Rule2022-18091
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) 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
August 23, 2022
Effective
September 27, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of the air conditioning system (ACS) malfunctioning. This AD requires deactivating the ACS and prohibits installing the affected parts, 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 162 (Tuesday, August 23, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 162 (Tuesday, August 23, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51583-51585]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-18091]
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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. 162 / Tuesday, August 23, 2022 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 51583]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0510; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00158-R;
Amendment 39-22139; AD 2022-17-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) 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
certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1,
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3
helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of the air conditioning
system (ACS) malfunctioning. This AD requires deactivating the ACS and
prohibits installing the affected parts, 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 September 27, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
27, 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#7b3a3f083b1e1a081a551e0e09140b1a551e0e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6c2d281f2c090d1f0d4209191e031c0d420919">[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 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX, 75052, United States; phone:
(972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; or at: <a href="http://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html">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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0510; 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: Stephanie Sunderbruch, Aerospace
Engineer, Safety Risk Management Section, Systems Policy Branch, Policy
& Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222-4659; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7e2d0a1b0e161f10171b5032502d0b101a1b0c1c0c0b1d163e181f1f50191108"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e1b295849189808f8884cfadcfb2948f8584938393948289a1878080cf868e97">[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 2022-0023, dated February 3, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0023), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (formerly Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH, Eurocopter Espa[ntilde]a S.A.) Model EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135
P2+, EC135 P3, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, EC135 T3, EC635 T2+,
EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, and EC635 T3 helicopters, all variants,
serial numbers (S/N) from 0008 to 0869 inclusive, except S/N 0831 and
S/N 0864.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3,
EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, S/N from 0008 to
0869 inclusive, except S/N 0831 and S/N 0864. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on May 10, 2022 (87 FR 27954). The NPRM was prompted
by reports of the ACS malfunctioning; investigation into the
malfunction has identified that certain ACS soft start units are the
root cause. The NPRM proposed to require deactivating the ACS and
prohibit installing the affected parts, as specified in EASA AD 2022-
0023.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent possible overheating of the
ACS. See EASA AD 2022-0023 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. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters. However, after the NPRM was issued, the
FAA determined that the unsafe condition statement was misleading in
that a malfunctioning ACS would not result in reduced helicopter
control. Although overheating of the ACS could result in an overvoltage
of the ACS and subsequent failure of the electrical system segment
connected to the ACS, there is robust separation of the system I and
system II DC power buses and both systems provide electrical redundancy
for flight critical systems. Any over-voltage on the system II side
(which occurred for this safety issue) cannot lead to an event
classified as hazardous (HAZ) or catastrophic (CAT) due to the
separation of DC power supply paths and electrical redundancy. Instead,
the FAA has determined that the unsafe condition could result in
increased pilot workload and has revised this AD accordingly. Except
for this and other minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as
proposed in the
[[Page 51584]]
NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any
operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0023 requires deactivating the ACS soft start unit
part number (P/N) ES59185-2 on helicopters with a compressor/condenser
pallet P/N 135-0553-1 or P/N 135-0566-2 installed. EASA AD 2022-0023
also prohibits installing soft start unit P/N ES59185-2 or a
compressor/condenser pallet P/N 135-0553-1 or P/N 135-0566-2 on any
helicopter.
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
EC135-21A-024, Revision 0, dated February 2, 2022. This service
information specifies procedures for deactivating the soft part unit of
the compressor/condenser pallet and specifies that compressor/condenser
pallet P/N 135-0553-1 or 135-0566-2 with soft start unit P/N ES59185-2
installed must not be installed on any helicopter.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. The design
approval holder is currently developing a modification that will
address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this
modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA might
consider additional rulemaking.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA 2022-0023 applies to Model EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1,
EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters, whereas this AD does not because
these models are not FAA type-certificated and are not included on the
U.S. type certificate data sheet except where the U.S. type certificate
data sheet explains that the Model EC635T2+ helicopter having serial
number 0858 was converted from Model EC635T2+ to Model EC135T2+.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 341 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.
Deactivating the ACS takes about 1 work-hour, for an estimated cost
of $85 per helicopter and up to $28,985 for the U.S. fleet.
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:
2022-17-01 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
22139; Docket No. FAA-2022-0510; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00158-
R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 27,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2,
EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) from 0008 to
0869 inclusive, except S/N 0831 and S/N 0864, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2100, Air
Conditioning System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of the air conditioning system
(ACS) malfunctioning. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent possible
overheating of the ACS. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in an overvoltage of the ACS, resulting in overheating
of the surrounding area, failure of the helicopter electrical system
connected to the ACS, and a subsequent loss of electrical power
which could result in increased pilot workload.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0023, dated February 3, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0023).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0023
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0023 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0023 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2022-0023.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0023
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
[[Page 51585]]
(j) 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 (k) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#40796d0116136d0109126d7773706d010d0f03002621216e272f36"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6f56422e393c422e263d42585c5f422e22202c2f090e0e41080019">[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.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Stephanie
Sunderbruch, Aerospace Engineer, Safety Risk Management Section,
Systems Policy Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-4659;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c093b4a5b0a8a1aea9a5ee8cee93b5aea4a5b2a2b2b5a3a880a6a1a1eea7afb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ffac8b9a8f979e91969ad1b3d1ac8a919b9a8d9d8d8a9c97bf999e9ed1989089">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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 2022-0023,
dated February 3, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0023, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ecfcafdceebeffdefa0ebfbfce1feefa0ebfb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f5e5b6c5f7a7e6c7e317a6a6d706f7e317a6a">[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>.
(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="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0510.
(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#d2b4a0fcbbbca1a2b7b1a6bbbdbc92bcb3a0b3fcb5bda4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f99f8bd790978a899c9a8d909697b997988b98d79e968f">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on August 2, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-18091 Filed 8-22-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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