Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 7695-7698 [2022-02759]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
(ii) For any wing that on the effective date
of this AD has accumulated 12,000 or more
hours total TIS or 24,000 or more total flight
cycles, accomplish the task before
accumulating 13,000 hours total TIS or
26,000 total flight cycles or within 60 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first.
(5) Tasks 57–039 to 57–041 inclusive: For
any wing that on the effective date of this AD
has more than 20 years since the date of
manufacture and has not previously been
inspected in accordance with Viking Service
Bulletin V6/0018, inspect the wing upper
surface within 120 days after the effective
date of this AD.
(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After the maintenance records have been
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections)
or intervals may be used unless the actions
or intervals are approved as an alternative
method of compliance (AMOC) in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5;
phone: (North America) (800) 663–8444; fax:
(250) 656–0673; email: technical.support@
vikingair.com; website: https://
www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins.
(4) You may view this service information
at the 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
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. 2022–02715 Filed 2–9–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, New York ACO 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 (k)(1) of
this AD.
(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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(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Aziz Ahmed, Aviation Safety
Engineer, New York ACO Branch, FAA,1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (516) 228–7329; fax: (516)
794–5531; email: aziz.ahmed@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF–
2019–02, dated January 9, 2019, for more
information. You may examine the Transport
Canada AD in the AD docket at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0960.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Viking Air Limited DHC–6 Twin Otter
PSM 1–6–11, Airframe Airworthiness
Limitations Manual, Revision 9, dated April
30, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Viking Air Limited
Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:22 Feb 09, 2022
Jkt 256001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–1181; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00562–R; Amendment
39–21901; AD 2022–02–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B,
AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350BA
helicopters. This AD was prompted by
a report that a modification of the
electrical wiring of the hydraulic system
was wrongly embodied on certain
helicopters, and a wiring nonconformity caused the solenoid of the
tail rotor (TR) load compensator to deenergize when the ‘‘HYD’’ cut-off switch
was activated. This AD requires
installing a placard in the cockpit, in
full view of the pilots; a functional
check of the main rotor (MR) and TR
servo actuator solenoids, and corrective
actions (modification) if necessary; a
modification (unless already done); and,
after corrective actions or modification,
optional removal of the placard, as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference. The FAA is
SUMMARY:
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7695
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
February 25, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of February 25, 2022.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by March 28, 2022.
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 material incorporated by reference
(IBR) in this AD, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find this 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–
1181.
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–
1181; 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 AD, 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:
Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance
& Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (516) 228–7323; email:
Darren.Gassetto@faa.gov.
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7696
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Requirements of This AD
Background
This AD requires accomplishing the
actions specified in EASA AD 2021–
0123–E, described previously, as
incorporated by reference, except for
any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this AD.
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA
Emergency AD 2021–0123–E, dated May
7, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0123–E) (also
referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model
AS350B, AS350B2, AS350B3, and
AS350BA helicopters.
This AD was prompted by a report
that a modification of the electrical
wiring of the hydraulic system was
wrongly embodied on certain
helicopters, and a wiring nonconformity caused the solenoid of the
TR load compensator to de-energize
when the ‘‘HYD’’ cut-off switch was
activated. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition, which if
not corrected, could lead to loss of
hydraulic power in TR control during
application of the emergency procedure
for loss of MR hydraulic, or during
hydraulic off training when the ‘‘HYD’’
cut-off switch is activated, possibly
resulting in loss of control of the
helicopter. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part
51
EASA AD 2021–0123–E specifies
procedures for installing a placard in
the cockpit, in full view of the pilots; a
functional check of the MR and TR
servo actuator solenoids, and corrective
actions (modification) if necessary; a
modification (unless already done); and,
after corrective actions or modification,
optional removal of the placard. 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.
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FAA’s Determination
These products have been approved
by the aviation authority of another
country, and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the State
of Design Authority, the FAA has been
notified of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced
above. The FAA is issuing this AD after
evaluating all pertinent information and
determining that the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop
on other products of the same type
design.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:22 Feb 09, 2022
Jkt 256001
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with
Airbus and EASA to develop a process
to use certain EASA ADs as the primary
source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding
FAA ADs. The FAA has since
coordinated with other manufacturers
and civil aviation authorities to use this
process. As a result, EASA AD 2021–
0123–E will be incorporated by
reference in the FAA final rule. This AD
would, therefore, require compliance
with EASA AD 2021–0123–E in its
entirety, through that incorporation,
except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this
AD. Using common terms that are the
same as the heading of a particular
section in the EASA AD 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 the EASA AD. Service
information specified in EASA AD
2021–0123–E that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2021–0123–
E is available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
1181.
