Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
| Published date | 12 February 2020 |
| Citation | 85 FR 7894 |
| Record Number | 2020-02711 |
| Section | Proposed rules |
| Court | Federal Aviation Administration |
Federal Register, Volume 85 Issue 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2020)
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7894-7897]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-02711]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0026; Product Identifier 2018-SW-052-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2,
and EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would require revising the
Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter and either
installing placards or removing the hoist arm. This proposed AD was
prompted by a failure of a right-hand (RH) side lateral sliding plug
door (sliding door) to jettison. The actions of this proposed AD are
intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 13,
2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
[[Page 7895]]
and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0026; 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 proposed AD, the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone 972-641-0000 or 800-232-0323; fax 972-641-3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may
view the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristin Bradley, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110;
email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
written comments, data, or views. The FAA also invites comments
relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts
that resulted from adopting the proposals in this document. The most
helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain
the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed
electronically, commenters should submit them only one time.
The FAA will file in the docket all comments received, as well as a
report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal,
the FAA will consider all the comments received on or before the
closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after
the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without
incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light
of the comments received.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2018-0140-E, dated June 29, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0140-E), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale)
Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, AS 332 L2, and EC 225
LP helicopters. EASA advises that during a jettison test of the RH side
sliding door, the sliding door became blocked between the hoist,
airframe, and access step. Interference was identified between the
hoist arm and the sliding door median fitting (reinforced bracket).
EASA identifies the reinforced bracket as Airbus Helicopter
modification (MOD) 0726841, which was required by EASA AD No. 2015-
0167, dated August 12, 2015. EASA states that this condition could
prevent jettisoning of the RH sliding door in an emergency,
subsequently obstructing evacuation, and possibly resulting in injury
to occupants. To correct this unsafe condition, EASA AD 2018-0140-E
requires removing the hoist arm, or alternatively revising the
applicable RFM and installing placards to specify using the normal door
handle instead of the jettison handle for the RH side sliding door.
EASA states that Airbus Helicopters is developing a modification to
eliminate the interference between the hoist arm and the reinforced
bracket. As a result, EASA considers its AD an interim action and
states that further AD action may follow.
FAA's Determination
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 its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after
evaluating all information provided by EASA and determining the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters
of these same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus Helicopters has co-published as one document Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 01.00.89, Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018,
for Model AS332-series helicopters; No. 04A014, Revision 1, dated June
28, 2018, for Model EC225 helicopters; and No. 01.00.52, Revision 1,
dated June 28, 2018, for non-FAA type certificated Model AS532
helicopters. EASB Nos. 01.00.89 and 04A014 are proposed for
incorporation by reference in this proposed AD. EASB No. 01.00.52 is
not proposed for incorporation by reference in this proposed AD. This
service information provides pages to add to the emergency and normal
procedures sections of the RFM, and specifies either removing the hoist
arm or installing placards that require using the normal door handle
instead of the jettison handle for the RH side sliding door. This
service information further allows installing the placards during each
installation of the hoist arm and removing the placards with each
removal of the hoist arm.
This service information 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
Airbus Helicopters has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. AS332-
52.00.43 for Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2
helicopters and SB No. EC225-52-008 for Model EC225LP helicopters, both
Revision 0 and dated June 23, 2015. This service information contains
procedures for installing the reinforced bracket identified as MOD
0726841.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require revising the RFM for your helicopter
by adding emergency and normal procedures and installing placards to
require using the normal door handle instead of the jettison handle for
the RH side sliding door. Alternatively, this proposed AD would allow
removing the hoist arm instead of installing the placards.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires either removing the hoist arm or prohibiting
use of the RH sliding door jettison handle by revising the RFM and
installing placards. This proposed AD would require revising the
applicable RFM for your helicopter regardless of whether the hoist arm
is removed.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD to be an interim action. The
design approval holder is currently developing a modification that will
address the unsafe condition identified in this proposed AD. Once this
modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA might
consider additional rulemaking.
[[Page 7896]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 36 helicopters
of U.S. Registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based
on these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD.
Revising the RFM for your helicopter would take about 1 work-hour
for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter or $3,060 for the U.S.
fleet.
Installing the placards would take about 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter or $3,060 for the U.S. fleet.
Alternatively, removing the hoist arm would take about 1 work-hour for
an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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, I certify this proposed regulation:
(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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 (AD):
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2020-0026; Product Identifier
2018-SW-052-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, certificated in
any category, with a hoist arm and with right-hand (RH) side lateral
sliding plug door (sliding door) reinforced bracket modification
(MOD) 0726841 installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD: Airbus Helicopters
reinforced bracket MOD 0726841 may also be identified as sliding
door median fitting reinforcement MOD 07.26841.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as interference between the
hoist arm and the reinforced bracket resulting in failure of the
sliding door to jettison. This condition could prevent helicopter
occupants from evacuating the helicopter during an emergency.
(c) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by March 13, 2020.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 10 hours time-in-service:
(i) Revise the Rotorcraft Flight Manual for your helicopter by
inserting the Emergency Procedures page and the Normal Procedures
page applicable to your helicopter model and configuration from
Appendix 4.C. Flight Manual of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 01.00.89, Revision 1, dated June 28,
2018 (EASB 01.00.89), or Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 04A014,
Revision 1, dated June 28, 2018 (EASB 04A014). Inserting a different
document with information identical to that in Appendix 4.C. Flight
Manual of EASB 01.00.89 or EASB 04A014 is acceptable for compliance
with the requirements of this paragraph.
(ii) Cover existing placards for each RH sliding door in
accordance with Appendix 4.B. Masking Tapes and Labels (RH lateral
sliding door) of EASB 01.00.89 or EASB 04A014.
(iii) Install new placards in accordance with Appendix 4.A.
Labels and Appendix 4.B. Masking Tapes and Labels (RH lateral
sliding door) of EASB 01.00.89 or EASB 04A014.
(2) After complying with paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, each time
the hoist arm is removed from the helicopter, you may remove the
markings and placards that are required by paragraphs (e)(1)(ii) and
(iii) of this AD. Before the hoist arm is re-installed, you must re-
install the markings and placards that are required by paragraphs
(e)(1)(ii) and (iii) of this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to:
Kristin Bradley, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests
that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office
or certificate holding district office, before operating any
aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin (SB) No. AS332-52.00.43
and SB No. EC225-52-008, both Revision 0 and dated June 23, 2015,
which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional
information about the subject of this AD. For service information
identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 972-641-0000 or 800-232-
0323; fax 972-641-3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may view a copy of the service
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2018-0140-E, dated June 29, 2018. You
may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
in the AD Docket.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5200, Doors.
[[Page 7897]]
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 4, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-02711 Filed 2-11-20; 8:45 am]
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