Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters, 7683-7685 [2022-02752]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 17, 2022.
effective date of this AD using FiberglasTechnik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/
Instructions (A/I–G09), dated April 8, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the certification office,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD and
email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-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.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following gliders,
all serial numbers, certificated in any
category:
(1) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner
GmbH & Co. KG (type certificate previously
held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace
GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart
Grob Luft—und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG,
GROB TFE, GROB–WERKE GMBH & CO KG
(a division of Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau))
Model G102 ASTIR CS.
(2) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner
GmbH & Co. KG (type certificate previously
held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace
GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart
Grob Luft—und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG)
Model G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN II,
G103A TWIN II ACRO, G103 C TWIN III
ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III SL.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 2730, Elevator Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by the aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI
describes the unsafe condition as corrosion
on the elevator control pushrod. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
failure of the elevator control pushrod and
loss of control of the glider.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 25 hours time in service (TIS)
after the effective date of this AD, inspect the
elevator control pushrod in the vertical fin
for water and corrosion and replace the
elevator control pushrod before further flight
if there is any water or corrosion in
accordance with the Actions and
Instructions, paragraph 3, of FiberglasTechnik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/
Instructions (A/I–G09), Revision 1, dated
May 14, 2020.
(2) If no water and no corrosion is detected,
before further flight, treat the inside of the
elevator control pushrod with corrosion
preventative LPS 3 or equivalent.
(3) If required by paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD, you must replace the elevator control
pushrod before further flight with an elevator
control pushrod that has zero hours TIS or
with an elevator control pushrod that has
passed the inspection in accordance with
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this
AD if you performed these actions before the
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(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Jim Rutherford, Aviation Safety
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
MO 64106; phone: (816) 329–4165; email:
jim.rutherford@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0138, dated
June 19, 2020, for more information. You
may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0944.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner
Anweisung/Instructions (A/I–G09), Revision
1, dated May 14, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (k)(2)(i): This service
information contains German to English
translation. EASA used the English
translation in referencing the document from
Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner. For
enforceability purposes, the FAA will cite the
service information in English as it appears
on the document.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf
Lindner GmbH & Co. KG, Steige 3, D–88487
Walpertshofen, Germany; phone: +49 (0)
7353 22 43; email: info@LTB-Lindner.com;
website: https://www.ltb-lindner.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (817) 222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
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7683
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on January 20, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–02717 Filed 2–9–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–1012; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00697–R; Amendment
39–21916; AD 2022–02–19]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3
helicopters. This AD was prompted by
a report of restricted collective lever
movement caused by entanglement of
the emergency flashlight strap with the
cargo hook emergency release lever,
causing the emergency flashlight to
leave its seat. This AD requires
replacing each affected emergency
flashlight with a serviceable part, as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 17,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 17, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 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
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
service information identified in this
final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters,
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
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. Service information
that is IBRed is also available in the AD
docket at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–1012.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–1012; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
final rule, the EASA AD, any comments
received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
Hal
Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational
Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L’Enfant Plaza
SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone
(202) 267–9167; email hal.jensen@
faa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2021–0149,
dated June 21, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–
0149), to correct an unsafe condition for
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) 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, all
serial numbers up to 820 inclusive.
Model EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1,
EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters
are not certificated by the FAA and are
not included on the U.S. type certificate
data sheet (TCDS), except where the
TCDS explains that the Model
EC635T2+ helicopter having serial
number 0858 was converted from Model
EC635T2+ to Model EC135T2+. This
AD, therefore, does not include Model
EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635
T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters in the
applicability.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:22 Feb 09, 2022
Jkt 256001
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1,
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3,
EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and
EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any
category, as identified in EASA 2021–
0149. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on November 23, 2021
(86 FR 66474). The NPRM was
prompted by a report of restricted
collective lever movement caused by
entanglement of the emergency
flashlight strap with the cargo hook
emergency release lever, causing the
emergency flashlight to leave its seat.
The NPRM proposed to require
replacing each affected emergency
flashlight with a serviceable part, as
specified in EASA AD 2021–0149.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
entanglement of the emergency
flashlight strap with the cargo hook
emergency release lever. See EASA AD
2021–0149 for additional background
information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on
the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA about the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA reviewed
the relevant data and determined that
air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters. Except
for minor editorial changes, including
updating the name ‘‘Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH’’ to ‘‘Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)’’
to match its FAA TCDS type certificate
holder name, adding the Other Related
Service Information section to describe
Airbus Helicopters service information,
correcting the issuance date of EASA
AD 2021–0149 in the Applicability
paragraph, and reformatting and
updating the Costs of Compliance
section, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0149 requires
replacing each affected emergency
flashlight with a serviceable part. EASA
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AD 2021–0149 also specifies that an
affected part can be modified and reidentified into a serviceable part. EASA
AD 2021–0149 also prohibits the
installation of an affected part.
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 ASB EC135–25A–
032, Revision 0, dated May 20, 2021.
