[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 250 (Tuesday, December 31, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 72257-72260]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-27939]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0537; Product Identifier 2019-NE-16-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Anjou Aeronautique Torso Restraint 
Systems

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 
2017-16-04 which applies to certain Anjou Aeronautique (formerly Romtex 
Anjou Aeronautique) Model 358 torso restraint systems (restraint 
systems). AD 2017-16-04 required inspection of the restraint system, 
placarding if it is found to be inoperative, and replacement of the 
affected restraint system with a part eligible for installation. Since 
the FAA issued AD 2017-16-04, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) received reports of additional serial numbered restraint systems 
rotary buckle knobs (buckle knobs) breaking on a batch of parts outside 
of the previous population. This proposed AD would require the removal 
from service of this expanded population of affected restraint systems 
and modifies the compliance schedule for their removal. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 
14, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Anjou 
Aeronautique, Strada Livezii nr. 98, 550042, Sibiu, Romania; telephone: 
+40 269 243 918; fax: +40 269 243 921; email: seatbelts@anjouaero.com. 
You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-
238-7759.

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-2019-
0537; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), 
the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email: dorie.resnik@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-0537; 
Product Identifier 2019-NE-16-AD'' at

[[Page 72258]]

the beginning of your comments. The FAA specifically invites comments 
on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects 
of this NPRM. The FAA will consider all comments received by the 
closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments.
    The 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    The FAA issued AD 2017-16-04, Amendment 39-18981 (82 FR 39355, 
August 18, 2017), (``AD 2017-16-04''), for Anjou Aeronautique restraint 
systems installed on, but not limited to, Airbus Helicopters Model 
AS350B2, AS350B3, EC130B4, EC130T2, and AS355NP helicopters. AD 2017-
16-04 requires inspection of the restraint system, placarding if it is 
found to be inoperative, and replacement of the affected restraint 
system with a part eligible for installation. AD 2017-16-04 resulted 
from reports of a population of buckle knobs breaking due to the 
alteration of rotary buckle sub-assembly by a supplier of Anjou 
Aeronautique to a specification different from the approved design 
data. The FAA issued AD 2017-16-04 to prevent a restraint system from 
failing to release due to the buckle knobs breaking off, preventing 
occupants from exiting the helicopter during an emergency.

Actions Since AD 2017-16-04 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2017-16-04, EASA received reports of 
additional Anjou Aeronautique Model 358 buckle knobs breaking on a 
batch of parts affected by the same unsafe condition due to an unknown 
root cause. As a result, EASA issued AD 2018-0195, dated September 4, 
2018, which identifies a population of the restraint systems to be 
removed from service.

Revision to Cost Estimate

    The FAA determined the need to clarify the estimated cost in AD 
2017-16-04. The cost reflected in AD 2017-16-04 is the total cost per 
helicopter ($6,000 per restraint system multiplied by 7 seats per 
helicopter totaling $42,000). In this AD, the FAA is providing the cost 
estimate per restraint system.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Anjou Aero Service Bulletin (SB) No. 358SB-14-101, 
Revision 1, dated December 12, 2014. The SB describes procedures for 
removing from service and replacing the rotary buckle sub-assembly on 
certain part-numbered and serial-numbered buckle assemblies, consisting 
of the rotary buckle, belt, and attachment. 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.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD because it evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2017-16-
04. This proposed AD expands the populations of affected restrains 
systems and modifies the compliance schedule for their removal.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and MCAI

    EASA AD 2018-0195, dated September 4, 2018, requires replacement of 
the affected restraint system within six months after the effective 
date of the EASA AD. This proposed AD would require inspection of each 
restraint system within 30 hours time in service (TIS) after the 
effective date of the AD and replacement of the rotary buckle sub-
assembly within 180 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD. 
Additionally, the EASA AD applies to restraint systems installed on, 
but not limited to, Airbus Helicopter AS350B2, AS350B3, and EC130T2 
helicopters. This proposed AD would apply to restraint systems 
installed on, but not limited to, Airbus Helicopters AS350B2, AS350B3, 
EC130B4, EC130T2, and AS355NP helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects an unknown number 
of restraint systems installed on, but not limited to, Airbus 
Helicopters AS350B2, AS350B3, EC130B4, EC130T2, and AS355NP helicopters 
of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect restraint system......................  0.5 work-hours x $85 per hour =               $0          $42.50
                                                 $42.50.
Remove and replace restraint system...........  0.5 work-hours x $85 per hour =            6,000        6,042.50
                                                 $42.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
placarding that would be required based on the results of the proposed 
inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need this placarding:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Placard seat as inoperable....................  0.1 work-hour x $85 per hour =                $0           $8.50
                                                 $8.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected

[[Page 72259]]

individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in its cost 
estimate.

