[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 3 (Thursday, January 5, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1260-1262]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31866]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6693; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-033-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: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and 
EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive 
inspections of the intermediate gear box (IGB) fairing. This proposed 
AD is prompted by separation of the IGB fairing from the fairing gutter 
and subsequent interference with the drive shaft. The actions of this 
proposed AD are intended to prevent the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 6, 2017.

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-
6693; 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 economic evaluation, any comments 
received, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 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, TX 
76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; 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, has issued EASA AD No. 2015-0092, dated May 26, 2015, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters with certain part-
numbered IGB fairings installed. EASA advises of occurrences involving 
separation of the angle section of the IGB fairing from the IGB fairing 
gutter, which caused interference with the tail rotor (T/R) inclined 
drive shaft. EASA states that this condition, if not detected and 
corrected, could lead to failure of the T/R drive shaft, loss of the T/
R drive, and consequent reduced control of the helicopter. To address 
this condition, EASA issued a series of ADs to require repetitive 
inspections of the IGB fairing and its attachment supports and other 
corrective actions. According to EASA, reports of cracks and separation 
of the gutter continued to occur. EASA superseded its previous ADs and 
issued AD No. 2011-0189-E, dated September 29, 2011, to require 
additional inspections of the IGB fairing and attachment supports.
    After EASA issued AD No. 2011-0189-E, Airbus Helicopters developed 
a new IGB fairing, part number (P/N) 332A24-0322-00, which is a one-
piece full composite part that integrates a gutter. EASA then 
superseded AD No. 2011-0189-E and issued AD No. 2015-0092, retaining 
the inspection requirements but requiring installation of the new 
composite IGB fairing as terminating action for the inspections.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with France, 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 Under 1 CFR part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 
(EASB), Revision 5, dated March 9, 2015, which is one document with 
three different identification numbers. EASB No. 53.01.47 is for Model 
AS332C, C1, L, L1, L2, and military model B, B1, M, M1, and F1 
helicopters. EASB No. 53.00.48 is for military Model AS532-series 
helicopters. EASB No. 53A001 is for Model EC225 LP and the military 
Model EC725AP helicopter. EASB Nos. 53.01.47 and 53A001 are proposed 
for incorporation by reference in this

[[Page 1261]]

proposed AD. EASB No. 53.00.48 is not proposed for incorporation by 
reference in this proposed AD.
    This service information specifies repetitive inspections of the 
IGB fairing, attachment supports, and fairing gutter. This service 
information also advises that IGB fairing P/Ns 332A24-0303-05XX, 
332A24-0303-06XX, 332A08-1391-00, and 332A08-1391-01 are unfit for 
flight beginning December 1, 2017, and that these fairings should be 
replaced with a new composite fairing P/N 332A24-0322-00.
    We also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No. AS332-
53.01.78, Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015, for FAA type-certificated 
Model AS332C, C1, L, L1, and L2 helicopters and military Model AS332B, 
B1, F1, M, and M1 helicopters, and Airbus Helicopter Service Bulletin 
No. EC225-53-041, Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015, for the Model 
EC225LP helicopter. The service information specifies replacing each 
IGB fairing with a newly designed fairing. Airbus Helicopters 
identifies replacement of the IGB fairing under these service 
instructions as Modification 0726819.
    This service information 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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the IGB 
fairing and attachment supports for a crack. If there is a crack in an 
attachment support, this proposed AD would require replacing the 
attachment support. If there is a crack in the fairing, this proposed 
AD would require replacing the IGB fairing with a composite fairing P/N 
332A24-0322-00.
    For helicopters with IGB fairing P/N 332A24-0303-05XX or P/N 
332A24-0303-06XX, this proposed AD would also require repetitively 
inspecting the fairing gutter for a crack. If there is a crack in the 
fairing gutter, this proposed AD would require inspecting for 
interference and separation.
    This proposed AD would also require replacing the IGB fairing with 
IGB fairing P/N 332A24-0322-00 within 150 hours TIS, if not previously 
replaced as the result of the repetitive inspections. Replacing the IGB 
fairing with IGB fairing P/N 332A24-0322-00 would be terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections.
    Lastly, this proposed AD would prohibit installing an IGB fairing 
P/N 332A24-0303-05XX, P/N 332A24-0303-06XX, P/N 332A08-1391-00, or P/N 
332A08-1391-01 on any helicopter.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires replacing the IGB fairing with the composite 
fairing within 31 months. This proposed AD would require this 
replacement within 150 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 11 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Visually inspecting each IGB fairing and the left- and 
right-hand attachment supports for a crack would require a 0.5 work-
hour for a total cost of $43 per helicopter and $473 for the U.S. 
fleet, per inspection cycle.
     Replacing the IGB fairing would require 2 work hours and 
parts would cost $2,600, for a total cost of $2,770 per helicopter and 
$30,470 for the U.S. fleet.
     Replacing the attachment supports would require 2 work 
hours and parts would cost $1,100 for a total cost of $1,270 per 
helicopter.
     Visually inspecting for a crack in the fairing gutter 
would require 0.5 work hour for a total cost of about $43 per 
helicopter.
     Inspecting for interference and separation of the fairing 
gutter would require 0.5 work hour for a total cost of $43 per 
helicopter.
     Replacing the inclined drive shaft tube would require 2 
work hours and parts would cost $18,399, for a total cost of $18,569 
per helicopter.
     Replacing a hydraulic pipe would require 2 work hours and 
parts would cost $1,322, for a total cost of $1,492 per helicopter.
     Repairing the flight control assembly would require 2 work 
hours and parts would cost $484, for a total cost of $654 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.
    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: Docket No. FAA-2016-6693; Directorate Identifier 
2015-SW-033-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, 
AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters with an intermediate gear box (IGB) 
fairing part number (P/N) 332A24-0303-05XX, 332A24-0303-06XX, 
332A08-1391-00, or 332A08-1391-01

