Document ID: FAA-2020-0905-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Helicopters
Posted Date: 2020-10-07T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 7, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63240-63244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22115]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0905; Product Identifier 2019-SW-102-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2015-26-01, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C1, 
AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 
helicopters with an energy-absorbing seat. AD 2015-26-01 requires 
inspecting for the presence of labels (placards) that prohibit stowing 
anything under the seat, and if a label (placard) is missing or not 
clearly visible to each occupant, installing a label (placard). Since 
the FAA issued AD 2015-26-01, the FAA has determined that additional 
helicopters are affected by the unsafe condition, and that new labels 
(placards) are required for all affected helicopters. This proposed AD 
would retain all of the requirements of AD 2015-26-01. This proposed AD 
would also add helicopters to the applicability and require a 
modification (installing new labels (placards)). The FAA is proposing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 
23, 2020.

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 https://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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus 
Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone: 972-
641-0000 or 800-

[[Page 63241]]

232-0323; fax: 972-641-3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0905; 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, 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3218; email: kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.

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 the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0905; 
Product Identifier 2019-SW-102-AD'' 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 proposed AD based on 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 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact received about this proposed AD.

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 
Kathleen Arrigotti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, 
WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3218; email: 
kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which 
is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public 
docket for this rulemaking.

Discussion

    The FAA issued AD 2015-26-01, Amendment 39-18349 (80 FR 79466, 
December 22, 2015) (``AD 2015-26-01''), for certain Airbus Helicopters 
Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, 
and EC155B1 helicopters with an energy-absorbing seat. AD 2015-26-01 
requires inspecting for the presence of labels (placards) that prohibit 
stowing anything under the seat, and if a label (placard) is missing or 
not clearly visible to each occupant, installing a label (placard). AD 
2015-26-01 resulted from the discovery that required labels (placards) 
had not been systematically installed. The FAA issued AD 2015-26-01 to 
address any object stowed under an energy-absorbing seat, which could 
reduce the efficiency of the energy-absorbing function of the seat, 
resulting in injury to the seat occupants during an accident.

Actions Since AD 2015-26-01 Was Issued

    Since AD 2015-26-01 was issued, the FAA has determined that 
additional helicopters are affected by the unsafe condition, and that 
new labels (placards) are required for all affected helicopters.
    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued 
EASA AD 2019-0088R1, dated November 8, 2019 (referred to after this as 
the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), 
to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Helicopters Model 
AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, AS-365N2, AS 365 
N3, EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters with an energy-absorbing seat. EASA 
advised that during certification of an energy-absorbing seat with a 
new part number, the labels (placards) that require keeping the space 
under the seat free of any object were not systematically installed. 
EASA stated that this condition, if not corrected, could prompt 
occupants to stow objects under an energy-absorbing seat, which would 
reduce the effectiveness of the seat and the occupants' chance of 
surviving an accident. EASA consequently issued AD 2014-0204, dated 
September 11, 2014; corrected September 12, 2014 (which corresponds to 
FAA AD 2015-26-01) to require a one-time inspection for the presence of 
labels (placards) and, if they were missing or unreadable, making and 
installing labels (placards) prohibiting the placing of an object under 
an energy absorbing seat. EASA later advised, in EASA AD 2017-0226, 
dated November 17, 2017 (``EASA AD 2017-0226''), which superseded EASA 
AD 2014-0204, that additional new labels (placards) were required and 
that additional helicopters were affected by the unsafe condition. In 
this MCAI, which supersedes EASA AD 2017-0226, EASA advised that 
additional extended compliance times were necessary for certain 
helicopters.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0905.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Helicopters has issued the following service information. 
This service information describes procedures for installing new labels 
(placards) prohibiting stowage of any object under an energy-absorbing 
seat. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
helicopter models.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
25.03.16, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
25.03.41, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
25.03.42, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-
25.01.67, Revision 0, dated February 12, 2019.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC155-
25A144, Revision 0, dated February 12, 2019.

[[Page 63242]]

     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-
25A179, Revision 1, dated November 6, 2019.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-
25A203, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017.
    Airbus Helicopters has also issued the following service 
information. This service information describes procedures for 
inspecting for labels, placards, or markings that prohibit stowing 
anything under certain seats and installing a placard. These documents 
are distinct since they apply to different helicopter models.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
01.00.85, Revision 1, dated September 7, 2017.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-
01.00.66, Revision 1, dated February 12, 2019.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC155-
04A013, Revision 1, dated February 12, 2019.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-
04A012, Revision 2, dated November 6, 2019.
    This proposed AD would also require the following service 
information, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for 
incorporation by reference as of January 26, 2016 (80 FR 79466, 
December 22, 2015).
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
01.00.85, Revision 0, dated August 26, 2014.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-
01.00.66, Revision 0, dated August 26, 2014.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC155-
04A013, Revision 0, dated August 26, 2014.
     Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-
04A012, Revision 0, dated August 26, 2014.
    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 issued Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 
No. EC225-04A012, Revision 1, dated September 7, 2017, which describes 
procedures for inspecting for labels, placards, or markings that 
prohibit stowing anything under certain seats and installing a placard.
    Airbus Helicopters has also issued Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin No. EC225-25A179, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017, which 
describes procedures for installing new labels (placards) prohibiting 
stowage of any object under an energy-absorbing seat.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, 
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all the relevant information and determining the 
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on 
other products of the same type design.