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed 
regulation:
    (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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2017-16-04, Amendment 39-18981 (82 FR 39355, August 18, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

Anjou Aeronautique (formerly Romtex Anjou Aeronautique): Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0537; Product Identifier 2019-NE-16-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February 14, 
2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-16-04, Amendment 39-18981 (82 FR 39355, 
August 18, 2017).

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to Anjou Aeronautique Model 358 torso 
restraint systems (restraint systems), part number (P/N) 358XX-XXX-
YY-ZZZ (where 358XX-XXX-YY-ZZZ can be any combination of numbers 
and/or letters), with serial numbers (S/Ns) listed in Effectivity, 
paragraph 1.2, of Anjou Aero Service Bulletin (SB) No. 358SB-14-101, 
Revision 1, dated December 12, 2014, and with S/Ns listed in Figure 
1 to Paragraph (c)(1) of this AD.

               Figure 1 to Paragraph (c)(1)--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     S/N (From . . . inclusive)           S/N (To . . .  inclusive)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     738                                 1037
                    1049                                 1049
                    1056                                 1061
                    1074                                 1619
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) These restraint systems are installed on, but not limited 
to, Airbus Helicopters AS350B2, AS350B3, EC130B4, EC130T2, and 
AS355NP helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Cabin 
Equipment/Furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports to the European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) of additional restraint system buckle knobs, 
since the publication of AD 2017-16-04, breaking on a batch of parts 
outside of the population identified in AD 2017-16-04. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent a restraint system strap from failing to 
release from the buckle, causing occupants to be unable to exit the 
aircraft during an emergency. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in a restraint system strap failing to 
release from the buckle, resulting in injury or death of the 
occupant.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For the restraint systems listed in the Effectivity, 
paragraph 1.2, of Anjou Aero SB No. 358SB-14-101, Revision 1, dated 
December 12, 2014, except for S/Ns 1038-1048 (inclusive), 1050-1055 
(inclusive), and 1062-1073 (inclusive), within 30 hours time-in-
service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, inspect each 
restraint system for proper release of the straps from the restraint 
system.
    (i) If the straps do not release from the restraint system, 
before further flight, placard the seat as inoperative. Within 180 
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, remove the rotary 
buckle sub-assembly and replace it with a part eligible for 
installation.
    (ii) If the straps release from the restraint system, within 180 
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, remove the rotary 
buckle sub-assembly and replace it with a part eligible for 
installation.
    (2) For restraint systems, P/N 358XX-XXX-YY-ZZZ (where 358XX-
XXX-YY-ZZZ can be any combination of numbers and/or letters), having 
S/Ns 738-1619 (inclusive), within 30 hours TIS after the effective 
date of this AD, inspect the restraint system for proper release of 
the straps from the restraint system.
    (i) If the straps do not release from the restraint system, 
before further flight, placard the seat as inoperative and within 
180 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, remove the 
restraint system from service and replace it with a part eligible 
for installation.
    (ii) If the straps release from the restraint system, within 180 
hours TIS or six months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, remove the restraint system from service and 
replace it with a part eligible for installation.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
aircraft an Anjou Aeronautique restraint system, P/N 358XX-XXX-YY-
ZZZ, having S/Ns 738-1619 (inclusive), even if the restraint system 
is labeled in compliance with Anjou Aero SB No. 358SB-14-101, 
Revision 1, dated December 12, 2014.

(i) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation'' 
is an Anjou Aeronautique restraint system, excluding P/N 358XX-XXX-
YY-ZZZ, having S/Ns 738-1619 (inclusive), that had the rotary buckle 
sub-system repaired and a label attached indicating compliance with 
Anjou Aero SB No. 358SB-14-101, Revision 1, dated December 12, 2014, 
or later revisions.

[[Page 72260]]

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston ACO 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
    (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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Dorie Resnik, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
dorie.resnik@faa.gov.
    (2) Refer to EASA AD 2018-0195, dated September 4, 2018, for 
more information. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket on 
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating it in Docket No. FAA-2019-0537.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Anjou 
Aeronautique, Strada Livezii nr. 98, 550042, Sibiu, Romania; 
telephone: +40 269 243 918; fax: +40 269 243 921; email: 
seatbelts@anjouaero.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 20, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-27939 Filed 12-30-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