This service information specifies
procedures to remove the strap from the
emergency flashlight and what part
number to write on the flashlight.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 335 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 AD.
Replacing an emergency flashlight
takes about 1 work-hour and parts cost
about $219 for an estimated cost of $304
per flashlight. Alternatively, modifying
an emergency flashlight takes about 1
work-hour for an estimated cost of $85
per flashlight.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
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:
■
2022–02–19 Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment
39–21916; Docket No. FAA–2021–1012;
Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00697–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 17, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1,
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3
helicopters, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0149, dated June
21, 2021 (EASA 2021–0149).
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(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 2510, Flight Compartment Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
restricted collective lever movement.
Subsequent inspection determined that the
emergency flashlight was stuck under that
lever caused by entanglement of the
emergency flashlight strap with the cargo
hook emergency release lever, causing the
emergency flashlight to leave its seat. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address
entanglement of the emergency flashlight
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:22 Feb 09, 2022
Jkt 256001
strap with the cargo hook emergency release
lever. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in reduced control of the
helicopter, resulting in damage to the
helicopter and injury to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2021–0149.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0149
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0149 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0149.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950
L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024;
telephone (202) 267–9167; email hal.jensen@
faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2021–0149, dated June 21, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021–0149, 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.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
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7685
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–2021–1012.
(5) You may view this material that is
incorporated by reference at the National
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, email
fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on January 18, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–02752 Filed 2–9–22; 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; Amendment
39–21910; AD 2022–02–13]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters.
This AD was prompted by a report of
corrosion found on the external tail
boom skin, under the Very High
Frequency (VHF) antenna. This AD
requires 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
incorporated by reference. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 17,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 17, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
final rule, contact EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000;
email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the
EASA material on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 28 (Thursday, February 10, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7683-7685]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02752]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1012; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00697-R;
Amendment 39-21916; AD 2022-02-19]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1,
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of restricted collective
lever movement caused by entanglement of the emergency flashlight strap
with the cargo hook emergency release lever, causing the emergency
flashlight to leave its seat. This AD requires replacing each affected
emergency flashlight with a serviceable part, as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated
by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 17, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (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 Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus
Helicopters,
[[Page 7684]]
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. Service information that is IBRed is also
available in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1012.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1012; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the
EASA AD, any comments received, and other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC
20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0149, dated June 21, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0149), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD) 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, all serial numbers
up to 820 inclusive. Model EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+,
and EC635 T3 helicopters are not certificated by the FAA and are not
included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet (TCDS), except where
the TCDS explains that the Model EC635T2+ helicopter having serial
number 0858 was converted from Model EC635T2+ to Model EC135T2+. This
AD, therefore, does not include Model EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1,
EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters in the applicability.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any
category, as identified in EASA 2021-0149. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on November 23, 2021 (86 FR 66474). The NPRM was
prompted by a report of restricted collective lever movement caused by
entanglement of the emergency flashlight strap with the cargo hook
emergency release lever, causing the emergency flashlight to leave its
seat. The NPRM proposed to require replacing each affected emergency
flashlight with a serviceable part, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0149.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address entanglement of the emergency
flashlight strap with the cargo hook emergency release lever. See EASA
AD 2021-0149 for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters. Except for minor editorial changes,
including updating the name ``Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH'' to
``Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)'' to match its FAA TCDS
type certificate holder name, adding the Other Related Service
Information section to describe Airbus Helicopters service information,
correcting the issuance date of EASA AD 2021-0149 in the Applicability
paragraph, and reformatting and updating the Costs of Compliance
section, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0149 requires replacing each affected emergency
flashlight with a serviceable part. EASA AD 2021-0149 also specifies
that an affected part can be modified and re-identified into a
serviceable part. EASA AD 2021-0149 also prohibits the installation of
an affected part.
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 ASB
EC135-25A-032, Revision 0, dated May 20, 2021. This service information
specifies procedures to remove the strap from the emergency flashlight
and what part number to write on the flashlight.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 335 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 AD.
Replacing an emergency flashlight takes about 1 work-hour and parts
cost about $219 for an estimated cost of $304 per flashlight.
Alternatively, modifying an emergency flashlight takes about 1 work-
hour for an estimated cost of $85 per flashlight.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
[[Page 7685]]
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2022-02-19 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
21916; Docket No. FAA-2021-1012; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00697-
R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 17, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2,
EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-
0149, dated June 21, 2021 (EASA 2021-0149).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2510, Flight
Compartment Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of restricted collective lever
movement. Subsequent inspection determined that the emergency
flashlight was stuck under that lever caused by entanglement of the
emergency flashlight strap with the cargo hook emergency release
lever, causing the emergency flashlight to leave its seat. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address entanglement of the emergency
flashlight strap with the cargo hook emergency release lever. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control
of the helicopter, resulting in damage to the helicopter and injury
to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0149.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0149
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0149 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0149.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen,
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant
Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email
[email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0149,
dated June 21, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0149, 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.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. This material may be
found in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1012.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
[email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on January 18, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02752 Filed 2-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