Proposed Requirements of this NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2015-
26-01. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information described previously.

Clarification of the Retained Compliance Times

    Paragraph (g) of AD 2015-26-01 specified the compliance time as: 
``Within 110 hours time in service.'' The FAA has included 
clarification of the retained compliance time for paragraph (g) of this 
NPRM, that specifies: ``Within 110 hours time in service after January 
26, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2015-26-01) . . .''

Clarification of the Generic Part Number for Seat Type

    Figure 1 to paragraph (a) of AD 2015-26-01 specifies an incorrect 
generic part number for Socea Sogerma seat type ST107. The FAA has 
corrected that generic part number in figure 1 to paragraphs (c) and 
(j) of this proposed AD. The incorrect generic part number was 2010107-
xx-xx; the correct generic part number is 2510107-xx-xx.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 90 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on  U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (52 Helicopters) (Retained   1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85          $4,420
 actions from AD 2015-26-01).            hour = $85.
Install label (placard) (52             2 work-hours x $85 per          $Minimal             170           8,840
 Helicopters) (Retained actions from     hour = $170.
 AD 2015-26-01).
Inspection (38 Helicopters) (New        1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0              85           3,230
 proposed actions).                      hour = $85.
Install label (placard) (38             2 work-hours x $85 per          $Minimal             170           6,460
 Helicopters) (New proposed actions).    hour = $170.
Install new label (placard) (New        2 work-hours x $85 per          $Minimal             170          15,300
 proposed actions).                      hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 63243]]

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) 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2015-26-01, Amendment 39-18349 (80 FR 79466, December 22, 2015), and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2020-0905; Product Identifier 
2019-SW-102-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by November 23, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-26-01, Amendment 39-18349 (80 FR 79466, 
December 22, 2015) (``AD 2015-26-01'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B and 
EC155B1 helicopters, certificated in any category, equipped with at 
least one energy-absorbing seat listed in figure 1 to paragraphs (c) 
and (j) of this AD, except any helicopter embodying the applicable 
Airbus Helicopters modifications on all applicable seat positions 
listed in figure 2 to paragraph (c) of this AD.

           Figure 1 to Paragraphs (c) and (j)--Affected Seats
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Seat manufacturer              Seat type          Generic P/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fischer + Entwicklungen.........  H110..............  9606-( )-( )-( ).
                                  H140..............  0520-( )-( )-( ).
                                  H160..............  0718-( )-( )-( )-(
                                                       ).
                                  185/410...........  9507-( )-( )-( ).
                                  236/406...........  9608-( )-( )-( ).
SICMA Aero Seat or Zodiac Seats   Sicma 192.........  192xx-xx-xx.
 France.
                                  Sicma 159.........  1591718-xx.
                                                      159110.
Socea Sogerma...................  ST102.............  2510102-xx-xx.
                                  ST107.............  2510107-xx-xx.
                                  ST120.............  2520120-xx.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 1 to Figure 1 to paragraphs (c) and (j): ``xx'' can be any 
two alphanumeric characters and ``()'' can be any number of 
alphanumeric characters.

  Figure 2 to Paragraph (c)--Modifications (Installation of Label (Placard) Prohibiting Storage Under the Seat)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Helicopter type                      Modification                      Seat (position)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1,         0728251 or 332P084159......  Cabin.
 AS332L2.
                                          0728352 or 332P084160......  Cockpit.
                                          0728403 or 332P084161......  3rd Crew Member.
EC225LP.................................  0728251, or 332P084159, or   Cabin.
                                           332P085421.00, or
                                           332P085421.01, or
                                           332P085421.02 or
                                           332P085421.03.
                                          0728352 or 332P084160......  Cockpit.
AS[dash]365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B,        365V874113.00..............  All seat configurations.
 EC155B1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 11, Placards and 
markings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the discovery that required labels 
(placards) prohibiting stowage of any object under an energy-
absorbing seat had not been systematically installed. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address any object stowed under an energy-
absorbing seat which could reduce the efficiency of the energy-
absorbing function of the seat, resulting in injury to the seat 
occupants during an accident.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection and Corrective Actions With Revised Service 
Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (e) of AD 
2015-26-01, with revised service information. Within 110 hours time 
in service after January 26, 2016 (the effective date of AD 2015-26-
01), do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) or (2) of this 
AD, as applicable for your model helicopter.
    (1) For Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP 
helicopters:
    (i) Inspect the cabin and cockpit for labels, placards, or 
markings that prohibit stowing anything under the seats in the 
locations shown in the figure in the Appendix of Airbus Helicopters 
Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-01.00.85 or No. EC225-04A012, both

