Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 41 (Thursday, March 1, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8743-8745]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03928]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 8743]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-5019; Product Identifier 2015-SW-079-AD; Amendment 
39-19210; AD 2018-05-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and 
EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the sliding cabin plug 
door (sliding door). This AD was prompted by the failure of the sliding 
door's jettison mechanism due to corrosion. The actions of this AD are 
intended to address an unsafe condition in these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 5, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of April 5, 2018.

ADDRESSES: For 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 http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You may review the referenced service information at 
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available 
on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2016-5019.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
5019; 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 AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any 
incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) 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: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On March 3, 2017, at 82 FR 12424, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters 
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters with a 
date of manufacture on or before July 14, 2014, and with a sliding door 
with Airbus Helicopters modification AL25612 or 0725870 installed; and 
Model EC225LP helicopters with a date of manufacture on or before July 
14, 2014.
    The NPRM proposed to require visually inspecting for and removing 
any sealing compound from the sliding doors and any corrosion from all 
visible bracket surfaces, measuring corrosion depth and performing a 
jettisoning test if there is corrosion, and measuring the clearance 
between the bracket and stainless steel pipe to ensure a minimum 
clearance. For Model EC225LP helicopters and Model AS332-series 
helicopters with modification AL25612, the NPRM also proposed 
inspecting for drain obstruction. The proposed requirements were 
intended to prevent corrosion damage, which can hinder jettisoning the 
door during an emergency, jeopardizing the safe evacuation of 
occupants.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2015-0156, dated July 29, 2015, and 
corrected July 30, 2015, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent 
for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe 
condition for the Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, 
AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters manufactured before July 14, 2014, and 
equipped with sliding doors modified in accordance with Airbus 
Helicopters modification (MOD) AL25612 or 0725870. EASA AD No. 2015-
0156 also applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters 
manufactured before July 14, 2014, and equipped with sliding doors.
    EASA advises that the sliding door's emergency jettisoning 
mechanism failed during a scheduled inspection because of significant 
corrosion damage caused by water accumulation from a plastic-rubber 
compound that obstructed the water drain of the jettison mechanism 
system. According to EASA, this condition, if not detected and 
corrected, could lead to jamming of the jettisoning mechanism, possibly 
preventing the jettisoning of the door during an emergency and 
jeopardizing the safe evacuation of occupants. To address this unsafe 
condition, EASA AD No. 2015-0156 requires a one-time inspection of the 
left hand and right hand sliding doors for corrosion.
    Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service 
has changed its organization structure. The new structure replaces 
product directorates with functional divisions. We have revised some of 
the office titles and nomenclature throughout this Final rule to 
reflect the new organizational changes. Additional information about 
the new structure can be found in the Notice published on July 25, 2017 
(82 FR 34564).

Comments

    After our NPRM was published, we received comments from two 
commenters.

Request

    Both commenters requested that we require replacement of the entire 
door jettisoning system. In support of this request, the commenters 
stated that only replacing corroded parts and not the entire system 
does not eliminate the danger of the parts corroding again.

[[Page 8744]]

