Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France) Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 133 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37231-37234]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15020]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0340; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01638-R; 
Amendment 39-21634; AD 2021-14-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Eurocopter France) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-25-01 
which applied to certain Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) 
Models AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, 
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N 
helicopters. AD 2003-25-01 required modifying and re-identifying the 
hoist operator control unit and replacing certain fuses. This AD was 
prompted by the identification of multiple errors in the applicable 
service information for the AS350-series and AS355-series helicopters 
and of other needed changes. This AD retains certain requirements of AD 
2003-25-01, revises the applicability, and requires using corrected 
service information. This AD also requires reporting certain 
information and prohibits the installation of an affected hoist until 
the required actions are accomplished. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 19, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 19, 
2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
January 20, 2004 (68 FR 69596, December 15, 2003).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North 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 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. Service information that 
is incorporated by reference is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0340.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0340; 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 
Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (DGAC) AD, the European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 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: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 
950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267-
9167; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2003-25-01, Amendment 39-13384 (68 FR 
69596, December 15, 2003) (AD 2003-25-01), for Eurocopter France (now 
Airbus Helicopters) Model AS332C, C1, L, and L1, AS350B, BA, B1, B2, 
B3, and D, and AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters with a Breeze 300 
pound electric hoist (hoist) and hoist operator control unit 26M part 
number (P/N) 350A63-1136-00 or 350A63-1136-01, and hoist electric box 
91M P/N 332A67-2875-00, installed. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on April 28, 2021 (86 FR 22363). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed 
to require modifying and re-identifying the hoist operator control 
unit, replacing the fuses, and performing a functional test of the 
hoist operation and the emergency jettison controls. The NPRM also 
proposed to require reporting certain information and prohibit the 
installation of an affected hoist until the required actions are 
accomplished.
    The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2019-0228, dated September 12, 
2019 (EASA AD 2019-0228) to supersede DGAC AD 2002-585(A), dated 
November 27, 2002 (DGAC AD 2002-585(A)), issued by DGAC, which is the 
aviation authority for France. EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European Union, issued EASA AD 2019-0228 to 
correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters (AH), formerly 
Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale Model AS 350 B, AS 350 BA, 
AS 350 BB, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3, AS 350 D, AS 355 E, AS 355 
F, AS 355 F1, AS 355 F2, and AS 355 N helicopters. EASA advises that 
Airbus Helicopters identified translation errors in the service 
information required for compliance by DGAC AD 2002-585(A). Airbus 
Helicopters was also informed that there could be helicopters modified 
by that service information with incorrect installations. Prompted by 
these findings, Airbus Helicopters revised the related service 
information. Therefore, EASA issued EASA AD 2019-0228 to require 
modifying and re-identifying the hoist operator control unit, replacing 
the fuses, and performing a functional test of the hoist operation and 
the emergency jettison controls as intended by DGAC AD 2002-585(A) with 
the revised service information. EASA AD 2019-0228 also requires 
reporting certain information to Airbus Helicopters and prohibits the 
installation of an affected part on any helicopter unless it has been 
modified.
    The NPRM also retains the requirements from AD 2003-25-01 for Model 
AS332C, C1, L, and L1 helicopters with a certain hoist and hoist box 
installed, based on DGAC AD 2002-584(A), dated November 27, 2002.
    Additionally, since the FAA issued AD 2003-25-01, the FAA 
discovered that the applicability needed to be revised. This AD revises 
the applicability by distinguishing the hoist box installations by P/N, 
clarifying that Airbus Helicopters service information refers to a 
hoist box as a hoist operator's control unit, adding TRW, Lucas, and 
Air Equipement hoists for affected Model AS350-series and AS355-series 
helicopters, and adding an exception for affected helicopters to 
exclude those with a certain modification (MOD) installed.

