Rule2021-24154
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 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
November 5, 2021
Effective
December 10, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-05- 06, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. AD 2019-05-06 required replacing the retaining ring, inspecting the hoist cable hook assembly, and, if necessary, replacing the elastomeric energy absorber. This AD continues to require the actions specified in AD 2019-05-06, and also requires a modification or replacement of the hoist cable hook assembly that would terminate the repetitive inspections and retaining ring replacements, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a report that a hook detached from the hoist cable. 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 212 (Friday, November 5, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 212 (Friday, November 5, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61053-61056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-24154]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0611; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00038-R;
Amendment 39-21761; AD 2021-21-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-05-
06, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and
EC135T3 helicopters. AD 2019-05-06 required replacing the retaining
ring, inspecting the hoist cable hook assembly, and, if necessary,
replacing the elastomeric energy absorber. This AD continues to require
the actions specified in AD 2019-05-06, and also requires a
modification or replacement of the hoist cable hook assembly that would
terminate the repetitive inspections and retaining ring replacements,
as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a report
that a hook detached from the hoist cable. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 10, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 10,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of April
17, 2019 (84 FR 8961, March 13, 2019).
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#77363304371216041659120205180716591202"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7233360132171301135c1707001d02135c1707">[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>. For service information identified in this
AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052; phone: (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 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-2021-0611.
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-
0611; 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: Jacob Fitch, Aerospace Engineer, COS
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; phone: (817) 222-4130; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b3d9d2d0dcd19dd5dac7d0dbf3d5d2d29dd4dcc5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="553f34363a377b333c21363d153334347b323a23">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0011, dated January 12, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0011) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (formerly Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH, Eurocopter Espa[ntilde]a S.A.) Model EC135P1,
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3,
EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1, EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters, all
serial numbers up to 1276 inclusive. Model EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1,
EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters are not certificated by the FAA and
are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD
therefore does not include those helicopters in the applicability.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2019-05-06, Amendment 39-19588 (84 FR 8961,
[[Page 61054]]
March 13, 2019) (AD 2019-05-06). AD 2019-05-06 applied to certain
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+,
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2021 (86 FR 41791). The
NPRM was prompted by a report that a hook detached from the hoist
cable. The NPRM proposed to continue to require the actions specified
in AD 2019-05-06, as specified in an EASA AD. The NPRM also proposed to
require a modification or replacement of the hoist cable hook assembly
that would terminate the repetitive inspections and retaining ring
replacements, as specified in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address detachment of a hook from a
hoist cable resulting in inflight failure of the hoist, which could
result in injury to persons being lifted. See the MCAI 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.
Change to This Final Rule
The FAA has revised the format of paragraph (i)(5) of this AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule with the
change described previously and minor editorial changes. The FAA has
determined that these minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0011 specifies procedures for replacing the retaining
ring; inspecting the hoist cable hook assembly; replacing the
elastomeric energy absorber; and modifying the hoist cable hook
assembly or replacing an affected hoist with a serviceable hoist, which
terminates the repetitive inspections and replacements.
This AD also requires Goodrich Service Bulletin No. 44301-10-17,
Revision 4, dated July 26, 2017, which the Director of the Federal
Register approved for incorporation by reference as of April 17, 2019
(84 FR 8961, March 13, 2019).
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.
Other Related Service Information
Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB EC135-
85A-069, Revision 0, dated August 2, 2017. The service information
describes procedures for inspecting each affected hook assembly,
replacing the retaining ring, and replacing the elastomeric energy
absorber.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 341 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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Retained inspections and 0.5 work-hour x Minimal.............. $42.50 per $14,492.50 per
replacements of the retaining $85 per hour = inspection cycle. inspection
ring from AD $42.50 per cycle.
2019[dash]05[dash]06. inspection cycle.
New modification............... 1 work-hour x $85 Negligible........... $85.............. $28,985.
per hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacement of the elastomeric energy absorber that would be
required based on the results of any required inspections. The FAA has
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this on-
condition replacement:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of the elastomeric energy absorber 0.5 work-hour x $85 per hour = $2,152 $2,194.50
$42.50.
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According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in the cost estimate.
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.
