Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 244 (Thursday, December 23, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72824-72827]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27638]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0904; Product Identifier 2019-SW-041-AD; Amendment 
39-21864; AD 2021-05-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires 
various inspections of the left-hand side (LH) engine fuel supply (fuel 
supply) hose and depending on the inspection results, reinstalling the 
fuel supply hose or removing the fuel supply hose from service. 
Additionally, this AD requires installing an improved part and 
prohibits installing a certain part-numbered LH fuel supply hose on any 
helicopter unless it is installed by following certain procedures. This 
AD was prompted by a report of an incorrect installation of the LH fuel 
supply hose causing restricted fuel flow to the LH engine. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 27, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of January 27, 
2022.

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 the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0904.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0904; 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 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: 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 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters 
Model EC225LP helicopters with a LH fuel supply hose part number (P/N) 
704A34416087 installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
October 7, 2020 (85 FR 63235, October 7, 2020). For helicopters 
delivered to the first operator before November 30, 2018, and for 
helicopters delivered to the first operator on or after November 30, 
2018, that have had the LH fuel supply hose replaced or reinstalled 
before May 10, 2019, the NPRM proposed to require visually inspecting 
the LH fuel supply hose for twisting, and if needed, borescope 
inspecting the entire length of the inside of the fuel supply hose for 
twisting. Depending on the inspection results, the NPRM proposed to 
require reinstalling or removing the fuel supply hose from service. 
Additionally, the NPRM proposed to prohibit installing a certain part-
numbered LH fuel supply hose on any helicopter unless that LH fuel 
supply hose is installed by following certain procedures specified in 
the manufacturer's service bulletin. The proposed requirements were 
intended to prevent a decrease of the LH

[[Page 72825]]

engine power when accelerating to a power setting corresponding to One 
Engine Inoperative (OEI) power and subsequent reduced control of the 
helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2019-0092, dated April 26, 2019 
(EASA AD 2019-0092), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition 
for Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) Model EC 225 LP 
helicopters, all serial numbers. EASA advised that an occurrence was 
reported where during an in-flight single engine power check, the LH 
side engine experienced a power loss. EASA stated that a subsequent 
investigation determined that the fuel flow to the affected engine was 
restricted by a twisted fuel supply hose. EASA stated that this 
condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a decrease of 
the LH engine power when accelerating to the power setting 
corresponding to OEI power, and subsequent reduced control of the 
helicopter. Accordingly, EASA AD 2019-0092 required a one-time visual 
inspection of the fuel supply hose and depending on the inspection 
results, removing from service or replacing the affected part. EASA AD 
2019-0092 also introduced re-installation requirements for a fuel 
supply hose that is being replaced or reinstalled.
    After the FAA issued the NPRM, the FAA issued a supplemental notice 
of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD 
that would apply to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters with a 
LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 installed. The SNPRM published in 
the Federal Register on May 10, 2021 (86 FR 24783, May 10, 2021) (the 
May 2021 SNPRM). The May 2021 SNPRM proposed to require visually 
inspecting the LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 for twisting, and 
if needed, borescope inspecting the entire length of the inside of the 
fuel supply hose for twisting. Depending on the inspection results, the 
May 2021 SNPRM proposed to require reinstalling or removing the fuel 
supply hose from service. Additionally, the May 2021 SNPRM proposed to 
prohibit installing a certain part-numbered LH fuel supply hose on any 
helicopter unless that LH fuel supply hose is installed by following 
certain procedures specified in the manufacturer's service 
bulletin.[FEDREG][VOL]*[/VOL][NO]*[/NO][DATE]*[/
DATE][RULES][RULE][PREAMB][AGENCY]*[/AGENCY][SUBJECT]*[/SUBJECT][/
PREAMB][SUPLINF][HED]*[/HED]
    The May 2021 SNPRM was prompted by the FAA's determination that 
operators may not have the information required to comply with the 
proposed requirements in the NPRM. Operators may not know the date the 
helicopter was delivered to the first operator. Additionally, operators 
may not know whether the LH fuel supply hose has been previously 
removed or reinstalled since the maintenance regulations do not require 
certain operators to maintain these records after one year.
    Accordingly, the FAA determined that revising proposed paragraph 
(e)(1) of the NPRM by deleting the language referring to delivery dates 
and dates of LH fuel supply hose replacement or reinstallation was 
necessary. As a result of these changes, the FAA revised the NPRM to 
specify that all helicopters included in the applicability paragraph 
would be required to comply with the proposed requirements in the May 
2021 SNPRM. Also, after the NPRM was issued, the FAA determined that a 
limit on special flight permits was required. The May 2021 SNPRM 
reflected this change and stated that special flight permits may be 
permitted provided that there are no passengers on board.
    Since the May 2021 SNPRM was issued, EASA issued EASA AD 2021-0156, 
dated July 2, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0156), which supersedes EASA AD 2019-
0092. EASA advises that Airbus Helicopters has developed an improved 
fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416101 and modification instructions to 
install the improved part. Accordingly, EASA AD 2021-0156 retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2019-0092 and requires replacing the affected 
part with the improved part. EASA AD 2021-0156 also allows a 
terminating action for the inspection requirements once the improved 
part has been installed according to the installation requirements.
    Accordingly, the FAA issued a second SNPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 
by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP 
helicopters with a LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 installed. This 
SNPRM published in the Federal Register on September 7, 2021 (86 FR 
49937, September 7, 2021) (the September 2021 SNPRM). The September 
2021 SNPRM proposed to require visually inspecting the LH fuel supply 
hose for twisting, and if needed, borescope inspecting the entire 
length of the inside of the fuel supply hose for twisting. Depending on 
the inspection results, the September 2021 SNPRM proposed to require 
reinstalling or removing the fuel supply hose from service.
    Additionally, the September 2021 SNPRM proposed to prohibit 
installing a certain part-numbered LH fuel supply hose on any 
helicopter unless that LH fuel supply hose is installed by following 
certain procedures described in the manufacturer's service bulletin. 
Finally, the September 2021 SNPRM proposed to require modifying your 
helicopter by removing from service LH fuel supply hose P/N 
704A34416087 and installing the improved LH fuel supply hose P/N 
704A34416101. This modification would provide terminating action for 
the proposed inspection requirements of the September 2021 SNPRM.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from six commenters on the September 2021 
SNPRM. Five commenters supported the SNPRM without change and one 
individual supported the SNPRM but requested a certain change. The 
following presents this comment and the FAA's response.

