Rule2022-03761
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France) 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
February 23, 2022
Effective
March 30, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-11- 25, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters (type certificate previously held by Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2021-11-25 required revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for your helicopter by inserting a new procedure (temporary). Since the FAA issued AD 2021-11-25, the manufacturer identified an additional affected full authority digital engine control (FADEC) part number and developed an optional modification for the affected FADECs. This AD requires revising the existing RFM for your helicopter by inserting a new procedure (temporary). This AD also requires, for helicopter on which an optional terminating action (installation of serviceable FADECs) was done, removing the applicable temporary procedure from the existing RFM for your helicopter. In addition, this AD also adds helicopters to the applicability. Furthermore, this AD prohibits the installation of an affected FADEC. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 36 (Wednesday, February 23, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 23, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10057-10060]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03761]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 36 / Wednesday, February 23, 2022 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 10057]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1166; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00952-R;
Amendment 39-21953; AD 2022-05-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Eurocopter France) Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-11-
25, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters (type certificate
previously held by Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and EC130T2
helicopters. AD 2021-11-25 required revising the existing rotorcraft
flight manual (RFM) for your helicopter by inserting a new procedure
(temporary). Since the FAA issued AD 2021-11-25, the manufacturer
identified an additional affected full authority digital engine control
(FADEC) part number and developed an optional modification for the
affected FADECs. This AD requires revising the existing RFM for your
helicopter by inserting a new procedure (temporary). This AD also
requires, for helicopter on which an optional terminating action
(installation of serviceable FADECs) was done, removing the applicable
temporary procedure from the existing RFM for your helicopter. In
addition, this AD also adds helicopters to the applicability.
Furthermore, this AD prohibits the installation of an affected FADEC.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 30, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 29, 2021
(86 FR 33097, June 24, 2021).
ADDRESSES: For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in
this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N 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>. For Safran Turbomeca service information
identified in this NPRM contact Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 64511
Bordes, France; phone: +33 (0) 5 59 74 45 11. 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. Service information that is incorporated by reference is also
available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-1166.
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-2021-1166; 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
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 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: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f3929d97819692dd999a9e969d9689b3959292dd949c85"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="afcec1cbddcace81c5c6c2cac1cad5efc9cece81c8c0d9">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-11-25, Amendment 39-21587 (86 FR
33097, June 24, 2021), (AD 2021-11-25). AD 2021-11-25 applied to Airbus
Helicopters (type certificate previously held by Eurocopter France)
Model AS350B3 and EC130T2 helicopters with an ARRIEL 2D engine and
THALES FADEC part number (P/N) C13165DA00 without amendment A or THALES
FADEC P/N C13165FA00 without amendment B, installed. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on December 28, 2021 (86 FR 73703). In the
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing RFM for your
helicopter by inserting a new procedure (temporary). The NPRM also
proposed to require, for helicopters on which an optional terminating
action (installation of serviceable FADECs) is done, removing the
applicable temporary procedure from the existing RFM for your
helicopter. In addition, the NPRM also proposed to add helicopters to
the applicability. Furthermore, the NPRM proposed to prohibit the
installation of an affected FADEC.
AD 2021-11-25 was prompted by EASA AD 2013-0287, dated December 5,
2013 (EASA AD 2013-0287), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe
condition for Eurocopter (formerly Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale)
Model AS 350 B3 and EC 130 T2 helicopters with an ARRIEL 2D engine and
THALES FADEC P/N C13165DA00 or P/N C13165FA00 installed. EASA advised
that there was a report of an in-flight event where the pilot noticed
that the temporary amber governor (GOV) light had illuminated, followed
by the failure of the vehicle engine monitoring display (VEMD) screens,
and no availability of the automatic or auxiliary engine back-up
control ancillary unit (EBCAU). Subsequent investigation identified an
internal failure of the engine digital electronic control unit (DECU),
which led to loss of fuel flow regulation (frozen fuel metering unit).
This failure was not indicated to the pilot by a red GOV warning light
as expected, but with amber GOV indication and loss of VEMD display
instead. EASA also advised that if this fuel metering unit is frozen in
the open position, it may lead to a rotor overspeed, and if it is
frozen in the closed position, it may lead to unavailability of engine
power. EASA stated that this condition, if not addressed, could result
in the pilot
[[Page 10058]]
identifying the type of failure condition incorrectly, possibly
resulting in an improper response.
