Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 57814-57817 [2022-20542]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 183 / Thursday, September 22, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
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
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:
■
2022–17–11 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment
39–22149; Docket No. FAA–2022–0681;
Project Identifier MCAI–2021–01292–T.
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(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective October 27, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc.,
Model BD–700–2A12 airplanes, certificated
in any category, as identified in Bombardier
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:21 Sep 21, 2022
Jkt 256001
Service Bulletin 700–52–7508, Revision 01,
dated January 13, 2021.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that
significant water accumulation was
discovered in the oxygen service
compartment of multiple airplanes. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address water ingress
through oxygen service compartment access
panels. If not addressed, the freeze/thaw
cycle of accumulated water may damage
oxygen connections inside the compartment,
leading to oxygen leakage and risk of fire in
the presence of an ignition source.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 25 months after the effective date
of this AD: Modify the oxygen service
compartment door in accordance with Part A
of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–52–7508,
Revision 1, dated January 13, 2021.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using Bombardier Service
Bulletin 700–52–7508, dated September 4,
2020.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): 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
responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the certification office,
send it to ATTN: Program Manager,
Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New
York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531. Before
using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a
principal inspector, the manager of the
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, New York ACO Branch,
FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design
Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by
the DAO, the approval must include the
DAO-authorized signature.
(j) Additional Information
(1) Refer to TCCA AD CF–2021–40, dated
November 19, 2021, for related information.
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This TCCA AD may be found in the AD
docket at www.regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2022–0681.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Gabriel Kim, Aerospace Engineer,
Mechanical Systems and Administrative
Services Section, FAA, New York ACO
Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–
7300; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@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) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–52–
7508, Revision 1, dated January 13, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bombardier Business
Aircraft Customer Response Center, 400 CoˆteVertu Road West, Dorval, Que´bec H4S 1Y9,
Canada; telephone 514–855–2999; email
ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; internet
https://www.bombardier.com.
(4) You may view this service information
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.
(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:
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on August 10, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–20490 Filed 9–21–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0805; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00951–R; Amendment
39–22182; AD 2022–19–13]
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 all
Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N,
SUMMARY:
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and AS355NP helicopters. This AD was
prompted by the identification of
certain parts needing maintenance
actions, including life limits and
maintenance tasks. This AD requires
incorporating into existing maintenance
records requirements (airworthiness
limitations), 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 October 27,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of October 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
easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA
material on the EASA website at
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;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at
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
regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2022–0805.
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Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2022–0805; 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:
Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS
Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance
& Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
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76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2021–0193,
dated August 20, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–
0193) to correct an unsafe condition for
Airbus Helicopters (AH), formerly
Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, and
Aerospatiale, Model AS 355 E, AS 355
F, AS 355 F1, AS 355 F2, AS 355 N, and
AS 355 NP helicopters, all serial
numbers. EASA AD 2021–0193 requires
accomplishment of the actions in the
applicable Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS) as defined in EASA AD
2021–0193.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all Airbus Helicopters Model
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on June 30, 2022 (87 FR 39019).
The NPRM was prompted by the
identification of certain parts needing
maintenance actions, including life
limits and maintenance tasks. The
NPRM proposed to require
incorporating into maintenance records
requirements (airworthiness
limitations), as specified in EASA AD
2021–0193.
Relationship Between This AD and
Other Relevant Rulemaking
EASA AD 2021–0193 states that it
takes over the requirements for Model
AS 355 helicopters from EASA AD
2010–0006, dated January 7, 2010
(EASA AD 2010–0006) (which
prompted FAA AD 2011–22–05 R1,
Amendment 39–17765 (79 FR 14169,
March 13, 2014) (AD 2011–22–05 R1))
and EASA AD 2015–0094, dated May
29, 2015 (EASA AD 2015–0094) (which
prompted FAA AD 2016–25–20,
Amendment 39–18746 (81 FR 94954,
December 27, 2016) (AD 2016–25–20)).
EASA AD 2021–0193 also notes that the
requirements of EASA AD 2010–0006
and EASA AD 2015–0094 have been
incorporated into the applicable ALS
specified in EASA AD 2021–0193.
Accordingly, this final rule does not
supersede AD 2011–22–05 R1 or AD
2016–25–20. Rather, the FAA has
determined that a stand-alone AD is
more appropriate to address the changes
in EASA AD 2021–0193. Therefore, this
AD requires incorporating into existing
maintenance records requirements
(airworthiness limitations), as specified
in the applicable ALS, as defined in
EASA AD 2021–0193. Accomplishment
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57815
of the required actions terminates all of
the requirements of AD 2011–22–05 R1
and AD 2016–25–20 for Model AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N,
and AS355NP helicopters only.
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. This AD
is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0193 requires certain
actions and associated thresholds and
intervals, including life limits and
maintenance tasks.
