[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 7, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63235-63237]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22125]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0904; Product Identifier 2019-SW-041-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 EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD 
would require various inspections of the left-hand side (LH) engine 
fuel supply (fuel supply) hose and depending on the inspection results, 
removing from service or reinstalling the hose. This proposed AD would 
also prohibit installing any LH fuel supply hose unless it is installed 
by following the service information. This proposed AD was prompted by 
a report of an incorrect installation of the LH fuel supply hose 
causing restricted fuel flow to the LH engine. 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 November 
23, 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://

[[Page 63236]]

www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0904; 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 
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: James Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email 
james.blyn@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. 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.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, 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.

Confidential Business Information

    Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial 
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by 
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), 
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to 
this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is 
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and 
that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you 
clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page 
of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat 
such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will 
not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing 
CBI should be sent to James Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations 
and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email 
james.blyn@faa.gov.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2019-0092, dated April 26, 2019 
(EASA AD 2019-0092), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) Model EC 225 LP helicopters, all 
serial numbers. EASA advises that an occurrence was reported where 
during an in-flight single engine power check, the LH side engine 
experienced a power loss. EASA states that a subsequent investigation 
determined that the fuel flow to the affected engine was restricted by 
a twisted fuel supply hose. EASA states this condition if not detected 
and corrected could lead to a decrease of the LH engine power when 
accelerating to the power setting corresponding to One Engine 
Inoperative power, and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter. 
Accordingly, the EASA AD requires a one-time visual inspection of the 
fuel supply hose and depending on the inspection results, removing from 
service or replacing the affected part. EASA also introduces re-
installation requirements for a fuel supply hose that is being replaced 
or reinstalled.

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 about 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 No. 
EC225-71A019, Revision 1, dated February 28, 2019, which specifies 
procedures for removing the fuel supply hose from the LH power plant, 
visually inspecting the fuel supply hose for twisting, and depending on 
inspection results, performing an endoscope inspection on the inside of 
the hose. This service information also specifies procedures required 
to install a serviceable fuel supply hose.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require compliance with certain procedures 
described in the manufacturer's service bulletin. For helicopters 
delivered to the first operator before November 30, 2018, and for 
helicopters delivered to the first operator on or after November 30, 
2018 that have had the LH fuel supply hose replaced or reinstalled 
before May 10, 2019, this proposed AD would require visually inspecting 
the LH fuel supply hose for twisting, and if needed, borescope 
inspecting the entire length of the inside of the fuel supply hose for 
twisting and depending on the inspection results, reinstalling or 
removing the fuel supply hose from service. Additionally, this proposed 
AD would prohibit installing a certain part-numbered LH fuel supply 
hose on any helicopter unless that LH fuel supply hose is installed by 
following certain procedures described in the manufacturer's service 
bulletin.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires compliance within 110 flight hours or 6 
months, whichever occurs first, while this proposed AD would require 
compliance within 110 hours time-in-service. The EASA AD requires 
reporting information to Airbus Helicopters if the LH fuel supply hose 
is twisted on the inside, while this proposed AD would not.

[[Page 63237]]

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this proposed AD to be an interim action. An 
investigation is ongoing and if final action is later identified, the 
FAA might consider further rulemaking then.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 96 helicopters 
of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the 
following costs in order to comply with this proposed AD. Labor costs 
are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Visually inspecting the LH fuel 
supply hose for twisting would take about 1 work-hour for an estimated 
cost of $85 per helicopter and $8,160 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing a 
LH fuel supply hose would take about 8 work-hours and parts would cost 
about $2,278 for an estimated replacement cost of $2,958 per 
replacement. Borescope inspecting the LH fuel supply hose would take 
about 8 work-hours for an estimated cost of $680 per helicopter.

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, 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2020-0904; Product Identifier 
2019-SW-041-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with left-hand side (LH) engine fuel 
supply (fuel supply) hose part number (P/N) 704A34416087 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as incorrect installation 
of the LH fuel supply hose causing restricted fuel flow to the LH 
engine. This condition could result in a decrease of the LH engine 
power when accelerating to a power setting corresponding to One 
Engine Inoperative power and subsequent reduced control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by November 23, 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

    (1) For helicopters delivered to the first operator before 
November 30, 2018; and for helicopters delivered to the first 
operator on or after November 30, 2018 that have had the LH fuel 
supply hose replaced or reinstalled before May 10, 2019:
    (i) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS), visually inspect the 
LH fuel supply hose for twisting as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of 
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-71A019, Revision 
1, dated February 28, 2019 (ASB EC225-71A019).
    (ii) If the LH fuel supply hose has any twisting, before further 
flight, borescope inspect the entire length of the inside of the 
fuel supply hose for twisting as shown in Figures 3 through 5 of ASB 
EC225-71A019.
    (A) If the inside of the LH fuel supply hose has any twisting, 
before further flight, remove the LH fuel supply hose from service 
and install an airworthy LH fuel supply hose by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3.b of ASB EC225-71A019.
    (B) If the LH fuel supply hose does not have any twisting, 
reinstall the LH fuel supply hose by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3.b of ASB EC225-71A019.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an LH 
fuel supply hose P/N 704A34416087 on any helicopter unless it is 
installed by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
3.B.3.b of ASB EC225-71A019.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: James Blyn, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy 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

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2019-0092, dated April 26, 2019. 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: 2820, Aircraft 
Fuel Distribution System.

    Issued on October 1, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-22125 Filed 10-6-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


