AD 2021-07-07

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of mechanical deformation of the protective cover of the ''SHEAR'' control pushbutton on the copilot collective stick. This AD requires replacement of the protective cover of the ''SHEAR'' control pushbutton on the pilot and copilot collective sticks and re- identification of the pilot and copilot collective sticks, 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.

Final rule.

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: \n\n2021-07-07 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21484; Docket No. FAA- 2020-1119; Project Identifier 2019-SW-089-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 10, 2021. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters, certificated in any category. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6700, Rotorcraft flight control. \n\n(e) Reason \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by a report of mechanical deformation of the protective cover of the ''SHEAR'' control pushbutton on the copilot collective stick. The FAA is issuing this AD to address mechanical deformation of the protective cover of the ''SHEAR'' control pushbutton on the copilot collective stick, which could lead to un-commanded shearing of the hoist cable and possible injury to hoisted person(s). \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Requirements \n\n\n\tExcept as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0246, dated October 1, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0246). \n\n(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0246 \n\n\n\t(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0246 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. \n\t(2) The ''Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0246 does not apply to this AD. \n\t(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019- 0246 specifies to use tooling, equivalent tooling may be used. \n\t(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019-0246 refers to a table for the compliance time for the modification, for this AD, the compliance time for the modification is before the first hoist operation done after the effective date of this AD but no later than 3 months after the effective date of this AD. \n\t(5) Although the service information referenced in EASA 2019- 0246 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include that requirement. \n\n((Page 17512)) \n\n(i) Special Flight Permit \n\n\n\tSpecial flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the helicopter can be modified (if the operator elects to do so), provided the helicopter is not used for hoist operations and no passengers are onboard. \n\n(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(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: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. \n\t(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. \n\n(k) Related Information \n\n\n\tFor more information about this AD, contact Katherine Venegas, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: 562-627-5353; email: katherine.venegas@faa.gov. \n\n(l) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(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. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0246, dated October 1, 2019. \n\t(ii) (Reserved) \n\t(3) For EASA AD 2019-0246, dated October 1, 2019, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. \n\t(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.govby searching for and locating Docket No. FAA- 2020-1119. \n\t(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 fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. \n\n\n\tIssued on March 19, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2021-06867 Filed 4-2-21; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Discussion \n\n\n\tThe EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0246, dated October 1, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0246) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters. \n\tThe 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 EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2021 (86 FR 3883). The NPRM was prompted by a report of mechanical deformation of the protective cover of the ''SHEAR'' control pushbutton on the copilot collective stick. The NPRM proposed to require replacement of the protective cover of the ''SHEAR'' control pushbutton on the pilot and copilot collective sticks and re-identification of the pilot and copilot collectivesticks, as specified in an EASA AD. \n\tThe FAA is issuing this AD to address mechanical deformation of the protective cover of the ''SHEAR'' control pushbutton on the copilot collective stick, which could lead to uncommanded shearing of the hoist cable and possible injury to hoisted person(s). See the MCAI for additional background information. \n\nComments \n\n\n\tThe 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. \n\nConclusion \n\n\n\tThe FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor \n\n((Page 17511)) \n\neditorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes: \n\tAre consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and \n\tDo not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in theNPRM. \n\nRelated Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 \n\n\n\tEASA AD 2019-0246 describes procedures for replacement of the protective cover of the ''SHEAR'' control pushbutton on the pilot and copilot collective sticks and re-identification of the pilot and copilot collective sticks. 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. \n\nDifferences Between This AD and the MCAI \n\n\n\tWhere paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019-0246 refers to a table for the compliance time for the modification, for this AD, the compliance time for the modification is before any hoist operations after the effective date of this AD but no later than 3 months after the effective date of this AD. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tThe FAA estimates that this AD affects 17 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: \n\n\n\tEstimated Costsfor Required Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\tCost per Cost on U.S. \n\tLabor cost Parts cost product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170........................... $2,446 $2,616 $44,472 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\n\n\tAccording to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs in the cost estimate. \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\n\tTitle 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. \n\tThe 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\n\tThis 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, oron the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and \n\t(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. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.