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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0905; Project Identifier 2019-SW-102-AD; Amendment
39-21384; AD 2021-02-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-26-
01, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C1, AS332L1,
AS332L2, EC225LP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters
with an energy-absorbing seat. AD 2015-26-01 required inspecting for
the presence of labels (placards) that prohibit stowing anything under
the seat, and if a label (placard) is missing or not clearly visible to
each occupant, installing a label (placard). This AD retains all of the
requirements of AD 2015-26-01, and also adds helicopters to the
applicability and requires a modification (installing new labels
(placards)). This AD was prompted by the determination that additional
helicopters are affected by the unsafe condition, and that new labels
(placards) are required for all affected helicopters. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 6, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 6,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of January
26, 2016 (80 FR 79466, December 22, 2015).
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052; phone: 972-641-0000 or 800-232-0323; fax: 972-641-3775; or at
https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/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-2020-0905.
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-
0905; 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3218; email: kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2015-26-01, Amendment 39-18349 (80 FR
79466, December 22, 2015) (AD 2015-26-01). AD 2015-26-01 applied to
certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP,
AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters with an energy-
absorbing seat. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October
7, 2020 (85 FR 63240). The NPRM was prompted by the discovery that
required labels (placards) prohibiting stowage of any object under an
energy-absorbing seat had not been systematically installed and the
determination that additional helicopters are affected by the unsafe
condition, and that new labels (placards) are required for all affected
helicopters. The NPRM proposed to continue to require inspecting for
the presence of labels (placards) that prohibit stowing anything under
the seat, and if a label (placard) is missing or not clearly visible to
each occupant, installing a label (placard), and also proposed to add
helicopters to the applicability and require a modification (installing
new labels (placards)). The FAA is issuing this AD to address any
object stowed under an energy-absorbing seat, which could reduce the
efficiency of the energy-absorbing function of the seat,
resulting in injury to the seat occupants during an accident. See the
MCAI for additional background information.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued
EASA AD 2019-0088R1, dated November 8, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0088R1) (also
referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP,
AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters with an energy-
absorbing seat. EASA advised that during certification of an energy-
absorbing seat with a new part number, the labels (placards) that
require keeping the space under the seat free of any object were not
systematically installed. EASA stated that this condition, if not
corrected, could prompt occupants to stow objects under an energy-
absorbing seat, which would reduce the effectiveness of the seat and
the occupants' chance of surviving an accident. EASA consequently
issued AD 2014-0204, dated September 11, 2014; corrected September 12,
2014 (which corresponds to FAA AD 2015-26-01) to require a one-time
inspection for the presence of labels (placards) and, if they were
missing or unreadable, making and installing labels (placards)
prohibiting the placing of an object under an energy absorbing seat.
EASA later advised, in EASA AD 2017-0226, dated November 17, 2017 (EASA
AD 2017-0226), which superseded EASA AD 2014-0204, that additional new
labels (placards) were required and that additional helicopters were
affected by the unsafe condition. In this MCAI, which supersedes EASA
AD 2017-0226, EASA advised that additional extended compliance times
were necessary for certain 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-2020-0905.
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,
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 the following service information.
This service information describes procedures for installing new labels
(placards) prohibiting stowage of any object under an energy-absorbing
seat. These documents are distinct since they apply to different
helicopter models.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
25.03.16, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
25.03.41, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
25.03.42, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-
25.01.67, Revision 0, dated February 12, 2019.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC155-
25A144, Revision 0, dated February 12, 2019.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-
25A179, Revision 1, dated November 6, 2019.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-
25A203, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017.
Airbus Helicopters has also issued the following service
information. This service information describes procedures for
inspecting for labels, placards, or markings that prohibit stowing
anything under certain seats and installing a placard. These documents
are distinct since they apply to different helicopter models.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
01.00.85, Revision 1, dated September 7, 2017.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-
01.00.66, Revision 1, dated February 12, 2019.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC155-
04A013, Revision 1, dated February 12, 2019.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-
04A012, Revision 2, dated November 6, 2019.
This AD also requires the following service information, which the
Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by
reference as of January 26, 2016 (80 FR 79466, December 22, 2015).
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
01.00.85, Revision 0, dated August 26, 2014.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-
01.00.66, Revision 0, dated August 26, 2014.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC155-
04A013, Revision 0, dated August 26, 2014.
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-
04A012, Revision 0, dated August 26, 2014.
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 issued Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
No. EC225-04A012, Revision 1, dated September 7, 2017, which describes
procedures for inspecting for labels, placards, or markings that
prohibit stowing anything under certain seats and installing a placard.
Airbus Helicopters has also issued Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin No. EC225-25A179, Revision 0, dated September 7, 2017, which
describes procedures for installing new labels (placards) prohibiting
stowage of any object under an energy-absorbing seat.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 90 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
| Action |
Labor cost |
Parts cost |
Cost per product |
Cost on U.S. operators |
| Inspection (52 Helicopters) (Retained
actions from AD 2015-26-01) |
1 work-hour x $85 per hour
= $85 |
$0 |
$85 |
$4,420 |
| Install label (placard) (52 Helicopters)
(Retained actions from AD 2015-26-01) |
2 work-hours x $85 per hour
= $170 |
Minimal |
170 |
8,840 |
| Inspection (38 Helicopters) (New
actions) |
1 work-hour x $85 per hour
= $85 |
0 |
85 |
3,230 |
| Install label (placard) (38 Helicopters)
(New actions) |
2 work-hours x $85 per hour
= $170 |
Minimal |
170 |
6,460 |
| Install new label (placard) (New
actions) |
2 work-hours x $85 per
hour = $170 |
Minimal |
170 |
15,300 |
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 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.
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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2015-26-01, Amendment 39-18349 (80 FR 79466, December 22, 2015), and
adding the following new AD:
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