Rule2021-17840
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
August 20, 2021
Effective
September 24, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a left-hand (LH) side stairway door that inadvertently opened in flight and tore off from its attachment fittings. This AD requires inspecting the locking safety mechanism of the LH side stairway door handle and depending on the results, corrective action. This AD also requires modifying that locking safety mechanism as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 159 (Friday, August 20, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 159 (Friday, August 20, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46771-46774]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17840]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0374; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00543-R;
Amendment 39-21663; AD 2021-16-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1,
AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a
left-hand (LH) side stairway door that inadvertently opened in flight
and tore off from its attachment fittings. This AD requires inspecting
the locking safety mechanism of the LH side stairway door handle and
depending on the results, corrective action. This AD also requires
modifying that locking safety mechanism as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by
reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 24, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
24, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7b3a3f083b1e1a081a551e0e09140b1a551e0e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2061645360454153410e4555524f50410e4555">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at
<a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. 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. It is also available
in the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0374.
[[Page 46772]]
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0374; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC
20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#026a636e2c68676c71676c426463632c656d74"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="670f060b490d02091402092701060649000811">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0087, dated April 15, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0087), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale,
Sud Aviation, Model SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and
EC225LP helicopters, if equipped with an LH side stairway door, except
helicopters modified in accordance with AH modification (MOD) 07 28281
(AS 332, EC 225) or MOD 07 27338 (SA 330). EASA issued EASA AD 2020-
0087 to supersede EASA Emergency AD 2014-0241-E, dated November 4, 2014
(EASA AD 2014-0241-E).
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Model SA330J,
AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2021 (86 FR 27535). The
NPRM was prompted by a report of an LH side stairway door that
inadvertently opened and tore off from its attachment fittings during
flight. Subsequent investigation revealed that the affected side
stairway door had been recently painted and the paint impaired the
external door handle motion, affecting the correct operation of the
door locking safety mechanism. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting
the locking safety mechanism of the LH side stairway door handle and
depending on the results, corrective action. The NPRM also proposed to
require modifying the locking safety mechanism.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrect locking of the LH
side stairway door, which could result in an in-flight opening of the
door and subsequent damage to the helicopter or injury to persons on
the ground. See EASA AD 2020-0087 for additional background
information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0087 requires repetitively inspecting the locking
safety mechanism of the LH side stairway door handle for correct
operation and depending on the results, reconditioning the locking
safety mechanism or contacting the Airbus Helicopters Support and
Services Department. EASA AD 2020-0087 also requires modifying the
locking safety mechanism, which constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive inspections.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
Where EASA AD 2020-0087 refers to the effective date of EASA AD
2014-0241-E or its effective date, this AD requires using the effective
date of this AD. Where EASA AD 2020-0087 refers to Group 1 and 2
helicopters, this AD does not refer to any groups of helicopters. Where
the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0087 allows the
pilot to perform the requirements of the ASB, this AD requires the
requirements to be performed by a qualified mechanic. Where the service
information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0087 specifies to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement. Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0087 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service instead. EASA AD 2020-0087 requires repeating
the inspection before next flight after each application of painting on
the LH side stairway door or its external door handle, whereas this AD
does not. EASA AD 2020-0087 requires contacting the Airbus Helicopters
Support and Services Department if it is impossible to recondition the
locking safety mechanism by moving the door handle, whereas this AD
requires, before further flight, accomplishing paragraph (5) of EASA AD
2020-0087 or accomplishing corrective action using a method approved by
the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA. The Manager's
approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 37 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD.
Inspecting the operation of the locking safety mechanism on the LH
side stairway door handle takes about 0.1 work-hour for an estimated
cost of $9 per helicopter and $333 for the U.S. fleet.
Moving the external door handle from the ``Locked'' to the
``Unlocked'' position to determine if the safety mechanism on the LH
side stairway door handle can lock automatically takes about 0.5 work-
hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter.
Modifying the locking safety mechanism on the LH side stairway door
handle takes about 8 work-hours and parts cost about $5,000 for an
estimated cost of $5,680 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
[[Page 46773]]
develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
(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 Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:
2021-16-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21663; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0374; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00543-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 24,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J, AS332C,
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, certificated in
any category, as identified in the Applicability of European Union
Aviation Safety Agency AD 2020-0087, dated April 15, 2020 (EASA AD
2020-0087).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5210, Passenger/
Crew Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a left-hand (LH) side
stairway door that inadvertently opened and tore off from its
attachment fittings during flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address incorrect locking of the LH side stairway door, which could
result in an in-flight opening of the door and subsequent damage to
the helicopter or injury to persons on the ground.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2020-0087.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0087
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0087 refers to November 6, 2014 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2014-0241-E, dated November 4, 2014) or
its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of
this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2020-0087 refers to Group 1 and Group 2
helicopters, this AD does not refer to any groups of helicopters.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0087 permits certain actions to be performed by a mechanical
engineering technician or pilot, this AD requires that the actions
be performed by a qualified mechanic.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0087 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service.
(5) While paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0087 requires actions
before next flight after each application of painting on the LH side
stairway door or its external door handle, those actions are not
required by this AD.
(6) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0087 requires
reconditioning the locking safety mechanism, and the service
information referenced in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0087
specifies contacting the Airbus Helicopters Support and Services
Department if it is impossible to recondition the locking safety
mechanism by moving the door handle, this AD requires moving the
external door handle from the ``Locked'' to the ``Unlocked''
position to determine if the safety mechanism can lock
automatically. If the safety mechanism does not lock automatically,
this AD requires, before further flight accomplishing paragraph (5)
of EASA AD 2020-0087 or accomplishing corrective action using a
method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch,
FAA. The Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this
AD.
(7) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2020-0087 identifies the
modification as required by paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2020-0087 as
terminating action for the repetitive inspections as required by
paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0087 for that helicopter, this AD does
not allow the modification to terminate the repetitive inspections
as required by paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0087.
(8) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0087 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0087
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#497064081f1a6408001b647e7a79640804060a092f2828672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6b52462a3d38462a2239465c585b462a2624282b0d0a0a450c041d">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 Hal Jensen,
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant
Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b6ded7da98dcd3d8c5d3d8f6d0d7d798d1d9c0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d4bcb5b8fabeb1baa7b1ba94b2b5b5fab3bba2">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0087,
dated April 15, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0087, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#97d6d3e4d7f2f6e4f6b9f2e2e5f8e7f6b9f2e2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fdbcb98ebd989c8e9cd398888f928d9cd39888">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
(4) 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. This material may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0374.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e7818283958280c98b8280868ba789869586c9808891"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c4a2a1a0b6a1a3eaa8a1a3a5a884aaa5b6a5eaa3abb2">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
[[Page 46774]]
Issued on July 20, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-17840 Filed 8-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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