Document ID: FAA-2021-0314-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Helicopters
Posted Date: 2021-04-22T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 76 (Thursday, April 22, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21240-21243]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08179]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0314; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00599-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 EC155B1 helicopters. This proposed 
AD was prompted by a report of difficulties when jettisoning the co-
pilot door during non-scheduled maintenance. This proposed AD would 
require a functional check of the pilot and co-pilot door jettisoning 
system and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation 
by reference (IBR). 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 May 24, 
2021.

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 material that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact the EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may 
find this material on the EASA website at https://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 in the AD docket on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov

[[Page 21241]]

by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0314.

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-
0314; 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, Program Manager, 
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; telephone 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0314; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2020-00599-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 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this proposal.

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, Program Manager, Large Aircraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-
231-3218; email kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA 
receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in 
the public docket for this rulemaking.

Discussion

    The EASA (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued 
EASA AD 2015-0157, dated July 30, 2015 (EASA AD 2015-0157) (also 
referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model 
EC 155 B1 helicopters, all serial numbers delivered after manufacturing 
before June 30, 2015, and equipped with a pilot or co-pilot door 
jettisoning system in accordance with Airbus Helicopters Modification 
POST MOD 0752C05, except helicopters on which Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual (AMM) Task 52-11-00-712 was accomplished on both pilot and co-
pilot doors since the last crew door installation.
    This proposed AD was prompted by a report of difficulties when 
jettisoning the co-pilot door during non-scheduled maintenance. The FAA 
is proposing this AD to address jamming of the affected door 
jettisoning mechanism, which could reduce the ability of the flightcrew 
to evacuate in the event of an emergency situation. See the MCAI for 
additional background information.

Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2015-0157 describes procedures for doing a functional check 
of the pilot and co-pilot door jettisoning system and corrective 
actions. The corrective actions include greasing the tenons and 
restoring the jettison 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 the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to the bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, the FAA 
has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
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 in other products of the same 
type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in EASA AD 2015-0157, described previously, as incorporated by 
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this proposed AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a 
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information 
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has 
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation 
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2015-0157 
will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed 
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2015-0157 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 the EASA AD 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 the EASA AD. Service information specified 
in EASA AD 2015-0157 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2015-
0157 will be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0314 after the FAA 
final rule is published.

[[Page 21242]]

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 14 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
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8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680...........................              $0             $680           $9,520
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
helicopters that might need this on-condition action:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85......              $0              $85
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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-2021-0314; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2020-00599-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by May 24, 2021.

(b) Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC155B1 helicopters, 
certificated in any category, all serial numbers manufactured before 
June 30, 2015, and equipped with a pilot or co-pilot door 
jettisoning system in accordance with Airbus Helicopters 
modification POST MOD 0752C05, except helicopters on which Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual (AMM) task 52-11-00-712 was accomplished on both 
pilot and co-pilot doors since the last crew door installation.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5210, Passenger/Crew 
Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of difficulties when 
jettisoning the co-pilot door during non-scheduled maintenance. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address jamming of the affected door 
jettisoning mechanism, which could reduce the ability of the 
flightcrew to evacuate in the event of an emergency situation.

(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 European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2015-0157, dated July 30, 2015 
(EASA AD 2015-0157).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2015-0157

    (1) Where EASA AD 2015-0157 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2015-0157 does not apply 
to this AD.
    (3) Where EASA AD 2015-0157 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD 
requires using hours time-in-service.
    (4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2015-0157 provides an option 
to contact Airbus Helicopters for approved instructions and 
accomplish those instructions, for this AD, the option is to repair 
the jettison system in accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
    (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2015-
0157 specifies to ``speak to Airbus Helicopters,'' this AD requires 
repairing the jettison system in accordance with FAA-approved 
procedures.

[[Page 21243]]

    (6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2015-
0157 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing 
the parts from service instead.

(i) 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: Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.
    (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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For EASA AD 2015-0157, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://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. 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-2021-0314.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen 
Arrigotti, Program Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3218; email kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.

    Issued on April 14, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-08179 Filed 4-21-21; 8:45 am]
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