Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 68618-68621 [2022-24876]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 220 / Wednesday, November 16, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
‘‘limitations’’ and ‘‘intervals’’ as incorporated
by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA
AD 2021–0252, or within 90 days after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later.
(5) The provisions specified in paragraphs
(4) and (5) of EASA AD 2021–0252 do not
apply to this AD.
(6) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0252 does not apply to this AD.
(k) New Provisions for Alternative Actions,
Intervals, and CDCCLs
After the existing maintenance or
inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (i) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections),
intervals, and CDCCLs are allowed unless
they are approved as specified in the
provisions of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section
of EASA AD 2021–0252.
(l) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): 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
responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the Manager, International Validation
Branch, mail it to the address identified in
paragraph (m) of this AD or email to: 9-AVSAIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. If mailing
information, also submit information by
email. 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, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
If approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
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(m) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
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.
(n) 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.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on December 21, 2022.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2021–0252, dated November 17,
2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
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(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on June 29, 2017 (82 FR
24017, May 25, 2017).
(i) Airbus A330 Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS) Part 5—Fuel Airworthiness
Limitations (FAL), Revision 01, dated
October 28, 2015.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For EASA AD 2021–0252, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website
easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD
on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
For Airbus material, contact Airbus SAS,
Airworthiness Office—EAL, Rond-Point
Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex,
France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33
5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330A340@airbus.com; website airbus.com.
(6) 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.
(7) 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 October 6, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–24901 Filed 11–15–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0988; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00438–R; Amendment
39–22217; AD 2022–22–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model SA–365N, SA–
365N1, AS–365N2, AS 365 N3, EC
155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. This
AD was prompted by reports of the
cockpit doors failing to open after
ditching with inflated floats on certain
helicopters equipped with an
emergency flotation system (EFS). This
AD requires revising the existing
Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your
helicopter, installing placards, and
SUMMARY:
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depending on your model helicopter,
modification of the jettisoning system,
as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is incorporated by reference
(IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
This AD is effective December
21, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 21, 2022.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2022–0988; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For service information identified
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.
• 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. It is also
available at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2022–0988.
Other Related Service Information:
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; fax (972) 641–3775;
email: customersupport.helicopters@
airbus.com; website: airbus.com/
helicopters/services/technicalsupport.html.
DATES:
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; telephone (516) 228–7323; email
OperationalSafety@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 220 / Wednesday, November 16, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued a series of ADs, with
the most recent being EASA AD 2021–
0101R1, dated February 25, 2022 (EASA
AD 2021–0101R1), to correct an unsafe
condition for Airbus Helicopters (AH),
formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France,
Aerospatiale, Sud Aviation, Model SA
365 N, SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, AS 365
N3, EC 155 B, and EC 155 B1
helicopters.
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
SA–365N, SA–365N1, AS–365N2, AS
365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1
helicopters. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on August 12, 2022 (87
FR 49773). The NPRM was prompted by
reports of failure of the cockpit doors to
open after ditching with inflated floats
on certain helicopters equipped with an
EFS. EASA advises emergency
evacuation was only possible by
jettisoning the hinged doors from the
inside or by accessing the emergency
exits in the cabin. EASA further advises
that the passage from the cockpit to the
cabin may be impaired on helicopters
with certain interior layouts. The NPRM
proposed to require revising the existing
RFM for your helicopter, installing
placards, and depending on your model
helicopter, modification of the
jettisoning system, as specified in EASA
AD 2021–0101R1.
The FAA is issuing this AD to inform
external rescuers that the cockpit door
jettison function needs to be utilized to
successfully egress incapacitated flight
crew from the cockpit during an
emergency when the EFS is activated.
See EASA AD 2021–0101R1 for
additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
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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 of the unsafe condition described
in the EASA AD referenced above. 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
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helicopters. This AD is adopted as
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0101R1 requires
amending the RFM; installing placards
on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand
(RH) side of the helicopter; and for
certain helicopters, modifying the
jettison system by installing an external
handle on the jettison system of the
pilot and co-pilot doors.
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) No.