Justification for Immediate Adoption
and Determination of the Effective Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies
to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency,
for ‘‘good cause’’ finds that those
procedures are ‘‘impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest.’’ Under this section, an agency,
upon finding good cause, may issue a
final rule without providing notice and
seeking comment prior to issuance.
Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules
effective in less than thirty days, upon
a finding of good cause.
There are currently no domestic
operators of these products.
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for
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prior public comment are unnecessary,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In
addition, for the foregoing reasons, the
FAA finds that good cause exists
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making
this amendment effective in less than 30
days.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your
comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2021–1181; Project Identifier MCAI–
2021–00562–R’’ at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the AD,
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 AD 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 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 AD 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 AD,
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 AD. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Darren Gassetto,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program
Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (516) 228–7323; email:
Darren.Gassetto@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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The requirements of the RFA do not
apply when an agency finds good cause
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule
without prior notice and comment.
Because the FAA has determined that it
has good cause to adopt this rule
without prior notice and comment, RFA
analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
Currently, there are no affected U.S.registered helicopters. If an affected
7697
helicopter is imported and placed on
the U.S. Register in the future, the FAA
provides the following cost estimates to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Install Placard ..................................
Functional Check .............................
Modification ......................................
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................................................
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................................................
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ........................................................
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
action that would be required based on
Parts cost
the results of any required inspections.
The FAA has no way of determining the
Cost per
product
$0
0
500
$85
85
670
number of helicopters that might need
this on-condition action:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Modification ......................................
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ........................................................
$500
$670
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
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Regulatory Findings
16:22 Feb 09, 2022
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:
■
The FAA determined that this AD
will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD
will not have a substantial direct effect
on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and
the States, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this regulation:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska.
Jkt 256001
2022–02–04 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–21901; Docket No.
FAA–2021–1181; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00562–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective February 25, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
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(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model AS350B, AS350B2, AS350B3, and
AS350BA helicopters, certificated in any
category, serial numbers 1241, 1525, 1601,
1708, 1825, 1910, 1973, 2056, 2072, 2361,
2394, 3170, 3223, 3479, 3789, 9005, 9010,
and 9035.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 2997, Hydraulic Power System Wiring.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a
modification of the electrical wiring of the
hydraulic system was wrongly embodied on
certain helicopters, and a wiring nonconformity caused the solenoid of the tail
rotor (TR) load compensator to de-energize
when the ‘‘HYD’’ cut-off switch was
activated. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition, which if not
corrected, could lead to loss of hydraulic
power in TR control during application of the
emergency procedure for loss of main rotor
(MR) hydraulic, or during hydraulic off
training when the ‘‘HYD’’ cut-off switch is
activated, possibly resulting 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) Emergency AD 2021–
0123–E, dated May 7, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–
0123–E).
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0123–E
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0123–E refers to
its effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0123–E does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021–0123–E refers to
flight hours (FH), this AD requires using
hours time-in-service.
(4) Where Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021–
0123–E specifies ‘‘do not perform any
training of in-flight hydraulic off as specified
in FMS SUP.7,’’ this AD requires installing
a placard in the cockpit, in full view of the
pilots, with the specific statement ‘‘Do not
perform any training of in-flight hydraulic off
as specified in FMS SUP.7.’’
(5) Where EASA AD 2021–0123–E refers to
‘‘discrepancies,’’ for the purposes of this AD
the definition of ‘‘discrepancies’’ is failure of
the functional check.
(6) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0123–E
specifies to scrap certain wires, this AD
requires removing those wires from service.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021–0123–E, contact the
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000;
email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet:
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110. This
material may be found in the AD docket on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–1181.
(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.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0123–E
specifies to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
Issued on January 6, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart
Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone:
(516) 228–7323; email: Darren.Gassetto@
faa.gov.
(l) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) Emergency AD 2021–0123–E, dated
May 7, 2021.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:46 Feb 09, 2022
Jkt 256001
[FR Doc. 2022–02759 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–2021–1184; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00573–R; Amendment
39–21905; AD 2022–02–08]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.a. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
Examining the AD Docket
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and
AB412 EP helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a report that certain oil
and fuel check valves are susceptible to
cracking. This AD requires determining
whether the affected oil and fuel check
valves are installed, visually inspecting
the oil and fuel check valves for any
crack, and depending on the inspection
results, removing certain parts from
service. This AD also requires removing
affected parts from service and
installing serviceable parts, and
prohibits the installation of affected
parts as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is incorporated by reference. The
SUMMARY:
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FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
February 25, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of February 25, 2022.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by March 28, 2022.
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 EASA material incorporated by
reference (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 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. This material is
also available at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket FAA–2021–1184.