Since the FAA issued AD 2021-11-25, EASA issued AD 2021-0195, dated
August 20, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0195), which supersedes EASA AD 2013-
0287. EASA advises that after EASA AD 2013-0287 was issued, Airbus
Helicopters revised Alert Service Bulletin No. AS350-01.00.67, Revision
2, dated February 17, 2014; and Alert Service Bulletin No. EC130-
04A004, Revision 2, dated February 17, 2014; to include an additional
affected part number as part of the same rectification campaign.
Additionally, EASA advises that in parallel, SAFRAN (formerly
Turbom[eacute]ca) developed a modification of the affected part, which
mitigates the risk of rotor speed fluctuations, loss of power or
uncommanded in-flight shutdown, and issued Service Bulletin 292 73 2852
providing FADEC replacement instructions. Consequently, Airbus
Helicopters issued the applicable ASBs, providing instructions to
remove the temporary procedure from the RFM Emergency Procedures
section for helicopters with a modified FADEC. Accordingly, EASA AD
2021-0195 retains the requirements of EASA AD 2013-0287 and requires
removing the temporary revision from the Emergency Procedures section
of the RFM for helicopters with a modified FADEC installed. EASA AD
2021-0195 also prohibits the installation of an affected part after
installation of a modified FADEC. Furthermore, EASA AD 2021-0195
specifies to ``inform all flight crews'' of revisions to the RFM, and
thereafter to ``operate the helicopter accordingly.''
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 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 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 Alert Service Bulletin No.
AS350-01.00.67, Revision 2, dated February 17, 2014; and Alert Service
Bulletin No. EC130-04A004, Revision 2, dated February 17, 2014; which
the Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by
reference as of July 29, 2021.
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 Safran Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin
No. 292 73 2852, Revision C, dated June 6, 2016. This service
information specifies replacing certain FADEC D EECUs with certain
amended FADEC D EECUs.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2021-0195 requires operators to ``inform all flight crews''
of revisions to the RFM, and thereafter to ``operate the helicopter
accordingly.'' However, this AD does not specifically require those
actions.
FAA regulations mandate compliance with only the operating
limitations section of the flight manual. The flight manual changes
required by this AD apply to the emergency procedures section of the
existing RFM for your helicopter. Furthermore, compliance with such
requirements in an AD is impracticable to demonstrate or track on an
ongoing basis; therefore, a requirement to operate the aircraft in such
a manner is unenforceable. Nonetheless, the FAA recommends that flight
crews of the helicopters listed in the applicability operate in
accordance with the revised emergency procedures specified in this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects up to 628 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 AD.
Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter takes about 0.25
work-hour for an estimated cost of $21 per helicopter and up to $13,188
for the U.S. fleet. Accomplishing the optional terminating action, if
done, takes about 1 work-hour, with a parts costs of $5,000, for an
estimated cost of $5,085 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
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:
[[Page 10059]]
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-11-25, Amendment 39-21587 (86
FR 33097, June 24, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2022-05-02 Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by
Eurocopter France): Amendment 39-21953; Docket No. FAA-2021-1166;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00952-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 30, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-11-25, Amendment 39-21587 (86 FR 33097,
June 24, 2021) (AD 2021-11-25).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters (type certificate
previously held by Eurocopter France) Model AS350B3 and EC130T2
helicopters, certificated in any category, with an ARRIEL 2D engine
and with THALES full authority digital engine control (FADEC) part
number (P/N) C13165DA00 without amendment A, P/N C13165DA00PC00
without amendment A, or P/N C13165FA00 without amendment B, that has
a serial number below 1736, installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with a Model AS350B3e
designation are Model AS350B3 helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7321, Engine Fuel
Control/Turbine Engines.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of failure of an engine digital
electronic control unit. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
incorrect indicator illumination, display failure, and loss of fuel
flow regulation (frozen fuel metering unit). The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in misleading information to the
pilot, rotor overspeed or unavailability of engine power, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Revision to the Existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM)
for Your Helicopter and Optional Terminating Action for Certain
Helicopters With New Optional Terminating Action
For helicopters with FADEC P/N C13165DA00 without amendment A or
P/N C13165FA00 without amendment B installed:
(1) Within 25 hours time-in-service after July 29, 2021 (the
effective date of AD 2021-11-25), revise the Emergency Procedures of
the existing RFM for your helicopter by inserting Appendix 4. of
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-01.00.67
or ASB No. EC130-04A004, each Revision 2 and dated February 17, 2014
(ASB AS350-01.00.67 or ASB EC130-04A004), as applicable to your
helicopter model. Inserting a different document with information
identical to that in Appendix 4. of ASB AS350-01.00.67 or ASB EC130-
04A004, as applicable to your helicopter model, is acceptable for
compliance with the requirement of this paragraph.