AS365–52.00.27, Revision 1, dated June
4, 2021 (AS365–52.00.27, Rev 1), which
specifies procedures for installing labels
(placards) on the pilot and co-pilot
doors. AS365–52.00.27, Rev 1, also
specifies procedures for installing an
external handle on the jettison system.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus
Helicopters ASB No. AS365–52.00.29,
Revision 1, dated February 9, 2022, ASB
No. AS365–52.00.29, Revision 0, dated
February 10, 2021, and ASB No. EC155–
52A033, Revision 0, dated September
30, 2020. This service information
specifies procedures for installing labels
(placards) on the pilot and co-pilot
doors.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus
Helicopters Flight Manual (FM) SA 365
N Supplement, SUP.10.4, Normal
Revision (NR) 7, date code 20–40;
Airbus Helicopters FM SA 365 N1
Supplement, SUP.10.4, NR 9, date code
20–40; Airbus Helicopters FM AS 365
N2 Supplement, SUP.14, NR 6, date
code 20–40; Airbus Helicopters FM AS
365 N3 Supplement, SUP.14, NR 12,
date code 20–28; Airbus Helicopters FM
EC 155 B Supplement, SUP.14, NR 7,
date code 20–11; and Airbus Helicopters
FM EC 155 B1 Supplement, SUP.14, NR
8, date code 20–11. This service
information provides updated
procedures for ditching and emergency
evacuation.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
EASA AD 2021–0101R1 allows using
Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS365–
52.00.27, original issue, dated
November 17, 2020 (including Erratum
to ASB AS365–52.00.27, original issue,
dated January 21, 2021); whereas this
AD does not. This AD requires using
AS365–52.00.27, Rev 1 instead. Where
paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021–0101R1
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68619
specifies to ‘‘modify the helicopter in
accordance with the instructions of
Section 3 of the applicable ASB,’’ this
AD requires using the instructions of
Section 3.B. of the applicable ASB.
EASA AD 2021–0101R1 requires
operators to ‘‘inform all flight crews’’ of
revisions to the RFM, and thereafter to
‘‘operate the helicopter accordingly.’’
However, this AD does not specifically
require those actions. FAA regulations
mandate compliance with only the
operating limitations section of the
flight manual. The flight manual
changes required by this AD would
apply to the emergency procedures and
normal procedures sections of the
existing RFM for your helicopter.
Furthermore, compliance with such
requirements in an AD is impracticable
to demonstrate or track on an ongoing
basis; therefore, a requirement to
operate the aircraft in such a manner is
unenforceable. Nonetheless, the FAA
recommends that flight crews of the
helicopters listed in the applicability
operate in accordance with the revised
emergency procedures and normal
procedures specified by this AD.
This AD allows the owner/operator
(pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate to revise the existing RFM for
your helicopter and do the logbook
entry, whereas EASA AD 2021–0101R1
does not specify this. This AD requires
these actions to be entered into the
aircraft records showing compliance
with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR
43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The
record must be maintained as required
by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
For certain helicopters, this AD
requires revising section 4.1, Normal
Procedures, of the existing RFM for your
helicopter to add a check to the RH and
LH Cockpit Door Jettison Handles,
whereas EASA AD 2021–0101R1 does
not require that action.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 40 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.
Revising the existing RFM for your
helicopter takes about 0.25 work-hour
for an estimated cost of $21 per
helicopter and $840 for the U.S. fleet.
Installing placards on the pilot and
co-pilot doors takes about 1 work-hour
and parts cost up to about $138 for an
estimated cost of up to $223 per
helicopter.
For helicopters with the Airbus
Helicopters Forward Looking InfraRed
(AH FLIR) system installed, installing
placards on the pilot and co-pilot doors
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 220 / Wednesday, November 16, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
takes about 0.5 work-hour and parts cost
about $52 for an estimated cost of $95
per helicopter.
If required, installing an external
handle on the jettison system takes
about 7 work-hours and parts cost about
$1,328 for an estimated cost of $1,923
per helicopter and $51,921 for the U.S.
fleet (27 helicopters).
The FAA has included all known
costs in its cost estimate. According to
the manufacturer, however, some of the
costs of this AD may be covered under
warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
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
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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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:
■
2022–22–02 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–22217; Docket No.
