Document ID: FAA-2021-0496-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Helicopters and Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
Posted Date: 2021-10-18T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 198 (Monday, October 18, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57571-57574]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22467]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0496; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00393-R; 
Amendment 39-21700; AD 2021-17-17]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 
Helicopters and Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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[[Page 57572]]

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS350B, 
AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, 
AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC120B, EC130B4, 
EC130T2, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, and SA-365N1 helicopters; and 
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, 
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, MBB-BK117 C-2, 
and MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by failure of an 
Emergency Flotation System (EFS) float compartment to inflate during 
maintenance of the EFS. This AD requires inspecting certain EFSs and 
depending on the results, marking certain parts or removing certain 
parts from service, 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 November 22, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 22, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this 
AD, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet 
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at 
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Safran Aerosystems service information 
identified in this final rule, contact Safran Aerosystems, Technical 
Publication Department, 61 rue Pierre Curie CS20001, 78373 Plaisir 
Cedex, France; telephone (33) 1 61 34 23 23; fax (33) 1 61 34 24 41; or 
at https://www.safran-aerosystems.com/customers-0. 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 in the AD docket on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0496.

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-2021-
0496; 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, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart 
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; fax 
(516) 794-5531; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0064, dated March 19, 2020 
(EASA AD 2020-0064), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale 
Model EC 120 B, EC 175 B, AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, AS 
350 B, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 BA, AS 350 BB, AS 350 B3, AS 350 D, 
EC 130 B4, EC 130 T2, AS 355 E, AS 355 F, AS 355 F1, AS 355 F2, AS 355 
N, AS 355 NP, SA 365 N, SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155 B, and 
EC 155 B1 helicopters. EASA AD 2020-0064 also corrects an unsafe 
condition for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD), formerly 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH; and Airbus Helicopters Inc., formerly 
American Eurocopter LLC, Eurocopter Espa[ntilde]a S.A. Model MBB-BK117 
C-2, MBB-BK117 D-2, EC 135 P1, EC 135 P2, EC 135 P2+, EC 135 P3, EC 135 
T1, EC 135 T2, EC 135 T2+, EC 135 T3, EC 635 P2+, EC 635 P3, EC 635 T1, 
EC 635 T2+, and EC 635 T3 helicopters. Model EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 
T1, EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters are not certificated by the FAA 
and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet except 
where the U.S. type certificate data sheet explains that the Model 
EC635T2+ helicopter having serial number 0858 was converted from Model 
EC635T2+ to Model EC135T2+; this AD therefore does not include Model 
EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters in 
the applicability.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS350B, AS350BA, 
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, 
AS355N, AS355NP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC120B, EC130B4, EC130T2, EC 
155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, and SA-365N1 helicopters, and Airbus 
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, 
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, MBB-BK117 C-2, and MBB-
BK117 D-2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
June 16, 2021 (86 FR 31995). The NPRM was prompted by failure of an 
Emergency Flotation System (EFS) float compartment to inflate during 
maintenance of the EFS. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting certain 
EFSs and depending on the results, marking certain parts or removing 
certain parts from service specified in EASA AD 2020-0064.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, 
except for a minor change. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require 
actions specified in EASA AD 2020-0064 through incorporation by 
reference, except for certain differences. The FAA has obtained 
approval to use this process from certain manufacturers, including 
Airbus Helicopters and Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD); 
however, the FAA has not worked with Safran Aerosystems for approval of 
this process. EASA AD 2020-0064 requires using Safran Aerosystems 
Service Bulletin (SB) 025-69-18, original issue (Revision 0), dated 
December 11, 2019 or Revision 1, dated February 4, 2020 (SB 025-69-18 
Rev 0 or SB 025-69-18 Rev 1), and allows the use of later approved 
revisions, to accomplish certain actions. In this AD, a clarification 
has been added into this final rule to directly use SB 025-69-18 Rev 1 
or Safran Aerosystems SB 025-69-18, Revision 2, dated March 24, 2021 
(SB 025-69-18 Rev 2), instead of using SB 025-69-18 Rev 0 or SB 025-69-
18 Rev 1 through incorporation by reference of EASA AD 2020-0064.
    The FAA has determined that this minor change:

[[Page 57573]]

