Proposed Rule2022-06577
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
March 29, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS- 365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-365N, SA-365N1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by investigation results from an engine compartment fire, which determined some of the internal parts of the engine upper fixed cowling (engine cowling) were painted with finish paint on top of the primer layer. This proposed AD would require a one- time inspection of certain part-numbered engine cowlings, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17955-17957]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06577]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0381; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01314-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 all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS-
365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-365N, SA-365N1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by investigation results from an engine
compartment fire, which determined some of the internal parts of the
engine upper fixed cowling (engine cowling) were painted with finish
paint on top of the primer layer. This proposed AD would require a one-
time inspection of certain part-numbered engine cowlings, and
corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation
by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 13,
2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For EASA material that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7233360132171301135c1707001d02135c1707"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3574714675505446541b5040475a45541b5040">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You
may find the EASA 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. This material is also
available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2022-0381.
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-2022-0381; 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 EASA AD,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
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#0b6a656f796e6a256162666e656e714b6d6a6a256c647d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="32535c564057531c585b5f575c5748725453531c555d44">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0381; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-01314-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
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, 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
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#5c3d32382e393d72363531393239261c3a3d3d723b332a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="22434c465047430c484b4f474c4758624443430c454d54">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA
receives that 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 2021-0265, dated November 23, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0265), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale,
Sud Aviation, Model SA 365 N, SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155
B, EC 155 B1, AS 355 E, AS 355 F, AS 355 F1 and AS 355 F2 helicopters,
all serial numbers.
This proposed AD was prompted by investigation results from an
engine compartment fire, which determined some of the internal parts of
the engine cowling were painted with finish paint on top of the primer
layer. The FAA is proposing this AD to detect finish paint inside the
duct of the engine cowling. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in fire propagation in case of exposure to high
temperature, damage to the helicopter, and injury to the occupants. See
EASA AD 2021-0265 for additional background information.
[[Page 17956]]
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0265 requires a one-time inspection of certain part-
numbered engine cowlings (e.g., an affected part as defined in EASA AD
2021-0265) for finish paint and depending on the inspection results,
accomplishment of applicable corrective actions. EASA AD 2021-0265 also
allows an affected part to be installed on any helicopter, provided it
is a serviceable part as defined in EASA AD 2021-0265. Corrective
actions include repainting the affected part and replacing the affected
part.
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
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
No. AS355-53.00.38, ASB No. AS365-53.00.65, and ASB No. EC155-53A040,
all Revision 0, and all dated October 27, 2021, which specify
procedures for inspecting the inside of the duct of the engine cowling
for finish paint and corrective actions.
FAA's Determination
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 is proposing this AD
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
on other helicopters of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2021-0265, 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 Proposed AD and EASA AD 2021-0265.''
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 2021-0265 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2021-0265 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2021-0265 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 2021-
0265. Service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0265 for
compliance will be available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0381 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and EASA AD 2021-0265
Service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0265 specifies
recording compliance of the applicable ASBs, whereas this proposed AD
would not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 93 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 proposed AD.
Inspecting each engine cowling would take about 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $7,905 for the U.S. fleet.
Repainting each engine cowling with primer only would take about 8
work-hours for an estimated cost of $680 per helicopter.
Replacing an engine cowling with a ``serviceable part'' as defined
in EASA AD 2021-0265 would take about 4 work-hours and parts would cost
up to $7,800 for an estimated cost of up to $8,140 per replacement.
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-2022-0381; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-01314-R.
[[Page 17957]]
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by May 13, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-365N, SA-365N1, EC 155B,
and EC155B1 helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7110, Engine
Cowling System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by investigation results from an engine
compartment fire, which determined some of the internal parts of the
engine upper fixed cowling (engine cowling) were painted with finish
paint on top of the primer layer. The FAA is issuing this AD to
detect finish paint inside the duct of the engine cowling. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in fire propagation
in case of exposure to high temperature, damage to the helicopter,
and injury to the occupants.
(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0265, dated November 23, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0265).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0265
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0265 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0265 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0265 specifies ``in
accordance with the instructions of paragraph 3.B of the applicable
ASB,'' for this AD replace ``in accordance with the instructions of
paragraph 3.B of the applicable ASB'' with ``in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2.a. through 3.B.2.b. of
the applicable ASB.''
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0265 specifies to
repaint or replace the affected part, replace the text ``repaint
(with primer layer only) that affected part or replace it with a
serviceable part in accordance with the instructions of paragraph
3.B. of the applicable ASB,'' with ``repaint (with primer layer
only) that affected part in accordance with the instructions of
paragraph 3.B.2.b. of the applicable ASB, or replace the affected
part with a `serviceable part' as defined in EASA AD 2021-0265.''
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0265 specifies ``identify again the engine upper fixed cowling (a),
refer to paragraph 3.C.,'' this AD does require modifying your
helicopter by marking ``ASB No. 53.00.38,'' ``ASB No. 53A40,'' or
``ASB No. 53.00.65,'' as applicable to your helicopter, after the
old P/N on the engine cowling with indelible ink, but does not
require compliance with paragraph 3.C. of the ``applicable ASB'' as
defined in EASA AD 2021-0265.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0265 specifies during the interpretation of results from the visual
check of the inside of the duct of the engine cowling, if there is
any finish paint inside the duct, obey with paragraph 3.B.2.b.
(i.e., perform corrective actions) not more than 6 months after you
complied with paragraph 3.B.2.a., for this AD, if there is any
finish paint inside the duct of the engine cowling, perform the
corrective actions not more than 6 months after you complied with
paragraph 3.B.2.a. Work Card 20-04-05-402 (MTC), referenced in the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b. of the ``applicable
ASB'' as defined in EASA AD 2021-0265 is for reference only and is
not required for the actions in this AD.
(7) Where the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b of
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS365-53.00.65,
and ASB EC155-53A040, both Revision 0, and both dated October 27,
2021, specify to refer to Work Card 53-50-00-402 (MET), or Task 53-
54-00-061(AMM), to remove and install the engine cowling, for this
AD those instructions are for reference only and are not required
for the actions in this AD.
(9) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0265.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0265
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199, provided no passengers are onboard.
(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#edd4c0acbbbec0aca4bfc0dadeddc0aca0a2aead8b8c8cc38a829b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a69f8be7f0f58be7eff48b9195968be7ebe9e5e6c0c7c788c1c9d0">[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) For EASA AD 2021-0265, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6e7e2d5e6c3c7d5c788c3d3d4c9d6c788c3d3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2d6c695e6d484c5e4c0348585f425d4c034858">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find EASA
AD 2021-0265 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. This material may be found in the AD
docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2022-0381.
(2) 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#c5a4aba1b7a0a4ebafaca8a0aba0bf85a3a4a4eba2aab3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f0919e94829591de9a999d959e958ab0969191de979f86">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 24, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-06577 Filed 3-28-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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