FAA–2022–0988; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00438–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective December 21, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters
Model SA–365N, SA–365N1, AS–365N2, AS
365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Codes: 1100, Placards and Markings; and
5210, Passenger/Crew Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of failure
of the cockpit doors to open after ditching
with inflated floats on certain helicopters
equipped with an emergency flotation system
(EFS). The FAA is issuing this AD to inform
external rescuers that the cockpit door
jettison function needs to be utilized to
successfully egress incapacitated flight crew
from the cockpit during an emergency when
the EFS is activated. This unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in
incapacitated occupants not being able to exit
the helicopter after an emergency ditching
with inflated floats.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0101R1,
dated February 25, 2022 (EASA AD 2021–
0101R1) and paragraph (i) of this AD.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0101R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0101R1 refers to
effective dates ‘‘11 February 2021 [the
effective date of EASA AD 2021–0041]’’ and
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‘‘26 April 2021 [the effective date of the
original issue of this AD],’’ this AD requires
using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021–
0101R1 specifies to ‘‘inform all flight crews
and, thereafter, operate the helicopter
accordingly,’’ this AD does not require those
actions.
(3) The action required by paragraph (1) of
EASA AD 2021–0101R1 may be performed
by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least
a private pilot certificate, and must be
entered into the aircraft records showing
compliance with this AD in accordance with
14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v).
The record must be maintained as required
by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021–
0101R1 specifies to ‘‘modify the helicopter in
accordance with the instructions of Section
3 of the applicable ASB,’’ for this AD, replace
that text with, ‘‘modify the helicopter in
accordance with Section 3.B. in the
Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable ASB.’’
(5) Where EASA AD 2021–0101R1 refers to
‘‘ASB AS365–52.00.27’’ and ‘‘AH ASB
AS365–52.00.27 original issue dated 17
November 2020 (including Erratum to ASB
AS365–52.00.27 original issue dated 21
January 2021),’’ this AD requires replacing
each instance of that text with ‘‘Airbus
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
AS365–52.00.27, Revision 1, dated June 4,
2021.’’
(6) Where the service information
referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD
2021–0101R1 specifies discarding parts, this
AD requires removing those parts from
service.
(7) Where the service information
referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD
2021–0101R1 specifies to use tooling, this
AD allows the use of equivalent tooling.
(8) Where the service information
referenced in paragraph (2) of EASA AD
2021–0101R1 specifies parking the helicopter
in a hangar or maintenance hangar, this AD
does not require those actions.
(9) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0101R1.
(i) Required Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM)
Amendment
(1) For Group 2 helicopters as defined in
EASA AD 2021–0101R1, concurrently with
accomplishing the actions specified in
paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021–0101R1,
revise the existing RFM for your helicopter
by adding the following text at the end of
section 4.1, Normal Procedures: ‘‘right and
left hand Cockpit Door Jettison Handles are
properly closed and secured.’’
(2) The action required by paragraph (i)(1)
of this AD may be performed by the owner/
operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate, and must be entered into the
aircraft records showing compliance with
this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)
and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must
be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417,
121.380, or 135.439.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 220 / Wednesday, November 16, 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) Additional 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;
telephone (516) 228–7323; email
OperationalSafety@faa.gov.
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(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 2021–0101R1, dated February 25,
2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021–0101R1, 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 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.
(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 October 12, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–24876 Filed 11–15–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:43 Nov 15, 2022
Jkt 259001
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–1299; Project
Identifier MCAI–2022–00248–T; Amendment
39–22211; AD 2022–21–12]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker
Services B.V. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Fokker Services B.V. Model F28 Mark
0070 and Mark 0100 airplanes. This AD
was prompted by a determination that
new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. This AD
requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive 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 becomes effective
December 1, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of December 1, 2022.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by January 3, 2023.
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
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: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
For material incorporated by reference
(IBR) in this AD, contact EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer-3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000;
email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website
easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
68621
material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu. 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 regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2022–1299.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–
2022–1299; 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 mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI), any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Manuel Hernandez, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA,
International Validation Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone 562–627–5256; email
manuel.f.hernandez@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written data, views, or arguments about
this final rule. Send your comments to
an address listed under ADDRESSES.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2022–1299;
Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00248–T’’
at the beginning of your comments. The
most helpful comments reference a
specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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
regulations.gov, including any personal
information you provide. The agency
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received
about this final rule.
