80_FR_41081 80 FR 40947 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

80 FR 40947 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 134 (July 14, 2015)

Page Range40947-40949
FR Document2015-16940

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters with an energy absorbing seat (seat). This proposed AD would require inspecting for the presence of labels that prohibit stowing anything under the seat. If a label is missing or not clearly visible to each occupant, installing a label would be required. This proposed AD is prompted by the discovery that required labels had not been systematically installed. The proposed actions are intended to prevent objects from being stowed under the seat as these objects could reduce the energy-absorbing function of the seat, resulting in injury to the seat occupants during an accident.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 134 (Tuesday, July 14, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 134 (Tuesday, July 14, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40947-40949]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-16940]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-2714; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-052-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, AS-365N2, 
AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters with an energy absorbing 
seat (seat). This proposed AD would require inspecting for the presence 
of labels that prohibit stowing anything under the seat. If a label is 
missing or not clearly visible to each occupant, installing a label 
would be required. This proposed AD is prompted by the discovery that 
required labels had not been systematically installed. The proposed 
actions are intended to prevent objects from being stowed under the 
seat as these objects could reduce the energy-absorbing function of the 
seat, resulting in injury to the seat occupants during an accident.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 14, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://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 http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office 
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, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office 
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at 
http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 
76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email robert.grant@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite 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.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will

[[Page 40948]]

consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, issued EASA AD No. 2014-0204, dated September 11, 2014, 
followed by a correction dated September 12, 2014, to correct an unsafe 
condition for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, 
EC225LP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. EASA 
advises that during certification of an energy absorbing seat with a 
new part number, it was observed that the label that requires keeping 
the space under the seat free of any object was not systematically 
installed in a helicopter. EASA states that this condition, if not 
corrected, could prompt occupants to stow objects under an energy 
absorbing seat, which would reduce the effectiveness of the seat and 
the occupants' chance of surviving an accident. The EASA AD 
consequently requires a one-time inspection for the presence of labels 
and, if they are missing or unreadable, making and installing labels 
prohibiting the placing of an object under an energy absorbing seat.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known 
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Helicopters issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332-
01.00.85 for Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2 helicopters; ASB No. 
AS365-01.00.66 for Model AS-365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters; ASB No. 
EC155-04A013 for EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters; and ASB No. EC225-
04A012 for Model EC225LP helicopters. All ASBs are Revision 0 and dated 
August 26, 2014. The ASBs state that during certification of an energy 
absorbing seat with a new part number, it was observed that the label, 
which indicates that the space under the seats must remain free of 
objects, was not systematically installed. Objects stowed under these 
seats reduce the energy absorbing function and thus jeopardize the 
occupant's survival in the event of a crash, the ASBs state. Pending a 
definitive solution, Airbus Helicopters calls for affixing a label that 
states that nothing can be stored under the seats.
    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 of this 
proposed AD.

Proposed AD Requirements

    Within 110 hours time in service this proposed AD would require:
     For Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP 
helicopters: Inspecting the cabin and cockpit for labels, placards, or 
markings that prohibit stowing anything under the seats. If a label, 
placard, or marking is not located in every required location or is not 
visible and legible to every occupant, before further flight, 
installing a placard.
     For Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 
helicopters: Inspecting each seat leg in the cabin and cockpit for 
labels, placards, or markings that prohibit stowing anything under the 
seats. If a label, placard, or marking does not exist on one leg of 
each seat or is not visible and legible, before further flight, 
installing a placard.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 52 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect that the inspection for the presence of a 
label would take a quarter work hour for a labor cost of about $21. The 
cost of parts and time for installing a label would be minimal, for a 
total cost of $21 per helicopter and $1,092 for the U.S. fleet.

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.
    We are 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

    We 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. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. 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.
    We 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-2015-2714; Directorate 
Identifier 2014-SW-052-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C1, AS332L1, 
AS332L2,

[[Page 40949]]

EC225LP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters with 
an energy absorbing seat (seat) listed in Figure 1 to paragraph (a) 
of this AD, certificated in any category.