    We disagree. The AD does not only require the replacement of 
corroded parts. It also requires removing any sealing compound, 
measuring any corrosion and testing the door jettisoning mechanism, 
ensuring the clearance between the bracket and stainless steel pipe, 
and ensuring there is no obstruction of the drain on the roller well 
bracket. We determined that the combination of these actions reduces 
the risk of the corrosion recurring to an acceptable level and is 
therefore sufficient to correct the unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by EASA, reviewed the relevant information, 
considered the comments received, and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these 
same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires compliance within various times, depending on 
the helicopter model and modifications. This AD requires compliance 
within 30 days.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
53.01.86, Revision 1, dated June 29, 2015 (ASB AS332-53.01.86), for 
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters and 
military model AS332B, B1, F1, M, and M1 helicopters; and Alert Service 
Bulletin No. EC225-53A048, Revision 0, dated August 18, 2014 (ASB 
EC225-53A048), for Model EC225LP helicopters. ASB AS332-53.01.86 and 
ASB EC225-53A048 specify checking areas of the emergency jettisoning 
system of the sliding doors for the absence of sealing compound, for 
corrosion on the visible surfaces of the bracket, for the absence of 
interference between the stainless steel pipe and the aluminum bracket, 
and for non-obstruction of the drain.
    This service information 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 24 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect that visually inspecting for corrosion requires 1 
work-hour and no parts for a total cost of $85 per helicopter, and 
$2,040 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing corroded parts requires 8 work-
hours and parts cost $500 for a total cost of $1,180 per helicopter. 
Replacing the door jettisoning system requires 16 work-hours and parts 
cost $4,500 for a total cost of $5,860 per helicopter.

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.
    We are 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 helicopters 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    (4) 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of 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 (AD):

2018-05-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-19210; Docket No. FAA-
2016-5019; Product Identifier 2015-SW-079-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Airbus Helicopters, 
certificated in any category:
    (1) Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 
helicopters with a date of manufacture on or before July 14, 2014, 
and with a sliding cabin plug door (sliding door) with Airbus 
Helicopters modification AL25612 or 0725870 installed; and
    (2) Model EC225LP helicopters with a date of manufacture on or 
before July 14, 2014.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion of a 
jettisoning mechanism which, if not detected and corrected, could 
result in failure of a sliding door to jettison, preventing 
occupants from exiting the helicopter during an emergency.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 5, 2018.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    Within 30 days:
    (1) Visually inspect the left-hand and right-hand sliding doors 
for sealing compound as shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters 
Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-53.01.86, Revision 1, dated June 
29, 2015 (ASB AS332-53.01.86), or Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin No. EC225-53A048, Revision 0, dated August 18, 2014 (ASB 
EC225-53A048), as applicable for your model helicopter. Remove any 
sealing compound.

[[Page 8745]]

    (2) Inspect all visible bracket surfaces for corrosion. If there 
is any corrosion, remove the corrosion and measure the corrosion 
depth.
    (i) If the measured corrosion depth is less than 0.5 mm, perform 
a jettisoning test. If the door passes the test, apply corrosion 
protectant. If the door does not pass the test, replace the 
jettisoning system before further flight.
    (ii) If the measured corrosion depth is 0.5 mm or more, perform 
a jettisoning test. If the door passes the test, apply corrosion 
protectant, perform a jettisoning test at intervals not to exceed 
two months for not more than six months, and replace the jettisoning 
system within six months. If the door does not pass the test, 
replace the jettisoning system before further flight.
    (3) Measure the clearance between the bracket and stainless 
steel pipe. If the clearance is less than 3 mm, remove the lockwire 
from the union and loosen the unions of the air vent pipe. Position 
the support and the air vent pipe to ensure a minimum clearance of 3 
mm. Tighten the support and unions of the pipe and safety the union 
using lockwire.
    (4) For Model EC225LP helicopters and Model AS332-series 
helicopters with modification AL25612, inspect for drain obstruction 
by compressing the middle rail roller well piston and injecting 
distilled water through the roller well to determine if the water 
drains. If the drain is obstructed, remove the sealing compound and 
adhesive from the gutter in the bracket area. Remove the drain from 
the gutter and unclog the drain and gutter using a spatula or brush. 
Clean the gutter on the bracket side and the drain. Apply adhesive 
to the gutter and then slide in the drain. Allow the adhesive to 
dry, and then apply sealing compound.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, 
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, 
TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0156, dated July 29, 2015, and corrected 
July 30, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2016-5019.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5220, Emergency 
Exits.

(i) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
53.01.86, Revision 1, dated June 29, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-53A048, 
Revision 0, dated August 18, 2014.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, 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 http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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 service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 21, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-03928 Filed 2-28-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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