2020-24-03: Rotorcraft Flight Control

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: \n\n2020-24-03 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-21333; Docket No. FAA- 2020-1027; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01375-R. \n\n(a) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, and AS355F2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with DUNLOP cyclic stick grip manufacturer part number AC66444 with UP/ DOWN switches for rescue hoist control installed. \n\n(b) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD defines the unsafe condition as inadvertent activation of the rescue hoist cable cutter and consequent detachment of an external load or person from the helicopter hoist. This condition could result in personal injury or injury to persons on the ground. \n\n(c) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD becomes effective December 16, 2020. \n\n(d) Compliance \n\n\n\tYou 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. \n\n(e) Required Actions \n\n\n\t(1) Before each hoist operation, accomplish a ground test of the UP/DOWN switches for proper function. If there is any \n\n((Page 76958)) \n\nuncommanded hoist action, before further flight, remove the DUNLOP cyclic stick grip from service. \n\t(2) Before the next hoist operation: \n\t(i) Install a placard in full view of the pilot by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 01.00.58 or 01.00.72, each Revision 0 and dated October1, 2020 (EASB 01.00.58 or 01.00.72), as applicable to your helicopter. \n\t(ii) Revise the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by inserting the Limitations page applicable to your helicopter model and version from Appendix 4.C. through L, of EASB 01.00.58 or 01.00.72. Inserting a different document with information identical to that in Appendix 4.C. through L., of EASB 01.00.58 or 01.00.72, as applicable to your helicopter model and version, is acceptable for compliance with the requirement of this paragraph. \n\t(3) After complying with paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, each time the DUNLOP cyclic stick grip that is identified in paragraph (a) of this AD is removed from the helicopter, you may remove the placard and RFM revision that are required by paragraphs (e)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD. Before the DUNLOP cyclic stick grip is re-installed, you must re-install the placard and RFM revision that are required by paragraphs (e)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD. \n\t(4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a DUNLOP cyclic stick grip that is identified in paragraph (a) of this AD unless the requirements of paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this AD have been accomplished. \n\n(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Daniel E. Moore, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected]. \n\t(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. \n\n(g) Additional Information \n\n\n\tThe subject of this AD is addressed in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2020-0217-E, dated October 6, 2020. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2020-1027. \n\n(h) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft Flight Control. \n\n(i) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 01.00.58, Revision 0, dated October 1, 2020. \n\t(ii) Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 01.00.72, Revision 0, dated October 1, 2020. \n\n\n\tNote 1 to paragraph (i)(2): Airbus Helicopters EASB Nos. 01.00.58 and 01.00.72, each Revision 0 and dated October 1, 2020, are co-published as one document. \n\n\n\t(3) 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. \n\t(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110. \n\t(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. \n\n\n\tIssued on November 12, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, AircraftCertification Service. (FR Doc. 2020-26422 Filed 11-30-20; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P