Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters, 51583-51585 [2022-18091]
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51583
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 87, No. 162
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX, 75052, United
States; phone: (972) 641–0000 or (800)
232–0323; or at: www.airbus.com/
helicopters/services/technicalsupport.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.
Federal Aviation Administration
Examining the AD Docket
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents.
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0510; Project
Identifier MCAI–2022–00158–R; Amendment
39–22139; AD 2022–17–01]
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
reports of the air conditioning system
(ACS) malfunctioning. This AD requires
deactivating the ACS and prohibits
installing the affected parts, 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 September
27, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of September 27, 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
Helicopters service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:35 Aug 22, 2022
Jkt 256001
You may examine the AD docket at
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–
0510; 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:
Stephanie Sunderbruch, Aerospace
Engineer, Safety Risk Management
Section, Systems Policy Branch, Policy
& Innovation Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–4659; email
Stephanie.L.Sunderbruch@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2022–0023,
dated February 3, 2022 (EASA AD
2022–0023), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (formerly
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH,
Eurocopter Espan˜a S.A.) Model EC135
P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 P3,
EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, EC135
T3, EC635 T2+, EC635 P2+, EC635 P3,
EC635 T1, and EC635 T3 helicopters, all
variants, serial numbers (S/N) from 0008
to 0869 inclusive, except S/N 0831 and
S/N 0864.
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 (AHD) Model
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+,
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2,
EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, S/
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
N from 0008 to 0869 inclusive, except
S/N 0831 and S/N 0864. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
May 10, 2022 (87 FR 27954). The NPRM
was prompted by reports of the ACS
malfunctioning; investigation into the
malfunction has identified that certain
ACS soft start units are the root cause.
The NPRM proposed to require
deactivating the ACS and prohibit
installing the affected parts, as specified
in EASA AD 2022–0023.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
possible overheating of the ACS. See
EASA AD 2022–0023 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.
However, after the NPRM was issued,
the FAA determined that the unsafe
condition statement was misleading in
that a malfunctioning ACS would not
result in reduced helicopter control.
Although overheating of the ACS could
result in an overvoltage of the ACS and
subsequent failure of the electrical
system segment connected to the ACS,
there is robust separation of the system
I and system II DC power buses and
both systems provide electrical
redundancy for flight critical systems.
Any over-voltage on the system II side
(which occurred for this safety issue)
cannot lead to an event classified as
hazardous (HAZ) or catastrophic (CAT)
due to the separation of DC power
supply paths and electrical redundancy.
Instead, the FAA has determined that
the unsafe condition could result in
increased pilot workload and has
revised this AD accordingly. Except for
this and other minor editorial changes,
this AD is adopted as proposed in the
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51584
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 23, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
per helicopter and up to $28,985 for the
U.S. fleet.
NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any
operator.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022–0023 requires
deactivating the ACS soft start unit part
number (P/N) ES59185–2 on helicopters
with a compressor/condenser pallet P/N
135–0553–1 or P/N 135–0566–2
installed. EASA AD 2022–0023 also
prohibits installing soft start unit P/N
ES59185–2 or a compressor/condenser
pallet P/N 135–0553–1 or P/N 135–
0566–2 on any helicopter.
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 EC135–21A–
024, Revision 0, dated February 2, 2022.
This service information specifies
procedures for deactivating the soft part
unit of the compressor/condenser pallet
and specifies that compressor/
condenser pallet P/N 135–0553–1 or
135–0566–2 with soft start unit P/N
ES59185–2 installed must not be
installed on any helicopter.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an
interim action. The design approval
holder is currently developing a
modification that will address the
unsafe condition identified in this AD.
Once this modification is developed,
approved, and available, the FAA might
consider additional rulemaking.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
EASA 2022–0023 applies to Model
EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1,
EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters,
whereas this AD does not because these
models are not FAA type-certificated
and are not included on the U.S. type
certificate data sheet except where the
U.S. type certificate data sheet explains
that the Model EC635T2+ helicopter
having serial number 0858 was
converted from Model EC635T2+ to
Model EC135T2+.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 341 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
Labor rates are estimated at $85 per
work-hour. Based on these numbers, the
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD.
