Discussion \n\n\n\tEASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0142R1, dated December 9, 2019 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ''the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. EASA advises that during the first flight of an Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L helicopter after a retrofit that re-installed the de-icing system, vibrations around the 12Hz frequency were observed. Subsequent flight tests and analysis determined that this vibration is due the specific helicopter configuration. Factors that contributed to the vibration included simultaneous installation of riveted main frames X3855 and X5295 (pre-Airbus Helicopter modification 0722907), additional weight created by parts of the rotor de-icing system on the main rotor head (the distributor and de-icing harnesses), and removable parts (hoist arm and hoists) of the dual hoist installation. EASA advises that this condition, if not corrected, could generate divergent aeromechanic coupling between the helicopter structure and the rotor, possibly resulting in mechanical failure of structural parts and loss of control of the helicopter. \n\tEASA issued Emergency AD 2018-0142-E, dated July 6, 2018, for certain Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters, which required the removal of removable parts of the dual hoist installation or removal of the de-icing system. Since EASA Emergency AD 2018-0142-E, dated July 6, 2018, was issued, additional flight tests demonstrated that Model AS332L and AS332L1 helicopters do not exhibit the vibration at 12Hz when limiting the operational flight envelope and Vne (never- exceed speed). As a result, EASA advises that revising the RFM for Model AS332L and AS332L1 helicopters to incorporate certain limitations and installing a locally made placard is an optional method of compliance for Model AS332L and AS332L1 helicopters. \n\tYou may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0454. \n\nRelated Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 \n\n\n\tAirbus Helicopters has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin AS332 01.00.91, Revision 1, dated December 4, 2019 (AS332 01.00.91 Rev 1). This service information describes procedures for removing parts of the \n\n((Page 30590)) \n\ndual hoist installation or removing the de-icing system. \n\tAirbus Helicopters has also issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin AS332 01.00.96, Revision 0, dated December 4, 2019. This service information describes procedures for amending the RFM of Model AS332L and AS332L1 helicopters to limit the flight envelope and the Vne and installing a placard. This service information also describes procedures for removing parts of the dual hoist installation or removing the de-icing system. \n\tThis 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. \n\nOther Related Service Information \n\n\n\tAirbus Helicopters issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin AS332 01.00.91, Revision 0, dated July 3, 2018 (AS332 01.00.91 Rev 0). AS332 01.00.91 Rev 0 contains the same procedures as AS332 01.00.91 Rev 1; however, AS332 01.00.91 Rev 1 removes Model AS332L and AS332L1 helicopters from the effectivity. \n\nFAA's Determination \n\n\n\tThis product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD after evaluating all pertinent information and determining the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. \n\nRequirements of This AD \n\n\n\tThis AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. \n\nFAA's Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date \n\n\n\tSection 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ''good cause,'' finds that those procedures are ''impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without seeking comment prior to the rulemaking. Similarly, Section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause. \n\tAn unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments priorto adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because of vibrations around the 12Hz frequency that are due to the specific helicopter configuration, which could generate divergent aeromechanic coupling between the helicopter structure and the rotor, possibly resulting in mechanical failure of structural parts and loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA determined a compliance time of 7 days is required to correct the unsafe condition. This compliance time is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. \n\tAccordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for the reasons stated above, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. \n\nComments Invited \n\n\n\tThis AD is a final rule that involvesrequirements affecting flight safety, and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment. However, the FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ''Docket No. FAA- 2020-0454; Product Identifier 2019-SW-113-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD based on those comments. \n\tThe FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this AD. \n\nInterim Action \n\n\n\tThe FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemakingthen. \n\nRegulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) \n\n\n\tThe requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tThe FAA estimates that this AD affects 12 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: \n\n\n\tEstimated Costs for Required Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\tLabor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Up to 12 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 Up to $1,020............... Up to $12,240. \n\tUp to $1,020. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\n\n\n\n\tEstimated Costs for Optional Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\tCost per Cost on U.S. \n\tLabor cost Parts cost product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 work-hours x $85 per hour = $595.......... Negligible........................ $595 $7,140 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\n\n\n((Page 30591)) \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\tThe 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, and \n\t(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.