AD 2021-03-16R1: AD 2021-03-16 Is Removed

The FAA is removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-03-16, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters.

AD 2021-03-16 required inspecting each sliding door and replacing the upper rail or front roller or removing the front roller from service if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-03-16, inspection results and further investigation have confirmed that the in-flight loss of a sliding door, which prompted AD 2021-0316, was an isolated case resulting from incorrect operation and maintenance error. Therefore, the FAA has determined that no unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on the sliding doors on other helicopters in the fleet. Accordingly, AD 2021-03-16 is removed. This AD becomes effective March 24, 2022. 

Supplementary Information: The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include “Docket No. FAA-2021-0021 and Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01088-R” at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule.

FMI: www.regulations.gov