[[Page 61055]]
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-05-06, Amendment 39-19588
(84 FR 8961, March 13, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2021-21-01 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-21761;
Docket No. FAA-2021-0611; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00038-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 10,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2019-05-06, Amendment 39-19588 (84 FR 8961,
March 13, 2019) (AD 2019-05-06).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and
EC135T3 helicopters, all serial numbers up to 1276 inclusive,
certificated in any category, with an affected hoist as identified
in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0011, dated
January 12, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0011).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Cabin
Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a hook detached from the
hoist cable. The FAA is issuing this AD to address detachment of a
hook from a hoist cable resulting in inflight failure of the hoist,
which could result in injury to persons being lifted.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Requirements of Paragraph (e) of AD 2019-05-06, With No
Changes
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (e) of AD
2019-05-06, with no changes. For Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+,
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters: Within
90 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 17, 2019 (the effective
date of AD 2019-05-06) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 180
hours TIS:
(1) Inspect the hook assembly and determine whether the
elastomeric energy absorber has taken a permanent compression set by
following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.A and 2.B,
of Goodrich Service Bulletin No. 44301-10-17, Revision 4, dated July
26, 2017 (SB 44301-10-17). If the elastomeric energy absorber has
taken a permanent compression set, replace the elastomeric energy
absorber before the next hoist operation.
(2) Replace the retaining ring by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 2.D through 2.K, of SB 44301-10-17.
(h) New Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (i) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0011.
(i) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0011
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0011 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2021-0011 do not apply to
this AD. The equivalent FAA requirements are specified in paragraph
(g) of this AD.
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0011 does not apply
to this AD.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0011 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service.
(5) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0011 specifies a method
of accomplishment of certain actions, this AD requires replacing the
text ``modify the affected hoist in accordance with the instructions
of the modification ASB,'' with ``modify the affected hoist in
accordance with paragraphs 3.B.1 and 3.B.2 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of the modification ASB.''
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0011 specifies to use tooling, equivalent tooling may be used.
(7) Accomplishing the modification specified in paragraph (3) of
EASA AD 2021-0011 or the replacement specified in paragraph (4) of
EASA AD 2021-0011 terminates the repetitive actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(8) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2021-0011 refers to October
25, 2017 (the effective date of EASA AD 2017-0199), this AD requires
using the effective date of this AD; and where paragraph (6) of EASA
AD 2021-0011 specified to do actions ``as required by paragraph (1)
of this [EASA] AD,'' for this AD, do the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(9) Paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2021-0011 does not apply to this
AD. For this AD, for helicopters that do not have an affected hoist
identified in paragraph (c) of this AD installed: As of the
effective date of this AD, do not install an affected hoist
identified in paragraph (c) of this AD on any helicopter.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the
required actions can be done to the helicopter (if the operator
elects to do so), provided the hoist is not used.
(k) 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 (l)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#350c1874636618747c67180206051874787a76755354541b525a43"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d3eafe928580fe929a81fee4e0e3fe929e9c9093b5b2b2fdb4bca5">[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.
(l) Related Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB EC135-85A-
069, Revision 0, dated August 2, 2017, which is not incorporated by
reference, contains additional information about the actions
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. To obtain a copy of this
service information, contact Airbus Helicopters using the
information in paragraph (m)(6) of this AD. You may view a copy of
this service information at the FAA using the information in
paragraph (m)(7) of this AD.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Jacob Fitch,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-4130; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95fff4f6faf7bbf3fce1f6fdd5f3f4f4bbf2fae3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="365c5755595418505f42555e7650575718515940">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this
[[Page 61056]]
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.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 10, 2021.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0011,
dated January 12, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
April 17, 2019 (84 FR 8961, March 13, 2019).
(i) Goodrich Service Bulletin No. 44301-10-17, Revision 4, dated
July 26, 2017.
Note 1 to paragraph (m)(4)(i): Goodrich Service Bulletin No.
44301-10-17, Revision 4, dated July 26, 2017, is attached to Airbus
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC135-85A-069, Revision 0,
dated August 2, 2017, which is not incorporated by reference in this
AD.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For EASA AD 2021-0011, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#80c1c4f3c0e5e1f3e1aee5f5f2eff0e1aee5f5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d49590a794b1b5a7b5fab1a1a6bba4b5fab1a1">[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>.
(6) For Goodrich service information identified in this AD,
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052; phone: (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax: (972) 641-3775;
or at <a href="https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/support.html">https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/support.html</a>.
(7) 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-
2021-0611.
(8) 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#7a1c08541314090a1f190e1315143a141b081b541d150c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1b7d69357275686b7e786f7274755b757a697a357c746d">[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 September 27, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-24154 Filed 11-4-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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