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
AS 355 E Chapter 04 ALS Revision 010,
dated September 14, 2020; Airbus
Helicopters AS 355 F Chapter 04 ALS
Revision 010, dated September 14, 2020;
Airbus Helicopters AS 355 F1 Chapter
04 ALS Revision 010, dated September
14, 2020; Airbus Helicopters AS 355 F2
Chapter 04 ALS Revision 011, dated
September 14, 2020; Airbus Helicopters
AS 355 N Chapter 04 ALS, Revision
010, dated September 14, 2020; and
Airbus Helicopters AS 355 NP Chapter
04 ALS Revision 009, dated February 4,
2019. This service information specifies
procedures for mandatory actions for
continued airworthiness.
ADs Mandating Airworthiness
Limitations
The FAA has previously mandated
airworthiness limitations by mandating
each airworthiness limitation task (e.g.,
inspections and replacements (life
limits)) as an AD requirement or issuing
ADs that require revising the ALS of the
existing maintenance manual or
instructions for continued airworthiness
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to incorporate new or revised
inspections and life limits. This AD,
however, requires operators to
incorporate into maintenance records
required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or
135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your
helicopter, the requirements
(airworthiness limitations) specified in a
civil aviation authority AD. The FAA
does not intend this as a substantive
change. For these ADs, the ALS
requirements for operators are the same
but are complied with differently.
Requiring the incorporation of the new
ALS requirements into the existing
maintenance records, rather than
requiring individual ALS tasks (e.g.,
repetitive inspections and
replacements), requires operators to
record AD compliance once after
updating the maintenance records,
rather than after every time the ALS task
is completed.
In addition, paragraph (h) of this AD
allows operators to incorporate later
approved revisions of the ALS
document as specified in the Ref.
Publications section of EASA AD 2021–
0193 without the need for an alternative
method of compliance (AMOC).
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Differences Between This AD and EASA
AD 2021–0193
Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021–0193
requires compliance with actions and
associated thresholds and intervals,
including life limits and maintenance
tasks, from the effective date of EASA
AD 2021–0193. Paragraph (3) of EASA
AD 2021–0193 requires incorporating
the actions and associated thresholds
and intervals, including life limits and
maintenance tasks, into the approved
maintenance program within 12 months
after the effective date of EASA AD
2021–0193. This AD requires
incorporating into existing maintenance
records requirements (airworthiness
limitations) within 30 days after the
effective date of this AD.
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:
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 45 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.
Incorporating into existing
maintenance records, requirements
(airworthiness limitations) takes about 2
work-hours for an estimated cost of
$170 per helicopter and $7,650 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,
2022–19–13 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–22182; Docket No.
FAA–2022–0805; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00951–R.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:21 Sep 21, 2022
Jkt 256001
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:
■
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(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective October 27, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2011–22–05 R1,
Amendment 39–17765 (79 FR 14169, March
13, 2014) (AD 2011–22–05 R1); and AD
2016–25–20, Amendment 39–18746 (81 FR
94954, December 27, 2016) (AD 2016–25–20).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters
Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6410, Tail Rotor Blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the
identification of certain parts needing
maintenance actions, including life limits
and maintenance tasks. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the failure of certain parts,
which could result in the loss of control of
the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Action
Within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD, incorporate into maintenance
records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or
135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your
rotorcraft, the requirements (airworthiness
limitations) specified in paragraph (1) of
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2021–0193, dated August 20,
2021 (EASA AD 2021–0193).
(h) Provisions for Alternative Requirements
(Airworthiness Limitations)
After the actions required by paragraph (g)
of this AD have been done, no alternative
requirements (airworthiness limitations) are
allowed unless they are approved as
specified in the provisions of the ‘‘Ref.
Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2021–
0193.
(i) Terminating Action for ADs 2011–22–05
R1 and 2016–25–20
(1) Accomplishing the actions required by
this AD terminates all requirements of AD
2011–22–05 R1 for Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters only.
(2) Accomplishing the actions required by
this AD terminates all requirements of AD
2016–25–20 for Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters only.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits in accordance with
14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are prohibited.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
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AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (l) 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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(l) Related Information
SUMMARY:
For more information about this AD,
contact Kristi Bradley, Program Manager,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
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(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 2021–0193, dated August 20,
2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021–0193, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA
material on the EASA website at
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 regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2022–0805.
(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 September 9, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–20542 Filed 9–21–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:21 Sep 21, 2022
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA–2022–1116; Airspace
Docket No. 22–ANE–5]
RIN 2120–AA66
Modification of Restricted Areas R–
6501A and R–6501B; Underhill, VT
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This action modifies
restricted areas R–6501A and R–6501B,
Underhill, VT, by amending the upper
altitude limit of R–6501A and the lower
altitude limit of R–6501B. Certain
military activities near Underhill, VT,
require restricted airspace that exceeds
the current 4,000-foot mean sea level
(MSL) upper altitude limit of R–6501A.