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
E:\FR\FM\16NOR1.SGM
16NOR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 220 (Wednesday, November 16, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68618-68621]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-24876]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0988; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00438-R;
Amendment 39-22217; AD 2022-22-02]
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
Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC
155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of the
cockpit doors failing to open after ditching with inflated floats on
certain helicopters equipped with an emergency flotation system (EFS).
This AD requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM)
for your helicopter, installing placards, and depending on your model
helicopter, modification of the jettisoning system, as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated
by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 21, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 21,
2022.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-0988; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For service information identified 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.
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. It is also available at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0988.
Other Related Service Information: 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; fax (972) 641-3775; email:
[email protected]; website: airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html.
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; telephone (516) 228-7323; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 68619]]
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued a series of ADs, with the most recent being
EASA AD 2021-0101R1, dated February 25, 2022 (EASA AD 2021-0101R1), to
correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters (AH), formerly
Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale, Sud Aviation, Model SA 365
N, SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155 B, and EC 155 B1
helicopters.
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 SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1
helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 12,
2022 (87 FR 49773). The NPRM was prompted by reports of failure of the
cockpit doors to open after ditching with inflated floats on certain
helicopters equipped with an EFS. EASA advises emergency evacuation was
only possible by jettisoning the hinged doors from the inside or by
accessing the emergency exits in the cabin. EASA further advises that
the passage from the cockpit to the cabin may be impaired on
helicopters with certain interior layouts. The NPRM proposed to require
revising the existing RFM for your helicopter, installing placards, and
depending on your model helicopter, modification of the jettisoning
system, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0101R1.
The FAA is issuing this AD to inform external rescuers that the
cockpit door jettison function needs to be utilized to successfully
egress incapacitated flight crew from the cockpit during an emergency
when the EFS is activated. See EASA AD 2021-0101R1 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 of the
unsafe condition described in the EASA AD referenced above. 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 2021-0101R1 requires amending the RFM; installing placards
on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) side of the helicopter; and
for certain helicopters, modifying the jettison system by installing an
external handle on the jettison system of the pilot and co-pilot doors.
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)
No. AS365-52.00.27, Revision 1, dated June 4, 2021 (AS365-52.00.27, Rev
1), which specifies procedures for installing labels (placards) on the
pilot and co-pilot doors. AS365-52.00.27, Rev 1, also specifies
procedures for installing an external handle on the jettison system.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS365-52.00.29,
Revision 1, dated February 9, 2022, ASB No. AS365-52.00.29, Revision 0,
dated February 10, 2021, and ASB No. EC155-52A033, Revision 0, dated
September 30, 2020. This service information specifies procedures for
installing labels (placards) on the pilot and co-pilot doors.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Flight Manual (FM) SA 365
N Supplement, SUP.10.4, Normal Revision (NR) 7, date code 20-40; Airbus
Helicopters FM SA 365 N1 Supplement, SUP.10.4, NR 9, date code 20-40;
Airbus Helicopters FM AS 365 N2 Supplement, SUP.14, NR 6, date code 20-
40; Airbus Helicopters FM AS 365 N3 Supplement, SUP.14, NR 12, date
code 20-28; Airbus Helicopters FM EC 155 B Supplement, SUP.14, NR 7,
date code 20-11; and Airbus Helicopters FM EC 155 B1 Supplement,
SUP.14, NR 8, date code 20-11. This service information provides
updated procedures for ditching and emergency evacuation.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2021-0101R1 allows using Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS365-
52.00.27, original issue, dated November 17, 2020 (including Erratum to
ASB AS365-52.00.27, original issue, dated January 21, 2021); whereas
this AD does not. This AD requires using AS365-52.00.27, Rev 1 instead.
Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0101R1 specifies to ``modify the
helicopter in accordance with the instructions of Section 3 of the
applicable ASB,'' this AD requires using the instructions of Section
3.B. of the applicable ASB.
EASA AD 2021-0101R1 requires operators to ``inform all flight
crews'' of revisions to the RFM, and thereafter to ``operate the
helicopter accordingly.'' However, this AD does not specifically
require those actions. FAA regulations mandate compliance with only the
operating limitations section of the flight manual. The flight manual
changes required by this AD would apply to the emergency procedures and
normal procedures sections of the existing RFM for your helicopter.
