaines,
IL 60018; telephone (847) 294–7127;
email Gregory.L.Koenig@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
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your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–0887; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00045–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 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 Gregory Koenig,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe &
Administrative Services Section,
Chicago ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2300 E
Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018;
telephone (847) 294–7127; email
Gregory.L.Koenig@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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2021–0015,
dated January 13, 2021 (EASA AD
2021–0015), to correct an unsafe
condition for Airbus Helicopters (AH),
formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France
Model EC 120 B helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by
a report of corrosion found on the
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external tail boom skin, under the VHF
antenna of an EC120B helicopter. The
FAA is proposing this AD to detect
corrosion in that area and prevent the
degradation of the tail boom structure.
See EASA AD 2021–0015 for additional
background information.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0015 requires a onetime inspection of the VHF antenna
attachments to the tail boom and,
depending on the results, corrective
action or modification of the tail boom.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin No. EC120–
53A017, Revision 1, dated November
26, 2020. This service information
specifies procedures for inspecting and
modifying the VHF antenna attachments
on the tail boom.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus
Helicopters Service Bulletin No. EC120–
53–018, Revision 0, dated November 26,
2020. This service information specifies
procedures for repairing the tail boom if
there is any corrosion or a crack at the
VHF antenna attachments.
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 EASA AD 2021–0015. 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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2021–0015, described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD and
except as discussed under ‘‘Differences
Between this Proposed AD and the
EASA AD.’’
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
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process, the FAA developed a process to
use some civil aviation authority (CAA)
ADs as the primary source of
information for compliance with
requirements for corresponding FAA
ADs. The FAA has been coordinating
this process with manufacturers and
CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to
incorporate EASA AD 2021–0015 by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2021–0015
in its entirety through that
incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same
as the heading of a particular section in
EASA AD 2021–0015 does not mean
that operators need comply only with
that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ‘‘all required
actions and compliance times,’’
compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled
‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)’’ in EASA AD 2021–0015.
Service information referenced in EASA
AD 2021–0015 for compliance will be
available at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0887 after the FAA final
rule is published.
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Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0015
specifies ‘‘to check for corrosion under
the VHF antenna base support,’’ this
proposed AD would require inspecting
for corrosion because that action must
be accomplished by a mechanic that
meets the requirements of 14 CFR part
65 subpart D. Where the service
information referenced in EASA AD
2021–0015 specifies to ‘‘make sure that
there is no aluminum oxide (white
powder),’’ ‘‘make sure that there is no
pitting corrosion,’’ and ‘‘make sure that
there are no crack,’’ this proposed AD
would require inspecting for any
aluminum oxide (white powder), pitting
corrosion, and cracks instead. Where the
service information referenced in EASA
AD 2021–0015 specifies discarding
parts, this proposed AD would require
removing those parts from service
instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 89 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at
$85 per work-hour. Based on these
numbers, the FAA estimates that
operators may incur the following costs
in order to comply with this proposed
AD.
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Inspecting and modifying each tail
boom at VHF attachment would take
about 4 work-hours and parts would
cost about $4,745, for an estimated cost
of $5,085 per helicopter and $452,565
for the U.S. fleet.
If required, repairing the VHF antenna
attachment at the tail boom would take
up to 15 work-hours and parts would
cost up to $7,812, for an estimated cost
of up to $9,087 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
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59657
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2021–
0887; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–
00045–R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by December 13,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B helicopters, certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5302, Rotorcraft Tail Boom.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
corrosion found on the external tail boom
skin of a Model EC120B helicopter under the
Very High Frequency antenna. The FAA is
issuing this AD to detect corrosion in that
area and prevent the degradation of the tail
boom structure. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in possible roll-over
during landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency AD 2021–0015, dated January
13, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0015).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0015
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0015 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information
referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD
2021–0015 specifies to check for corrosion,
including to ‘‘make sure that there is no
aluminum oxide (white powder),’’ ‘‘make
sure that there is no pitting corrosion,’’ and
‘‘make sure that there are no crack,’’ this AD
requires inspecting for any aluminum oxide
(white powder), pitting corrosion, and cracks.
(3) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0015 specifies
discarding parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service.
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(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021–
0015 requires certain actions prior to the
installation of a tail boom on any helicopter,
including inspecting the tail boom, for this
AD, the requirements of paragraph (h)(2) of
this AD also apply to the inspection of the
tail boom.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0015.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0015 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(k) Related Information
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(1) For EASA AD 2021–0015, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may view this
material at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
This material may be found in the AD docket
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0887.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Gregory Koenig, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe & Administrative Services Section,
Chicago ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2300 E Devon
Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847)
294–7127; email Gregory.L.Koenig@faa.gov.
[FR Doc. 2021–23233 Filed 10–27–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0835; Project
Identifier AD–2021–00971–E]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; International
Aero Engines AG Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2021–11–15, which applies to certain
International Aero Engines AG (IAE)
V2500 model turbofan engines. AD
2021–11–15 requires performance of an
ultrasonic inspection (USI) of the highpressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage disk
and HPT 2nd-stage disk and, depending
on the results of the inspections,
replacement of the HPT 1st-stage disk or
HPT 2nd-stage disk. Since the FAA
issued AD 2021–11–15, the FAA
determined the need to clarify the
compliance time for inspection of any
HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage
disk that is installed on a low-thrust
model engine but had been previously
operated on a high-thrust model engine.
