[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 213 (Monday, November 6, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51338-51340]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23193]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-4031; Product Identifier 2014-SW-072-AD; Amendment 
39-19085; AD 2017-22-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Eurocopter France)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-15-03 for 
Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, 
AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1 helicopters. AD 2013-15-03 required 
inspecting the hydraulic pump drive pulley bearing (bearing) for leaks, 
rust, overheating, and condition. This new AD adds a requirement to 
grease the bearing and inspect for bronze particles in the grease, and 
changes the inspection and inspection intervals of the bearing until it 
is replaced with an improved bearing. This AD was prompted by 
additional reports of hydraulic pump drive belt failure caused by 
bearing seizures. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 11, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 11, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final 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 view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
4031.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2015-4031; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any incorporated-by-
reference information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-
647-5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Barbini, Manager, Safety 
Management Section, Policy and Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to remove AD 2013-15-03, Amendment 39-17519 (78 FR 44422, July 
24, 2013) and add a new AD. AD 2013-15-03 applied to Eurocopter France 
(now Airbus Helicopters) Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, 
AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1 helicopters with a single 
hydraulic system and a hydraulic pump drive installed. AD 2013-15-03 
required repetitively inspecting the bearing for leaks, rust, 
overheating, and condition. AD 2013-15-03 was prompted by six reports 
of hydraulic pump drive belt failure caused by bearing seizures. AD 
2013-15-03 also was prompted by AD No. 2013-0044-E, dated February 27, 
2013, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union. EASA advised that hydraulic pump drive 
belt failures caused by seizure of the bearing, for helicopters with a 
single hydraulic system, could lead to loss of hydraulic servo 
assistance and an increase in pilot workload to the point that the 
helicopter needs to land as soon as possible.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2016 (81 FR 
25622). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2013-0284-E, dated 
December 2, 2013, which supersedes

[[Page 51339]]

EASA AD No. 2013-0044-E. EASA AD No. 2013-0284-E advises that the 
hydraulic pump drive failure was caused by accidental indentation of 
the raceways from incorrect fitting of the bearing. Airbus Helicopters 
then introduced a new bearing, part number (P/N) 704A33651269, to 
replace bearing P/N 704A33651243. This replacement corrects the unsafe 
condition as it has a reduced pre-loading value, which significantly 
improves its reliability. EASA revised AD No. 2013-0284-E with AD No. 
2013-0284R1, dated July 25, 2014, to exclude helicopters that had 
replaced the bearing with bearing P/N 704A33651269. EASA then 
superseded AD No. 2013-0284R1 with EASA AD No. 2014-0233, dated October 
23, 2014, to retain the inspections and require replacement of bearing 
P/N 704A33651243 with bearing P/N 704A33651269. Installation of the new 
bearing constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
    As a result, the NPRM proposed to retain the inspection 
requirements in AD 2013-15-03, add a requirement to grease the bearing 
and inspect for bronze particles in the grease, and change the 
inspection and inspection intervals of the bearing until it is replaced 
with the improved bearing.
    Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service 
has changed its organizational structure. The new structure replaces 
product directorates with functional divisions. We have revised some of 
the office titles and nomenclature throughout this Final rule to 
reflect the new organizational changes. Additional information about 
the new structure can be found in the Notice published on July 25, 2017 
(82 FR 34564).

Comments

    After our NPRM was published, we received a comment from Airbus 
Helicopters.

Request

    Airbus Helicopters requested that we revise the Applicability 
section of the AD to eliminate confusion. Specifically, Airbus 
Helicopters requested we change the AD to apply to helicopters with 
``Single Hydraulics pre mod 079568 with Hydraulic pump drive assembly 
part number 350A35-0132-00 with bearing part number 704A33651243 
installed.''
    We do not agree. Airbus Helicopters' request does not make the 
Applicability section clearer because the unsafe condition lies with 
the bearing, which is also installed in hydraulic pump drive assembly 
part number 350A35-0132-00 V. Leaving the original Applicability 
language makes this point clear.

