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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 246 (Monday, December 23, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 104465-104468]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30374]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2663; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00200-R]
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 certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed 
AD was prompted by the identification of missing electrical bonding on 
a certain part-numbered additional and optional search light (search 
light). This proposed AD would require installing an electrical bonding 
braid modification and prohibit installing that part-numbered search 
light unless the modification is done. These actions are specified in a 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for 
incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by February 6, 2025.

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 regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2663; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For EASA material identified in this proposed AD, contact 
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 
8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may 
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
     You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N 321, 
Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2663.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kurt Ladendorf, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (817) 222-5254; email: [email protected].

[[Page 104466]]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-2663; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2023-00200-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 proposal 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 NPRM.

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 NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Kurt 
Ladendorf, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5254; email: 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2023-0030, dated February 2, 2023 
(EASA AD 2023-0030) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters Model EC 225 LP helicopters, 
except helicopters having Airbus Helicopters modification MC29201 
embodied in production. The MCAI states missing electrical bonding was 
identified on a certain part-numbered search light installed on some 
Model EC 225 LP helicopters. The MCAI further states that the location 
where the search light is installed is an area that could get struck by 
lightning, which, in case of a lightning strike, could lead to 
potential total loss of electrical distribution, with loss of 
electrically supplied systems, and subsequent reduced control of the 
helicopter.
    The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2663.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2023-0030 requires installing an electrical bonding braid 
modification for a certain part-numbered search light under the 
sponson. EASA AD 2023-0030 also prohibits installing that part-numbered 
search light from being installed unless its requirements are met.
    This material is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after 
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in EASA AD 2023-0030, described previously, as incorporated by 
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as discussed under 
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI.''

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been 
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the 
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2023-0030 by reference in the FAA 
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with 
EASA AD 2023-0030 in its entirety through that incorporation, except 
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of 
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading 
of a particular section in EASA AD 2023-0030 does not mean that 
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD 
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,'' 
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section 
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2023-
0030. Material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 for compliance will be 
available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-2663 after the 
FAA final rule is published.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI allows a +10% tolerance to the calendar compliance time to 
install the electrical bonding braid modification, whereas this 
proposed AD would not allow that tolerance. If the insulation 
resistance value is 8 or more ohms as a result of the continuity test 
that is specified in the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030, this 
proposed AD would require accomplishing corrective action in accordance 
with a method approved by the FAA, EASA, or Airbus Helicopters' EASA 
Design Organization Approval, whereas the MCAI and the material 
referenced in the MCAI are not specific about the continuity test.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 9 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 proposed AD.
    Installing an electrical bonding braid modification would take 14 
work-hours and parts would cost $16,370 for an estimated cost of 
$17,560 per helicopter and up to $158,040 for the U.S. fleet.
    Performing a continuity test would take a minimal amount of time 
for a nominal cost. Depending on the results,

[[Page 104467]]

corrective action could vary significantly from helicopter to 
helicopter. The FAA has no data to determine the costs to accomplish 
the corrective action.

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 above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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:

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2024-2663; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2023-00200-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by February 6, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, 
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency AD 2023-0030, dated February 2, 2023 (EASA AD 
2023-0030).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 1420, electrical 
connectors; and 2497, electrical power system wiring.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the identification of missing electrical 
bonding on additional and optional search lights. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to prevent a lightning current evacuating to the aircraft 
structure. In the event of a lightning strike, the unsafe condition, 
if not addressed, could result in potential total loss of electrical 
distribution, with loss of electrically supplied systems, and 
subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2023-0030.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Appendix 4 of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin No. EC225-33A018, dated December 15, 2023, which is 
referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030, identifies helicopter 
configurations (right-hand column of the table) by helicopter serial 
number (left-hand column of the table).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0030

    (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0030 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2023-0030 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where Note 1 of EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies that a tolerance 
of +10% may be applied to the calendar compliance time specified in 
paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0030, this AD does not allow that 
tolerance.
    (4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies 
discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from 
service.
    (5) This AD requires replacing text as specified in paragraphs 
(h)(5)(i) though (v) of this AD.
    (i) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies 
to ``do the electrical bonding,'' this AD requires replacing that 
text with ``install the electrical bonding braid.''
    (ii) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 
specifies to ``bond the labels ``741VN'' and ``742VN'' of the set of 
labels (8) as close as possible from the equipment (SECTION A-A and 
B-B),'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``apply labels 
``741VN'' and ``742VN'' of the set of labels (8) directly adjacent 
to the grounding point as depicted in Figure 6, Section A-A and 
Section B-B.''
    (iii) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 
specifies to ``remove and keep,'' this AD requires replacing that 
text with, ``remove.''
    (iv) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 
specifies to ``locate the hole (A) in accordance to the position,'' 
this AD requires replacing that text with ``determine the position 
of hole (A) in Figure 4, Detail B.''
    (v) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies 
to paint strip the hole on ``the both face,'' this AD requires 
replacing the text ``the both face'' with ``each side.''
    (6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies 
to do a continuity test, if the insulation resistance value is 8 or 
more ohms as a result of the continuity test, this AD requires, 
before further flight, accomplishing corrective action in accordance 
with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation 
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (7) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0030.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies 
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
include that requirement.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) 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.

[[Page 104468]]

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kurt Ladendorf, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5254; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For Airbus Helicopters material identified in this AD that 
is not incorporated by reference, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 
North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone: (972) 641-0000 or 
(800) 232-0323; fax: (972) 641-3775; website: airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0030, 
dated February 2, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 
000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may 
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on December 16, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-30374 Filed 12-20-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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