[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 230 (Friday, November 29, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 94626-94629]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-27813]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2541; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00006-R]
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 SA341G and SA342J helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a pilot collective pitch
stick handle grip that broke when pulled. This proposed AD would
require replacing certain pilot collective pitch stick handle grips and
prohibit installing those pilot collective pitch stick handle grips.
These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by January 13, 2025.
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 regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
[[Page 94627]]
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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2541; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For EASA material identified in this proposed AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221
8999 000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this material 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hye Yoon Jang Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (206) 231-3758; 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-2024-2541;
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00006-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
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 Hye
Yoon Jang, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-3758; 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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2023-0002, dated January 5, 2023
(EASA AD 2023-0002) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters Model SA 341 G and SA 342 J
(Gazelle) helicopters if equipped with a pilot collective pitch stick
having part number (P/N) 341A27-5041-0057, P/N 341A27-5041-0058, P/N
341A27-5041-0060, P/N 341A27-5041-0063, P/N 341A27-5041-0064, P/N
341A27-5041-0066, P/N 341A27-5041-0067, or P/N 341A27-5041-0068. The
MCAI states that a pilot collective pitch stick handle grip broke into
two pieces when a maintenance technician pulled the handle grip during
helicopter maintenance. According to the MCAI, following investigation
and analysis, the handle grip material (Rilsan) is sensitive to aging,
with consequent degradation of the structural strength of the handle
grip.
The FAA is proposing this AD to prevent failure of the handle grip,
which if not addressed, could result in reduced integrity of the flight
control system and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2541.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023-0002 requires replacing handle grips P/N 41A27-1377-00
installed on pilot collective pitch sticks before June 15, 2022, and
replacing certain part-numbered pilot collective pitch sticks complete
with a handle grip. EASA AD 2023-0002 also prohibits installing the
affected handle grips and pilot collective pitch sticks equipped with
an affected handle grip on any helicopter. This material 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.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to
exist or develop on other products of these same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2023-0002, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as discussed under
``Differences Between this NPRM and the MCAI.''
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2023-0002 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2023-0002 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the
[[Page 94628]]
regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the
same as the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2023-0002 does
not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For
example, where the AD requirement refers to ``all required actions and
compliance times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited
to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in
EASA AD 2023-0002. Material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0002 for
compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-
2024-2541 after the FAA final rule is published.
Differences Between This NPRM and the MCAI
The MCAI requires using Airbus Helicopters ASB SA341 67.06 and ASB
SA342 67.06 (co-published as one document and referred to as ASB No.
``GAZ-67.06''), Revision 0, dated June 15, 2022, for compliance, and
allows using future revisions of that material, whereas this proposed
AD would instead require using Airbus Helicopters ASB No. GAZ-67.06,
Revision 1, dated November 2, 2022, and allows using future revisions
of that material as specified in the Ref. Publications section of EASA
AD 2023-0002, which is proposed for incorporation.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 16 helicopters of U.S. registry.
Replacing the collective pitch handle grip would take 4 work-hours
and parts would cost $230 for an estimated cost of $570 per helicopter
and $9,120 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 above, 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: Docket No. FAA-2024-2541; Project Identifier
MCAI-2023-00006-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 13, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA341G and SA342J
helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2023-0002, dated January 5, 2023
(EASA AD 2023-0002).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2077, Flight
Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a pilot collective pitch
stick handle grip that broke into two pieces when a maintenance
technician pulled the handle grip during helicopter maintenance. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the pilot collective
pitch stick handle grip. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in reduced integrity of the flight control system and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2023-0002.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0002
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0002 defines ``the ASB'' as ``AH Alert
Service Bulletin (ASB) SA341 67.06 and ASB SA342 67.06 (published as
a single document, also ref. No. ASB GAZ-67.06),'' this AD requires
replacing that text with ``Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
No. GAZ-67.06, Revision 1, dated November 2, 2022.''
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0002 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0002 specifies
discarding certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from
service.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0002.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0002 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(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) 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
For more information about this AD, contact Hye Yoon Jang,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-3758; email:
[email protected].
[[Page 94629]]
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0002,
dated January 5, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material 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.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on November 21, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-27813 Filed 11-27-24; 8:45 am]
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