Proposed Rule2022-14325
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
July 6, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1 and AS332L2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a crack in the front upper hoist attachment fitting. This proposed AD would require inspecting each affected hoist attachment fitting (fitting) and depending on the results, removing any cracked fitting from service and reporting information. This proposed AD also prohibits installing an affected fitting unless the required actions are accomplished, 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 128 (Wednesday, July 6, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 6, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40164-40167]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-14325]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0808; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00100-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 certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1
and AS332L2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a
crack in the front upper hoist attachment fitting. This proposed AD
would require inspecting each affected hoist attachment fitting
(fitting) and depending on the results, removing any cracked fitting
from service and reporting information. This proposed AD also prohibits
installing an affected fitting unless the required actions are
accomplished, 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 August 22,
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 NPRM, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ca8b8eb98aafabb9abe4afbfb8a5baabe4afbf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d8999cab98bdb9abb9f6bdadaab7a8b9f6bdad">[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 NPRM, 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 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. The EASA material is
also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0808.
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-2022-0808; 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: Kristin Bradley, COS Program Manager,
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#274c554e54534e4909455546434b425e6741464609404851"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c7acb5aeb4b3aea9e9a5b5a6a3aba2be87a1a6a6e9a0a8b1">[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-2022-0808; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00100-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
[[Page 40165]]
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
Kristin Bradley, COS Program Manager, COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#91fae3f8e2e5f8ffbff3e3f0f5fdf4e8d1f7f0f0bff6fee7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9ff4edf6ecebf6f1b1fdedfefbf3fae6dff9fefeb1f8f0e9">[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 Emergency AD 2022-0016-E, dated January
26, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0016-E), to correct an unsafe condition for
Airbus Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France,
Aerospatiale, Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, and AS
332 L2 helicopters, equipped with front upper fitting manufacturer part
number (MP/N) 332A87-1116-21, rear upper fitting MP/N 332A87-1117-20,
or lower fitting MP/N 332A87-1176-20.
This proposed AD was prompted by an occurrence of a front upper
fitting crack reported on a helicopter equipped with a double hoist
design, installed per a supplemental type certificate (STC). The STC
has not been validated by the FAA; however, the FAA is proposing this
AD because other hoists may have design similarities with the affected
fitting installed. The FAA is proposing this AD to detect and address
this unsafe condition, which if not corrected, could affect the
structural integrity of a fitting, possibly leading to an in-flight
detachment of the hoist support, and consequent damage to the
helicopter or injury to a person being lifted. EASA considers its AD to
be an interim action and further AD action may follow. See EASA AD
2022-0016-E for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0016-E requires a one-time inspection of the front
upper fitting MP/N 332A87-1116-21, rear upper fitting MP/N 332A87-1117-
20, and lower fitting MP/N 332A87-1176-20 for a crack. If there is a
crack, EASA AD 2022-0016-E requires replacing the affected fitting.
EASA AD 2022-0016-E also prohibits installing an affected fitting on
any helicopter unless it passes the required inspection.
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 Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin 25.03.95, Revision 0, dated January 25, 2022. This service
information specifies procedures for inspecting and replacing an
affected fitting. This service information also specifies reporting
certain information to Airbus Helicopters, and for a cracked fitting,
returning the fitting to Airbus Helicopters.
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 these same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2022-0016-E, 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 2022-0016-E.''
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 2022-0016-E by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2022-0016-E 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 2022-0016-E 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 2022-
0016-E. Service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0016-E 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-2022-0808 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and EASA AD 2022-0016-E
The EASA AD requires a compliance time of before next hoist
operation or within 30 days, whichever occurs first after the effective
date of EASA AD 2022-0016-E, whereas this proposed AD would require a
compliance time of within 30 hours time in service or within 30 days,
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this proposed AD.
Where the service information referenced in the EASA AD specifies to
perform dye penetrant inspection ``if you are not sure,'' this proposed
AD would not require that action. Where EASA AD 2022-0016-E requires
returning a fitting that was required to be removed as a result of the
inspection, this proposed AD would not.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD would be an interim action. If
final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further
rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 7 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 all hoist attachment fittings would take about 0.5 work-
hour for an estimated cost of $42.50 per helicopter and $298 for the
U.S. fleet.
[[Page 40166]]
Replacing the front upper fitting would take about 4 hours and
parts would cost $834 for an estimated cost of $1,174 per front upper
fitting.
Replacing the rear upper fitting would take about 4 hours and parts
would cost $1,040 for an estimated cost of $1,380 per rear upper
fitting.
Replacing the lower fitting would take about 4 hours and parts
would cost $1,874 for an estimated cost of $2,214 per lower fitting.
The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 hour per product to
comply with the proposed reporting requirement in this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA
estimates the cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S.
operators to be $595 or $85 per product.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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-2022-0808; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00100-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by August 22, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with a front upper hoist attachment fitting manufacturer
part number (MP/N) 332A87-1116-21, rear upper hoist attachment
fitting MP/N 332A87-1117-20, or lower hoist attachment fitting MP/N
332A87-1176-20, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2500, Cabin
Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of a crack on the front upper
hoist attachment fitting. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and
address this unsafe condition, which could affect the structural
integrity of a hoist attachment fitting, possibly leading to an in-
flight detachment of the hoist support, and consequent damage to the
helicopter or injury to a person being lifted.
(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)
Emergency AD 2022-0016-E, dated January 26, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0016-
E).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0016-E
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0016-E refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0016-E requires a compliance time of
before next hoist operation or within 30 days, whichever occurs
first after the effective date of EASA AD 2022-0016-E, this AD
requires a compliance time of within 30 hours time in service or
within 30 days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of
this AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0016-E specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those
parts from service.
(4) Where EASA AD 2022-0016-E specifies replacing parts and the
service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0016-E specifies
returning parts to the manufacturer, this AD requires removing those
parts from service.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0016-E specifies reporting inspection results to Airbus Helicopters
immediately after each inspection, this AD requires reporting
inspection results at the following compliance times:
(i) If there is not a crack, within 30 days after the
inspection.
(ii) If there is a crack, before the next hoist operation.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0016-E specifies to perform dye penetrant inspection ``if you are
not sure,'' this AD does not require a dye penetrant inspection.
(7) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2022-0016-E.
[[Page 40167]]
(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)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b38a9ef2e5e09ef2fae19e8480839ef2fefcf0f3d5d2d29dd4dcc5"><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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2022-0016-E, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1455506754717567753a7161667b64753a7161"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f0b1b483b095918391de9585829f8091de9585">[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 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-2022-0808.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Kristin Bradley,
COS Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222-5110; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80cbf2e9f3f4e9eeaec2f2e1e4ece5f9c0e6e1e1aee7eff6">[email protected]</a>.
Issued on June 29, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-14325 Filed 7-5-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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