2023-08-06: Emergency Exits

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-08-06 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22421; Docket No. FAA-2023-0160; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01047-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 22, 2023. (b) Affected ADs Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2020-20-08, Amendment 39-21264 (85 FR 70955, November 6, 2020). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0012, dated January 11, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0012). (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5220, Emergency Exits. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of an emergency exit window that required excessive pushing force to jettison caused by friction between the jettisonable window and the airframe. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent excessive friction between the jettisonable cabin window and the airframe. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could prevent the window from jettisoning, subsequently affecting the evacuation of passengers during an emergency situation. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements (1) Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0012. (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a jettisonable window on any helicopter unless the actions required by this AD have been accomplished. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0012 (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0012 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0012 refers to its effective date, the effective date of EASA AD 2019-0107, dated May 16, 2019, and the effective date of EASA AD 2020-0061, dated March 17, 2020, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0012 specifies compliance within 250 flight hours or 6 months for helicopters not operated over water and within 110 flight hours or 6 months for helicopters operated over water, this AD requires compliance within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) for Group 1 and Group 2 helicopters, as defined in EASA AD 2021-0012. (4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0012 specifies compliance within 25 months, this AD requires compliance within 110 hours TIS. (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0012 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service. (6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0012 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters to obtain a technical solution, this AD requires repair done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (7) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0012 specifies to use tooling, this AD allows the use of equivalent tooling. (8) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0012 specifies using a video, this AD does not require using the video. (9) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0012 does not apply to this AD. Refer to paragraph (b) of this AD for affected FAA AD information. (10) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD 2021-0012. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0012 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits are prohibited for flights over water with passengers on board. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. (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. (l) Additional Information (1) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Ala Ramaden, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, United States; phone: (972) 641-0000; website: airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Matthew Fuller, AD Program Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (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. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0012, dated January 11, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2021-0012, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this service information at 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. (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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on April 19, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-10620 Filed 5-17-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P