     Is consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Does not add any additional burden upon the public than 
was already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2020-0064 specifies inspecting certain EFSs and depending 
on the results, marking a float supply hose with a green dot with 
indelible ink if the float supply hose passes an inspection, replacing 
the float supply hose with a serviceable float supply hose, or 
replacing an affected EFS with a serviceable EFS. EASA AD 2020-0064 
also prohibits installing a float supply hose unless it passes the 
inspection and is marked.
    The FAA reviewed SB 025-69-18 Rev 1 and SB 025-69-18 Rev 2, which 
apply to certain Safran Aerosystems EFS and float supply hoses. Each 
revision of this service information specifies procedures for 
inspecting single- and multi-section EFS inflation system float supply 
hoses for blockage, and depending on the results, replacing the hose 
and contacting Safran Aerosystems, or marking the hose. SB 025-69-18 
Rev 2 was issued to correct a list of possibly affected parts (Table 
3).
    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.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    EASA AD 2020-0064 applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B, 
EC175B, AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, 
AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, EC130T2, AS355E, AS355F, 
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 
N3, EC155 B, and EC155B1 helicopters and Airbus Helicopters Deutschland 
GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 C-2, MBB-BK 117 D-2, EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, 
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635 P2+, EC635P3, 
EC635T1, EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters, whereas this AD does not 
include Model AS350BB, EC175B, EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1, EC635T2+, 
and EC635T3 helicopters because these models are not FAA type-
certificated. Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0064 requires certain compliance times depending on whether the 
helicopter is operated over water, this AD requires compliance within 
100 hours time-in-service (TIS) instead. Where the service information 
referenced in EASA AD 2020-0064 specifies ``work must be performed on 
the helicopter by the operator,'' this AD requires that the work be 
accomplished by a mechanic that meets the requirements of 14 CFR part 
65 subpart D. Where some of the service information referenced in EASA 
AD 2020-0064 specifies replacing or removing an affected hose that 
fails the inspection, this AD requires removing the hose from service 
instead. Where some of the service information referenced in EASA AD 
2020-0064 specifies to discard certain parts, this proposed AD requires 
removing those parts from service instead. Where some of the service 
information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0064 specifies to return the EFS 
to the Safran Aerosystems network or clogged hoses to Safran 
Aerosystems Services, this AD does not include those requirements. 
Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0064 specifies 
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
include that requirement.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,900 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD.
    Inspecting the EFS takes up to about 8 work-hours for an estimated 
cost of up to $680 per helicopter and $1,292,000 for the U.S. fleet.
    Replacing an EFS hose takes about 1 work-hour and parts cost 
between $500 and $2,000 per hose, and up to $11,000 for a set of float 
supply hoses, for an estimated cost of up to $11,085 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

    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:

2021-17-17 Airbus Helicopters and Airbus Helicopters Deutschland 
GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-21700; Docket No. FAA-2021-0496; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2020-00393-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 22, 
2021.

(b) Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

    None.

 (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following helicopters, certificated in 
any category, with an affected part as defined in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0064, dated March 19, 2020 
(EASA AD 2020-0064), installed:
    (1) Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, 
AS350B,

[[Page 57574]]

AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, 
AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC120B, EC130B4, 
EC130T2, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, and SA-365N1 helicopters, and
    Note 1 to paragraph (c)(1): Helicopters with an AS350B3e 
designation are Model AS350B3 helicopters.
    (2) Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, 
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, 
MBB-BK117 C-2, and MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters.
    Note 2 to paragraph (c)(2): Helicopters with an EC135P3H 
designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters. Helicopters with an 
EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3 helicopters. Helicopters with 
an MBB-BK117 C-2e designation are Model MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2500, Cabin 
Equipment/Furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by failure of an Emergency Flotation System 
(EFS) float compartment to inflate during maintenance of the EFS. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address a blocked float supply hose. 
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in partial 
inflation of an EFS float during an emergency landing on water and 
subsequently preventing a timely egress from the helicopter, which 
could result in injury to helicopter occupants.

(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, EASA AD 2020-0064.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0064

    (1) Where EASA AD 2020-0064 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph (1) of the EASA AD requires inspecting each 
affected part within the compliance time defined in section 1.E of 
the applicable ASB, this AD requires inspecting each affected part 
within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of 
this AD.
    (3) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of 
EASA AD 2020-0064 specifies that ``the work must be performed on the 
helicopter by the operator,'' this AD requires that the work be 
accomplished by a mechanic that meets the requirements of 14 CFR 
part 65 subpart D.
    (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0064 specifies replacing or removing an affected hose that fails the 
inspection, this AD requires removing the hose from service.
    (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0064 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing 
those parts from service.
    (6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0064 specifies returning the EFS to the Safran Aerosystems network 
for compliance or returning clogged hoses to Safran Aerosystems 
Services, this AD does not include those requirements.
    (7) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2020-0064.

(i) Clarification of Required Service Information

    As required by the Definitions section and paragraph (4.2) of 
EASA AD 2020-0064, this AD requires using Safran Aerosystems Service 
Bulletin (SB) 025-69-18, Revision 1, dated February 4, 2020, or 
Safran Aerosystems SB 025-69-18, Revision 2, dated March 24, 2021.

(j) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0064 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(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) 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) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Andrea Jimenez, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York 
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7330; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].

(m) 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.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0064, 
dated March 19, 2020.
    (ii) Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin (SB) 025-69-18, 
Revision 1, dated February 4, 2020.
    (iii) Safran Aerosystems SB 025-69-18, Revision 2, dated March 
24, 2021.
    (3) For EASA AD 2020-0064, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; Internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Safran 
Aerosystems service information identified in this AD, contact 
Safran Aerosystems, Technical Publication Department, 61 rue Pierre 
Curie CS20001, 78373 Plaisir Cedex, France; telephone (33) 1 61 34 
23 23; fax (33) 1 61 34 24 41; or at https://www.safran-aerosystems.com/customers-0.
    (4) 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. This material may be 
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0496.
    (5) 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 
[email protected], or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on September 16, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22467 Filed 10-15-21; 8:45 am]
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