[[Page 63244]]

Revision 0 and dated August 26, 2014; or Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin No. AS332-01.00.85, Revision 1, dated September 7, 
2017, or Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-04A012, 
Revision 2, dated November 6, 2019; as applicable for your model 
helicopter.
    (ii) If a label, placard, or marking is not located in every 
location depicted in the figure in the Appendix or is not visible 
and legible to every occupant, before further flight, install a 
placard in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.B., of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
AS332 01.00.85 or No. EC225 04A012, both Revision 0 and dated August 
26, 2014; or Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332 
01.00.85, Revision 1, dated September 7, 2017, or Airbus Helicopters 
Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-04A012, Revision 2, dated November 
6, 2019; as applicable for your model helicopter.
    (2) For Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 
helicopters:
    (i) Inspect each seat leg in the cabin and cockpit for labels, 
placards, or markings that prohibit stowing anything under the 
seats.
    (ii) If a label, placard, or marking does not exist on one leg 
of each seat or is not visible and legible, before further flight, 
install a placard in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B., and the Appendix of Airbus Helicopters 
Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-01.00.66 or No. EC155-04A013, both 
Revision 0 and dated August 26, 2014; or Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin No. AS365-01.00.66 or No. EC155-04A013, both 
Revision 1 and dated February 12, 2019; as applicable for your model 
helicopter.

(h) New Inspection and Corrective Actions for Certain Helicopters

    (1) For Model AS332C and AS332L helicopters: Within 110 hours 
time in service or 30 days, whichever occurs first, after the 
effective date of this AD, inspect the cabin and cockpit for labels, 
placards, or markings that prohibit stowing anything under the seats 
in the locations shown in the figure in the Appendix of Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-01.00.85, Revision 1, 
dated September 7, 2017.
    (2) If a label, placard, or marking is not located in every 
location depicted in the figure in the Appendix or is not visible 
and legible to every occupant, before further flight, install a 
placard in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.B., of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
AS332-01.00.85, Revision 1, dated September 7, 2017.

(i) New Requirements of This AD: Modification (Install New Placards)

    (1) At the applicable times specified in paragraph (i)(2) of 
this AD, install new placards prohibiting stowage of any object 
under an energy-absorbing seat in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of the applicable service information 
specified in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (vii) of this AD, except 
you are not required to discard the old labels (placards). Doing the 
installation required by this paragraph terminates the requirements 
of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
25.03.16, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
25.03.41, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017.
    (iii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
25.03.42, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017.
    (iv) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-
25.01.67, Revision 0, dated February 12, 2019.
    (v) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC155-25A144, 
Revision 0, dated February 12, 2019.
    (vi) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-25A179, 
Revision 1, dated November 6, 2019.
    (vii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-
25A203, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017; as applicable for your 
model helicopter.
    (2) At this applicable times specified in paragraph (i)(2)(i) or 
(ii) of this AD, do the installation required by paragraph (i)(1) of 
this AD.
    (i) For Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, AS-
365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, and EC225LP helicopters, all 
manufacturer serial numbers, except Model EC225LP helicopters, 
manufacturer serial numbers 2663, 2670, 2854, 2883, 2885, 2901 and 
2921: Within 110 hours time in service or 6 months, whichever occurs 
first after the effective date of this AD.
    (ii) For Model EC225LP helicopters, manufacturer serial numbers 
2663, 2670, 2854, 2883, 2885, 2901 and 2921: Within 50 hours time in 
service or 2 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date 
of this AD.

(j) No Actions Required for Certain Helicopters

    For Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP 
helicopters delivered after September 7, 2017: No actions are 
required, provided that no energy-absorbing seat, as identified in 
figure 1 to paragraphs (c) and (j) of this AD, has been installed on 
that helicopter since delivery.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin No. EC225-04A012, Revision 1, dated September 7, 2017.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (i)(1) and (2) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin No. EC225-25A179, Revision 0, dated September 7, 
2017.

(l) 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. 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.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, 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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen 
Arrigotti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3218; email: 
kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
phone: 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 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.

    Issued on October 1, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-22115 Filed 10-6-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P