Request To Revise the Required Actions Section To Include Additional 
Inspections

    One individual requested that the FAA revise the Required Actions 
section of this AD to include repetitive inspections of the LH fuel 
supply hose for one year after initial installation of the new supply 
hose. The individual stated this will ensure maximum safety and 
efficiency.
    The FAA disagrees with this request because the unsafe condition is 
adequately addressed by installing the improved fuel supply hose in 
accordance with this AD.

Conclusion

    These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral 
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the 
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant 
data, considered the comments received, 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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
EC225-71A019, Revision 2, dated May 21, 2021 which specifies procedures 
for removing the fuel supply hose from the LH power plant, visually 
inspecting the fuel supply hose for twisting, and depending on 
inspection results, performing an endoscope inspection on the inside of 
the hose. This service

[[Page 72826]]

information also specifies procedures required to install the improved 
fuel supply hose.
    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 Alert Service Bulletin No. 
EC225-71A019, Revision 1, dated February 28, 2019, which also specifies 
procedures for removing the fuel supply hose, visually inspecting the 
fuel supply hose for twisting, performing an endoscope inspection on 
the inside of the hose, and specifies procedures required to install a 
serviceable fuel supply hose.

Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2021-0156

    EASA AD 2021-0156 requires compliance within 110 flight hours or 6 
months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of EASA AD 
2019-0092, while this AD requires compliance within 110 hours time-in-
service after the effective date of this AD. EASA AD 2021-0156 requires 
reporting information to Airbus Helicopters if the LH fuel supply hose 
is twisted on the inside, while this AD does not. Additionally, EASA AD 
2021-0156 is applicable to all serial-numbered EC225LP helicopters, 
whereas this AD applies to EC225LP helicopters with a certain LH fuel 
supply hose installed.

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 the following costs to comply with 
this AD.
    Visually inspecting the LH fuel supply hose for twisting takes 
about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and 
$2,380 for the U.S. fleet.
    Replacing a LH fuel supply hose takes about 8 work-hours and parts 
cost about $2,363 for an estimated replacement cost of $3,043 per 
replacement.
    Borescope inspecting the LH fuel supply hose takes about 8 work-
hours for an estimated cost of $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 develop on helicopters 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,[FEDREG][VOL]*[/VOL][NO]*[/NO][DATE]*[/
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    (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:

2021-05-03 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21864; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0904; Product Identifier 2019-SW-041-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 27, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with a left-hand side (LH) engine fuel 
supply (fuel supply) hose part number (P/N) 704A34416087 installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2820, Aircraft 
Fuel Distribution System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an incorrect installation of 
the LH fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to prevent restricted fuel flow to the LH engine. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in a decrease of the LH 
engine power when accelerating to a power setting corresponding to 
One Engine Inoperative power and subsequent reduced control of the 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, visually inspect the LH fuel supply hose for 
twisting as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin No. EC225-71A019, Revision 2, dated May 21, 2021 
(ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2). If the LH fuel supply hose has any 
twisting, before further flight, borescope inspect the entire length 
of the inside of the fuel supply hose for twisting as shown in 
Figures 3 through 5 of ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2.
    (i) If the inside of the LH fuel supply hose has any twisting, 
before further flight, remove the LH fuel supply hose from service 
and install an airworthy LH fuel supply hose by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3.b, of ASB EC225-71A019 
Rev 2.
    (ii) If the LH fuel supply hose does not have any twisting, 
reinstall the LH fuel supply hose by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3.b, of ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2.
    (2) Within 1,200 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, 
modify your helicopter by removing from service LH fuel supply hose 
P/N 704A34416087 and installing the improved LH fuel supply hose P/N 
704A34416101 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.B.3.b, of ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2.
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a LH 
fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 on any helicopter unless it is 
installed by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
3.B.3.b, of ASB EC225-71A019 Rev 2.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Airbus

[[Page 72827]]

Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-71A019, Revision 1, 
dated February 28, 2019.

(i) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be permitted provided that there are 
no passengers on board.

(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) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0156, dated July 2, 2021. You 
may view the EASA AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0904.

(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.
    (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 No. EC225-71A019, 
Revision 2, dated May 21, 2021.
    (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 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.
    (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 December 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-27638 Filed 12-22-21; 8:45 am]
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