Proposed Rule2024-30374
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
December 23, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by the identification of missing electrical bonding on a certain part-numbered additional and optional search light (search light). This proposed AD would require installing an electrical bonding braid modification and prohibit installing that part-numbered search light unless the modification is done. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 246 (Monday, December 23, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 246 (Monday, December 23, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 104465-104468]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30374]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2663; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00200-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 EC225LP helicopters. This proposed
AD was prompted by the identification of missing electrical bonding on
a certain part-numbered additional and optional search light (search
light). This proposed AD would require installing an electrical bonding
braid modification and prohibit installing that part-numbered search
light unless the modification is done. These actions are specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for
incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by February 6, 2025.
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="http://regulations.gov">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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2663; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For EASA material identified in this proposed AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221
8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a1e0e5d2e1c4c0d2c08fc4d4d3ced1c08fc4d4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8dccc9fecde8ecfeeca3e8f8ffe2fdeca3e8f8">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> 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. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-2663.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kurt Ladendorf, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-5254; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e2a9979096cca6ccae8386878c868d9084a2848383cc858d94"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7b300e090f553f55371a1f1e151f14091d3b1d1a1a551c140d">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 104466]]
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-2024-2663; Project Identifier
MCAI-2023-00200-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="http://regulations.gov">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 Kurt
Ladendorf, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5254; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e6ad939492c8a2c8aa8782838882899480a6808787c8818990"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cd86b8bfb9e389e381aca9a8a3a9a2bfab8dabacace3aaa2bb">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives which 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 2023-0030, dated February 2, 2023
(EASA AD 2023-0030) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters Model EC 225 LP helicopters,
except helicopters having Airbus Helicopters modification MC29201
embodied in production. The MCAI states missing electrical bonding was
identified on a certain part-numbered search light installed on some
Model EC 225 LP helicopters. The MCAI further states that the location
where the search light is installed is an area that could get struck by
lightning, which, in case of a lightning strike, could lead to
potential total loss of electrical distribution, with loss of
electrically supplied systems, and subsequent reduced control of the
helicopter.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-2663.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2023-0030 requires installing an electrical bonding braid
modification for a certain part-numbered search light under the
sponson. EASA AD 2023-0030 also prohibits installing that part-numbered
search light from being installed unless its requirements are met.
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.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2023-0030, 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 the MCAI.''
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 2023-0030 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2023-0030 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 2023-0030 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 2023-
0030. Material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 for compliance will be
available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-2663 after the
FAA final rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
The MCAI allows a +10% tolerance to the calendar compliance time to
install the electrical bonding braid modification, whereas this
proposed AD would not allow that tolerance. If the insulation
resistance value is 8 or more ohms as a result of the continuity test
that is specified in the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030, this
proposed AD would require accomplishing corrective action in accordance
with a method approved by the FAA, EASA, or Airbus Helicopters' EASA
Design Organization Approval, whereas the MCAI and the material
referenced in the MCAI are not specific about the continuity test.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 9 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.
Installing an electrical bonding braid modification would take 14
work-hours and parts would cost $16,370 for an estimated cost of
$17,560 per helicopter and up to $158,040 for the U.S. fleet.
Performing a continuity test would take a minimal amount of time
for a nominal cost. Depending on the results,
[[Page 104467]]
corrective action could vary significantly from helicopter to
helicopter. The FAA has no data to determine the costs to accomplish
the corrective action.
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-2024-2663; Project Identifier
MCAI-2023-00200-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by February 6, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters,
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency AD 2023-0030, dated February 2, 2023 (EASA AD
2023-0030).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 1420, electrical
connectors; and 2497, electrical power system wiring.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the identification of missing electrical
bonding on additional and optional search lights. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent a lightning current evacuating to the aircraft
structure. In the event of a lightning strike, the unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in potential total loss of electrical
distribution, with loss of electrically supplied systems, and
subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.
(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, EASA AD 2023-0030.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Appendix 4 of Airbus Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin No. EC225-33A018, dated December 15, 2023, which is
referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030, identifies helicopter
configurations (right-hand column of the table) by helicopter serial
number (left-hand column of the table).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0030
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0030 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0030 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where Note 1 of EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies that a tolerance
of +10% may be applied to the calendar compliance time specified in
paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0030, this AD does not allow that
tolerance.
(4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies
discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from
service.
(5) This AD requires replacing text as specified in paragraphs
(h)(5)(i) though (v) of this AD.
(i) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies
to ``do the electrical bonding,'' this AD requires replacing that
text with ``install the electrical bonding braid.''
(ii) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030
specifies to ``bond the labels ``741VN'' and ``742VN'' of the set of
labels (8) as close as possible from the equipment (SECTION A-A and
B-B),'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``apply labels
``741VN'' and ``742VN'' of the set of labels (8) directly adjacent
to the grounding point as depicted in Figure 6, Section A-A and
Section B-B.''
(iii) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030
specifies to ``remove and keep,'' this AD requires replacing that
text with, ``remove.''
(iv) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030
specifies to ``locate the hole (A) in accordance to the position,''
this AD requires replacing that text with ``determine the position
of hole (A) in Figure 4, Detail B.''
(v) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies
to paint strip the hole on ``the both face,'' this AD requires
replacing the text ``the both face'' with ``each side.''
(6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies
to do a continuity test, if the insulation resistance value is 8 or
more ohms as a result of the continuity test, this AD requires,
before further flight, accomplishing corrective action in accordance
with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(7) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0030.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0030 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(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)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#41000c0e02012720206f262e37"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="094844464a496f6868276e667f">[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.
[[Page 104468]]
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Kurt Ladendorf,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5254; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0c47797e78224822406d68696268637e6a4c6a6d6d226b637a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9ad1efe8eeb4deb4d6fbfefff4fef5e8fcdafcfbfbb4fdf5ec">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For Airbus Helicopters material identified in this AD that
is not incorporated by reference, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701
North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone: (972) 641-0000 or
(800) 232-0323; fax: (972) 641-3775; website: <a href="http://airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld">airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld</a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0030,
dated February 2, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#78393c0b381d190b19561d0d0a170819561d0d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b8f9fccbf8ddd9cbd996ddcdcad7c8d996ddcd">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bbddc995d2d5c8cbded8cfd2d4d5fbd5dac9da95dcd4cd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f796d3176716c6f7a7c6b7670715f717e6d7e31787069">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on December 16, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-30374 Filed 12-20-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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