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350BB 
helicopters, and this AD does not because the Model AS350BB has no FAA-
issued type certificate. This AD applies to Model AS350D1 and AS350C 
helicopters, while the EASA AD does not.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS350-63.00.24, Revision 0, 
dated October 21, 2014 (ASB), for Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350BB, 
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, and military Model AS350L1 
helicopters with a single hydraulic system and a hydraulic pump drive 
assembly P/N 350A35-0132-00. The ASB calls for mandatory replacement of 
bearing P/N 704A33651243 with bearing P/N 704A33651269 and introduces a 
preventative maintenance operation for bearing P/N 704A33651243 until 
it is replaced.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 729 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 per work hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Greasing and visually inspecting the bearing requires 1.5 
work hours and no parts are needed. We estimate a total cost of $128 
per helicopter and $93,312 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
     Inspecting and manually rotating the bearing requires 2 
work hours, and no parts are needed. We estimate a total cost of $170 
per helicopter and $123,930 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
     Replacing the bearing requires 2 work hours and $1,571 for 
parts, for a total cost of $1,741 per helicopter and $1,269,189 for the 
U.S. fleet.
     Replacing the hydraulic pump drive assembly requires 2 
work hours and $8,543 for parts, for a total cost of $8,713 per 
helicopter and $6,351,777 for the U.S. fleet.

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 have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that a regulatory distinction is required, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 51340]]

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-15-03, Amendment 39-17519 (78 FR 44422, July 24, 2013), and adding 
the following new AD:

2017-22-05 Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France): 
Amendment 39-19085; Docket No. FAA-2015-4031; Product Identifier 
2014-SW-072-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, 
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1 helicopters 
with a hydraulic pump drive bearing (bearing) part number (P/N) 
704A33651243 installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as the seizure of the 
bearing. This condition could result in hydraulic pump drive belt 
failure, loss of hydraulic servo assistance, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2013-15-03, Amendment 39-17519 (78 FR 
44422, July 24, 2013).

(d) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 11, 2017.

(e) 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.

(f) Required Actions

    (1) For each bearing with less than 115 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), before accumulating 150 hours TIS, and for each bearing with 
115 or more hours TIS, within 50 hours TIS, and for all helicopters 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS:
    (i) Grease each bearing in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b., of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin No. AS350-63.00.24, Revision 0, dated October 21, 
2014 (ASB).
    (ii) Perform a test ground run. Inspect all grease that comes 
out of the bearing during the ground run and all grease around the 
bearing for bronze particles.
    (iii) If there are any bronze particles in the grease, before 
further flight, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 704A33651269. 
This constitutes terminating action for the inspections in this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this AD: Hydraulic pump drive 
assembly P/N 350A35-0132-01 is fitted with bearing P/N 704A33651269.

    (2) Within 600 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 600 hours TIS:
    (i) Visually inspect the bearing for bronze particles in the 
grease. If there are any bronze particles in the grease, before 
further flight, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 704A33651269. 
This constitutes terminating action for the inspections in this AD.
    (ii) Manually rotate the bearing and inspect for a friction 
point, brinelling, and a noise from the bearing. If there is a hard 
point, any brinelling, or any noise from the bearing, before further 
flight, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 704A33651269.
    (3) Replacing bearing P/N 704A33651243 with bearing P/N 
704A33651269, or replacing hydraulic pump drive assembly P/N 350A35-
0132-00 with hydraulic pump drive assembly P/N 350A35-0132-01, 
constitutes terminating action for the inspections required by this 
AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Stephen Barbini, Manager, 
Safety Management Section, Policy and Innovation Division, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 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

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2014-0233, dated October 23, 2014. You may view 
the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2015-4031.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2913, Hydraulic 
Pump (Electric/Engine), Main.

(j) 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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS350-
63.00.24, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, contact 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.
    (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, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 17, 2017.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-23193 Filed 11-3-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P