[[Page 1262]]

installed, where ``XX'' is any two alphanumeric characters, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as detachment of the angle 
section of an IGB and subsequent interference between an IGB fairing 
and tail rotor inclined drive shaft. This condition could result in 
failure of a tail rotor drive shaft, loss of the tail rotor drive, 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 6, 2017.

(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.

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, visually inspect the IGB 
fairing and the left- and right-hand attachment supports for a crack 
as shown in Figure 2 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service 
Bulletin (EASB) No. 53.01.47, Revision 5, dated March 5, 2015 (EASB 
No. 53.01.47) or EASB No. 53A001, Revision 5, dated March 5, 2015 
(EASB No. 53A001), as appropriate for your model helicopter.
    (i) If there is a crack in an attachment support, replace the 
attachment support.
    (ii) If there is a crack in the fairing, replace the IGB fairing 
with IBG fairing P/N 332A24-0322-00 in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2, of Airbus Helicopters 
Service Bulletin No. AS332-53.01.78, Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015 
(SB No. AS332-53.01.78) or Service Bulletin No. EC225-53-041, 
Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015 (SB No. EC225-53-041), as 
appropriate for your model helicopter.
    (2) For helicopters with IGB fairing P/N 332A24-0303-05XX or P/N 
332A24-0303-06XX, within 15 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 15 hours TIS, visually inspect for a crack in the 
fairing gutter as shown in Figure 1 of EASB No. 53.01.47 or EASB No. 
53A001. If there is a crack in the fairing gutter:
    (i) Inspect for interference and separation of the fairing 
gutter. If there is any interference between the gutter and the tail 
rotor inclined drive shaft tube, replace the tail rotor inclined 
drive shaft tube. If there is any interference between the gutter 
and a hydraulic pipe, repair or replace the hydraulic pipe. If there 
is any interference between the gutter and the flight controls, 
repair the flight controls in accordance with FAA-approved 
procedures. If there is any separation of the gutter, remove the 
gutter.
    (ii) Replace the IGB fairing with IBG fairing P/N 332A24-0322-00 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2, 
of SB No. AS332-53.01.78 or SB No. EC225-53-041.
    (3) Within 150 hours TIS, replace the IGB fairing P/N 332A24-
0303-05XX, 332A24-0303-06XX, 332A08-1391-00, or 332A08-1391-01 with 
IGB fairing P/N 332A24-0322-00 in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2, of SB No. AS332-53.01.78 or SB No. 
EC225-53-041.
    (4) Replacing the IGB fairing with IGB fairing P/N 332A24-0322-
00 is terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by 
this AD.
    (5) Do not install an IGB fairing P/N 332A24-0303-05XX, P/N 
332A24-0303-06XX, P/N 332A08-1391-00, or P/N 332A08-1391-01 on any 
helicopter.

(f) Credit for Actions Previously Completed

    Compliance with Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service 
Bulletin No. 53.01.47, Revision 4, dated September 27, 2011, before 
the effective date of this AD is considered acceptable for 
compliance with the initial inspections specified in paragraphs 
(e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD, but does not constitute terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections required by this AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; 
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

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0092, dated May 26, 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: 5350 Aerodynamic 
Fairings.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 21, 2016.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-31866 Filed 1-4-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P