                        Figure 1 to Paragraph (a)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Generic part
        Seat manufacturer              Seat type            number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fischer + Entwicklungen.........  H110..............  9606-( )-( )-( )
                                  H140..............  0520-( )-( )-( )
                                  H160..............  0718-( )-( )-( )-(
                                                       )
                                  185/410...........  9507-( )-( )-( )
                                  236/406...........  9608-( )-( )-( )
SICMA Aero Seat or Zodiac Seats   Sicma 192.........  192xx-xx-xx
 France.
                                  Sicma 159.........  1591718-xx
                                                      159110
Socea Sogerma...................  ST102.............  2510102-xx-xx
                                  ST107.............  2010107-xx-xx
                                  ST120.............  2520120-xx
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1 to Figure 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD:  ``xx'' can be 
any two alphanumeric characters and ``( )'' can be any number of 
alphanumeric characters.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an object stowed under 
an energy-absorbing seat. This condition could reduce the efficiency 
of the energy-absorbing function of the seat, resulting in injury to 
the seat occupants during an accident.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 14, 2015.

(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 AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP 
helicopters:
    (i) Inspect the cabin and cockpit for labels, placards, or 
markings that prohibit stowing anything under the seats in the 
locations shown in the figure in the Appendix of Airbus Helicopters 
Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-01.00.85 (ASB AS332-01.00.85) or 
No. EC225-04A012 (ASB EC225-04A012), both Revision 0 and dated 
August 26, 2014, as applicable for your model helicopter.
    (ii) If a label, placard, or marking is not located in every 
location depicted in the figure in the Appendix or is not visible 
and legible to every occupant, before further flight, install a 
placard in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.B., of ASB AS332-01.00.85 or ASB EC225-04A012, as 
applicable for your model helicopter.
    (2) For Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 
helicopters:
    (i) Inspect each seat leg in the cabin and cockpit for labels, 
placards, or markings that prohibit stowing anything under the 
seats.
    (ii) If a label, placard, or marking does not exist on one leg 
of each seat or is not visible and legible, before further flight, 
install a placard in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B., and the Appendix of Airbus Helicopters 
Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-01.00.66 or No. EC155-04A013, both 
Revision 0 and dated August 26, 2014, as applicable for your model 
helicopter.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort 
Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
robert.grant@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest 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 Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2014-0204, dated September 11, 2014, and 
corrected September 12, 2014. You may view the EASA AD on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2015-2714.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 1100, Placards and 
Markings.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 2, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-16940 Filed 7-13-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 134 / Tuesday, July 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules 40947 called Model A300–600 series airplanes): 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 Incorporate ‘‘Sub-part 1–2: Life Limits,’’ and airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, ‘‘Sub-part 1–3: Demonstrated Fatigue Lives’’ Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may DC 20590–0001. of Part 1, ‘‘Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation view this service information at the FAA, Items,’’ Revision 01, dated September 5, • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 2013, of the Airbus A300–600 ALS. Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 (3) For Model A310 series airplanes: on the availability of this material at the p.m., Monday through Friday, except Incorporate ‘‘Sub-part 1–2: Life Limits,’’ and FAA, call 425–227–1221. Federal holidays. ‘‘Sub-part 1–3: Demonstrated Fatigue Lives’’ of Part 1, ‘‘Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 25, Examining the AD Docket Items,’’ dated Revision 01, September 5, 2015. You may examine the AD docket on 2013, of the Airbus A310 ALS. Jeffrey E. Duven, the Internet at http:// Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, www.regulations.gov or in person at the (k) New Limitation: No Alternative Actions Aircraft Certification Service. or Intervals Docket Operations Office between 9 [FR Doc. 2015–17201 Filed 7–13–15; 8:45 am] a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through After accomplishment of the revision