[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 7, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49937-49939]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19036]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0904; Project Identifier 2019-SW-041-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA is revising a supplemental notice of proposed 
rulemaking SNPRM that applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model 
EC225LP helicopters. This action revises the SNPRM by proposing to 
require the installation of an improved part, which would also provide 
a terminating action for the proposed requirements. The FAA is 
proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an 
additional burden over those in the SNPRM, the agency is requesting 
comments on this SNPRM.

DATES: The comment period for the SNPRM published in the Federal 
Register on May 10, 2021 (86 FR 24783) is reopened.
    The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by October 22, 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 SNPRM, 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-2020-0904; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the first SNPRM, this 
SNPRM, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0156, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 
950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267-
9167; 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-2020-0904; Project Identifier 
2019-SW-041-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 again 
revise 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 proposed AD.

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 SNPRM 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 SNPRM, 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 SNPRM. Submissions containing CBI should 
be sent to Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, 
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, 
Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; 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 FAA issued an SNPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD 
that would apply to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, with 
a left-hand side (LH) engine fuel supply (fuel supply) hose part number 
(P/N) 704A34416087 installed. The SNPRM published in the Federal 
Register on May 10, 2021 (86 FR 24783). In the SNPRM, the FAA proposed 
to require visually inspecting the LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 
for twisting, and if needed, borescope inspecting the entire length of 
the inside of the fuel supply hose for twisting. Depending on the 
inspection results, the SNPRM would require reinstalling or removing 
the fuel supply hose from service. Additionally, the SNPRM would 
prohibit installing a certain part-numbered LH fuel supply hose on any 
helicopter unless that LH fuel supply hose is installed by following 
certain procedures described in the manufacturer's service bulletin.
    The SNPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2019-0092, dated April 26, 2019 
(EASA AD 2019-0092), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition 
for Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) Model EC 225 LP 
helicopters, all serial numbers. EASA advised that an occurrence was 
reported where during an in-flight single engine power check, the LH 
side engine experienced a power loss. EASA stated that a subsequent 
investigation determined that the fuel flow to the affected engine was 
restricted by a twisted fuel supply hose. EASA stated that this 
condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a decrease of 
the LH engine power when accelerating to the power setting 
corresponding to OEI power, and subsequent reduced control of the 
helicopter.

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    Accordingly, EASA AD 2019-0092 required a one-time visual 
inspection of the fuel supply hose and depending on the inspection 
results, removing from service or replacing the affected part. EASA AD 
2019-0092 also introduced re-installation requirements for a fuel 
supply hose that is being replaced or reinstalled.

Actions Since the SNPRM Was Issued

    Since the SNPRM was issued, EASA issued AD 2021-0156, dated July 2, 
2021 (EASA AD 2021-0156), which supersedes EASA AD 2019-0092. EASA 
advises that Airbus Helicopters has developed an improved fuel supply 
hose P/N 704A34416101 and modification instructions to install the 
improved part. Accordingly, EASA AD 2021-0156 retains the requirements 
of EASA AD 2019-0092 and requires replacing the affected part with the 
improved part. EASA AD 2021-0156 also allows a terminating action for 
the inspection requirements once the improved part has been installed 
according to the installation requirements. Consequently, the FAA is 
revising the SNPRM to propose requiring installation of the improved 
part which would provide a terminating action for the previously 
proposed inspections.

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the first SNPRM or on the 
determination of the cost.

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 determining the unsafe condition described previously is likely 
to exist or develop in other helicopters of these same type designs. 
Certain changes described above expand the scope of the first SNPRM. As 
a result, it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide 
additional opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
EC225-71A019, Revision 2, dated May 21, 2021, which specifies 
procedures for removing the fuel supply hose from the LH power plant, 
visually inspecting the fuel supply hose for twisting, and depending on 
inspection results, performing an endoscope inspection on the inside of 
the hose. This service information also specifies procedures required 
to install the improved fuel supply hose.
    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 also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
EC225-71A019, Revision 1, dated February 28, 2019, which also specifies 
procedures for removing the fuel supply hose, visually inspecting the 
fuel supply hose for twisting, performing an endoscope inspection on 
the inside of the hose, and specifies procedures required to install a 
serviceable fuel supply hose.

