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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0175; Project Identifier 2001-SW-33-AD; Amendment
39-21643; AD 2021-14-16]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Eurocopter France)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all
Airbus Helicopters (type certificate previously held by Eurocopter
France) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a quality control check that
revealed some stretcher attachment holes were improperly located on the
frame where there was insufficient edge distance. This AD requires
measuring the 9-degree frame flange (frame) for the correct edge
distance of the four attachment holes for the stretcher support and
inspecting for cracks, and repairing the frame, if necessary, and
installation of a reinforcement plate (reinforcing angle), as specified
in two Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC)
ADs, which are incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 24, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 24,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For DGAC material incorporated by reference (IBR) in
this
AD, contact the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Konrad-
Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000;
email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the
DGAC material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For
American Eurocopter material, 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 DGAC and American Eurocopter
material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. Service
information that is incorporated by reference is also available at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-0175.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0175; 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
DGAC ADs, 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: Blaine Williams, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety & Environmental Systems Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA
90712; telephone 562-627-5371; email blaine.williams@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The DGAC, which was the Technical Agent for France, issued DGAC AD
2001-061-053(A), dated February 21, 2001 (DGAC AD 2001-061-053(A)) for
certain Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters;
and DGAC AD 2001-283-025(A), dated July 11, 2001 (DGAC AD 2001-283-
025(A)) for all Model SA-366G1 helicopters (also referred to as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to
correct an unsafe condition for those helicopters.
The FAA issued a second supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking
(SNPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all
Airbus Helicopters (type certificate previously held by Eurocopter
France) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1
helicopters. The second SNPRM published in the Federal Register on May
7, 2021 (86 FR 24556). The second SNPRM proposed to require inspecting
the frame for the correct edge distance of the four attachment holes of
the stretcher support and for a crack, and repairing the frame, if
necessary, and installation of a reinforcement plate (reinforcing
angle) on the frame, as specified in DGAC AD 2001-061-053(A) and DGAC
AD 2001-283-025(A). The second SNPRM also included references to an
engineering report that lists approved U.S. alternative fasteners and
materials that may be used in any required repairs. The second SNPRM
was issued because a significant amount of time elapsed since the first
SNPRM was published.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of the 9-degree frame
due to a crack at the stretcher support attachment holes, which could
result in loss of a passenger door, damage to the rotor system, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. See the MCAI for
additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the second SNPRM or on the
determination of the costs.
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
second SNPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the second SNPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
DGAC AD 2001-061-053(A) and DGAC AD 2001-283-025(A) describe
procedures for measuring the edge distance of the webs at the four
attachment holes of the stretcher support on the left and right sides
of the 9-degree frame, and additional actions depending on the
findings. The additional actions include repetitively inspecting the
frame for cracking, repair if necessary, and installation of a
reinforcement plate (reinforcing angle) on the frame. These documents
are distinct since they refer to different helicopter models.
American Eurocopter Engineering Report No. AEC/03R-E-005,
``Addendum ASB 53.00.42 and 53.00.43 AS365,'' dated January 29, 2003,
specifies U.S. and European rivet equivalent part numbers, U.S. rivet
part numbers with acceptable substitute materials with greater strength
properties, and 5 rivet, 6 rivet, and pin Hi-lok alternatives.
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 MCAI
The FAA has determined that acceptable U.S. alternatives to the
fasteners and materials needed to perform repairs or modifications are
listed in American Eurocopter Engineering Report No. AEC/03R-E-005
``Addendum ASB 53.00.42 and 53.00.043 AS365'', dated January 29, 2003.
Where DGAC AD 2001-061-053(A) exempts helicopters that were
delivered after January 31, 2001, from the applicability, this AD does
not exempt those helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 31 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
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Cost per
product
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Cost on
U.S. operators
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| 3 work-hours x $85 per hour =
$255 |
$100
|
$355
|
$11,005
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The FAA estimates the following costs
to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Action
|
Labor cost
|
Parts cost
|
Cost per
product
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| Up to 8 work-hours x $85 per
hour = $680 |
$250
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Up to $930
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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,
(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
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:
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