Deactivating the ACS takes about 1
work-hour, for an estimated cost of $85
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:35 Aug 22, 2022
Jkt 256001
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.
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Fmt 4700
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2022–17–01 Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment
39–22139; Docket No. FAA–2022–0510;
Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00158–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective September 27, 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, serial numbers (S/N) from 0008
to 0869 inclusive, except S/N 0831 and S/N
0864, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 2100, Air Conditioning System.
Sfmt 4700
This AD was prompted by reports of the air
conditioning system (ACS) malfunctioning.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
possible overheating of the ACS. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in an
overvoltage of the ACS, resulting in
overheating of the surrounding area, failure
of the helicopter electrical system connected
to the ACS, and a subsequent loss of
electrical power which could result in
increased pilot workload.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and
(i) of this AD: Comply with all required
actions and compliance times specified in,
and in accordance with, European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022–
0023, dated February 3, 2022 (EASA AD
2022–0023).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022–0023
(1) Where EASA AD 2022–0023 requires
compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022–0023 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(3) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2022–0023.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
■
Frm 00002
[Amended]
(e) Unsafe Condition
Regulatory Findings
PO 00000
§ 39.13
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2022–0023 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 23, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(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.
Federal Aviation Administration
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Stephanie Sunderbruch, Aerospace
Engineer, Safety Risk Management Section,
Systems Policy Branch, Policy & Innovation
Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–4659;
email Stephanie.L.Sunderbruch@faa.gov.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2022–0023, dated February 3,
2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022–0023, 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.
(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 www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2022–0510.
(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:
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on August 2, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–18091 Filed 8–22–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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Jkt 256001
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0586; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–01262–T; Amendment
39–22136; AD 2022–16–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016–26–
05 and AD 2019–21–02, which applied
to certain Airbus SAS Model A330–200,
A330–200 Freighter, and A330–300
series airplanes. AD 2016–26–05 and
AD 2019–21–02 required revising the
existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate
new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations. This AD was prompted by
a determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are
necessary, and that new airplanes have
been added to the applicability. This AD
continues to require the actions in AD
2019–21–02, and also requires revising
the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate
additional new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations, as specified
in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September
27, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of September 27, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain other publications listed in
this AD as of November 29, 2019 (84 FR
57313, October 25, 2019).
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 this
IBR material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus service
information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Office-EAL, Rond-Point Emile
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex,
France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
51585
+33 5 61 93 45 80; email
airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
internet www.airbus.com. You may
view this material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available in the AD docket at
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–
0586.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–
0586; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), 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:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, FAA,
International Validation Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 206–231–3229; email
vladimir.ulyanov@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2021–0248,
dated November 15, 2021 (EASA AD
2021–0248) (also referred to as the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus SAS Model Airbus A330–
201, A330–202, A330–203, A330–223,
A330–223F, A330–243, A330–243F,
A330–301, A330–302, A330–303, A330–
321, A330–322, A330–323, A330–341,
A330–342, A330–343, A330–841, and
A330–941 airplanes.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2016–26–05,
Amendment 39 18763 (82 FR 1170,
January 5, 2017) (AD 2019–21–02) and
AD 2019–21–02, Amendment 39–19768
(84 FR 57313, October 25, 2019) (AD
2019–21–02). AD 2019–21–02 applied
to certain Airbus SAS Model A330–200,
A330–200 Freighter, and A330–300
series airplanes, and specifies that
accomplishing the revision required by
that AD terminates all requirements of
AD 2016–26–05. The NPRM published
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 162 (Tuesday, August 23, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51583-51585]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-18091]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 23, 2022 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 51583]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0510; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00158-R;
Amendment 39-22139; AD 2022-17-01]
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 reports of the air conditioning
system (ACS) malfunctioning. This AD requires deactivating the ACS and
prohibits installing the affected parts, 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 September 27, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
27, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
final rule, 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 service
information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters,
2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX, 75052, United States; phone:
(972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; or at: 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0510; 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: Stephanie Sunderbruch, Aerospace
Engineer, Safety Risk Management Section, Systems Policy Branch, Policy
& Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222-4659; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022-0023, dated February 3, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0023), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (formerly Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH, Eurocopter Espa[ntilde]a S.A.) Model EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135
P2+, EC135 P3, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, EC135 T3, EC635 T2+,
EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, and EC635 T3 helicopters, all variants,
serial numbers (S/N) from 0008 to 0869 inclusive, except S/N 0831 and
S/N 0864.