[[Page 37232]]

    Lastly, since the FAA issued AD 2003-25-01, Eurocopter France 
changed its name to Airbus Helicopters. This AD reflects that change 
and updates the contact information to obtain service documentation.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    These helicopters have been approved by both the authority of 
France and EASA and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with France and the European 
Union, DGAC and EASA have notified the FAA about the unsafe condition 
described in the ADs issued by each authority. The FAA reviewed the 
relevant data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD 
as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these helicopters. With the exception of the minor 
editorial change of adding, ``With a'' in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this 
AD, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
No. 25.00.71, Revision 2, dated May 14, 2019 (ASB 25.00.71 Rev 2), 
Airbus Helicopters ASB No. 25.00.79, Revision 3, dated September 24, 
2019 (ASB 25.00.79 Rev 3), and Eurocopter ASB No. 25.01.18, dated 
November 12, 2002 (ASB 25.01.18). ASB 25.00.71 Rev 2 applies to Model 
AS355-series helicopters, ASB 25.00.79 Rev 3 applies to Model AS350-
series helicopters, and ASB 25.01.18 applies to Model AS332-series 
helicopters. ASB 25.00.71 Rev 2 and ASB 25.00.79 Rev 3 specify 
procedures to install MOD 07 3190, which consists of eliminating 
resistor 27M in the hoist operator's control unit 26M and replacing the 
2.5A quick-response fuses on the Honeywell unit at 30 alpha or 21 delta 
for Model AS350-series helicopters or on the distribution panel 10 
alpha for Model 355-series helicopters. ASB 25.00.71 Rev 2 and ASB 
25.00.79 Rev 3 also specify reporting certain information to Airbus 
Helicopters. ASB 25.01.18 specifies procedures to install MOD 332PCS 78 
288, which consists of eliminating resistor 81M in hoist box 91M and 
re-identifying the hoist box as 332P67-2894-01, -02, -03, or -04, 
depending on which electrical wiring assembly is installed in the 
helicopter.
    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

    The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB No. 25.00.71, Revision 
1, dated May 21, 2014 (ASB 25.00.71 Rev 1), and ASB No. 25.00.79, 
Revision 1, dated May 21, 2014 (ASB 25.00.79 Rev 1) and Revision 2 (ASB 
25.00.79 Rev 2), dated May 14, 2019.
    ASB 25.00.71 Rev 1 specifies the same actions as ASB 25.00.71 Rev 
2, except ASB 25.00.71 Rev 2 provides a reminder that MOD 07 3190 is 
mandatory and adds a reporting response form. ASB 25.00.79 Rev 1 and 
ASB 25.00.79 Rev 2 specify the same actions as ASB 25.00.79 Rev 3, 
except ASB 25.00.79 Rev 2 provides a reminder that MOD 07 3190 is 
mandatory and adds a reporting response form and ASB 25.00.79 Rev 3 
adds Model AS350L1 to the effectivity.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    EASA AD 2019-0228 applies to Model AS350BB helicopters, whereas 
this AD does not because that model is not FAA type-certificated. EASA 
AD 2019-0228 requires modifying affected parts within 100 flight hours 
or 2 months, whichever occurs first, whereas this AD requires these 
actions before next flight involving a hoist operation for Model AS350-
series and AS355-series helicopters instead.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects up to 977 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.
    Modifying and re-identifying the hoist operator control unit, 
replacing the fuses, and functionally testing the hoist operation and 
the emergency jettison controls takes about 4 work hours and parts cost 
about $20 for an estimated cost of $360 per helicopter and up to 
$351,720 for the U.S. fleet.
    For Model AS350-series and AS355-series helicopters, reporting 
information takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per 
helicopter and up to $82,195 for the U.S. fleet.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate 
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including 
suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection 
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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

[[Page 37233]]

