Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 46 (Thursday, March 11, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13811-13814]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05091]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1018; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01383-R; 
Amendment 39-21391; AD 2021-02-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-19-
01, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, 
EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters. AD 2018-19-01 
required repetitive inspections of the aft fuselage outer skin. This AD 
continues to require repetitive inspections and adds Model SA-365N 
helicopters, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by 
aft fuselage (baggage compartment area) outer skin disbonding and a 
determination that Model SA-365N helicopters are also affected by the 
unsafe condition identified in AD 2018-19-01. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 15, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference

[[Page 13812]]

of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 15, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
October 22, 2018 (83 FR 46862, September 17, 2018).

ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this 
AD, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet 
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at 
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus Helicopters 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 https://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. 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 in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
1018.

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-
1018; 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, 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3218; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0080, dated April 3, 2019 (EASA 
AD 2019-0080) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, 
SA-365N, and SA-365N1 helicopters.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-19-01, Amendment 39-19401 (83 FR 
46862, September 17, 2018) (AD 2018-19-01). AD 2018-19-01 applied to 
all Airbus Helicopters Model AS 365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-
365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on November 10, 2020 (85 FR 71580). The NPRM was prompted by a 
determination that Model SA-365N helicopters are also affected by the 
unsafe condition identified in AD 2018-19-01. The NPRM proposed to 
continue to require repetitive inspections and add Model SA-365N 
helicopters, as specified in an EASA AD.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address disbonding of the aft 
fuselage outer skin. This condition could result in loss of aft 
fuselage structural integrity and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter. See the MCAI for additional background information.

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

    EASA AD 2019-0080 describes procedures for repetitive inspections 
of the aft fuselage outer skin for Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, 
EC155B1, SA-365N, and SA-365N1 helicopters.
    Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. SA366-05.48, 
Revision 1, dated March 27, 2019, describes procedures for repetitive 
inspections of the aft fuselage outer skin for Model SA366-G1 
helicopters.
    This AD also requires Airbus Helicopters ASB No. SA366-05.48, 
Revision 0, dated July 21, 2017, which the Director of the Federal 
Register approved for incorporation by reference as of October 22, 2018 
(83 FR 46862, September 17, 2018).
    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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The applicability of EASA AD 2019-0080 does not include Airbus 
Helicopters Model SA-366G1 helicopters. Those helicopters are no longer 
listed on the EASA type certificate data sheet (TCDS); however, they 
are still listed on the U.S. TCDS and are affected by the unsafe 
condition. Therefore, the FAA has included Airbus Helicopters Model SA-
366G1 helicopters in the applicability of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 52 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
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4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $340...........................              $0             $340          $17,680
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
helicopters that might need these on-condition actions:

[[Page 13813]]



                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 10 work-hours x $85 per hour =     Up to $20,000          $20,850
 $850.................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2018-19-01, Amendment 39-19401 (83 FR 46862, September 17, 2018), and 
adding the following new AD:

2021-02-08 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21391; Docket No. FAA-
2020-1018; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01383-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 15, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-19-01, Amendment 39-19401 (83 FR 46862, 
September 17, 2018) (AD 2018-19-01).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, 
EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, SA-365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters, 
certificated in any category, all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5300, Fuselage 
Structure.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by aft fuselage (baggage compartment area) 
outer skin disbonding and a determination that Model SA-365N 
helicopters are also affected by the unsafe condition identified in 
AD 2018-19-01. The FAA is issuing this AD to address disbonding of 
the aft fuselage outer skin. This condition could result in loss of 
aft fuselage structural integrity and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2019-0080, dated April 3, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0080).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0080

    (1) Where EASA AD 2019-0080 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2019-0080 refers to September 19, 2017 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2017-0165), this AD requires using October 
22, 2018 (the effective date of AD 2018-19-01).
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters Model SA-366G1 helicopters: Where 
EASA AD 2019-0080 refers to ``the instructions of the applicable 
ASB,'' use Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
SA366-05.48, Revision 0, dated July 21, 2017; or Airbus Helicopters 
ASB No. SA366-05.48, Revision 1, dated March 27, 2019.
    (4) Where EASA AD 2019-0080 refers to Group 1 helicopters, for 
this AD, Model SA-366G1 helicopters are considered Group 1 
helicopters.
    (5) Paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2019-0080 specifies to ``contact AH 
[Airbus Helicopters] for approved skin panel repair or replacement 
instructions and accomplish those instructions accordingly.'' For 
this AD, for any repair or replacement of the panel done before the 
effective date of this AD, it is not required to contact Airbus 
Helicopters. For any repair or replacement of the panel done on or 
after the effective date of this AD, the repair or replacement must 
be done using a method approved by the Manager, Strategic Policy 
Rotorcraft Section, FAA. For a repair or replacement method to be 
approved by the Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA, 
as required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0080 does not apply 
to this AD.
    (7) Where EASA AD 2019-0080 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD 
requires using hours time-in-service.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 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 Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 
send it to: Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (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.

 (j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,

[[Page 13814]]

International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218; email 
[email protected].

(k) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 15, 2021.
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. SA366-
05.48, Revision 1, dated March 27, 2019.
    (ii) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0080, 
dated April 3, 2019.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
October 22, 2018 (83 FR 46862, September 17, 2018).
    (i) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. SA366-05.48, Revision 0, dated 
July 21, 2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For EASA AD 2019-0080, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; Internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (6) For Airbus Helicopters service information, 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 https://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html.
    (7) 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. This material may be 
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2020-1018.
    (8) You may view this material 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 January 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05091 Filed 3-10-21; 8:45 am]
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