As a result, R–6501B must be activated,
along with R–6501A, to ensure
containment of the hazardous activity.
Raising the upper altitude limit of R–
6501A from 4,000 feet MSL to but not
including 4,900 feet MSL and the lower
altitude limit of R–6501B from 4,000
feet MSL to 4,900 feet MSL, will result
in more efficient use of airspace by
reducing the need to activate R–6501B.
This modification is fully contained
within the existing lateral and vertical
limits of R–6501A and B. The activities
conducted in these restricted airspace
areas are unchanged.
DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC,
December 29, 2022.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul
Gallant, Rules and Regulations Group,
Office of Policy, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of the airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority since it adjusts
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57817
the upper altitude limit of R–6501A,
and the lower altitude limit of R–6501B,
to enable more efficient use of airspace.
Background
Restricted area R–6501A, Underhill,
VT, extends from the surface to 4,000
feet MSL. The time of designation for
the area is: ‘‘From 0700 to 2300 local
time, Monday–Friday; 0000 Saturday to
2359 Sunday; and other times by
NOTAM issued 24 hours in advance.’’
Restricted area R–6501B directly
overlies R–6501A and shares the same
lateral boundaries. R–6501B extends
from 4,000 feet MSL to 13,600 feet MSL.
The time of designation is: ‘‘Intermittent
by NOTAM 24 hours in advance.’’
Currently, the altitude that separates
the two areas is 4,000 feet MSL. The
issue is that the 4,000 feet MSL ceiling
of R–6501A is not sufficient to safely
contain most activities being conducted.
This requires that R–6501B also be
activated along with R–6501A.
However, the activation of R–6501B
restricts the airspace all the way up to
13,600 feet MSL, even though the
majority of R–6501B is not needed for
certain operations. Raising the upper
altitude limit of R–6501A from 4,000
feet MSL to ‘‘to but not including 4,900
feet MSL’’; and the lower altitude limit
of R–6501B from 4,000 feet MSL to
‘‘4,900 feet MSL’’ will eliminate the
need to frequently activate R–6501B.
This will make more airspace available
for Air Traffic Control (ATC) and
general aviation use.
To provide for more efficient use of
airspace, the FAA and the using agency
agreed to change the altitude that
separates R–6501A and R–6501B from
4,000 feet MSL to 4,900 feet MSL. The
new configuration enables activation of
less restricted airspace to ensure
containment of the majority of the using
agency’s training needs while
maintaining the ability to activate
additional restricted airspace for
missions that require higher altitudes.
These changes will accommodate the
using agency’s requirements while
releasing unneeded restricted airspace
for access by other airspace users. With
regard to the existing R–6501A and B,
which abut, the lateral boundaries of the
restricted airspace areas, the lowest and
uppermost vertical limits of the airspace
areas, and the activities conducted
within the airspace are unchanged.
The Rule
This action amends 14 CFR part 73 by
changing the upper altitude limit of R–
6501A and lower altitude limit of R–
6501B to adjust the internal altitude that
separates them and minimizes the need
to activate R–6501B. The time of
E:\FR\FM\22SER1.SGM
22SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 183 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57814-57817]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-20542]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0805; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00951-R;
Amendment 39-22182; AD 2022-19-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N,
[[Page 57815]]
and AS355NP helicopters. This AD was prompted by the identification of
certain parts needing maintenance actions, including life limits and
maintenance tasks. This AD requires incorporating into existing
maintenance records requirements (airworthiness limitations), 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 October 27, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 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
easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at
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; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800)
232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at 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 regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0805.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0805; 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: Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0193, dated August 20, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0193) to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, and
Aerospatiale, Model AS 355 E, AS 355 F, AS 355 F1, AS 355 F2, AS 355 N,
and AS 355 NP helicopters, all serial numbers. EASA AD 2021-0193
requires accomplishment of the actions in the applicable Airworthiness
Limitations Section (ALS) as defined in EASA AD 2021-0193.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters
Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 30,
2022 (87 FR 39019). The NPRM was prompted by the identification of
certain parts needing maintenance actions, including life limits and
maintenance tasks. The NPRM proposed to require incorporating into
maintenance records requirements (airworthiness limitations), as
specified in EASA AD 2021-0193.