    (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 2003-25-01, Amendment 39-13384 (68 
FR 69596, December 15, 2003); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2021-14-07 Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Eurocopter France): Amendment 39-21634; Docket No. FAA-2021-0340; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01638-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 19, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2003-25-01, Amendment 39-13384 (68 FR 69596, 
December 15, 2003) (AD 2003-25-01).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to:
    (1) Airbus Helicopters (type certificate previously held by 
Eurocopter France) Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 
helicopters, certificated in any category, as follows:
    (i) With a Breeze 300 pound electric hoist (hoist) installed,
    (ii) With a hoist box 91M part number (P/N) 332A67-2875-00 
installed, and
    (iii) Without Eurocopter modification (MOD) 332PCS 78 288, 
specified in Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 25.01.18 
dated November 12, 2002 (ASB No. 25.01.18) installed.
    (2) Airbus Helicopters (type certificate previously held by 
Eurocopter France) Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, 
AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters, 
certificated in any category, as follows:
    (i) With a Breeze, TRW, Lucas, or Air Equipement 300 pound hoist 
installed,
    (ii) With a hoist box 26M P/N 350A63-1136-00 (AS350-series) or 
350A63-1136-01 (AS355-series) installed, and
    (iii) Without Airbus Helicopters (Eurocopter) MOD 07 3190 
installed.
    Note 1 to paragraph (c)(2): Airbus Helicopters service 
information refers to a hoist box as a hoist operator's control 
unit.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a test of a hoist that revealed an 
anomaly in the electrical control circuit. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to prevent failure of the hoist pyrotechnic squib electrical 
control unit. Lack of adequate current to activate the hoist 
pyrotechnic squib prohibits the ability of the pilot to cut the 
rescue hoist cable in the event of cable entanglement or other 
emergency. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters 
identified in paragraph (c) of this AD, within 100 hours time-in-
service or within 2 months, whichever occurs first from January 20, 
2004 (the effective date of AD 2003-25-01), modify and re-identify 
the hoist operator control unit, replace the fuses, and functionally 
test the hoist operation and the emergency jettison controls in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B., 
Operational Procedure, of Eurocopter ASB No. 25.01.18.
    (2) For Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, 
AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters 
identified in paragraph (c) of this AD:
    (i) Before next flight involving a hoist operation after the 
effective date of this AD, modify and re-identify the hoist operator 
control unit, replace the fuses, and functionally test the hoist 
operation and the emergency jettison controls in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B., Operational Procedure, 
of Airbus Helicopters ASB No. 25.00.71, Revision 2, dated May 14, 
2019 (ASB 25.00.71 Rev 2), or Airbus Helicopters ASB No. 25.00.79, 
Revision 3, dated September 24, 2019 (ASB 25.00.79 Rev 3), as 
applicable to your model helicopter.
    (ii) Within 30 days after accomplishing the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, report the information in Appendix 
4.A. of ASB 25.00.71 Rev 2 or ASB 25.00.79 Rev 3, as applicable to 
your model helicopter, by email to [email protected].
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a 
Breeze, TRW, Lucas, or Air Equipement 300 pound hoist identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) or (2) of this AD unless the actions required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) or (2) have been accomplished, as applicable to 
your model helicopter.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD by 
following the procedures in Airbus Helicopters ASB No. 25.00.71, 
Revision 1, dated May 21, 2014, or ASB No. 25.00.79, Revision 1, 
dated May 21, 2014 or Revision 2, dated May 14, 2019, as applicable 
to your model helicopter, are considered acceptable for compliance 
with the corresponding actions required in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of 
this AD. If you take credit, you must also accomplish the actions 
required by paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD within 30 days after the 
effective date of this AD.

(i) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited for use of a Breeze, TRW, 
Lucas, or Air Equipement 300 pound hoist identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) or (2) of this AD.

(j) 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 (k)(1) 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, 
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 
20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email [email protected].
    (2) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. 25.00.71, Revision 1, dated May 
21, 2014, and Airbus Helicopters ASB No. 25.00.79, Revision 1, dated 
May 21, 2014 and Revision 2, dated May 14, 2019, which are not 
incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the 
subject of this AD. This service information is available at the 
contact information specified in paragraphs (l)(5) and (6) of this 
AD.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De 
L'Aviation Civile (DGAC) AD 2002-584(A), dated November 27, 2002, 
and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0228, dated 
September 12, 2019. You may view the DGAC and EASA ADs at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0340.

(l) 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.

[[Page 37234]]

    (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 
August 19, 2021.
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.00.71, 
Revision 2, dated May 14, 2019.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.00.79, 
Revision 3, dated September 24, 2019.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
January 20,
    2004 (68 FR 69596, December 15, 2003).
    (i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.01.18, dated 
November 12, 2002.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For Airbus Helicopters and Eurocopter service information 
identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North 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.
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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 July 9, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-15020 Filed 7-14-21; 8:45 am]
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