required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or docket contains this proposed AD, the intervals may be used unless the actions or European Aviation Safety Agency intervals are approved as an alternative DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, method of compliance (AMOC) in and other information. The street accordance with the procedures specified in Federal Aviation Administration paragraph (l) of this AD. address for the Docket Operations Office 14 CFR Part 39 (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the (l) Other FAA AD Provisions ADDRESSES section. Comments will be The following provisions also apply to this [Docket No. FAA–2015–2714; Directorate available in the AD docket shortly after AD: Identifier 2014–SW–052–AD] receipt. (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance For service information identified in (AMOCs): The Manager, International RIN 2120–AA64 this proposed AD, contact Airbus Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested Helicopters Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your AGENCY: Federal Aviation (972) 641–3775; or at http:// request to your principal inspector or local Administration (FAA), DOT. www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. Flight Standards District Office, as ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking You may review the referenced service appropriate. If sending information directly (NPRM). information at the FAA, Office of the to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort International Branch, ANM–116, Transport airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Worth, Texas 76137. Helicopters Model AS332C1, AS332L1, Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: telephone 425–227–2125; fax 425–227–1149. AS332L2, EC225LP, AS–365N2, AS 365 Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116- N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using with an energy absorbing seat (seat). Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate This proposed AD would require 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspecting for the presence of labels that inspector, the manager of the local flight robert.grant@faa.gov. prohibit stowing anything under the standards district office/certificate holding seat. If a label is missing or not clearly SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: district office. The AMOC approval letter visible to each occupant, installing a must specifically reference this AD. Comments Invited (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the label would be required. This proposed AD is prompted by the discovery that We invite you to participate in this effective date of this AD, for any requirement rulemaking by submitting written in this AD to obtain corrective actions from required labels had not been systematically installed. The proposed comments, data, or views. We also a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by actions are intended to prevent objects invite comments relating to the the Manager, International Branch, ANM– from being stowed under the seat as economic, environmental, energy, or 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or these objects could reduce the energy- federalism impacts that might result the European Aviation Safety Agency absorbing function of the seat, resulting from adopting the proposals in this (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design in injury to the seat occupants during an document. The most helpful comments Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by reference a specific portion of the the DOA, the approval must include the accident. proposal, explain the reason for any DOA-authorized signature. DATES: We must receive comments on recommended change, and include (m) Related Information this proposed AD by September 14, supporting data. To ensure the docket 2015. does not contain duplicate comments, (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA ADDRESSES: You may send comments by commenters should send only one copy asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Airworthiness Directive 2013–0248, dated any of the following methods: of written comments, or if comments are October 14, 2013, for related information. • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to filed electronically, commenters should This MCAI may be found in the AD docket http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the submit only one time. on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov online instructions for sending your We will file in the docket all by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–2461. comments electronically. comments that we receive, as well as a (2) For service information identified in • Fax: 202–493–2251. report summarizing each substantive this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. public contact with FAA personnel Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, Department of Transportation, Docket concerning this proposed rulemaking. 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 Operations, M–30, West Building Before acting on this proposal, we will VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:44 Jul 13, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\14JYP1.SGM 14JYP1

