[Federal Register: July 31, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 146)]
[Notices]
[Page 41749-41751]
[DOCID:fr31jy07-81]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OW-2007-0026, FRL-8447-9]

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection;
Comment Request; National Water Quality Inventory Reports (Clean Water
Act Sections 305(b), 303(d), 314(a), and 106(e)); EPA ICR No. 1560.08,
OMB Control No. 2040-0071

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.), this document announces that EPA is planning to submit a
request to renew an existing approved Information Collection Request
(ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This ICR is
scheduled to expire on September 30, 2007. Before submitting the ICR to
OMB for review and approval, EPA is soliciting comments on specific
aspects of the proposed information collection as described below.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before October 1, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID number EPA-HQ-
OW-2007-0026, by one of the following methods:
     http://www.regulations.gov (our preferred method): Follow

the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail<EMAIL_ADDRESS>     Mail: EPA Water Docket, Environmental Protection Agency,
Mailcode (2822T) 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW., Washington, DC 20460.
    Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2007-
0026. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in
the public docket without change and may be made available online at:
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information

provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose
disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you
consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through http://www.regulations.gov

or e-mail. The http://www.regulations.gov Web site is an ``anonymous access''

system, which means EPA will not know your identify or contact
information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you
send an email comment directly to EPA without going through
http://www.regulations.gov your e-mail address will be automatically

captures and included as part of the comment that is placed in the
public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an
electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other
contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or
CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical
difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be
able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of
special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects
or viruses. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit
the EPA Docket Center homepage at: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm
.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alice Mayio, Assessment and Watershed
Protection Division, Office of Water, Mail Code: 4503T, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460;
telephone number:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax number:<PHONE_NUMBER>; e-mail
address<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

How Can I Access the Docket and/or Submit Comments?

    EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID
number EPA-HQ-OW-2007-0026, which is available for online viewing at:
http://www.regulations.gov or in-person viewing at the Water Docket in

the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution
Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is
open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding
legal holidays. The telephone number for the Reading Room is (202) 566-
1744, and the telephone number for the Water Docket is<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    Use http://www.regulations.gov to obtain a copy of the draft

collection of information, submit or view public comments, access the
index listing of the contents of the public docket, and to access those
documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once
in the system, select ``search,'' then key in the docket ID number
identified in this document.

What Information Is EPA Particularly Interested in?

    Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA specifically
solicits comments and information to enable it to:
    (i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency,
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (ii) evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden
of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
    (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information
to be collected; and
    (iv) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology, e.g. permitting electronic
submission of responses.

What Should I Consider When I Prepare My Comments for EPA?

    You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your
comments:
    1. Explain your views as clearly as possible and provide specific
examples.
    2. Describe any assumptions that you used.
    3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used
to support your views.
    4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you
arrived at the estimate that you provide.
    5. Offer alternative ways to improve the collection activity.
    6. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline identified
under DATES.
    7. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket
ID number assigned to this action in the subject line of the first page
of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal
Register citation.

What Information Collection Activity or ICR Does This Apply to?

    Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are
States, Territories and Tribes with Clean Water Act (CWA)
responsibilities.
    Title: National Water Quality Inventory Reports (Clean Water Act
Sections 305(b), 303(d), 314(a), and 106(e)).
    ICR numbers: EPA ICR Number 1560.08 (OMB Control Number 2040-0071).
    ICR status: This ICR is currently scheduled to expire on September
30, 2007. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays
a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's
regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal
Register when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed
either by publication in the Federal Register or by other appropriate
means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if
applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA
regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9.
    Abstract: Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires States to
identify and rank waters which cannot meet water quality standards
(WQS) following the implementation of technology-based controls. Under
section 303(d), States are also required to establish total maximum
daily loads (TMDLs) for listed waters not meeting standards as a result
of pollutant discharges. In developing the Section 303(d) lists, States
are required to consider various sources of water quality related data
and information, including the section 305(b) State water quality
reports. The section 305(b) reports contain information on the extent
of water quality degradation, the pollutants and sources affecting
water quality, and State progress in controlling water pollution.
Section 106(e) requires that states annually update monitoring data and
include it in their section 305(b) report. Section 314(a) requires
states to report on the condition of their publicly-owned lakes within
the section 305(b) report.
    EPA's Assessment and Watershed Protection Division (AWPD) works
with its Regional counterparts to review and approve or disapprove
State section 303(d) lists and TMDLs from 56 respondents (the 50
States, the District of Columbia, and the five Territories). Section
303(d) specifically requires States to develop lists and TMDLs (from
time to time,'' and EPA to review and approve or disapprove the lists
and the TMDLs. EPA also collects State 305(b) reports from 59
respondents (the 50 States, the District of Columbia, five Territories,
and 3 River Basin commissions). Some Tribes also choose to participate
in 305(b) reporting.
    This announcement includes the reapproval of current, ongoing
activities related to 305(b) and 303(d) reporting and TMDL development
for the period of October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2010. During
the period covered by this ICR renewal, respondents will: Complete
their 2008 305(b) reports and 2008 303(d) lists; complete their 2010
305(b) reports and 2010 303(d) lists; transmit annual electronic
updates of their 305(b) databases in 2008 through 2010; and continue to
develop TMDLs according to their established schedules. EPA will
prepare biennial Reports to Congress for the 2008 reporting cycle