(2) As an optional terminating action for the requirement of
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, install amendment A on FADEC P/N
C13165DA00 or amendment B on FADEC P/N C13165FA00.
(3) As an optional terminating action for the requirement of
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, install a FADEC unit having P/N
C13165DA00 with amendment A, P/N C13165DA00PC00 with amendment A, or
;P/N C13165FA00 with amendment B; or install a FADEC unit other than
a FADEC unit having P/N C13165DA00, P/N C13165DA00PC00, or P/N
C13165FA00, that has a serial number below 1736.
(h) New Requirement: Revision to the Existing RFM for Your Helicopter
and Optional Terminating Action for Certain Other Helicopters
For helicopters that have FADEC P/N C13165DA00PC00 without
amendment A installed:
(1) Within 25 hours time-in-service after the effective date of
this AD, revise the existing RFM for your helicopter by inserting
Appendix 4. of ASB AS350-01.00.67 or ASB EC130-04A004, as applicable
to your helicopter model. Inserting a different document with
information identical to that in Appendix 4. of ASB AS350-01.00.67
or ASB EC130-04A004, as applicable to your helicopter model, is
acceptable for compliance with the requirement of this paragraph.
(2) As an optional terminating action for the requirement of
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, install amendment A on FADEC P/N
C13165DA00PC00.
(3) As an optional terminating action for the requirement of
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, install a FADEC unit having P/N
C13165DA00 with amendment A, P/N C13165DA00PC00 with amendment A, or
;P/N C13165FA00 with amendment B; or install a FADEC unit other than
a FADEC unit having P/N C13165DA00, P/N C13165DA00PC00, or P/N
C13165FA00, that has a serial number below 1736.
(i) New Requirement: Removal of Temporary Revision From the Existing
RFM for Your Helicopter
(1) For helicopters that accomplish the optional terminating
action specified in paragraph (g)(2) or (3) of this AD: Concurrently
with the installation, before further flight, remove the temporary
revision to the existing RFM for your helicopter that was inserted
in accordance with the requirement of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(2) For helicopters that accomplish the optional terminating
action specified in paragraph (h)(2) or (3) of this AD: Concurrently
with the installation, before further flight, remove the temporary
revision to the existing RFM for your helicopter that was inserted
in accordance with the requirement of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.
(j) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on
any helicopter a FADEC identified in paragraph (c) of this AD
(affected FADEC part).
Note 2 to paragraph (j): Removal of an affected FADEC part from
a helicopter and reinstallation of that same affected FADEC part on
the same helicopter during the same maintenance visit is not
considered ``install'' as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(k) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued to operate the helicopter
to a location where the actions specified in this AD can be
performed, provided no passengers are onboard.
(l) 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 (m)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cff6e28e999ce28e869de2f8fcffe28e82808c8fa9aeaee1a8a0b9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f2cbdfb3a4a1dfb3bba0dfc5c1c2dfb3bfbdb1b2949393dc959d84">[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.
(m) 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., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#16777872647377387c7f7b7378736c5670777738717960"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7f1e111b0d1a1e511516121a111a053f191e1e51181009">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0195, dated August 20, 2021.
You may view the EASA AD on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> in Docket No. FAA-2021-1166.
(n) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
July 29, 2021 (86 FR 33097, June 24, 2021).
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS350-
01.00.67, Revision 2, dated February 17, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC130-04A004,
Revision 2, dated February 17, 2014.
(4) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in
this AD, contact
[[Page 10060]]
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N 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>.
(5) 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.
(6) 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#94f2e6bafdfae7e4f1f7e0fdfbfad4faf5e6f5baf3fbe2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="abcdd985c2c5d8dbcec8dfc2c4c5ebc5cad9ca85ccc4dd">[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 February 16, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-03761 Filed 2-22-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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