Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 213 (Tuesday, November 3, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69488-69492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-24260]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0462; Product Identifier 2019-SW-021-AD; Amendment 
39-21309; AD 2020-22-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C1 and AS332L1 helicopters. This 
AD was prompted by a report that the affected helicopters use the same 
``flight/ground'' logic signal, instead of independent redundant 
signals. This AD requires amending the emergency procedures of the 
existing rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) for your helicopter, a wiring 
modification of the ``flight/ground'' logic signal source of the 
attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) 1, and then removal of the 
amendment to the existing RFM for your helicopter. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 8, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 8, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75052; phone: (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax: (972) 641-3775; or 
at https://

[[Page 69489]]

www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/hnical-support.html. 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.

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-2020-
0462; 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (now European 
Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed 
above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Schwab, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: 817-222-5110; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS332C1 and AS332L1 helicopters. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on June 4, 2020 (85 FR 34375). The NPRM was 
prompted by a report that the affected helicopters use the same 
``flight/ground'' logic signal instead of independent redundant 
signals. The NPRM proposed to require amending the emergency procedures 
of the existing RFM for your helicopter, a wiring modification of the 
``flight/ground'' logic signal source of the AHRS 1, and then removal 
of the amendment to the existing RFM for your helicopter. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address certain helicopters that use the same 
``flight/ground'' logic signal, instead of independent redundant 
signals. If both AHRS incorrectly receive ``ground'' status in flight, 
as a result for instance of a single failure, this will generate 
consistent erroneous computation of the attitudes and vertical speed 
during helicopter maneuvers with consequent incorrect flight data 
indications to the flight crew on both primary displays. Erroneous 
flight information could lead to increased workload for the flight crew 
when the upper modes of the automatic flight control system are not 
engaged, possibly resulting in reduced control of the helicopter during 
high speed maneuvers in instrumental meteorological conditions (IMC).
    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0021, dated February 1, 2019; 
corrected February 4, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0021) (referred to after this 
as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Helicopters 
Model AS332C1 and AS332L1 helicopters. EASA advises that the AHRS 1 and 
AHRS 2 installed on AS332C1e and AS332L1e helicopters use the same 
``flight/ground'' logic signal, instead of independent redundant 
signals, as required by the original design specification. If both AHRS 
incorrectly receive ``ground'' status in flight, as a result for 
instance of a single failure, this will generate consistent erroneous 
computation of the attitudes and vertical speed during helicopter 
maneuvers with consequent incorrect flight data indications to the 
flight crew on both primary displays. EASA AD 2019-0021 states that 
this condition, if not corrected, could lead to increased workload for 
the flight crew when the upper modes of the automatic flight control 
system are not engaged, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
helicopter during high speed maneuvers in IMC.
    EASA further advises that Airbus Helicopters has issued rush 
revisions to the RFM, and developed a modification of the wiring 
harness, ensuring independent sources of the ``flight/ground'' logic 
signal for both AHRS. EASA AD 2019-0021 requires amending the emergency 
procedures of the applicable RFM, doing the modification of the wiring 
harness, and then removing the amendment to the RFM.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0462.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, 
except for minor editorial changes.
    The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
34.00.60, Revision 1, dated March 29, 2019. This service information 
describes procedures for a wiring modification of the ``flight/ground'' 
logic signal source of the AHRS 1, which changes the ``flight/ground'' 
logic signal source to independent redundant signals.
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
34.00.60, Revision 0, dated December 6, 2018. The service information 
describes procedures for a wiring modification of the ``flight/ground'' 
logic signal source of the AHRS 1, which changes the ``flight/ground'' 
logic signal source to independent redundant signals. Airbus Service 
Bulletin No. AS332-34.00.60, Revision 1, dated March 29, 2019, 
clarifies the procedures for the post-installation test in Alert 
Service Bulletin No. AS332-34.00.60, Revision 0, dated December 6, 
2018.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    EASA AD 2019-0021 specifies to do the modification within 6 months. 
This AD requires the modification be done within 100 hours time-in-
service or before intentional flight into IMC, whichever occurs first. 
The FAA has determined this compliance time represents the maximum 
interval of time allowable for the affected helicopters to continue to 
safely operate before the modification is done.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 8 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 69490]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 work-hours x $85 per hour = $595...........................             $40             $635           $5,080
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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:

2020-22-13 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21309; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0462; Product Identifier 2019-SW-021-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 8, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C1 and AS332L1 
helicopters, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial 
numbers, equipped with an Advanced Helicopter Cockpit & Avionics 
System (AHCAS), except helicopters that have Airbus Helicopters 
modification 0728576 embodied in production.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 3420, Attitude and 
direction data system.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that the affected helicopters 
use the same ``flight/ground'' logic signal, instead of independent 
redundant signals. The FAA is issuing this AD to address certain 
helicopters that use the same ``flight/ground'' logic signal, 
instead of independent redundant signals. If both attitude and 
heading reference systems (AHRS) incorrectly receive ``ground'' 
status in flight, as a result for instance of a single failure, this 
will generate consistent erroneous computation of the attitudes and 
vertical speed during helicopter maneuvers with consequent incorrect 
flight data indications to the flight crew on both primary displays. 
Erroneous flight information could lead to increased workload for 
the flight crew when the upper modes of the automatic flight control 
system are not engaged, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
helicopter during high speed maneuvers in instrumental 
meteorological conditions (IMC).

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Amend 
the emergency procedures of the existing rotorcraft flight manual 
(RFM) for your helicopter by inserting the supplemental text 
specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, immediately 
following paragraph 9 GROUND/FLIGHT LOGIC FAULT.

[[Page 69491]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR03NO20.035

    (2) Within 100 hours time-in-service or before intentional 
flight into IMC, whichever occurs first after the effective date of 
this AD, do the wiring modification of the ``flight/ground'' logic 
signal source of the AHRS 1 in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
34.00.60, Revision 1, dated March 29, 2019. After completion of the 
wiring modification, the RFM amendment required by paragraph (g)(1) 
of this AD must be removed from the existing RFM for your 
helicopter.

(h) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the 
helicopter can be modified (if the operator elects to do so), 
provided the helicopter is operated under visual flight rules only.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin No. AS332-34.00.60, Revision 0, dated December 6, 2018.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: 817-
222-5110; email: [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 
2019-0021, dated February 1, 2019; corrected February 4, 2019. This 
EASA AD may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2020-0462.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact George Schwab, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft 
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
phone: 817-222-5110; email: [email protected].
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.

(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
34.00.60, Revision 1, dated March 29, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
phone: (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax: (972) 641-3775; or at 
https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/support.html.
    (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.

[[Page 69492]]

    (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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on October 19, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-24260 Filed 11-2-20; 8:45 am]
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