[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 68 (Wednesday, April 8, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19707-19709]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-07354]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0214; Product Identifier 2018-SW-039-AD]
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 all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by a mechanical deformation found on the protective cover
of the ``SHEAR'' control pushbutton installed on a copilot collective
stick. This proposed AD would require modification of the helicopter by
replacing the protective cover and re-identifying the part number (P/N)
of the pilot and copilot collective sticks. 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 26,
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; telephone
(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.
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-
0214; 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. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Clark Davenport, Flight Test Analyst,
Flight Test Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222-5151; email [email protected].
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-2020-0214;
Product Identifier 2018-SW-039-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
NPRM because of those comments.
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 NPRM.
Discussion
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (previously European
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the
Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2018-0106,
dated May 10, 2018 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct
an unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP
helicopters. EASA advises that mechanical deformation was found on the
protective cover of the ``SHEAR'' control pushbutton on a copilot
collective stick. The root cause for the deformation was identified as
incorrect handling. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to
unintended shearing of the hoist cable, possibly resulting in loss of a
hoisted load or person(s). To address this unsafe condition, the EASA
AD requires replacement of the protective cover of the ``SHEAR''
control pushbutton and re-identification (new AH P/N 704A41110149, new
NSE MP/N 00014100AA) of the pilot and copilot collective sticks. The
EASA AD also prohibits installation of the old design protective cover.
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-2020-0214.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin EC225-67A017,
Revision 0, dated March 26, 2018. This service information describes
procedures for modification of the helicopter by replacing the
protective
[[Page 19708]]
cover of the ``SHEAR'' control pushbutton and re-identifying the part
number of the pilot and copilot collective sticks.
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.
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 require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 12 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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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170........................... $2,632 $2,802 $33,624
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According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty
coverage for affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included
all known costs in the cost estimate.
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) 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2020-0214; Product Identifier
2018-SW-039-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by May 26, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System/Component Codes (JASC) Code 67, Rotorcraft
Flight Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by mechanical deformation found on the
protective cover of the ``SHEAR'' control pushbutton installed on a
copilot collective stick. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this
condition, which could lead to unintended shearing of the hoist
cable, possibly resulting in loss of a hoisted load or person(s).
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definitions
For the purposes of this AD, the definitions specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD apply.
(1) Affected part: A pilot or copilot collective stick having
part number (P/N) 704A41110139, equipment manufacturer NSE P/N
N2000355.
(2) Group 1 helicopters: Helicopters that have an affected part
installed.
(3) Group 2 helicopters: Helicopters that do not have an
affected part installed. A helicopter that has embodied Airbus
Helicopters Modification 332P084165 in production is a Group 2
helicopter, provided that helicopter remains in that configuration.
(h) Required Actions
For Group 1 helicopters: At the applicable time specified in
Table 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD, modify the helicopter by
replacing the protective cover of the ``SHEAR'' control pushbutton
and re-identifying the part number of the pilot and copilot
collective sticks, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC225-
67A017, Revision 0, dated March 26, 2018.
[[Page 19709]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP08AP20.000
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
At the applicable times specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (2)
of this AD: Do not install on any helicopter a ``SHEAR'' control
pushbutton protective cover having P/N 700070 on the pilot or
copilot collective stick, and do not install on any helicopter a
pilot or copilot collective stick having P/N 704A41110139 (equipment
manufacturer NSE P/N N2000355).
(1) For Group 1 helicopters: After modification of the
helicopter as required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
(2) For Group 2 helicopters: From the effective date of this AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to:
Clark Davenport, Flight Test Analyst, Flight Test Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5151;
email [email protected].
(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.
(k) Related Information
(1) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (previously European Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD No. 2018-0106, dated May 10, 2018. This EASA AD may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2020-0214.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (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.
Issued on April 3, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-07354 Filed 4-7-20; 8:45 am]
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