|
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0214; Product Identifier 2018-SW-039-AD; Amendment
39-21178; AD 2020-15-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all
Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD was prompted by
a
mechanical deformation found on the protective cover of the ``SHEAR''
control pushbutton installed on a copilot collective stick. This AD
requires modification of the helicopter by replacing the protective
cover and re-identifying the part number of the pilot and copilot
collective sticks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 3, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 3,
2020.
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 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-2020-0214.
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-
0214; 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: Clark Davenport, Flight Test Analyst,
Flight Test Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817-222-5151; email clark.davenport@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters
Model EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on April 8, 2020 (85 FR 19707). The NPRM was prompted by a mechanical
deformation found on the protective cover of the ``SHEAR'' control
pushbutton installed on a copilot collective stick. The NPRM proposed
to require modification of the helicopter by replacing the protective
cover and re-identifying the part number of the pilot and copilot
collective sticks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address mechanical
deformation on the protective cover of the ``SHEAR'' control pushbutton
installed on a copilot collective stick, which could lead to unintended
shearing of the hoist cable, possibly resulting in loss of a hoisted load
or person(s).
The European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0106, dated May
10, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. 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-2020-0214.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comment
received. Artem Svetlovsky agreed with the NPRM.
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:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
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 EC225-67A017,
Revision 0, dated March 26, 2018. This service information describes
procedures for modification of the helicopter by replacing the
protective cover of the ``SHEAR'' control pushbutton and re-identifying
the part number of the pilot and copilot collective sticks. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 12 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
|
Labor cost
|
Parts cost
|
Cost per
product
|
Cost on
U.S. operators
|
| 2 work-hours x $85 per hour =
$170 |
$2,632
|
$2,802
|
$33,624
|
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
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
|