and for the 2010 cycle, and EPA will review TMDL submissions from
respondents.
    The respondent community for 305(b) reporting consists of 50
States, the District of Columbia, 5 Territories (Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana
Islands), and 3 River Basin Commissions. The Ohio River Valley
Sanitation Commission, the Delaware River Basin Commission, and the
Interstate Sanitation Commission have jurisdiction over basins that lie
in multiple States. Tribal 305(b) reporting is not included in the
current burden estimates for this ICR.
    The respondent community for 303(d) activities consists of 50
States, the District of Columbia, and 5 Territories (Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana
Islands). Although Indian Tribes are not exempt from 303(d)
requirements, there is not a process currently in place to designate
them for this purpose. Further, very few Tribes have established water
quality standards, and EPA is currently in the process of preparing
standards where they are needed. Therefore, we assume that there would
be no burden to Indian Tribes over the period covered by this ICR for
303(d) activities.
    The burdens of specific activities that States undertake as part of
their 305(b) and 303(d) programs are derived from an ongoing project
among EPA, States and other interested stakeholders to develop a tool
for estimating the States' resource needs for State water quality
management programs. This project has developed the State Water Quality
Management Workload Model (SWQMWM), which estimates and sums the
workload involved in more than one hundred activities or tasks
comprising a State water quality management program. Over twenty States
have contributed information about their activities that became the
basis for the model. According to the SWQMWM, the States will carry out
the following activities or tasks to meet the 305(b) and 303(d)
reporting requirements: Watershed monitoring and characterization;
modeling and analysis; development of a TMDL document for public
review; public outreach; formal public participation; tracking;
planning; legal support; etc. In general, respondents have conducted
each of these reporting and record keeping activities for past 305(b)
and 303(d) reporting cycles and thus have staff and procedures in place
to continue their 305(b) and 303(d) reporting programs. The burden
associated with these tasks is estimated in this ICR to include the
total number of TMDLs that may be submitted during the period covered
by this ICR.
    The biennial frequency of the collection is mandated by section
305(b)(1) of the CWA. Section 305(b) originally required respondents to
submit water quality reports on an annual basis. In 1977, the annual
requirement was amended to a biennial requirement in the CWA. EPA has
determined that abbreviated reporting for hard-copy 305(b) reports,
combined with annual electronic reporting using respondent databases,
will meet the CWA reporting requirements while reducing burden to
respondents. The biennial period with annual electronic reporting
ensures that information needed for analysis and water program
decisions is reasonably current, yet abbreviated reporting requirements
provides respondents with sufficient time to prepare the reports.
    Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and recordkeeping
burden for this collection of information is expected to average
3,740,017 hours. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial
resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or
disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This
includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire,
install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of
collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and
maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information;
adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable
instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to
a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review
the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the
information.
    The ICR provides a detailed explanation of the Agency's estimate,
which is only briefly summarized here:
    Estimated Total Number of Potential Respondents: 59.
    Frequency of Response: Biannually.
    Estimated Total Average Number of Responses for Each Respondent:
29.5.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 3,740,017.
    Estimated Total Annual Costs: $155,322,906. These costs are
entirely attributed to labor, with $0 attributable to capital
investment or maintenance and operational costs.

Are There Changes in the Estimates From the Last Approval?

    There is no change in the total estimated respondent burden
estimates identified in the ICR currently approved by OMB. EPA will be
revising these burden estimates before submitting this ICR to OMB based
on developments in the program over the last three years and comments
received from the public. We expect that the currently-approved burden
may be affected by increased reliance on electronic reporting
(including submittal, review and approval of electronic water quality
information by EPA and the states) and increased Tribal water quality
reporting.

What Is the Next Step in the Process for This ICR?

    EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as
appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for
review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. At that time, EPA will
issue another Federal Register notice pursuant to 5 CFR
1320.5(a)(1)(iv) to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the
opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB. If you have any
questions about this ICR or the approval process, please contact the
technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Dated: July 24, 2007.
Craig E. Hooks,
Director, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds.
 [FR Doc. E7-14770 Filed 7-30-07; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 48 (Monday, March 15, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14281-14283]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05196]

========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================

Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 48 / Monday, March 15, 2021 /
Proposed Rules

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0016; Project Identifier 2019-SW-114-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 all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by reports of an oil leak from the main gearbox (MGB)
during engine start up. This proposed AD would require modification and
subsequent repetitive functional testing of the MGB emergency
lubrication (EMLUB) system as specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by
reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 29,
2021.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For material that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find this material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this material 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<PHONE_NUMBER>. It is also available in the AD docket on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-0016.

