Rule2021-19252
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
September 8, 2021
Effective
October 13, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters; and Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. 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. This AD requires modification of the lanyard attachment location for certain litter kit installations. 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 171 (Wednesday, September 8, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 8, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50224-50226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19252]
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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; Amendment
39-21679; AD 2021-16-16]
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 AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters; and Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. 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. This AD requires modification of the lanyard
attachment location for certain litter kit installations. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 13, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 13,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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 <a href="https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html">https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html</a>. 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. It is also available at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-0449.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> 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 final rule, the
Transport Canada AD, any comments received, and other information. The
street 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: 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
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f2939c96809793dc989b9f979c9788b2949393dc959d84"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d9b8b7bdabbcb8f7b3b0b4bcb7bca399bfb8b8f7beb6af">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus
Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and
AS350D helicopters; and Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N,
and AS355NP helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
June 3, 2021 (86 FR 29705). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require
modification of the lanyard attachment location for certain litter kit
installations. The NPRM was prompted
[[Page 50225]]
by Canadian AD CF-2017-37, dated December 19, 2017 (Canadian AD CF-
2017-37), issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority
for Canada, 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 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.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
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 reviewed the relevant data and determined
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
helicopters. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as
proposed in the NPRM.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD
This AD requires 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 will 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 affects 967 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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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 helicopters 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.
[[Page 50226]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-16-16 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21679; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0449; Project Identifier 2018-SW-001-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 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, 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 supplemental type
certificate (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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ffc6d2bea9acd2beb6add2c8cccfd2beb2b0bcbf999e9ed1989089"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="af9682eef9fc82eee6fd82989c9f82eee2e0ecefc9cece81c8c0d9">[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.
(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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eb8a858f998e8ac58182868e858e91ab8d8a8ac58c849d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b5d4dbd1c7d0d49bdfdcd8d0dbd0cff5d3d4d49bd2dac3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For information about AMOCs, contact the Manager,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#566f7b1700057b171f047b6165667b171b19151630373778313920"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e5dcc8a4b3b6c8a4acb7c8d2d6d5c8a4a8aaa6a5838484cb828a93">[email protected]</span></a>.
(3) 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 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> in Docket No. FAA-2021-
0449.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin SB-AHCA-128, Revision 0,
dated March 24, 2017.
(ii) [Reserved]
(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 <a href="https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html">https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html</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.
(5) You may view this service information 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#5036227e393e2320353324393f3e103e3122317e373f26"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5e382c7037302d2e3b3d2a3731301e303f2c3f70393128">[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>.
Issued on July 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19252 Filed 9-7-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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