Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 18, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26831-26833]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-10397]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0020; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01639-R; 
Amendment 39-21536; AD 2021-10-03]
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) 2019-03-12 
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. AD 2019-03-12 
required repetitively inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating each life 
raft inflation cylinder percussion system bellcrank (bellcrank). This 
new AD continues to require the actions specified in AD 2019-03-12, and 
requires replacing any affected bellcrank with a serviceable bellcrank, 
which terminates the repetitive actions. This AD was prompted by 
reports of jammed bellcranks in the life raft jettison inflation 
cylinder percussion system. The actions of this AD are intended to 
address an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 22, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 22, 
2021.

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 
https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You 
may view this referenced 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. It is also available on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0020.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0020; 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 Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any service information that is 
incorporated by reference, any comments received, and other 
information. The street 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: Blaine Williams, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
CA 90712 4137; telephone 562-627-5371; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0287, dated November 27, 2019 
(EASA AD 2019-0287) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. EASA AD 2019-
0287 supersedes EASA AD 2019-0102, dated May 9, 2019. EASA AD 2019-
0102, dated May 9, 2019, superseded EASA AD 2016-0200, dated October 
11, 2016, which prompted FAA AD 2019-03-12, Amendment 39-19564 (84 FR 
8250, March 7, 2019) (AD 2019-03-12). 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-2021-0020.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2019-03-12. AD 2019-03-12 applied to 
certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2021 (86 FR 11659). 
The NPRM was prompted by reports of jammed bellcranks in the life raft 
inflation cylinder percussion system. The NPRM proposed to continue to 
require the actions specified in AD 2019-03-12, and to require 
replacing any affected bellcrank with a serviceable bellcrank, which 
would terminate the repetitive actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address jammed bellcranks in the life raft jettison inflation cylinder 
percussion system. This condition could result in failure of a life 
raft to release in an emergency and subsequent injury to occupants. See 
the MCAI for additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule, but the FAA did not receive any 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

[[Page 26832]]

editorial changes and updating paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. 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 EC225-25A211, 
Revision 1, dated October 23, 2019. This service information specifies 
procedures for replacing any affected life raft release bellcrank with 
a serviceable bellcrank. 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 also issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 
No. 05A050, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016; and Emergency Alert 
Service Bulletin No. 05A050, Revision 1, dated April 3, 2019. This 
service information specifies procedures for cleaning and lubricating 
each bellcrank and pivot link of the life raft inflation cylinder 
percussion system and removing any corrosion.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    EASA AD 2019-0287 requires replacing each affected bellcrank with a 
serviceable part within 6 months after the effective date of that AD. 
This AD requires replacing each affected bellcrank with a serviceable 
part within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, or before the 
next operation over water, whichever occurs first.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 28 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 AD.

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost              Parts cost            product        operators
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Retained actions from AD 2019-03-  16 work-hours x $85   Minimal................          $1,360         $38,080
 12.                                per hour = $1,360.
New actions......................  4 work-hours x $85    $1,646.................           1,986          55,608
                                    per hour = $340.
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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 has determined that 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.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-03-12, Amendment 39-19564 
(84 FR 8250, March 7, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2021-10-03 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21536; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0020; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01639-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 22, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2019-03-12, Amendment 39-19564 (84 FR 8250, 
March 7, 2019) (AD 2019-03-12).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, 
all manufacturer serial numbers, certificated in any category, 
equipped with emergency life rafts installed in the multi-purpose 
sponsons.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2564, Life Raft.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of jammed bellcranks in the life 
raft inflation cylinder percussion system. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address jammed bellcranks in the life raft jettison inflation 
cylinder percussion system. This condition could result in failure 
of a life raft to release in an emergency and subsequent injury to 
occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    For the purposes of this AD, the definitions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of this AD apply.
    (1) Group 1: Helicopters that have an affected part installed.

[[Page 26833]]

    (2) Group 2: Helicopters that do not have an affected part 
installed. A helicopter that embodies Airbus Helicopters 
Modification 07 28457 in production is a Group 2 helicopter, 
provided the helicopter remains in that configuration.
    (3) Affected part: Life raft release bell cranks part number (P/
N) 332A41-4396-20 (left-hand (LH) side) and P/N 332A41-4396-21 
(right-hand (RH) side).
    (4) Serviceable part: Life raft release bell cranks P/N 332A41-
4396-22 (LH) and P/N 332A41-4396-23 (RH).

(h) Retained Repetitive Actions, With Specified Helicopter Group and 
New Note

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (e) of AD 
2019-03-12, with a specified helicopter group and new Note 1. For 
Group 1: Before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 6 months:
    (1) Clean each bellcrank and pivot link and inspect each 
bellcrank hole for corrosion. If there is any corrosion in a 
bellcrank hole:
    (i) Remove the corrosion without exceeding a maximum depth of 
0.1 millimeter (0.004 inch).
    (ii) Clean each pivot link using 400-grain abrasive paper.
    (iii) Apply corrosion protectant (Alodine 1200 or equivalent) to 
each bellcrank hole.
    (2) Lubricate each bellcrank hole with grease before assembling 
the bellcrank.

    Note 1 to paragraph (h): Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert 
Service Bulletin No. 05A050, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016; and 
Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A050, 
Revision 1, dated April 3, 2019; specify procedures for cleaning and 
lubricating each bellcrank and pivot link of the life raft inflation 
cylinder percussion system and removing any corrosion.

(i) New Requirement of This AD: Bellcrank Replacement

    For Group 1: Within 6 months after the effective date of this 
AD, or before the next operation over water, whichever occurs first, 
replace each affected bellcrank with a serviceable part, as defined 
in paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, in accordance with Paragraph 3.B.2. 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin EC225-25A211, Revision 1, dated October 23, 2019; 
except where the service information specifies to remove and scrap 
certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service 
instead.

(j) Terminating Action for Repetitive Actions Required by Paragraph (h) 
of This AD

    Accomplishment of the bellcrank replacement required by 
paragraph (i) of this AD is terminating action for the repetitive 
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD for that helicopter 
only.

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

    (1) For Group 1: After the replacement required by paragraph (i) 
of this AD is done, only a serviceable part, as defined in paragraph 
(g)(4) of this AD, is allowed to be installed on that helicopter.
    (2) For Group 2: As of the effective date of this AD, only a 
serviceable part, as defined in paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, is 
allowed to be installed on any helicopter.

(l) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 
21.199, are not allowed.

(m) 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 (n)(2) of 
this AD. 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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0287, 
dated November 27, 2019, for related information. This MCAI may be 
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0020.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Blaine Williams, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712 4137; telephone 562-627-5371; email 
[email protected].
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (o)(3) and (4) of this AD.

(o) 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 EC225-25A211, 
Revision 1, dated October 23, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For 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 
https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on April 27, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-10397 Filed 5-17-21; 8:45 am]
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