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-2021-
0016; 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 NPRM, 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 470 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC
20024; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0016; Project Identifier
2019-SW-114-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
    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 post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

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 Hal
Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 470
L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; email
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.

Discussion

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2016-0232, dated November 22,
2016 (EASA AD 2016-0232), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC 225 LP helicopters. EASA later issued EASA AD No.
2016-0232R1, dated December 12, 2019 (EASA AD 2016-0232R1), to revise
EASA AD 2016-0232.
    This proposed AD was prompted by reports of oil leaks during engine
starting, originating from the MGB. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address inadvertent opening of the P 2.4 valve of the MGB EMLUB system,
which results from pressurization by compressed air produced by the
engine during starting in response to a signal from the EMLUB
electronic control card. This condition, if not addressed, could result
in loss of the MGB main lubrication system and reduced ability of the
crew to manage adverse operating

conditions. See EASA AD 2016-0232R1 for additional background
information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2016-0232R1 requires modifying the electrical control
circuit of the MGB EMLUB system. After modifying, EASA AD 2016-0232R1
requires a repetitive functional test of the MGB EMLUB system, and if
there is a discrepancy, accomplishing corrective action(s).
Accomplishing any corrective action(s) does not constitute terminating
action for the repetitive functional tests.
    This material 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country, and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority,
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the EASA
AD referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all
the relevant information and determining the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same
type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2016-0232R1, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD and except as discussed under ``Differences
Between this Proposed AD and the EASA AD.''

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2016-
0232R1 will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2016-
0232R1 in its entirety, through that incorporation, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this
proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a
particular section in the EASA AD does not mean that operators need
comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement
refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance
with this AD requirement is not limited to the section titled
``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in the EASA AD. Service
information specified in EASA AD 2016-0232R1 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2016-0232R1 will be available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-0016 after the FAA final rule is published.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    Where EASA AD 2016-0232R1 refers December 6, 2016 (the effective
date of EASA AD 2016-0232), this proposed AD would require using the
effective date of the final rule. EASA AD 2016-0232R1 allows an
additional interval margin of 225 flight hours (FH), while this
proposed AD does not. Where the service information referenced in the
EASA AD requires contacting Airbus Helicopters for corrective action,
this proposed AD would require accomplishing the corrective action
using a method approved by the Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft
Section, FAA.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 24 helicopters of
U.S. Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this proposed AD.
    Modifying the electrical control circuit of the MGB EMLUB system
would take about 22 work-hours and parts would cost about $1,592, for
an estimated cost of $3,462 per helicopter and $83,088 for the U.S.
fleet.
    Functional testing of the EMLUB system would take about 12 work-
hours for an estimated cost of $1,020 per helicopter and $24,480 for
U.S. fleet, per testing cycle.
    If the electrical functional test results in a need to replace the
lubrication printed circuit board, the replacement time would take 2
work-hours and the part would cost $5,150 per helicopter for an
estimated cost of $5,320 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 above, 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:

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2021-0016; Project Identifier
2019-SW-114-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by April 29, 2021.

(b) Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6397, Main Rotor
Drive System Wiring.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of oil leaks during engine
starting, originating from the main gearbox (MGB). The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the inadvertent opening of the P 2.4
valve of the MGB emergency lubrication (EMLUB) system, which results
from MGB pressurization by compressed air produced by the engine
during starting in response to a signal from the EMLUB electronic
control card. This condition could result in loss of the MGB
lubrication system and a reduced ability of the crew to manage
adverse operating conditions.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2016-
0232R1, dated December 12, 2019 (EASA AD 2016-0232R1).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2016-0232R1

    (1) Where EASA AD 2016-0232R1 refers December 6, 2016 (the
effective date of European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2016-0232,
dated November 22, 2016), this AD requires using the effective date
of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2016-0232R1 refers to flight hours (FH), this
AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
    (3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2016-0232R1 allows an
additional interval margin of 225 FH, this AD does not. This AD
requires accomplishing the functional tests within 600 hours TIS,
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS.
    (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2016-
0232R1 requires contacting Airbus Helicopters technical support,
this AD requires that the corrective action be accomplished using a
method approved by the Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section,
FAA. The Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this
AD.
    (5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2016-0232R1 does not
apply to this AD.

(i) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the
helicopter can be modified (if the operator elects to do so),
provided the helicopter is operated under visual flight rules and
without passengers only.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 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 Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section,
send it to: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety
Branch, FAA, 470 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone
202-267-9167; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For EASA AD 2016-0232R1, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may
view this material 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<PHONE_NUMBER>. This material may be found in the AD docket
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0016.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact: Hal Jensen,
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 470 L'Enfant
Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; email
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
    Issued on January 27, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05196 Filed 3-12-21; 8:45 am]
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