[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 245 (Tuesday, December 22, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 79466-79469]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-31849]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-2714; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-052-AD; 
Amendment 39-18349; AD 2015-26-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, AS-365N2, AS 365 
N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters with an energy absorbing seat 
(seat). This AD requires inspecting for the presence of labels that 
prohibit stowing anything under the seat. If a label is missing or not 
clearly visible to each occupant, we require installing a label. This 
AD was prompted by the discovery that required labels had not been 
systematically installed. The actions of this AD are intended to 
prevent objects from being stowed under the seat as these objects could 
reduce the energy-absorbing function of the seat, resulting in injury 
to the seat occupants during an accident.

DATES: This AD is effective January 26, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of January 26, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, 
TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-
3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review 
the referenced 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 http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
2714; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any 
incorporated-by-reference service

[[Page 79467]]

information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office 
(phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On July 14, 2015, at 80 FR 40947, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters 
Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, 
and EC155B1 helicopters with certain energy absorbing seats. The NPRM 
proposed to require inspecting for the presence of labels that would 
prohibit stowing anything under the seat. If a label is missing or not 
clearly visible to each occupant, the NPRM proposed to require 
installing a label. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent 
objects from being stowed under the seat as these objects could reduce 
the energy-absorbing function of the seat, resulting in injury to the 
seat occupants during an accident.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2014-0204, dated September 11, 
2014, and corrected September 12, 2014, by EASA, which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe 
condition for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, 
EC225LP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. EASA 
advises that during certification of an energy absorbing seat with a 
new part number, the labels that require keeping the space under the 
seat free of any object were not systematically installed. EASA states 
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. The EASA AD consequently requires a one-time inspection for 
the presence of labels and, if they are missing or unreadable, making 
and installing labels prohibiting the placing of an object under an 
energy absorbing seat.
    Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA Southwest Regional Office has 
relocated and a group email address has been established for requesting 
an FAA Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) for a helicopter of 
foreign design. Therefore, we have revised the physical address 
throughout the AD and the email address for requesting an AMOC.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 40947, July 14, 
2015).

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by France and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these 
same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Helicopters issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332-
01.00.85 for Model AS332C1, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters; ASB No. 
AS365-01.00.66 for Model AS-365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters; ASB No. 
EC155-04A013 for EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters; and ASB No. EC225-
04A012 for Model EC225LP helicopters. All ASBs are Revision 0 and dated 
August 26, 2014. The ASBs state that during certification of an energy 
absorbing seat with a new part number, it was observed that the label, 
which indicates that the space under the seats must remain free of 
objects, was not systematically installed. Objects stowed under these 
seats reduce the energy absorbing function and thus jeopardize the 
occupant's survival in the event of a crash, the ASBs state. Pending a 
definitive solution, Airbus Helicopters calls for affixing a label that 
states that nothing can be stored under the seats.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 52 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on these estimates, 
we expect that the inspection for the presence of a label takes a 
quarter work-hour for a labor cost of about $21. The cost of parts and 
time for installing a label are minimal, for a total cost of $21 per 
helicopter and $1,092 for the U.S. fleet.

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.
    We are 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 helicopters 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    (4) 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

[[Page 79468]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of 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 (AD):

2015-26-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-18349; Docket No. FAA-
2015-2714; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-052-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C1, AS332L1, 
AS332L2, EC225LP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 
helicopters with an energy absorbing seat (seat) listed in Figure 1 
to paragraph (a) of this AD, certificated in any category.

                        Figure 1 to Paragraph (a)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Seat manufacturer             Seat type        Generic part No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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............  2010107-xx-xx
                                 ST120............  2520120-xx
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1 to Figure 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD: ``xx'' can be 
any two alphanumeric characters and ``()'' can be any number of 
alphanumeric characters.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an object stowed under 
an energy absorbing seat. This condition could reduce the efficiency 
of the energy-absorbing function of the seat, resulting in injury to 
the seat occupants during an accident.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective January 26, 2016.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    Within 110 hours time in service:
    (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 (ASB AS332-01.00.85) or 
No. EC225-04A012 (ASB EC225-04A012), both Revision 0 and dated 
August 26, 2014, 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 ASB AS332-01.00.85 or ASB EC225-04A012, 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, as applicable for your model 
helicopter.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort 
Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
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.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2014-0204, dated September 11, 2014, and 
corrected September 12, 2014. You may view the EASA AD on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2015-2714.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 1100, Placards and 
Markings.

(i) 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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
01.00.85, Revision 0, dated August 26, 2014.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-04A012, 
Revision 0, dated August 26, 2014.
    (iii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-
01.00.66, Revision 0, dated August 26, 2014.
    (iv) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC155-04A013, 
Revision 0, dated August 26, 2014.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, 
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; 
fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
    (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

[[Page 79469]]

Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 11, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-31849 Filed 12-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P