Furthermore, compliance with such requirements in an AD is
impracticable to demonstrate or track on an ongoing basis; therefore, a
requirement to operate the aircraft in such a manner is unenforceable.
Nonetheless, the FAA recommends that flight crews of the helicopters
listed in the applicability operate in accordance with the revised
emergency procedures and normal procedures specified by this AD.
This AD allows the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a
private pilot certificate to revise the existing RFM for your
helicopter and do the logbook entry, whereas EASA AD 2021-0101R1 does
not specify this. This AD requires these actions to be entered into the
aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14
CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained
as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
For certain helicopters, this AD requires revising section 4.1,
Normal Procedures, of the existing RFM for your helicopter to add a
check to the RH and LH Cockpit Door Jettison Handles, whereas EASA AD
2021-0101R1 does not require that action.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 40 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.
Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter takes about 0.25
work-hour for an estimated cost of $21 per helicopter and $840 for the
U.S. fleet.
Installing placards on the pilot and co-pilot doors takes about 1
work-hour and parts cost up to about $138 for an estimated cost of up
to $223 per helicopter.
For helicopters with the Airbus Helicopters Forward Looking
InfraRed (AH FLIR) system installed, installing placards on the pilot
and co-pilot doors
[[Page 68620]]
takes about 0.5 work-hour and parts cost about $52 for an estimated
cost of $95 per helicopter.
If required, installing an external handle on the jettison system
takes about 7 work-hours and parts cost about $1,328 for an estimated
cost of $1,923 per helicopter and $51,921 for the U.S. fleet (27
helicopters).
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
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:
2022-22-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22217; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0988; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00438-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 21,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-
365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Codes: 1100, Placards
and Markings; and 5210, Passenger/Crew Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of failure of the cockpit doors
to open after ditching with inflated floats on certain helicopters
equipped with an emergency flotation system (EFS). The FAA is
issuing this AD to inform external rescuers that the cockpit door
jettison function needs to be utilized to successfully egress
incapacitated flight crew from the cockpit during an emergency when
the EFS is activated. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in incapacitated occupants not being able to exit the
helicopter after an emergency ditching with inflated floats.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0101R1, dated February 25, 2022 (EASA AD 2021-0101R1) and
paragraph (i) of this AD.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0101R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0101R1 refers to effective dates ``11
February 2021 [the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0041]'' and ``26
April 2021 [the effective date of the original issue of this AD],''
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0101R1 specifies to
``inform all flight crews and, thereafter, operate the helicopter
accordingly,'' this AD does not require those actions.
(3) The action required by paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0101R1
may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a
private pilot certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft
records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR
43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as
required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0101R1 specifies to
``modify the helicopter in accordance with the instructions of
Section 3 of the applicable ASB,'' for this AD, replace that text
with, ``modify the helicopter in accordance with Section 3.B. in the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable ASB.''
(5) Where EASA AD 2021-0101R1 refers to ``ASB AS365-52.00.27''
and ``AH ASB AS365-52.00.27 original issue dated 17 November 2020
(including Erratum to ASB AS365-52.00.27 original issue dated 21
January 2021),'' this AD requires replacing each instance of that
text with ``Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-
52.00.27, Revision 1, dated June 4, 2021.''
(6) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (2) of
EASA AD 2021-0101R1 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires
removing those parts from service.
(7) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (2) of
EASA AD 2021-0101R1 specifies to use tooling, this AD allows the use
of equivalent tooling.
(8) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (2) of
EASA AD 2021-0101R1 specifies parking the helicopter in a hangar or
maintenance hangar, this AD does not require those actions.
(9) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0101R1.
(i) Required Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) Amendment
(1) For Group 2 helicopters as defined in EASA AD 2021-0101R1,
concurrently with accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph
(1) of EASA AD 2021-0101R1, revise the existing RFM for your
helicopter by adding the following text at the end of section 4.1,
Normal Procedures: ``right and left hand Cockpit Door Jettison
Handles are properly closed and secured.''
(2) The action required by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD may be
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private
pilot certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft records
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)
and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as
required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
[[Page 68621]]
(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) Additional 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; telephone (516) 228-
7323; 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 2021-0101R1,
dated February 25, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0101R1, 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 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.
(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: [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on October 12, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-24876 Filed 11-15-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