Proposed AD Requirements in This SNPRM

    For helicopters with a certain part-numbered LH fuel supply hose 
installed, this proposed AD would require visually inspecting the LH 
fuel supply hose for twisting, and if needed, borescope inspecting the 
entire length of the inside of the fuel supply hose for twisting. 
Depending on the inspection results, this proposed AD would require 
reinstalling or removing the fuel supply hose from service. 
Additionally, this proposed AD would prohibit installing a certain 
part-numbered LH fuel supply hose on any helicopter unless that LH fuel 
supply hose is installed by following certain procedures described in 
the manufacturer's service bulletin. Finally, this proposed AD would 
require modifying your helicopter by removing from service LH fuel 
supply hose P/N 704A34416087 and installing the improved LH fuel supply 
hose P/N 704A34416101. This modification would provide terminating 
action for the proposed inspection requirements.

Differences Between This SNPRM and EASA AD 2021-0156

    EASA AD 2021-0156 requires compliance within 110 flight hours or 6 
months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of EASA AD 
2019-0092, while this proposed AD would require compliance within 110 
hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD. EASA AD 
2021-0156 requires reporting information to Airbus Helicopters if the 
LH fuel supply hose is twisted on the inside, while this proposed AD 
would not. Additionally, EASA AD 2021-0156 is applicable to all serial-
numbered EC225LP helicopters, whereas this proposed AD would apply to 
EC225LP helicopters with a certain LH fuel supply hose installed.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 28 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.
    Visually inspecting the LH fuel supply hose for twisting would take 
about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and 
$2,380 for the U.S. fleet.
    Replacing a LH fuel supply hose would take about 8 work-hours and 
parts would cost about $2,363 for an estimated replacement cost of 
$3043 per replacement.
    Borescope inspecting the LH fuel supply hose would take about 8 
work-hours for an estimated cost of $680 per helicopter.

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

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    (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: Docket No. FAA-2020-0904; Project Identifier 
2019-SW-041-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by October 22, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with a left-hand side (LH) engine fuel 
supply (fuel supply) hose part number (P/N) 704A34416087 installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2820, Aircraft 
Fuel Distribution System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an incorrect installation of 
the LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to prevent restricted fuel flow to the LH engine. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in a decrease of the LH 
engine power when accelerating to a power setting corresponding to 
One Engine Inoperative power and subsequent reduced control of the 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, visually inspect the LH fuel supply hose for 
twisting as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin No. EC225-71A019, Revision 2, dated May 21, 2021 
(ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2). If the LH fuel supply hose has any 
twisting, before further flight, borescope inspect the entire length 
of the inside of the fuel supply hose for twisting as shown in 
Figures 3 through 5 of ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2.
    (i) If the inside of the LH fuel supply hose has any twisting, 
before further flight, remove the LH fuel supply hose from service 
and install an airworthy LH fuel supply hose by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3.b, of ASB EC225-71A019 
Rev 2.
    (ii) If the LH fuel supply hose does not have any twisting, 
reinstall the LH fuel supply hose by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3.b, of ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2.
    (2) Within 1,200 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, 
modify your helicopter by removing from service LH fuel supply hose 
P/N 704A34416087 and installing the improved LH fuel supply hose P/N 
704A34416101 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.B.3.b, of ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2.
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an LH 
fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 on any helicopter unless it is 
installed by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
3.B.3.b, of ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin No. EC225-71A019, Revision 1, dated February 28, 2019.

(i) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be permitted provided that there are 
no passengers on board.

(j) 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 (k)(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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, 
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 
20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email [email protected].
    (2) 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.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0156, dated July 2, 2021. You 
may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FAA-2020-0904.

    Issued on August 26, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19036 Filed 9-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P