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–1184; 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
AD, the EASA AD, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal
Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950
L’Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC
20024; telephone (202) 267–9167; email
hal.jensen@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM
10FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 28 (Thursday, February 10, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7695-7698]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02759]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1181; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00562-R;
Amendment 39-21901; AD 2022-02-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350BA
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that a modification of
the electrical wiring of the hydraulic system was wrongly embodied on
certain helicopters, and a wiring non-conformity caused the solenoid of
the tail rotor (TR) load compensator to de-energize when the ``HYD''
cut-off switch was activated. This AD requires installing a placard in
the cockpit, in full view of the pilots; a functional check of the main
rotor (MR) and TR servo actuator solenoids, and corrective actions
(modification) if necessary; a modification (unless already done); and,
after corrective actions or modification, optional removal of the
placard, 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 becomes effective February 25, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 25,
2022.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 28, 2022.
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 material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49
221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; internet: www.easa.europa.eu.
You may find this material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. 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-2021-1181.
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-
1181; 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 AD, 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: Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (516) 228-7323; email: [email protected].
[[Page 7696]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD 2021-0123-E, dated May 7,
2021 (EASA AD 2021-0123-E) (also referred to as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B2,
AS350B3, and AS350BA helicopters.
This AD was prompted by a report that a modification of the
electrical wiring of the hydraulic system was wrongly embodied on
certain helicopters, and a wiring non-conformity caused the solenoid of
the TR load compensator to de-energize when the ``HYD'' cut-off switch
was activated. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition, which if not corrected, could lead to loss of hydraulic
power in TR control during application of the emergency procedure for
loss of MR hydraulic, or during hydraulic off training when the ``HYD''
cut-off switch is activated, possibly resulting in loss of control of
the helicopter. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0123-E specifies procedures for installing a placard
in the cockpit, in full view of the pilots; a functional check of the
MR and TR servo actuator solenoids, and corrective actions
(modification) if necessary; a modification (unless already done); and,
after corrective actions or modification, optional removal of the
placard. 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.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country, and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design
Authority, the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described
in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD after
evaluating all pertinent information and determining that the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of
the same type design.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD
2021-0123-E, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation
authorities to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2021-0123-E will
be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This AD would,
therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2021-0123-E in its entirety,
through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that
are the same as the heading of a particular section in the EASA AD 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
the EASA AD. Service information specified in EASA AD 2021-0123-E that
is required for compliance with EASA AD 2021-0123-E is available on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-1181.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
There are currently no domestic operators of these products.
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for the
foregoing reasons, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-1181; Project Identifier MCAI-
2021-00562-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the AD, 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
AD 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 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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Darren
Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-
7323; 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.
[[Page 7697]]
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good
cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and
comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt
this rule without prior notice and comment, RFA analysis is not
required.
Costs of Compliance
Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered helicopters. If an
affected helicopter is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future, the FAA provides the following cost estimates to comply with
this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install Placard............................ 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85... $0 $85
Functional Check........................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85... 0 85
Modification............................... 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170. 500 670
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any
required inspections. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need this on-condition action:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification.............................. 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170 $500 $670
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
2022-02-04 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21901; Docket No. FAA-
2021-1181; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00562-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 25,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B2,
AS350B3, and AS350BA helicopters, certificated in any category,
serial numbers 1241, 1525, 1601, 1708, 1825, 1910, 1973, 2056, 2072,
2361, 2394, 3170, 3223, 3479, 3789, 9005, 9010, and 9035.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2997, Hydraulic
Power System Wiring.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a modification of the
electrical wiring of the hydraulic system was wrongly embodied on
certain helicopters, and a wiring non-conformity caused the solenoid
of the tail rotor (TR) load compensator to de-energize when the
``HYD'' cut-off switch was activated. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition, which if not corrected, could lead to
loss of hydraulic power in TR control during application of the
emergency procedure for loss of main rotor (MR) hydraulic, or during
hydraulic off training when the ``HYD'' cut-off switch is activated,
possibly resulting 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)
Emergency AD 2021-0123-E, dated May 7, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0123-E).
[[Page 7698]]
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0123-E
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0123-E refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0123-E does not
apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021-0123-E refers to flight hours (FH), this
AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0123-E specifies ``do
not perform any training of in-flight hydraulic off as specified in
FMS SUP.7,'' this AD requires installing a placard in the cockpit,
in full view of the pilots, with the specific statement ``Do not
perform any training of in-flight hydraulic off as specified in FMS
SUP.7.''
(5) Where EASA AD 2021-0123-E refers to ``discrepancies,'' for
the purposes of this AD the definition of ``discrepancies'' is
failure of the functional check.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0123-E specifies to scrap certain wires, this AD requires removing
those wires from service.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0123-E 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) 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
For more information about this AD, contact Darren Gassetto,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7323;
email: [email protected].
(l) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD
2021-0123-E, dated May 7, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0123-E, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
[email protected]; internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110. This material may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-1181.
(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 6, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02759 Filed 2-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