40948 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 134 / Tuesday, July 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules consider all comments we receive on or it was observed that the label, which air commerce by prescribing regulations before the closing date for comments. indicates that the space under the seats for practices, methods, and procedures We will consider comments filed after must remain free of objects, was not the Administrator finds necessary for the comment period has closed if it is systematically installed. Objects stowed safety in air commerce. This regulation possible to do so without incurring under these seats reduce the energy is within the scope of that authority expense or delay. We may change this absorbing function and thus jeopardize because it addresses an unsafe condition proposal in light of the comments we the occupant’s survival in the event of that is likely to exist or develop on receive. a crash, the ASBs state. Pending a products identified in this rulemaking Discussion definitive solution, Airbus Helicopters action. calls for affixing a label that states that EASA, which is the Technical Agent Regulatory Findings nothing can be stored under the seats. for the Member States of the European This service information is reasonably We determined that this proposed AD Union, issued EASA AD No. 2014–0204, available because the interested parties would not have federalism implications dated September 11, 2014, followed by have access to it through their normal under Executive Order 13132. This a correction dated September 12, 2014, course of business or by the means proposed AD would not have a to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus identified in the ADDRESSES section of substantial direct effect on the States, on Helicopters Model AS332C1, AS332L1, this proposed AD. the relationship between the national AS332L2, EC225LP, AS–365N2, AS 365 Government and the States, or on the N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. Proposed AD Requirements distribution of power and EASA advises that during certification Within 110 hours time in service this responsibilities among the various of an energy absorbing seat with a new proposed AD would require: levels of government. part number, it was observed that the • For Model AS332C1, AS332L1, For the reasons discussed, I certify label that requires keeping the space AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters: this proposed regulation: under the seat free of any object was not Inspecting the cabin and cockpit for 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory systematically installed in a helicopter. labels, placards, or markings that action’’ under Executive Order 12866; EASA states that this condition, if not prohibit stowing anything under the 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the corrected, could prompt occupants to seats. If a label, placard, or marking is DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures stow objects under an energy absorbing not located in every required location or (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); seat, which would reduce the is not visible and legible to every 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in effectiveness of the seat and the occupant, before further flight, installing Alaska to the extent that it justifies occupants’ chance of surviving an a placard. making a regulatory distinction; and accident. The EASA AD consequently • For Model AS–365N2, AS 365 N3, 4. Will not have a significant requires a one-time inspection for the EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters: economic impact, positive or negative, presence of labels and, if they are Inspecting each seat leg in the cabin and on a substantial number of small entities missing or unreadable, making and cockpit for labels, placards, or markings under the criteria of the Regulatory installing labels prohibiting the placing that prohibit stowing anything under Flexibility Act. of an object under an energy absorbing the seats. If a label, placard, or marking We prepared an economic evaluation seat. does not exist on one leg of each seat or of the estimated costs to comply with is not visible and legible, before further this proposed AD and placed it in the FAA’s Determination AD docket. flight, installing a placard. These helicopters have been approved Costs of Compliance List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 by the aviation authority of France and are approved for operation in the United We estimate that this proposed AD Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation States. Pursuant to our bilateral would affect 52 helicopters of U.S. safety, Incorporation by reference, agreement with France, EASA, its Registry and that labor costs average $85 Safety. technical representative, has notified us a work-hour. Based on these estimates, The Proposed Amendment of the unsafe condition described in its we expect that the inspection for the AD. We are proposing this AD because presence of a label would take a quarter Accordingly, under the authority we evaluated all known relevant work hour for a labor cost of about $21. delegated to me by the Administrator, information and determined that an The cost of parts and time for installing the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part unsafe condition is likely to exist or a label would be minimal, for a total 39 as follows: develop on other products of the same cost of $21 per helicopter and $1,092 for PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS type design. the U.S. fleet. DIRECTIVES Related Service Information Under 1 Authority for This Rulemaking CFR Part 51 ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 Title 49 of the United States Code continues to read as follows: Airbus Helicopters issued Alert specifies the FAA’s authority to issue Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332– rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 01.00.85 for Model AS332C1, AS332L1, section 106, describes the authority of § 39.13 [Amended] AS332L2 helicopters; ASB No. AS365– the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 01.00.66 for Model AS–365N2 and AS Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more the following new airworthiness 365 N3 helicopters; ASB No. EC155– detail the scope of the Agency’s directive 04A013 for EC 155B and EC155B1 authority. helicopters; and ASB No. EC225– We are issuing this rulemaking under (AD): Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA– 04A012 for Model EC225LP helicopters. the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, 2015–2714; Directorate Identifier 2014– SW–052–AD. All ASBs are Revision 0 and dated Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: August 26, 2014. The ASBs state that General requirements.’’ Under that (a) Applicability during certification of an energy section, Congress charges the FAA with This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters absorbing seat with a new part number, promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:44 Jul 13, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\14JYP1.SGM 14JYP1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 134 / Tuesday, July 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules 40949 EC225LP, AS–365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, paragraph (a) of this AD, certificated in any and EC155B1 helicopters with an energy category. absorbing seat (seat) listed in Figure 1 to FIGURE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (a) Seat manufacturer Seat type Generic part number Fischer + Entwicklungen ............................................. H110 .............................................. 9606-( )-( )-( ) H140 .............................................. 0520-( )-( )-( ) H160 .............................................. 0718-( )-( )-( )-( ) 185/410 .......................................... 9507-( )-( )-( ) 236/406 .......................................... 9608-( )-( )-( ) SICMA Aero Seat or Zodiac Seats France ................ Sicma 192 ...................................... 192xx-xx-xx Sicma 159 ...................................... 1591718-xx 159110 Socea Sogerma .......................................................... ST102 ............................................ 2510102-xx-xx ST107 ............................................ 2010107-xx-xx ST120 ............................................ 2520120-xx Note 1 to Figure 1 to paragraph (a) of this 3.B., and the Appendix of Airbus Helicopters DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AD: ‘‘xx’’ can be any two alphanumeric Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365–01.00.66 or characters and ‘‘( )’’ can be any number of No. EC155–04A013, both Revision 0 and Federal Aviation Administration alphanumeric characters. dated August 26, 2014, as applicable for your (b) Unsafe Condition model helicopter. 14 CFR Part 39 This AD defines the unsafe condition as an (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance [Docket No. FAA–2015–2775; Directorate object stowed under an energy-absorbing (AMOCs) Identifier 2015–CE–021–AD] seat. This condition could reduce the (1) The Manager, Safety Management efficiency of the energy-absorbing function of RIN 2120–AA64 Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this the seat, resulting in injury to the seat occupants during an accident. AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management AIRCRAFT LTD. Airplanes (c) Comments Due Date Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort We must receive comments by September Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222– AGENCY: Federal Aviation 14, 2015. 5110; email robert.grant@faa.gov. Administration (FAA), Department of (2) For operations conducted under a 14 Transportation (DOT). (d) Compliance CFR part 119 operating certificate or under ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking You are responsible for performing each (NPRM). action required by this AD within the 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that specified compliance time unless it has you notify your principal inspector, or SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new already been accomplished prior to that time. lacking a principal inspector, the manager of airworthiness directive (AD) for the local flight standards district office or (e) Required Actions certificate holding district office before PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Model PC– Within 110 hours time in service: operating any aircraft complying with this 12, PC–12/45, and PC–12/47E airplanes. (1) For Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AD through an AMOC. This proposed AD results from AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters: mandatory continuing airworthiness (i) Inspect the cabin and cockpit for labels, (g) Additional Information information (MCAI) originated by an placards, or markings that prohibit stowing The subject of this AD is addressed in aviation authority of another country to anything under the seats in the locations identify and correct an unsafe condition European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD shown in the figure in the Appendix of on an aviation product. The MCAI Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. No. 2014–0204, dated September 11, 2014, AS332–01.00.85 (ASB AS332–01.00.85) or and corrected September 12, 2014. You may describes the unsafe condition as a No. EC225–04A012 (ASB EC225–04A012), view the EASA AD on the Internet at malfunction of the universal joint. We both Revision 0 and dated August 26, 2014, http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. are issuing this proposed AD to require as applicable for your model helicopter. FAA–2015–2714. actions to address the unsafe condition (ii) If a label, placard, or marking is not on these products. located in every location depicted in the (h) Subject DATES: We must receive comments on figure in the Appendix or is not visible and Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) this proposed AD by August 28, 2015. legible to every occupant, before further Code: 1100, Placards and Markings. flight, install a placard in accordance with ADDRESSES: You may send comments by the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 2, any of the following methods: 3.B., of ASB AS332–01.00.85 or ASB EC225– 2015. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 04A012, as applicable for your model http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the helicopter. Lance T. Gant, instructions for submitting comments. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (2) For Model AS–365N2, AS 365 N3, EC Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft • Fax: (202) 493–2251. 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters: Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. • Mail: U.S. Department of (i) Inspect each seat leg in the cabin and [FR Doc. 2015–16940 Filed 7–13–15; 8:45 am] Transportation, Docket Operations, M– cockpit for labels, placards, or markings that BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room prohibit stowing anything under the seats. (ii) If a label, placard, or marking does not W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., exist on one leg of each seat or is not visible Washington, DC 20590. and legible, before further flight, install a • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of placard in accordance with the Transportation, Docket Operations, M– Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:44 Jul 13, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\14JYP1.SGM 14JYP1


Document Created: 2018-02-23 09:19:25
Document Modified: 2018-02-23 09:19:25
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 14, 2015.
ContactRobert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 40947 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
2024 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR