[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 53 (Monday, March 22, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15140-15142]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05426]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0432; Project Identifier 2013-SW-074-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Eurocopter France) 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 (Type Certificate previously held by 
Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and EC130T2 helicopters. This proposed 
AD was prompted by a report of failure of an engine digital electronic 
control unit (DECU). This proposed AD would require revising the 
existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. This 
proposed AD would also allow the option of modifying the electronic 
engine control unit (EECU) as terminating action for the RFM revision. 
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 21, 
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 between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For Airbus Helicopters 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. For Safran Turbomeca service information identified in 
this NPRM, contact Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 64511 Bordes, 
France; phone: +33 (0) 5 59 74 45 11. 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0432; 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 European 
Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) 
(EASA) AD, the EASA safety information bulletin (SIB), any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

[[Page 15141]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Jordan, Rotorcraft Flight Test 
Pilot, Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 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-2017-0432; Project Identifier 
2013-SW-074-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 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 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 Jon 
Jordan, Rotorcraft Flight Test Pilot, Southwest Section, Flight Test 
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 
(817) 222-5110; 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.

Background

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2013-0287, dated December 5, 2013 
(EASA AD 2013-0287), to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter 
(formerly Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale) Model AS 350 B3 and EC 130 
T2 helicopters with an ARRIEL 2D engine and THALES full authority 
digital engine control (FADEC) part number (P/N) C13165DA00 or P/N 
C13165FA00 installed. The EASA advises of a report of an in-flight 
event where the pilot noticed that the temporary amber governor (GOV) 
light had illuminated, followed by the failure of the vehicle engine 
monitoring display (VEMD) screens, and no availability of the automatic 
or auxiliary engine back-up control ancillary unit (EBCAU). Subsequent 
investigation identified an internal failure of the engine DECU, which 
led to loss of fuel flow regulation (frozen fuel metering unit). This 
failure was not indicated to the pilot by a red GOV warning light as 
expected, but with amber GOV indication and loss of VEMD display 
instead. EASA also advises that if this fuel metering unit is frozen in 
the open position, it may lead to a rotor overspeed, and if it is 
frozen in the closed position, it may lead to unavailability of engine 
power. EASA states that this condition, if not addressed, could result 
in the pilot identifying the type of failure condition incorrectly, 
possibly resulting in an improper response.
    Accordingly, and pending the development of a DECU assembly design 
improvement, the EASA AD requires incorporating a new procedure into 
the Emergency Procedures section of the RFM and informing all flight 
crews of the RFM change. EASA considers its AD an interim action and 
states that further AD action may follow.
    After EASA issued EASA AD 2013-0287, EASA issued SIB No. 2013-23, 
dated December 19, 2013, for Eurocopter AS 350 B3 and EC 130 T2 
helicopters with a Turbom[eacute]ca ARRIEL 2D engine installed. The SIB 
recommends modifying certain EECUs.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral 
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the 
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
on other helicopters of the same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
No. AS350-01.00.67 and ASB No. EC130-04A004, each Revision 2 and dated 
February 17, 2014 (ASB AS350-01.00.67 and ASB EC130-04A004). ASB AS350-
01.00.67 applies to Model AS350B3 helicopters and ASB EC130-04A004 
applies to Model EC130T2 helicopters. This service information provides 
a new RFM procedure in the event of illumination of the amber GOV 
followed by the loss of the VEMD display.
    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 Safran Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 
292 73 2852, Revision B, dated February 12, 2014. This service 
information specifies replacing certain FADEC D EECUs with certain 
amended FADEC D EECUs.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require revising the Emergency Procedures of 
the existing RFM for your helicopter by inserting Appendix 4. of ASB 
AS350-01.00.67 or ASB EC130-04A004, or a different document with 
information identical to that in Appendix 4., as applicable to your 
helicopter model.
    As an optional terminating action for the RFM revision, this 
proposed AD would allow installing amendment A on FADEC P/N C13165DA00 
or amendment B on FADEC P/N C13165FA00.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Model AS350B3 and EC130T2 helicopters, with 
an ARRIEL 2D engine and THALES FADEC P/N C13165DA00 or P/N C13165FA00 
installed, whereas this proposed AD would apply to those helicopters 
except not those with THALES FADEC P/N C13165DA00 with amendment A or 
P/N C13165FA00 with amendment B installed. This proposed AD would also 
allow installing those amendments on the FADEC as an optional 
termination action, whereas the EASA AD does not.

[[Page 15142]]

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect up to 628 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates are 
estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA 
estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
    Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter would take about 0.25 
work-hour for an estimated cost of $21 per helicopter and up to $13,188 
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.
    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, 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 (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter 
France): Docket No. FAA-2017-0432; Project Identifier 2013-SW-074-
AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by April 21, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate 
previously held by Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and EC130T2 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with an ARRIEL 2D engine 
and THALES full authority digital engine control (FADEC) part number 
(P/N) C13165DA00 without amendment A or P/N C13165FA00 without 
amendment B, installed.
    Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an AS350B3e 
designation are Model AS350B3 helicopters.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7321, Engine Fuel 
Control/Turbine Engines.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of failure of an engine digital 
electronic control unit. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
incorrect indicator illumination, display failure, and loss of fuel 
flow regulation (frozen fuel metering unit). The unsafe condition, 
if not addressed, could result in misleading information to the 
pilot, rotor overspeed or unavailability of engine power, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 25 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD, revise the Emergency Procedures of the existing Rotorcraft 
Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by inserting Appendix 4. of 
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-01.00.67 
or ASB No. EC130-04A004, each Revision 2 and dated February 17, 2014 
(ASB AS350-01.00.67 or ASB EC130-04A004), as applicable to your 
helicopter model. Inserting a different document with information 
identical to that in Appendix 4. of ASB AS350-01.00.67 or ASB EC130-
04A004, as applicable to your helicopter model, is acceptable for 
compliance with the requirement of this paragraph.
    (2) As an optional terminating action for the requirement of 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, install amendment A on FADEC P/N 
C13165DA00 or amendment B on FADEC P/N C13165FA00.

(h) 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 the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of 
this AD. 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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jon Jordan, 
Rotorcraft Flight Test Pilot, Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 
222-5110; email [email protected].
    (2) For Airbus Helicopters 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. For Safran Turbomeca service information 
identified in this NPRM, contact Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 
64511 Bordes, France; phone: +33 (0) 5 59 74 45 11. You may view 
this referenced 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.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 
2013-0287, dated December 5, 2013. You may view the EASA AD on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.

    Issued on March 5, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05426 Filed 3-19-21; 8:45 am]
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