This proposed AD would require
performance of a USI of the HPT 1ststage disk and HPT 2nd-stage disk and,
depending on the results of the
inspections, replacement of the HPT 1ststage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk. 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 December 13,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact International Aero
Engines AG, 400 Main Street, East
Hartford, CT 06118; phone: (800) 565–
SUMMARY:
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k)(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.
Issued on October 19, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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0140; email: help24@prattwhitney.com;
website: https://
connect.prattwhitney.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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0835; 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alberto Hernandez, Aviation Safety
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: (781) 238–7329; fax: (781) 238–
7199; email: Alberto.J.Hernandez@
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–2021–0835; Project Identifier AD–
2021–00971–E’’ at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend the proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact we receive about this proposed
AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
E:\FR\FM\28OCP1.SGM
28OCP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 206 (Thursday, October 28, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59655-59658]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-23233]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0887; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00045-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report of corrosion found on the external tail boom
skin, under the Very High Frequency (VHF) antenna. This proposed AD
would require inspecting the tail boom at the VHF antenna attachments
and depending on the results, repairing or modifying the tail boom
skin, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by December
13, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
[[Page 59656]]
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 EASA material that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You
may find the EASA material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus Helicopter 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 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. The EASA material is
also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0887.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0887; 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 EASA AD,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory Koenig, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe & Administrative Services Section, Chicago ACO Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2300 E Devon Ave., Des
Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-7127; 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-2021-0887; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00045-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 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
Gregory Koenig, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe & Administrative Services
Section, Chicago ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
2300 E Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-7127;
email [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives
that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public
docket for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0015, dated January 13, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0015), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France Model EC 120 B
helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of corrosion found on the
external tail boom skin, under the VHF antenna of an EC120B helicopter.
The FAA is proposing this AD to detect corrosion in that area and
prevent the degradation of the tail boom structure. See EASA AD 2021-
0015 for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0015 requires a one-time inspection of the VHF antenna
attachments to the tail boom and, depending on the results, corrective
action or modification of the tail boom.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
EC120-53A017, Revision 1, dated November 26, 2020. This service
information specifies procedures for inspecting and modifying the VHF
antenna attachments on the tail boom.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No.
EC120-53-018, Revision 0, dated November 26, 2020. This service
information specifies procedures for repairing the tail boom if there
is any corrosion or a crack at the VHF antenna attachments.
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 EASA AD 2021-0015. 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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2021-0015, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the EASA AD.''
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
[[Page 59657]]
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2021-0015 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2021-0015 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2021-0015 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2021-
0015. Service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0015 for
compliance will be available at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0887 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0015
specifies ``to check for corrosion under the VHF antenna base
support,'' this proposed AD would require inspecting for corrosion
because that action must be accomplished by a mechanic that meets the
requirements of 14 CFR part 65 subpart D. Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021-0015 specifies to ``make sure that there is
no aluminum oxide (white powder),'' ``make sure that there is no
pitting corrosion,'' and ``make sure that there are no crack,'' this
proposed AD would require inspecting for any aluminum oxide (white
powder), pitting corrosion, and cracks instead. Where the service
information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0015 specifies discarding parts,
this proposed AD would require removing those parts from service
instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 89 helicopters of
U.S. Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this proposed AD.
Inspecting and modifying each tail boom at VHF attachment would
take about 4 work-hours and parts would cost about $4,745, for an
estimated cost of $5,085 per helicopter and $452,565 for the U.S.
fleet.
If required, repairing the VHF antenna attachment at the tail boom
would take up to 15 work-hours and parts would cost up to $7,812, for
an estimated cost of up to $9,087 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2021-0887; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00045-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by December 13, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5302, Rotorcraft
Tail Boom.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion found on the
external tail boom skin of a Model EC120B helicopter under the Very
High Frequency antenna. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect
corrosion in that area and prevent the degradation of the tail boom
structure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
possible roll-over during landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2021-0015,
dated January 13, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0015).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0015
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0015 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of
EASA AD 2021-0015 specifies to check for corrosion, including to
``make sure that there is no aluminum oxide (white powder),'' ``make
sure that there is no pitting corrosion,'' and ``make sure that
there are no crack,'' this AD requires inspecting for any aluminum
oxide (white powder), pitting corrosion, and cracks.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0015 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those
parts from service.
[[Page 59658]]
(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-0015 requires certain
actions prior to the installation of a tail boom on any helicopter,
including inspecting the tail boom, for this AD, the requirements of
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD also apply to the inspection of the tail
boom.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0015.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0015
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2021-0015, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
[email protected]; 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. 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-2021-0887.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Gregory Koenig,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe & Administrative Services Section,
Chicago ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2300 E
Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-7127; email
[email protected].
Issued on October 19, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-23233 Filed 10-27-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
