Airworthiness Directives; Anjou Aeronautique Torso Restraint Systems

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 80 (Friday, April 24, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22953-22955]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-08706]



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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 80 / Friday, April 24, 2020 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 22953]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0537; Project Identifier 2019-NE-16-AD; Amendment 
39-21116; AD 2020-09-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Anjou Aeronautique Torso Restraint 
Systems

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-16-04 
for certain Anjou Aeronautique (formerly Romtex Anjou Aeronautique) 
Model 358 torso restraint systems (restraint systems). AD 2017-16-04 
required inspection of the restraint system, placarding if it is found 
to be inoperative, and replacement of the affected restraint system 
with a part eligible for installation. This AD requires the removal 
from service of this expanded population of affected restraint systems 
and modifies the compliance schedule for their removal. This AD was 
prompted by reports to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA), since the publication of AD 2017-16-04, of additional restraint 
system buckle knobs breaking on a batch of parts outside of the 
population identified in AD 2017-16-04. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 29, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
22, 2017 (82 FR 39355, August 18, 2017).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Anjou Aeronautique, Strada Livezii nr. 98, 550042, Sibiu, 
Romania; telephone: +40 269 243 918; fax: +40 269 243 921; email: 
[email protected]. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759. It is also 
available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0537.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0537; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), 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: Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2017-16-04, Amendment 39-18981 (82 FR 
39355, August 18, 2017), (``AD 2017-16-04''). AD 2017-16-04 applied to 
certain Anjou Aeronautique (formerly Romtex Anjou Aeronautique) Model 
358 restraint systems. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
December 31, 2019 (84 FR 72257). The NPRM was prompted by reports to 
the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) of additional 
restraint system buckle knobs, since the publication of AD 2017-16-04, 
breaking on a batch of parts outside of the population identified in AD 
2017-16-04. The NPRM proposed to require the removal from service of 
this expanded population of affected restraint systems and modifies the 
compliance schedule for their removal. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.
    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2018-0195, dated September 4, 2018 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences have been reported of rupture of the upper side 
(knob) of the rotary buckle installed on certain Anjou Aeronautique 
model 358 torso restraint systems. Further occurrences have been 
reported after the publication of EASA PAD 18-019. Preliminary 
investigation identified a batch of parts potentially affected by 
the same unsafe condition, for which high operating temperatures 
might be a contributing factor.
    This condition, if not corrected, could prevent the release of 
the restraint system straps as intended in the event of an emergency 
landing, possibly inhibiting safe evacuation from the aircraft. As 
of the issue date of this [EASA] AD, Anjou Aeronautique has not 
issued applicable repair or modification instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of affected torso restraint systems, and prohibits 
installation thereof.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0537.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Miscellaneous Comment

    An individual commenter provided a comment not relevant to this AD. 
The FAA did not change this AD.

Revision to Cost Estimate

    The FAA determined the need to clarify the estimated cost in AD 
2017-16-04. The cost reflected in AD 2017-16-04 was the total cost per 
helicopter ($6,000 per restraint system multiplied by 7 seats per 
helicopter totaling $42,000). In this AD, the FAA is providing the cost 
estimate per restraint system.

[[Page 22954]]

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Anjou Aero Service Bulletin (SB) No. 358SB-14-101, 
Revision 1, dated December 12, 2014. The SB describes procedures for 
removing from service and replacing the rotary buckle sub-assembly on 
certain part-numbered and serial-numbered buckle assemblies, consisting 
of the rotary buckle, belt, and attachment. 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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects an unknown number of 
restraint systems installed on, but not limited to, Airbus Helicopters 
AS350B2, AS350B3, EC130B4, EC130T2, and AS355NP helicopters of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect restraint system......................  0.5 work-hours x $85 per hour =               $0          $42.50
                                                 $42.50.
Remove and replace restraint system...........  0.5 work-hours x $85 per hour =            6,000        6,042.50
                                                 $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
placarding that would be required based on the results of the proposed 
inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need this placarding:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Placard seat as inoperable...................  0.1 work-hour x $85 per hour =               $0            $8.50
                                                $8.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-16-04, Amendment 39-18981 (82 FR 39355, August 18, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

2020-09-02 Anjou Aeronautique (formerly Romtex Anjou Aeronautique): 
Amendment 39-21116; Docket No. FAA-2019-0537; Project Identifier 
2019-NE-16-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 29, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-16-04, Amendment 39-18981 (82 FR 39355, 
August 18, 2017).

