Document ID: FAA-2023-0160-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Helicopters
Posted Date: 2023-05-18T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 96 (Thursday, May 18, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31604-31607]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-10620]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0160; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01047-R; 
Amendment 39-22421; AD 2023-08-06]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, 
AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This AD is prompted by 
modifications developed by Airbus to address a report of an emergency 
exit window that required excessive pushing force to jettison. This AD 
requires removing skived polytetrafluoroethylene tape (PTFE tape) (if 
installed) and replacing certain polychloroprene seals with silicone 
seals, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits 
installing a jettisonable window unless the actions required by this AD 
have been accomplished. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 22, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 22, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0160; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For EASA material that is incorporated by reference in 
this final rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, 
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet

[[Page 31605]]

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-2023-0160.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Fuller, AD Program Manager, 
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 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 a series of ADs, the most recent previously 
being EASA AD 2021-0012, dated January 11, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0012), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Model AS332C, 
AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on February 8, 2023 (88 FR 8238). The 
NPRM was prompted by modifications developed by Airbus to address a 
report of an emergency exit window that required excessive pushing 
force to jettison. The NPRM proposed to require accomplishing the 
actions specified in EASA AD 2021-0012, described previously, as 
incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as 
exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD and except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between this AD and EASA AD 2021-0012. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    After the NPRM was issued, EASA AD 2021-0012 was revised with EASA 
AD 2021-0012R1, dated February 25, 2023 (EASA AD 2021-0012R1) to 
include an alternate method to modify the window jettisoning system. 
Because operators may request an alternate method of compliance for 
accomplishing the requirements of this AD, the FAA is not incorporating 
by reference EASA AD 2021-0012R1 but is incorporating by reference EASA 
AD 2021-0012 as proposed in the NPRM.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-0160.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    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 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 products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2021-0012 requires modifying the windows jettisoning 
system.
    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 ADDRESSES.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332-
56.00.16, Revision 0, dated February 10, 2020, Airbus ASB No. AS332-
56.00.18, Revision 0, dated September 23, 2020, Airbus ASB No. AS332-
56.00.20, Revision 0, dated September 23, 2020, Airbus ASB No. AS332-
56.00.21, Revision 0, dated September 23, 2020, Airbus ASB No. AS332-
56.90.14, Revision 0, dated April 10, 2019, Airbus ASB No. EC225-
56A013, Revision 1, dated February 10, 2020, Airbus ASB No. EC225-
56A015, Revision 0, dated February 10, 2020, Airbus ASB No. EC225-
56A016, Revision 0, dated February 10, 2020, and Airbus ASB No. EC225-
56A017, Revision 0, dated February 10, 2020. This service information 
specifies procedures for modifying the windows jettisoning system. 
Depending on your helicopter configuration, the service information 
specifies procedures for removing PTFE tape (if installed), discarding 
certain internal seal keys and external extraction tapes, installing 
plugs on certain snap fasteners, removing certain emergency exit 
installation indications, measuring the thickness of certain windows, 
replacing certain windows, measuring the clearance between certain 
windows and the airframe, modifying certain assemblies of the external 
extraction tape with its associated marking (if necessary), and 
replacing certain polychloroprene seals with silicone seals.
    The FAA also reviewed EASA AD 2021-0012R1, which requires modifying 
the windows jettisoning system and provides an alternate method for 
modifying the window jettisoning system than that required in EASA AD 
2021-0012.

Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2021-0012

    EASA AD 2021-0012 requires compliance within 250 flight hours or 6 
months for certain helicopters not operated over water and within 110 
flight hours or 6 months for certain other helicopters operated over 
water. EASA AD 2021-0012 also requires compliance within 25 months for 
all other affected helicopters. However, this AD requires compliance 
within 110 hours time-in-service for all helicopters.
    Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0012 
specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from 
service. The service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0012 
specifies contacting Airbus Helicopter to obtain a technical solution, 
whereas this AD requires repair done in accordance with a method 
approved by the FAA, EASA, or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design 
Organization Approval. The service information referenced in EASA AD 
2021-0012 specifies using a video, whereas this AD does not.
    This AD also prohibits installing a jettisonable window unless the 
actions required by this AD have been accomplished, whereas EASA AD 
2021-0012 does not require any installation limitations.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 39 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 AD.
    Modifying a window takes about 2 work-hours and parts cost about 
$220 for an estimated cost of $390 per window. There may be up to 
twelve affected windows on a helicopter for an estimated cost of up to 
$4,680 per helicopter and up to $182,520 for the U.S. fleet.

[[Page 31606]]

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:

2023-08-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22421; Docket No. FAA-
2023-0160; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01047-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 22, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all 
requirements of AD 2020-20-08, Amendment 39-21264 (85 FR 70955, 
November 6, 2020).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, certificated in 
any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD 2021-0012, dated January 11, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0012).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5220, Emergency 
Exits.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an emergency exit window 
that required excessive pushing force to jettison caused by friction 
between the jettisonable window and the airframe. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to prevent excessive friction between the jettisonable cabin 
window and the airframe. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could prevent the window from jettisoning, subsequently affecting 
the evacuation of passengers during an emergency situation.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    (1) 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 2021-0012.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a 
jettisonable window on any helicopter unless the actions required by 
this AD have been accomplished.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0012

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0012 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0012 refers to its effective date, the 
effective date of EASA AD 2019-0107, dated May 16, 2019, and the 
effective date of EASA AD 2020-0061, dated March 17, 2020, this AD 
requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0012 specifies 
compliance within 250 flight hours or 6 months for helicopters not 
operated over water and within 110 flight hours or 6 months for 
helicopters operated over water, this AD requires compliance within 
110 hours time-in-service (TIS) for Group 1 and Group 2 helicopters, 
as defined in EASA AD 2021-0012.
    (4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0012 specifies 
compliance within 25 months, this AD requires compliance within 110 
hours TIS.
    (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0012 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those 
parts from service.
    (6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0012 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters to obtain a technical 
solution, this AD requires repair done in accordance with a method 
approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
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) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0012 specifies to use tooling, this AD allows the use of equivalent 
tooling.
    (8) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0012 specifies using a video, this AD does not require using the 
video.
    (9) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0012 does not apply to this 
AD. Refer to paragraph (b) of this AD for affected FAA AD 
information.
    (10) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD 
2021-0012.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0012 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are prohibited for flights over water 
with passengers on board.

(k) 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 (l)(2) 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) Additional Information

    (1) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Ala Ramaden, 2701 N Forum 
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, United States; phone: (972) 641-
0000; website: airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Matthew Fuller, 
AD Program Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational

[[Page 31607]]

Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0012, 
dated January 11, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2021-0012, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: 
[email protected]. You may find this 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 April 19, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-10620 Filed 5-17-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P