Relationship Between This AD and Other Relevant Rulemaking
EASA AD 2021-0193 states that it takes over the requirements for
Model AS 355 helicopters from EASA AD 2010-0006, dated January 7, 2010
(EASA AD 2010-0006) (which prompted FAA AD 2011-22-05 R1, Amendment 39-
17765 (79 FR 14169, March 13, 2014) (AD 2011-22-05 R1)) and EASA AD
2015-0094, dated May 29, 2015 (EASA AD 2015-0094) (which prompted FAA
AD 2016-25-20, Amendment 39-18746 (81 FR 94954, December 27, 2016) (AD
2016-25-20)). EASA AD 2021-0193 also notes that the requirements of
EASA AD 2010-0006 and EASA AD 2015-0094 have been incorporated into the
applicable ALS specified in EASA AD 2021-0193.
Accordingly, this final rule does not supersede AD 2011-22-05 R1 or
AD 2016-25-20. Rather, the FAA has determined that a stand-alone AD is
more appropriate to address the changes in EASA AD 2021-0193.
Therefore, this AD requires incorporating into existing maintenance
records requirements (airworthiness limitations), as specified in the
applicable ALS, as defined in EASA AD 2021-0193. Accomplishment of the
required actions terminates all of the requirements of AD 2011-22-05 R1
and AD 2016-25-20 for Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N,
and AS355NP helicopters only.
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. This AD is adopted as proposed in the
NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0193 requires certain actions and associated
thresholds and intervals, including life limits and maintenance tasks.
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 AS 355 E Chapter 04 ALS
Revision 010, dated September 14, 2020; Airbus Helicopters AS 355 F
Chapter 04 ALS Revision 010, dated September 14, 2020; Airbus
Helicopters AS 355 F1 Chapter 04 ALS Revision 010, dated September 14,
2020; Airbus Helicopters AS 355 F2 Chapter 04 ALS Revision 011, dated
September 14, 2020; Airbus Helicopters AS 355 N Chapter 04 ALS,
Revision 010, dated September 14, 2020; and Airbus Helicopters AS 355
NP Chapter 04 ALS Revision 009, dated February 4, 2019. This service
information specifies procedures for mandatory actions for continued
airworthiness.
ADs Mandating Airworthiness Limitations
The FAA has previously mandated airworthiness limitations by
mandating each airworthiness limitation task (e.g., inspections and
replacements (life limits)) as an AD requirement or issuing ADs that
require revising the ALS of the existing maintenance manual or
instructions for continued airworthiness
[[Page 57816]]
to incorporate new or revised inspections and life limits. This AD,
however, requires operators to incorporate into maintenance records
required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for
your helicopter, the requirements (airworthiness limitations) specified
in a civil aviation authority AD. The FAA does not intend this as a
substantive change. For these ADs, the ALS requirements for operators
are the same but are complied with differently. Requiring the
incorporation of the new ALS requirements into the existing maintenance
records, rather than requiring individual ALS tasks (e.g., repetitive
inspections and replacements), requires operators to record AD
compliance once after updating the maintenance records, rather than
after every time the ALS task is completed.
In addition, paragraph (h) of this AD allows operators to
incorporate later approved revisions of the ALS document as specified
in the Ref. Publications section of EASA AD 2021-0193 without the need
for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC).
Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2021-0193
Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0193 requires compliance with actions
and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits and
maintenance tasks, from the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0193.
Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0193 requires incorporating the actions
and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits and
maintenance tasks, into the approved maintenance program within 12
months after the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0193. This AD requires
incorporating into existing maintenance records requirements
(airworthiness limitations) within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 45 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.
Incorporating into existing maintenance records, requirements
(airworthiness limitations) takes about 2 work-hours for an estimated
cost of $170 per helicopter and $7,650 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:
2022-19-13 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22182; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0805; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00951-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 27, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2011-22-05 R1, Amendment 39-17765 (79 FR
14169, March 13, 2014) (AD 2011-22-05 R1); and AD 2016-25-20,
Amendment 39-18746 (81 FR 94954, December 27, 2016) (AD 2016-25-20).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor
Blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the identification of certain parts
needing maintenance actions, including life limits and maintenance
tasks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the failure of certain
parts, which could result in the loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Action
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, incorporate
into maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or
135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your rotorcraft, the requirements
(airworthiness limitations) specified in paragraph (1) of European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0193, dated August 20,
2021 (EASA AD 2021-0193).
(h) Provisions for Alternative Requirements (Airworthiness Limitations)
After the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD have been
done, no alternative requirements (airworthiness limitations) are
allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of
the ``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2021-0193.
(i) Terminating Action for ADs 2011-22-05 R1 and 2016-25-20
(1) Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all
requirements of AD 2011-22-05 R1 for Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters only.
(2) Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all
requirements of AD 2016-25-20 for Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters only.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are prohibited.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve
[[Page 57817]]
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (l) 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.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley,
Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected].
(m) 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 2021-0193,
dated August 20, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0193, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
[email protected]; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA
material on the EASA website at 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 regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0805.
(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 September 9, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-20542 Filed 9-21-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