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to Anjou Aeronautique Model 358 torso 
restraint systems (restraint systems), part number (P/N) 358XX-XXX-
YY-ZZZ (where 358XX-XXX-YY-ZZZ can be any combination of numbers 
and/or letters), with serial numbers (S/Ns) listed in Effectivity, 
paragraph 1.2, of Anjou Aero Service Bulletin (SB) No. 358SB-14-101, 
Revision 1, dated December 12, 2014, and with S/Ns listed in Figure 
1 to Paragraph (c)(1) of this AD.

[[Page 22955]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR24AP20.024

    (2) These restraint systems are installed on, but not limited 
to, Airbus Helicopters AS350B2, AS350B3, EC130B4, EC130T2, and 
AS355NP helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Cabin 
Equipment/Furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports to the European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA), since the publication of AD 2017-16-04, of 
additional restraint system buckle knobs breaking on a batch of 
parts outside of the population identified in AD 2017-16-04. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to prevent a restraint system strap from failing 
to release from the buckle, causing occupants to be unable to exit 
the aircraft during an emergency. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in a restraint system strap failing to 
release from the buckle, resulting in injury or death of the 
occupant.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For the restraint systems listed in the Effectivity, 
paragraph 1.2, of Anjou Aero SB No. 358SB-14-101, Revision 1, dated 
December 12, 2014, except for S/Ns 1038-1048 (inclusive), 1050-1055 
(inclusive), and 1062-1073 (inclusive), within 30 hours time-in-
service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, inspect each 
restraint system for proper release of the straps from the restraint 
system.
    (i) If the straps do not release from the restraint system, 
before further flight, placard the seat as inoperative. Within 180 
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, remove the rotary 
buckle sub-assembly and replace it with a part eligible for 
installation.
    (ii) If the straps release from the restraint system, within 180 
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, remove the rotary 
buckle sub-assembly and replace it with a part eligible for 
installation.
    (2) For restraint systems, P/N 358XX-XXX-YY-ZZZ (where 358XX-
XXX-YY-ZZZ can be any combination of numbers and/or letters), having 
S/Ns 738-1619 (inclusive), within 30 hours TIS after the effective 
date of this AD, inspect the restraint system for proper release of 
the straps from the restraint system.
    (i) If the straps do not release from the restraint system, 
before further flight, placard the seat as inoperative and within 
180 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, remove the 
restraint system from service and replace it with a part eligible 
for installation.
    (ii) If the straps release from the restraint system, within 180 
hours TIS or six months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, remove the restraint system from service and 
replace it with a part eligible for installation.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
aircraft an Anjou Aeronautique restraint system, P/N 358XX-XXX-YY-
ZZZ, having S/Ns 738-1619 (inclusive), even if the restraint system 
is labeled in compliance with Anjou Aero SB No. 358SB-14-101, 
Revision 1, dated December 12, 2014.

(i) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation'' 
is an Anjou Aeronautique restraint system, excluding P/N 358XX-XXX-
YY-ZZZ, having S/Ns 738-1619 (inclusive), that had the rotary buckle 
sub-system repaired and a label attached indicating compliance with 
Anjou Aero SB No. 358SB-14-101, Revision 1, dated December 12, 2014, 
or later revisions.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston ACO 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
    (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

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Dorie Resnik, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2018-0195, dated September 4, 2018, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-0537.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 22, 2017 (82 FR 39355, August 18, 2017).
    (i) Anjou Aero Service Bulletin No. 358SB-14-101, Revision 1, 
dated December 12, 2014.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) For Anjou Aeronautique service information identified in 
this AD, contact Anjou Aeronautique, Strada Livezii nr. 98, 550042, 
Sibiu, Romania; telephone: +40 269 243 918; fax: +40 269 243 921; 
email: [email protected].
    (5) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.
    (6) You may view this service information at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, email: [email protected], 
or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on April 20, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-08706 Filed 4-23-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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