[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 58 (Friday, March 25, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16100-16102]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-06530]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-5247; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-008-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model BO-105LS 
A-3 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the 
helicopter records to determine if there is a life limit for the 
tension-torsion (TT) straps installed in the helicopter lifting system, 
establishing a life limit if there is not one, and replacing each TT 
strap that has met or exceeded its life limit. This proposed AD is 
prompted by an error in the Airworthiness Limitations section of the 
Model BO-105LS A-3 maintenance manual. The proposed actions are 
intended to prevent failure of a TT strap and subsequent loss of 
control of a helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 24, 2016.

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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
5247; 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, any comments received, 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 rule, 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 
http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, Texas 
76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

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 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. 2015-0042, dated March 9, 2015, to 
correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model BO105 LS A-3 
helicopters.

[[Page 16101]]

EASA advises that life limits have been introduced for TT strap part 
number (P/N) 2604067 and P/N 117-14110 installed on the helicopter 
lifting system. During a revision of the Airworthiness Limitations 
section of the Model BO105LS A-3 maintenance manual, the life limit for 
the TT strap was inadvertently deleted. Accordingly, EASA issued AD No. 
2015-0042 to correct this error. EASA AD No. 2015-0042 requires 
replacing TT straps upon reaching their life limit and entering the 
life limit into the aircraft maintenance manual. EASA states that 
failure to comply with the life limit could result in an unsafe 
condition.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with Germany, 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

    Airbus Helicopters issued Alert Service Bulletin ASB BO105LS-10A-
013, Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015 (ASB). The ASB specifies adding a 
life limit for the TT strap P/N 2604067 or 117-14110 of 25,000 flights 
or 10 years, whichever occurs first, in the list of life-limited parts 
and corresponding log cards. The ASB also states TT straps that have 
exceeded the retirement time must be replaced and that only TT straps 
that have not exceeded the retirement time may be installed.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 20 hours time-in-service:
     Inspecting the Airworthiness Limitations section of the 
applicable maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness (ICA) and the component history card or equivalent record 
for each TT strap and determining whether those records specify a life 
limit of 25,000 flights or 10 years since the date of manufacture, 
whichever occurs first.
    [cir] If the records do not specify a life limit for each TT strap 
or if they specify a different life limit than required, revising the 
Airworthiness Limitations section of the applicable maintenance manual 
or ICA by establishing a life limit of 25,000 flights or 10 years since 
date of manufacture, whichever occurs first.
    [cir] Creating a component history card or equivalent record for 
each TT strap, if one does not exist, and recording a life limit of 
25,000 flights or 10 years since date of manufacture, whichever occurs 
first.
     Removing from service each TT strap that has reached or 
exceeded its life limit.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    This proposed AD would require compliance within 20 hours TIS. The 
EASA AD allows 2 months to calculate the flight cycles or calendar time 
of each TT strap.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 8 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per hour. We estimate 
that it would take 2 work hours to inspect and revise the Airworthiness 
Limitations section and to calculate and record a life limit for the TT 
strap for a total cost of $170 per helicopter and $1,360 for the fleet. 
If a TT strap is replaced, we estimate it would take 8 work hours and 
$16,617 for required parts for a total cost of $17,297 per helicopter 
per TT strap.

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 Deutschland GmbH Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-
2016-5247; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-008-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model BO-105LS A-3 helicopters with a tension 
torsion (TT) strap part number (P/N) 2604067 or P/N 117-14110 
installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a TT strap remaining in 
service beyond its fatigue life. This condition could result in 
failure of a TT strap and loss of control of a helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 24, 2016.

(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.

[[Page 16102]]

(e) Required Actions

    Within 20 hours time-in-service:
    (1) Inspect the Airworthiness Limitations section of the 
applicable maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness (ICA) and the component history card or equivalent 
record for TT strap P/N 2604067 and P/N 117-14110. Determine whether 
those records specify a life limit of 25,000 flights or 10 years 
since the date of manufacture, whichever occurs first.
    (2) If the Airworthiness Limitations section of the applicable 
maintenance manual or ICA or the component history card or 
equivalent record do not specify a life limit for the TT strap, or 
if they specify a different life limit than in paragraph (e)(1), do 
the following:
    (i) Revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of the 
applicable maintenance manual or ICA by establishing a life limit of 
25,000 flights or 10 years since date of manufacture, whichever 
occurs first, for each TT strap P/N 2604067 and P/N 117-14110 by 
making pen-and-ink changes or by inserting a copy of this AD into 
the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual or 
the ICA. For purposes of this AD, a flight would be counted anytime 
the helicopter lifts off into the air and then lands again 
regardless of the duration of the landing and regardless of whether 
the engine is shut down.
    (ii) Create a component history card or equivalent record for 
each TT strap P/N 2604067 and P/N 117-14110, if one does not exist, 
and record a life limit of 25,000 flights or 10 years since date of 
manufacture, whichever occurs first.
    (3) Remove from service each TT strap that has reached or 
exceeded its life limit.

(f) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 
222-5110; email [email protected].
    (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.

(h) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB BO105LS-10A-
013, Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015, which is not incorporated by 
reference, contains additional information about the subject of this 
AD. 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 http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0042, dated March 9, 2015. You may 
view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 
the AD Docket.

 (i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200 Main Rotor 
System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 16, 2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-06530 Filed 3-24-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P