[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 37 (Friday, February 26, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11659-11662]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03666]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0020; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01639-R]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2019-03-12, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP 
helicopters. AD 2019-03-12 requires repetitively inspecting, cleaning, 
and lubricating each life raft inflation cylinder percussion system 
bellcrank (bellcrank). Since the FAA issued AD 2019-03-12, the FAA 
determined that any affected bellcrank must be replaced with a 
serviceable bellcrank, which would terminate the repetitive actions. 
This proposed AD would continue to require the actions specified in AD 
2019-03-12, and would require replacing any affected bellcrank with a 
serviceable bellcrank. 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 April 12, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:

[[Page 11660]]

     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 proposed rule, 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. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call 817-222-5110.

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-
0020; 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: Blaine Williams, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
CA 90712-4137; telephone 562-627-5371; 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0020; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2020-01639-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 
Blaine Williams Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone 562-627-5371; 
email [email protected]. 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 FAA issued AD 2019-03-12, Amendment 39-19564 (84 FR 8250, March 
7, 2019) (AD 2019-03-12), which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters 
Model EC225LP helicopters. AD 2019-03-12 requires repetitively 
inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating each bellcrank. The FAA issued AD 
2019-03-12 to address jammed bellcranks in the life raft jettison 
inflation cylinder percussion system. This condition could result in 
failure of a life raft to release in an emergency and subsequent injury 
to occupants.

Actions Since AD 2019-03-12 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2019-03-12, the FAA determined that the 
affected bellcranks must be replaced with serviceable bellcranks, which 
would terminate the need for the repetitive actions.
    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0287, dated November 27, 2019 
(EASA AD 2019-0287) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. EASA AD 2019-
0287 supersedes EASA AD 2019-0102, dated May 9, 2019. EASA AD 2019-
0102, dated May 9, 2019, superseded EASA AD 2016-0200, dated October 
11, 2016, which corresponds to FAA AD 2019-03-12.
    This proposed AD was prompted by reports of jammed bellcranks in 
the life raft inflation cylinder percussion system. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address jammed bellcranks in the life raft 
jettison inflation cylinder percussion system. This condition could 
result in failure of a life raft to release in an emergency and 
subsequent injury to occupants. See the MCAI for additional background 
information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin EC225-25A211, 
Revision 1, dated October 23, 2019. This service information describes 
procedures for replacing any affected life raft release bellcrank with 
a serviceable bellcrank. 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

    Airbus Helicopters has also issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 
No. 05A050, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016; and Emergency Alert 
Service Bulletin No. 05A050, Revision 1, dated April 3, 2019. This 
service information describes procedures for cleaning and lubricating 
each bellcrank and pivot link of the life raft inflation cylinder 
percussion system and removing any corrosion.

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 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 known relevant information and determining that an 
unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the 
same type design.

[[Page 11661]]

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2019-03-12. 
This proposed AD would also require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information.''

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    EASA AD 2019-0287 requires replacing each affected bellcrank with a 
serviceable part within 6 months after the effective date of that AD. 
This proposed AD would require replacing each affected bellcrank with a 
serviceable part within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, 
or before the next operation over water, whichever occurs first.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 28 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost              Parts cost            product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 2019-03-  16 work-hours x $85   Minimal................          $1,360         $38,080
 12.                                per hour = $1,360.
New proposed actions.............  4 work-hours x $85    $1,646.................           1,986          55,608
                                    per hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-03-12, Amendment 39-19564 
(84 FR 8250, March 7, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2021-0020; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2020-01639-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by April 12, 2021.

(b) Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

    This AD removes AD 2019-03-12, Amendment 39-19564 (84 FR 8250, 
March 27, 2019) (AD 2019-03-12).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, 
all manufacturer serial numbers, certificated in any category, 
equipped with emergency life rafts installed in the multi-purpose 
sponsons.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2564, Life Raft.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of jammed bellcranks in the life 
raft inflation cylinder percussion system. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address jammed bellcranks in the life raft jettison inflation 
cylinder percussion system. This condition could result in failure 
of a life raft to release in an emergency and subsequent injury to 
occupants.

(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 (4) of this AD apply.
    (1) Group 1: Helicopters that have an affected part installed.
    (2) Group 2: Helicopters that do not have an affected part 
installed. A helicopter that embodies Airbus Helicopters 
Modification 07 28457 in production is a Group 2 helicopter, 
provided the helicopter remains in that configuration.
    (3) Affected part: Life raft release bell cranks part number (P/
N) 332A41-4396-20 (left-hand (LH) side) and P/N 332A41-4396-21 
(right-hand (RH) side).
    (4) Serviceable part: Life raft release bell cranks P/N 332A41-
4396-22 (LH) and P/N 332A41-4396-23 (RH).

(h) Retained Repetitive Actions, With Specified Helicopter Group and 
New Note

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (e) of AD 
2019-03-12, with a specified helicopter group and new Note 1. For 
Group 1: Before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 6 months:
    (1) Clean each bellcrank and pivot link and inspect each 
bellcrank hole for corrosion. If there is any corrosion in a 
bellcrank hole:
    (i) Remove the corrosion without exceeding a maximum depth of 
0.1 millimeter (0.004 inch).
    (ii) Clean each pivot link using 400-grain abrasive paper.
    (iii) Apply corrosion protectant (Alodine 1200 or equivalent) to 
each bellcrank hole.
    (2) Lubricate each bellcrank hole with grease before assembling 
the bellcrank.

    Note 1 to paragraph (h):  Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert 
Service Bulletin No. 05A050, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016; and 
Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert

[[Page 11662]]

Service Bulletin No. 05A050, Revision 1, dated April 3, 2019; 
describe procedures for cleaning and lubricating each bellcrank and 
pivot link of the life raft inflation cylinder percussion system and 
removing any corrosion.

(i) New Requirement of This AD: Bellcrank Replacement

    For Group 1: Within 6 months after the effective date of this 
AD, or before the next operation over water, whichever occurs first, 
replace each affected bellcrank with a serviceable part, as defined 
in paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, in accordance with Paragraph 3.B.2. 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin EC225-25A211, Revision 1, dated October 23, 2019; 
except where the service information specifies to remove and scrap 
certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service 
instead.

(j) Terminating Action for Repetitive Actions Required by Paragraph (h) 
of This AD

    Accomplishment of the bellcrank replacement required by 
paragraph (i) of this AD is terminating action for the repetitive 
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD for that helicopter 
only.

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

    (1) For Group 1: After the replacement required by paragraph (i) 
of this AD is done, only a serviceable part, as defined in paragraph 
(g)(4) of this AD, is allowed to be installed on that helicopter.
    (2) For Group 2: As of the effective date of this AD, only a 
serviceable part, as defined in paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, is 
allowed to be installed on any helicopter.

(l) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 
21.199, are not allowed.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 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 Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 
send it to: Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110. 
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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Blaine Williams, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone 562-627-5371; email 
[email protected].
    (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. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110.

    Issued on January 28, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03666 Filed 2-25-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P