[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 139 (Monday, July 20, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43749-43752]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-15532]



[[Page 43749]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0585; Product Identifier 2019-SW-112-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 AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on 
attachment screws and fittings fastening the main gearbox (MGB) 
suspension bars to the fuselage. This proposed AD would require 
inspecting the affected parts and associated frame bores for 
discrepancies, and applicable corrective actions. 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 September 
3, 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-
0585; 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 AD, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 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, Aerospace 
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3218; 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-2020-0585; 
Product Identifier 2019-SW-112-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 NPRM 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 FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact received about this NPRM.

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, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, 
WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which 
is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public 
docket for this rulemaking.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0295, dated December 5, 2019 
(referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 
helicopters. EASA advises that there were reports of corrosion on 
attachment screws and fittings fastening the rear MGB suspension bars, 
right and left hand sides, to the fuselage, and the attachment screws 
and fitting fastening the front MGB suspension bar to the fuselage. 
Subsequent investigation determined that during maintenance visits of 
an identified batch of helicopters between September 2012 and April 
2019, application of compound sealant on MGB suspension bar attachment 
screws may not have been accomplished using the approved maintenance 
data. The EASA AD requires a one-time inspection of the affected parts, 
and depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective 
actions. The compliance times vary depending on helicopter 
configuration.
    For helicopters identified in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin AS332-53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020, the earliest 
inspection compliance time is within 100 flight hours or 6 months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. For helicopters 
identified in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS332-53.02.07, 
Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019, the earliest inspection compliance 
time is within 100 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
    For helicopters identified in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin AS332-53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020, the latest 
initial inspection compliance time is within 3,800 flight hours or 3 
years and 6 months, whichever occurs first, since the last maintenance 
action at Airbus Helicopters Marignane. For helicopters identified in 
Airbus Helicopters Alert

[[Page 43750]]

Service Bulletin AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019, 
the latest initial inspection compliance time is within 3,800 flight 
hours since last removal.
    The FAA is issuing this proposed AD to address corrosion on 
attachment fittings and attachment screws for the MGB suspension bars. 
This condition, if not addressed, could lead to structural failure of 
the MGB attachment screws, resulting in detachment of MGB suspension 
bars from the fuselage and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.
    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-2020-0585.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin AS332-
53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020; and Alert Service Bulletin 
AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019. The service 
information describes procedures for inspecting the attachment fittings 
and attachment screws of the MGB suspension bars and their frame bores 
for discrepancies and corrective actions. This inspection includes an 
inspection of the attachment fittings and attachment screws of the MGB 
suspension bars for corrosion and an inspection of the attachment 
screws for evidence of sealing compound. The corrective actions include 
replacing or repairing corroded parts and replacing screws that have 
sealing compound on them. These documents are distinct since they apply 
to different helicopter models in different configurations.
    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

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS332-
53.02.05, Revision 0, dated April 18, 2019. The service information 
describes procedures for inspecting the attachment fittings and 
attachment screws of the MGB suspension bars and their frame bores for 
discrepancies and corrective actions.

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. This proposed AD also 
would require sending certain inspection results to the manufacturer.

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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,360........................              $0           $1,360          $16,320
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 hour per product to 
comply with the on-condition reporting requirement in this proposed AD. 
The average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA 
estimates the cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. 
operators to be $85 per product.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this proposed AD 
is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this proposed AD has 
been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and 
includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and 
reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting 
associated with this proposed AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the 
accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should 
be directed to Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal 
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-
1524.

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.

[[Page 43751]]

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-2020-0585; Product Identifier 
2019-SW-112-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by September 3, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 5340, Fuselage 
main, attach fittings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on attachment 
screws and fittings fastening the main gearbox (MGB) suspension bars 
to the fuselage. The FAA is issuing this AD to address corrosion on 
attachment fittings and attachment screws for the MGB suspension 
bars. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to structural 
failure of the MGB attachment screws, resulting in detachment of MGB 
suspension bars from the fuselage and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    Affected parts are attachment screws and fitting(s) fastening 
the parts identified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (1) Rear MGB suspension bars, right and left sides, to the 
fuselage.
    (2) Front MGB suspension bar to the fuselage.

(h) Inspection

    Except as specified in paragraphs (j)(1) through (3) of this AD: 
Within the applicable compliance times identified in paragraph 
(h)(1) or (2) of this AD, inspect each affected part and its frame 
bores for discrepancies, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Section 3.B.2, of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin AS332-53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020; or Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, dated 
October 21, 2019, as applicable. For the purposes of this 
inspection, a discrepancy may be indicated by corrosion on the MGB 
attachment fitting or by sealing compound on the attachment screws.
    (1) Table 1 or 2, as applicable, of Section 1.E.2, ``Compliance 
in service,'' of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS332-
53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020.
    (2) Table 1 of Section 1.E.2, ``Compliance in service,'' of 
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS332-53.02.07, dated 
October 21, 2019.

(i) Corrective Action

    Except as required by paragraph (j)(4) of this AD: If, during 
the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, there is any 
discrepancy, before further flight, do the applicable corrective 
action (including replacing or repairing corroded parts and 
replacing screws that have sealing compound on them), in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3.B.2, of Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS332-53.02.05, Revision 1, dated 
March 2, 2020; or Alert Service Bulletin AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, 
dated October 21, 2019, as applicable.

(j) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS332-
53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020, uses the phrase 
``Revision 0 of this Alert Service Bulletin issued on April 18, 
2019,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS332-
53.02.07, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019, uses the phrase 
``receipt of this Alert Service Bulletin,'' this AD requires using 
``the effective date of this AD.''
    (3) Where Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS332-
53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020; and Alert Service 
Bulletin AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019, specify 
discarding parts, you are not required to discard parts.
    (4) Where Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS332-
53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020; and Alert Service 
Bulletin AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019, specify 
contacting Airbus Helicopters for repair instructions: This AD 
requires repair using a method approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft 
Standards Branch, FAA. The Manager's approval letter must 
specifically refer to this AD.

(k) Reporting

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, 
there is any discrepancy, report the inspection results to Airbus 
Helicopters at the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or 
(2) of this AD. The report should include the information specified 
in Appendix 4.A. of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin AS332-
53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020; or Alert Service Bulletin 
AS332-53.02.07, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2019, as applicable.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    For helicopters identified in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin AS332-53.02.05, Revision 1, dated March 2, 2020: This 
paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraphs (g) and 
(h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 
AS332-53.02.05, Revision 0, dated April 18, 2019.

(m) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and 
reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this 
collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding 
this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of 
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

(n) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Manager, Rotorcraft 
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone 817-222-5110; 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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0295, dated December 5, 2019. 
This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket on the internet at 
https://

[[Page 43752]]

www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2020-0585.
    (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 July 14, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-15532 Filed 7-17-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P