[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 105 (Thursday, June 3, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29705-29707]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11615]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0449; Project Identifier 2018-SW-001-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 certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, 
AS350B3, AS350D; and Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, 
AS355NP helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that the 
lanyards (bead chain tethers), which hold the quick release pins to the 
forward bracket assembly of certain litter kits, can loop around the 
directional control pedal stubs, limiting the movement of the pedals. 
This proposed AD would require modification of the lanyard attachment 
location for certain litter kit installations. 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 July 19, 
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 service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus 
Helicopters, 2701 North 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0449; 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 
Transport Canada AD, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, 
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Mail Stop: Room 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; 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-2021-0449; Project Identifier 
2018-SW-001-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 
Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 
1600 Stewart Ave., Mail Stop: Room 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 
(516) 228-7330; 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

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Canadian AD CF-2017-37, dated December 19, 2017 (Canadian AD CF-
2017-37), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model 
AS 350 B, AS 350 BA, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3, AS 350 D, AS 355 
E, AS 355 F, AS 355 F1, AS 355 F2, AS 355 N, and AS 355 NP helicopters. 
Transport Canada advises that there have been reports that the 
lanyards, which hold the quick release pins to the forward bracket 
assembly of certain litter kits, can loop around the directional 
control pedal stubs, limiting the movement of the pedals, which affects 
the control of the flight. If this condition exists and is not 
corrected during installation, this limitation may not be apparent 
until the pedal input is required in flight. This

[[Page 29706]]

condition, if not addressed, could result in difficulty controlling the 
helicopter.
    Accordingly, Canadian AD CF-2017-37 requires modification of the 
lanyard attachment location for certain litter kit installations. 
Canadian AD CF-2017-37 also specifies that installation of an affected 
part number litter kit is prohibited unless the installation conforms 
to the requirements of Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin SB-AHCA-128, 
Revision 0, dated March 24, 2017.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with Canada, Transport Canada, its 
technical representative, has notified the FAA of 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 these same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin SB-AHCA-128, 
Revision 0, dated March 24, 2017. This service information specifies 
procedures for modifying the bead chain tether attachment locations for 
litter kits with certain part numbers. The modification includes 
relocating the bead chain tethers by removing the screws and washers 
for the pip pins on the forward bracket assembly; filling the empty 
holes with rivets; determining the new locations of and drilling new 
holes; and securing the bead chain tethers on the top side of the 
forward bracket assembly in the new hole locations.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information already described, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Transport Canada AD.''

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Transport Canada AD

    This proposed AD would require a pre-flight check prior to each 
flight to determine if there is interference between the lanyards that 
hold the quick release pins to the forward bracket assembly of the 
litter kit and the flight controls. This pre-flight check requirement 
would be terminated upon completion of the modification of the litter 
kit installation. Canadian AD CF-2017-37 does not include a requirement 
for the pre-flight check prior to each flight to determine if there is 
interference between the lanyards and the flight controls.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 967 helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates the 
following costs to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                Cost on  U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-flight check for lanyard       0.5 work-hour x $85              $0  $42.50 per           $41,097.50 per
 interference.                      per hour = $42.50                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle.
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
Modification of lanyard            1 work-hour x $85                 0  $85................  $82,195.
 attachment location.               per hour = $85.
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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 (AD):

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2021-0449; Project Identifier 
2018-SW-001-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by July 19, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, 
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters; and Model AS355E, 
AS355F,

[[Page 29707]]

AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, certificated in 
any category, with litter kits installed having any part number 
specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD:
    (1) Part number (P/N) 350-200034 (left-hand litter kit).
    (2) P/N 350-200194 (left-hand litter kit).
    (3) P/N 350-200144 (right-hand litter kit).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft 
Flight Control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that the lanyards (bead chain 
tethers), which hold the quick release pins to the forward bracket 
assembly of certain litter kits, can loop around the directional 
control pedal stubs, limiting the movement of the pedals, which 
affect the control of the flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address interference between the litter kit lanyards and the flight 
controls. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
limited flight control movement and difficulty controlling the 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For litter kits having any part specified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (3) of this AD: Prior to each flight until the 
modification required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD is 
accomplished, do a pre-flight check to determine if there is 
interference (e.g., limited movement of the pedals due to the 
lanyards that hold the quick release pins to the forward bracket 
assembly being looped around the directional control pedal stubs) 
between the lanyards that hold the quick release pins to the forward 
bracket assembly and the pedals. If interference is found, before 
further flight, do the modification required by paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD for the affected litter kit. The pre-flight check may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private 
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records 
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with Sec.  43.9(a)(1) 
through (4) and Sec.  91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained 
as required by Sec.  91.417, Sec.  121.380, or Sec.  135.439.
    (2) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, modify the attachment location of the lanyard for 
litter kits having any part specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through 
(3) of this AD. Do the modification in accordance with paragraph 
3.B.2., ``Procedure,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Helicopters Service Bulletin SB-AHCA-128, Revision 0, dated March 
24, 2017.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Litter kits, P/N 350-200034 and P/N 
350-200194, may have been installed under STC SR00406NY (for Model 
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters) 
or STC SR00407NY (for Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, 
AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters). Litter kit P/N 350-200144 may have 
been installed under STC SR00458NY (for Model AS350BA, AS350B2, and 
AS350B3 helicopters).

(h) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
litter kit having a part number identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (3) of this AD, on any helicopter, unless the installation 
is modified as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.

(i) 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 (j)(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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Andrea Jimenez, 
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 
Stewart Ave., Mail Stop: Room 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 
(516) 228-7330; email [email protected].
    (2) For information about AMOCs, contact the Manager, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort 
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North 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 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.
    (4) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD 
CF-2017-37 dated December 19, 2017. You may view the Transport 
Canada AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2021-0449.

    Issued on May 27, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-11615 Filed 6-2-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P