Proposed Rule2025-01030
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
January 17, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a sliding door that was locked in the open position detaching from the helicopter during flight. This proposed AD would require modifying certain upper rail rollers, installing a label on each sliding door, and prohibit installing affected upper rail rollers or a door having an affected upper rail roller. 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 90 Issue 11 (Friday, January 17, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 11 (Friday, January 17, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5759-5761]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-01030]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0006; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00803-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 Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a sliding
door that was locked in the open position detaching from the helicopter
during flight. This proposed AD would require modifying certain upper
rail rollers, installing a label on each sliding door, and prohibit
installing affected upper rail rollers or a door having an affected
upper rail roller. 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 March 3, 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-2025-0006; 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#92d3d6e1d2f7f3e1f3bcf7e7e0fde2f3bcf7e7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="99d8ddead9fcf8eaf8b7fcecebf6e9f8b7fcec">[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 Parkway, 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="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-0006.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Hein, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316)
946-4116; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#49082d282467012c2027092f2828672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="99d8fdf8f4b7d1fcf0f7d9fff8f8b7fef6ef">[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 the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-0006;
Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00803-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 Adam
Hein, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4116; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6d2c090c0043250804032d0b0c0c430a021b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1d5c797c7033557874735d7b7c7c337a726b">[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 2023-0131, dated July 3, 2023 (EASA
AD 2023-0131) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition on Airbus Helicopters Model AS 350 B, AS 350 D, AS 350 BA, AS
350 BB, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3, AS 355 E, AS 355 F, AS 355 F1,
AS 355 F2, AS 355 N, and AS 355 NP helicopters if equipped with a left-
hand (LH) and/or right-hand sliding door. The MCAI states that a LH
sliding door of a Model AS 350 B3helicopter was lost while flying with
the door locked in the open position. Design review determined that the
upper rail roller had a single locking device instead of two separate
locking devices, which is required for that type of fastener.
This proposed AD would apply to Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters because they are also affected by this unsafe condition due
to design similarity.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address the insufficient upper rail
roller locking mechanism of the sliding door. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could lead to the sliding door detaching from the
helicopter during flight, and
[[Page 5760]]
subsequent damage to the helicopter and injury to persons on the
ground.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0006.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2023-0131, which requires modifying
affected upper rail rollers and installing a label on each sliding
door. EASA AD 2023-0131 also prohibits installing an affected upper
rail roller, or a door having an affected upper rail roller installed,
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.
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 about the unsafe condition described
in the MCAI. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on
other products of these same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2023-0131, 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 NPRM 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 2023-0131 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2023-0131 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 2023-0131 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-
0131. Material required by EASA AD 2023-0131 for compliance will be
available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-0006 after the
FAA final rule is published.
Differences Between This NPRM and the MCAI
EASA AD 2023-0131 applies to Model AS350BB helicopters, whereas
this proposed AD would not because that model is not FAA-type
certificated.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 972 helicopters of U.S. registry. Labor rates are estimated at
$85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates that
operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this
proposed AD.
Modifying the upper rail rollers and installing a label on the
sliding doors (up to two doors per helicopter) would take up to 8 work-
hours and parts would cost $2,668 for an estimated cost of up to $3,348
per helicopter and $3,254,256 for the U.S. fleet.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
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-2025-0006; Project Identifier
MCAI-2023-00803-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 3, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2023-0131,
dated July 3, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0131).
[[Page 5761]]
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC): Code 5200, Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a sliding door that was
locked in the open position detaching from the helicopter during
flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the insufficient upper
rail roller locking mechanism of the sliding door. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could lead to the sliding door
detaching from the helicopter during flight, and subsequent damage
to the helicopter and injury to persons on the ground.
(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 2023-0131.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0131
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0131 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0131 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-
0131 specifies to discard parts, this AD requires removing those
parts from service.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0131.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0131 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(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#c98884868a89afa8a8e7aea6bf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="88c9c5c7cbc8eee9e9a6efe7fe">[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 Adam Hein, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (316) 946-4116; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bafbdedbd794f2dfd3d4fadcdbdb94ddd5cc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1e5f7a7f7330567b77705e787f7f30797168">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 2023-0131,
dated July 3, 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#6e2f2a1d2e0b0f1d0f400b1b1c011e0f400b1b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5a1b1e291a3f3b293b743f2f28352a3b743f2f">[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 Parkway, 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#6503174b0c0b16150006110c0a0b250b0417044b020a13"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fb9d89d59295888b9e988f929495bb959a899ad59c948d">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 8, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-01030 Filed 1-16-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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