Rule2022-12183
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
June 8, 2022
Effective
July 13, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting 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 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 AD requires 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 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 87 Issue 110 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 110 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34770-34772]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-12183]
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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;
Amendment 39-22068; AD 2022-11-18]
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 all
Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS-365N2, AS
365 N3, SA-365N, SA-365N1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. 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. This AD requires 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 incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 13, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 13,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
final rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3574714675505446541b5040475a45541b5040"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b9f8fdcaf9dcd8cad897dccccbd6c9d897dccc">[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>. 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>. 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.
Service information that is IBRed is also available 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.
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 final rule, the
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#7b1a151f091e1a551112161e151e013b1d1a1a551c140d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f1909f95839490df9b989c949f948bb1979090df969e87">[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 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 355F 1 and AS 355 F2 helicopters,
all serial numbers.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters
Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, SA-365N,
SA-365N1, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on March 29, 2022 (87 FR 17955). The NPRM 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 NPRM proposed
to require a one-time inspection of certain part-numbered engine
cowlings, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in EASA AD
2021-0265.
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
[[Page 34771]]
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.
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, except for minor editorial changes. Accordingly, the FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these helicopters.
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.
Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2021-0265
Service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0265 specifies
recording compliance with the applicable ASBs, whereas this AD does
not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 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 AD.
Inspecting each engine cowling takes 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 takes 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 takes about 4 work-hours and parts 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
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:
2022-11-18 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22068; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0381; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01314-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 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).
[[Page 34772]]
(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.
(8) 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) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#71485c3027225c3038235c4642415c303c3e32311710105f161e07"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9da4b0dccbceb0dcd4cfb0aaaeadb0dcd0d2deddfbfcfcb3faf2eb">[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
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#adccc3c9dfc8cc83c7c4c0c8c3c8d7edcbcccc83cac2db"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="caaba4aeb8afabe4a0a3a7afa4afb08aacababe4ada5bc">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0265,
dated November 23, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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#8fcecbfccfeaeefceea1eafafde0ffeea1eafa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a7e6e3d4e7c2c6d4c689c2d2d5c8d7c689c2d2">[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>.
(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 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0381.
(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#93f5e1bdfafde0e3f6f0e7fafcfdd3fdf2e1f2bdf4fce5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f79185d99e9984879294839e9899b799968596d9909881">[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 May 24, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-12183 Filed 6-7-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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