[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 3 (Monday, January 6, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 469-472]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-28354]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-1019; Product Identifier 2018-SW-011-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C,

[[Page 470]]

AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This 
proposed AD would require, depending on helicopter configuration, 
installing skived polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape or removing 
skived PTFE tape and replacing the window seals. This proposed AD is 
prompted by a report of excessive friction between the window seal and 
the helicopter airframe. The actions of this proposed AD are intended 
to address an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 6, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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-
1019; 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 proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the 
economic 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 service information identified in this proposed rule, 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 referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, 
Fort Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; 
email matthew.fuller@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. The FAA also invites comments 
relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts 
that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The 
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, 
commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if 
comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one 
time.
    The FAA will file in the docket all comments received, as well as a 
report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, 
the FAA will consider all comments received on or before the closing 
date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after the 
comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring 
expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light of the 
comments received.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2018-0039, dated February 9, 
2018, and corrected on March 7, 2018, to correct an unsafe condition 
for Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, 
Aerospatiale) Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, AS 332 
L2, and EC 225 LP helicopters. EASA advises of an emergency exit window 
that required excessive pushing force to jettison. According to EASA, 
an investigation revealed the window seal was in good condition with no 
indication of paint contamination or of hardening. EASA advises that 
the root cause of the incident was excessive friction between the 
window seal and the airframe. EASA further advises that helicopters 
with VIP jettisonable cabin windows, which corresponds to Modification 
(MOD) 332P087140.00, with PTFE skived film (tape) installed, require 
greater force to jettison than standard jettisonable cabin windows with 
PTFE skived film installed due to the thickness of the VIP jettisonable 
cabin windows.
    EASA states if this condition is not corrected, it could prevent 
the window from jettisoning, subsequently affecting the evacuation of 
passengers during an emergency situation. To address this unsafe 
condition, the EASA AD requires installing PTFE skived film on the 
window frames of helicopters with standard jettisonable cabin windows, 
and removing PTFE skived film and replacing polychloroprene seals with 
silicone seals on the window frames of helicopters with VIP 
jettisonable cabin windows.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral 
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA of the 
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an 
unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of 
the same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
No. AS332-05.01.05 for Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and 
AS332L2 helicopters, and ASB No. EC225-05A046 for Model EC225LP 
helicopters, both Revision 1 and dated February 8, 2018. This service 
information applies to helicopters without VIP jettisonable cabin 
window MOD 332P087140.00 installed. This service information specifies 
applying PTFE skived film to the jettisonable cabin window frames.
    The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS332-56.90.13 for 
Model AS332L2 helicopters, and ASB No. EC225-56C012 for Model EC225LP 
helicopters, both Revision 0 and dated February 2, 2018. This service 
information applies to helicopters with VIP jettisonable cabin window 
MOD 332P087140.00 installed. This service information specifies 
removing the PTFE skived film, if installed between the VIP cabin 
window frame and seal, from the VIP jettisonable cabin windows, and 
replacing the VIP jettisonable cabin window polychloroprene seals with 
silicone seals.
    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.

[[Page 471]]

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Information Notice No. 3012-I-
05, Revision 0, dated March 8, 2016, for Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, 
AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This service information 
provides additional information pertaining to the jettisonable cabin 
window system and the application of PTFE skived film to the 
jettisonable window frames. This service information also advises that 
VIP jettisonable cabin windows are thicker and stiffer than standard 
design windows and are slightly more difficult to jettison than 
standard jettisonable cabin windows.

Proposed AD Requirements

    Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter each time a 
jettisonable cabin window is installed:
     For helicopters without MOD 332P087140.00 installed, this 
proposed AD would require installing skived PTFE tape to each 
jettisonable cabin window frame.
     For helicopters with MOD 332P087140.00 installed, this 
proposed AD would require removing the skived PTFE tape, if installed, 
from each jettisonable cabin window, and replacing each VIP 
jettisonable cabin window polychloroprene seal with a silicone seal.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD allows compliance within 250 hours TIS for helicopters 
that do not operate over water. This proposed AD would require 
compliance within 110 hours TIS for all helicopters, regardless of 
where they operate.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 25 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 
per work-hour.
    Depending on your model helicopter and configuration:
     Installing skived PTFE tape would take about 8 work-hours 
and required materials would cost about $92, for an estimated cost of 
$772 per helicopter and $19,300 for the U.S. fleet.
     There are no costs of compliance with removing the skived 
PTFE tape and replacing the seals because there are no helicopters with 
a serial number identified by Airbus Helicopters with MOD 332P087140.00 
installed on the U.S. Registry.

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 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, I certify this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866,
    2. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction, 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.
    The FAA prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2019-1019; Product Identifier 
2018-SW-011-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, certificated in 
any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as excessive friction 
between the jettisonable cabin window and the airframe. This 
condition could result in the window failing to jettison, preventing 
occupants from exiting the helicopter during an emergency.

(c) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by March 6, 2020.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    Within 110 hours time-in-service:
    (1) For Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters; 
and Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters without Modification (MOD) 
332P087140.00 installed, install skived polytetrafluoroethylene 
(PTFE) tape to each jettisonable cabin window frame by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2., of Airbus Helicopters 
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332-05.01.05 or ASB No. EC225-
05A046, both Revision 1 and dated February 8, 2018, as applicable to 
your model helicopter.
    (2) For Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters with MOD 
332P087140.00 installed:

    Note 1 to paragraph (e)(2) of this AD:  Airbus Helicopters has 
identified the following helicopters as having MOD 332P087140.00 
installed: Model AS332L2 serial numbers (S/Ns) 2388, 2390, 2565, 
2573, 2577, 2578, and 2587; and Model EC225LP S/Ns 2600, 2623, 2645, 
2650, 2651, 2653, 2659, 2684, 2693, 2711, 2712, 2719, 2753, 2756, 
2767, 2796, 2926, 2961, 2973, 2974, 2979, 3002, 3003, and 3012.

    (i) Remove the skived PTFE tape, if installed between the VIP 
cabin window frame and seal, from each jettisonable cabin window by 
following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2., of 
Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS332-56.90.13 (ASB AS332-56.90.13) or 
ASB No. EC225-56C012 (ASB EC225-56C012), both Revision 0 and dated 
February 8, 2018, as applicable to your model helicopter.
    (ii) Replace each VIP jettisonable cabin window polychloroprene 
seal with a silicone seal by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3., of ASB

[[Page 472]]

AS332-56.90.13 or ASB EC225-56C012, as applicable to your model 
helicopter.
    (3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a 
jettisonable cabin window unless you comply with the requirements of 
paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this AD, as applicable to your model 
helicopter and configuration.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 
Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management 
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests 
that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal 
inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office 
or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Information Notice No. 3012-I-05, 
Revision 0, dated March 8, 2016, which is not incorporated by 
reference, contains additional information about the subject of this 
AD. For service information identified in this AD, 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 referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2018-0039, dated February 9, 2018, and 
corrected on March 7, 2018. You may view the EASA AD on the internet 
at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5220, Emergency 
Exits.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 27, 2019.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-28354 Filed 1-3-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


