Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 159 (Friday, August 20, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46771-46774]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17840]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0374; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00543-R; 
Amendment 39-21663; AD 2021-16-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY:  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, 
AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a 
left-hand (LH) side stairway door that inadvertently opened in flight 
and tore off from its attachment fittings. This AD requires inspecting 
the locking safety mechanism of the LH side stairway door handle and 
depending on the results, corrective action. This AD also requires 
modifying that locking safety mechanism as specified in a European 
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by 
reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 24, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
24, 2021.

ADDRESSES: For 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. 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-2021-0374.

[[Page 46772]]

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-2021-
0374; 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: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 
20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0087, dated April 15, 2020 
(EASA AD 2020-0087), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus 
Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale, 
Sud Aviation, Model SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and 
EC225LP helicopters, if equipped with an LH side stairway door, except 
helicopters modified in accordance with AH modification (MOD) 07 28281 
(AS 332, EC 225) or MOD 07 27338 (SA 330). EASA issued EASA AD 2020-
0087 to supersede EASA Emergency AD 2014-0241-E, dated November 4, 2014 
(EASA AD 2014-0241-E).
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Model SA330J, 
AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2021 (86 FR 27535). The 
NPRM was prompted by a report of an LH side stairway door that 
inadvertently opened and tore off from its attachment fittings during 
flight. Subsequent investigation revealed that the affected side 
stairway door had been recently painted and the paint impaired the 
external door handle motion, affecting the correct operation of the 
door locking safety mechanism. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting 
the locking safety mechanism of the LH side stairway door handle and 
depending on the results, corrective action. The NPRM also proposed to 
require modifying the locking safety mechanism.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrect locking of the LH 
side stairway door, which could result in an in-flight opening of the 
door and subsequent damage to the helicopter or injury to persons on 
the ground. See EASA AD 2020-0087 for additional background 
information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2020-0087 requires repetitively inspecting the locking 
safety mechanism of the LH side stairway door handle for correct 
operation and depending on the results, reconditioning the locking 
safety mechanism or contacting the Airbus Helicopters Support and 
Services Department. EASA AD 2020-0087 also requires modifying the 
locking safety mechanism, which constitutes terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections.
    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 EASA AD

    Where EASA AD 2020-0087 refers to the effective date of EASA AD 
2014-0241-E or its effective date, this AD requires using the effective 
date of this AD. Where EASA AD 2020-0087 refers to Group 1 and 2 
helicopters, this AD does not refer to any groups of helicopters. Where 
the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0087 allows the 
pilot to perform the requirements of the ASB, this AD requires the 
requirements to be performed by a qualified mechanic. Where the service 
information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0087 specifies to submit certain 
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that 
requirement. Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0087 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing 
those parts from service instead. EASA AD 2020-0087 requires repeating 
the inspection before next flight after each application of painting on 
the LH side stairway door or its external door handle, whereas this AD 
does not. EASA AD 2020-0087 requires contacting the Airbus Helicopters 
Support and Services Department if it is impossible to recondition the 
locking safety mechanism by moving the door handle, whereas this AD 
requires, before further flight, accomplishing paragraph (5) of EASA AD 
2020-0087 or accomplishing corrective action using a method approved by 
the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA. The Manager's 
approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 37 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.
    Inspecting the operation of the locking safety mechanism on the LH 
side stairway door handle takes about 0.1 work-hour for an estimated 
cost of $9 per helicopter and $333 for the U.S. fleet.
    Moving the external door handle from the ``Locked'' to the 
``Unlocked'' position to determine if the safety mechanism on the LH 
side stairway door handle can lock automatically takes about 0.5 work-
hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter.
    Modifying the locking safety mechanism on the LH side stairway door 
handle takes about 8 work-hours and parts cost about $5,000 for an 
estimated cost of $5,680 per helicopter.

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

[[Page 46773]]

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.

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:

2021-16-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21663; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0374; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00543-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 24, 
2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J, AS332C, 
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, certificated in 
any category, as identified in the Applicability of European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency AD 2020-0087, dated April 15, 2020 (EASA AD 
2020-0087).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5210, Passenger/
Crew Doors.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a left-hand (LH) side 
stairway door that inadvertently opened and tore off from its 
attachment fittings during flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address incorrect locking of the LH side stairway door, which could 
result in an in-flight opening of the door and subsequent damage to 
the helicopter or injury to persons on the ground.

(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, EASA AD 2020-0087.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0087

    (1) Where EASA AD 2020-0087 refers to November 6, 2014 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2014-0241-E, dated November 4, 2014) or 
its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of 
this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2020-0087 refers to Group 1 and Group 2 
helicopters, this AD does not refer to any groups of helicopters.
    (3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0087 permits certain actions to be performed by a mechanical 
engineering technician or pilot, this AD requires that the actions 
be performed by a qualified mechanic.
    (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0087 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing 
those parts from service.
    (5) While paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0087 requires actions 
before next flight after each application of painting on the LH side 
stairway door or its external door handle, those actions are not 
required by this AD.
    (6) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0087 requires 
reconditioning the locking safety mechanism, and the service 
information referenced in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0087 
specifies contacting the Airbus Helicopters Support and Services 
Department if it is impossible to recondition the locking safety 
mechanism by moving the door handle, this AD requires moving the 
external door handle from the ``Locked'' to the ``Unlocked'' 
position to determine if the safety mechanism can lock 
automatically. If the safety mechanism does not lock automatically, 
this AD requires, before further flight accomplishing paragraph (5) 
of EASA AD 2020-0087 or accomplishing corrective action using a 
method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, 
FAA. The Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this 
AD.
    (7) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2020-0087 identifies the 
modification as required by paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2020-0087 as 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections as required by 
paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0087 for that helicopter, this AD does 
not allow the modification to terminate the repetitive inspections 
as required by paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0087.
    (8) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0087 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0087 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(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) 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

    For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, 
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant 
Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email 
[email protected].

(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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0087, 
dated April 15, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2020-0087, 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.
    (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. 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-
2021-0374.
    (5) 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.


[[Page 46774]]


    Issued on July 20, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-17840 Filed 8-19-21; 8:45 am]
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