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 (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3,
EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, S/N from 0008 to
0869 inclusive, except S/N 0831 and S/N 0864. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on May 10, 2022 (87 FR 27954). The NPRM was prompted
by reports of the ACS malfunctioning; investigation into the
malfunction has identified that certain ACS soft start units are the
root cause. The NPRM proposed to require deactivating the ACS and
prohibit installing the affected parts, as specified in EASA AD 2022-
0023.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent possible overheating of the
ACS. See EASA AD 2022-0023 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. However, after the NPRM was issued, the
FAA determined that the unsafe condition statement was misleading in
that a malfunctioning ACS would not result in reduced helicopter
control. Although overheating of the ACS could result in an overvoltage
of the ACS and subsequent failure of the electrical system segment
connected to the ACS, there is robust separation of the system I and
system II DC power buses and both systems provide electrical redundancy
for flight critical systems. Any over-voltage on the system II side
(which occurred for this safety issue) cannot lead to an event
classified as hazardous (HAZ) or catastrophic (CAT) due to the
separation of DC power supply paths and electrical redundancy. Instead,
the FAA has determined that the unsafe condition could result in
increased pilot workload and has revised this AD accordingly. Except
for this and other minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as
proposed in the
[[Page 51584]]
NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any
operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0023 requires deactivating the ACS soft start unit
part number (P/N) ES59185-2 on helicopters with a compressor/condenser
pallet P/N 135-0553-1 or P/N 135-0566-2 installed. EASA AD 2022-0023
also prohibits installing soft start unit P/N ES59185-2 or a
compressor/condenser pallet P/N 135-0553-1 or P/N 135-0566-2 on any
helicopter.
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
EC135-21A-024, Revision 0, dated February 2, 2022. This service
information specifies procedures for deactivating the soft part unit of
the compressor/condenser pallet and specifies that compressor/condenser
pallet P/N 135-0553-1 or 135-0566-2 with soft start unit P/N ES59185-2
installed must not be installed on any helicopter.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. The design
approval holder is currently developing a modification that will
address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this
modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA might
consider additional rulemaking.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA 2022-0023 applies to Model EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1,
EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters, whereas this AD does not because
these models are not FAA type-certificated and are not included on the
U.S. type certificate data sheet except where the U.S. type certificate
data sheet explains that the Model EC635T2+ helicopter having serial
number 0858 was converted from Model EC635T2+ to Model EC135T2+.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 341 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this AD.
Deactivating the ACS takes about 1 work-hour, for an estimated cost
of $85 per helicopter and up to $28,985 for the U.S. fleet.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2022-17-01 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
22139; Docket No. FAA-2022-0510; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00158-
R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 27,
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, serial numbers (S/N) from 0008 to
0869 inclusive, except S/N 0831 and S/N 0864, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2100, Air
Conditioning System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of the air conditioning system
(ACS) malfunctioning. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent possible
overheating of the ACS. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in an overvoltage of the ACS, resulting in overheating
of the surrounding area, failure of the helicopter electrical system
connected to the ACS, and a subsequent loss of electrical power
which could result in increased pilot workload.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0023, dated February 3, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0023).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0023
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0023 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0023 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2022-0023.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0023
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
[[Page 51585]]
(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 Stephanie
Sunderbruch, Aerospace Engineer, Safety Risk Management Section,
Systems Policy Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-4659;
email [email protected].
(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0023,
dated February 3, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0023, 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.
(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 www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0510.
(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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on August 2, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-18091 Filed 8-22-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
