[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 63 (Monday, April 2, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13883-13885]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06448]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0446; Product Identifier 2010-SW-007-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to revise Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-21-05 
for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus Helicopters Deutschland 
GmbH) (Airbus Helicopters) Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ 
helicopters. AD 2013-21-05 requires an initial and repetitive 
inspections of certain bearings and modifying the floor and a rod. 
Since we issued AD 2013-21-05, we have determined that modifying the 
floor and rod removes the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would 
retain the requirements of AD 2013-21-05 but remove the repetitive 
inspections. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent an 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 1, 2018.

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-2013-
0446; or in person at the Docket Operations 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 (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/website/technical-expert/. You may review 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: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 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

[[Page 13884]]

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

    We issued AD 2013-21-05, Amendment 39-17629 (78 FR 65169, October 
31, 2013) (AD 2013-21-05) for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus 
Helicopters) Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters with 
bearing part number (P/N) LN9367GE6N2; rod P/N L671M5040205; lever P/N 
L671M5040101; and floor P/N L533M1014101, L533M1014102, L533M1014103, 
L533M1014104, L533M1014105 or L533M1014106 installed. AD 2013-21-05 
requires inspecting each bearing for freedom of movement within 100 
hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
800 hours TIS. AD 2013-21-05 also requires modifying the floor and 
modifying and re-identifying the rod with a new P/N. AD 2013-21-05 was 
prompted by an incident involving limited control of a tail rotor 
because of the binding of a bearing. Those actions are intended to 
detect and prevent the binding of a bearing, which could lead to loss 
of helicopter control.
    AD 2013-21-05 was also prompted by AD 2006-0318 R1, dated October 
27, 2006, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union, issued to correct an unsafe condition for 
all Eurocopter Model EC 135 helicopters. EASA advised of an incident of 
impaired control of an EC 135 tail rotor. EASA stated that according to 
examinations, the bearing of the linear transducer was subject to 
binding, which limited the control range.

Actions Since AD 2013-21-05 Was Issued

    After we issued AD 2013-21-05, EASA determined, based on a review 
of data and operator feedback, that repetitive inspections are not 
required for helicopters with the modified rod and floor. EASA 
accordingly revised its AD and issued AD No. 2006-0318R2, dated April 
25, 2017, to remove the repetitive inspections.
    Also since we issued AD 2013-21-05, Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters changed its name to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH. 
This proposed AD reflects that change and updates the contact 
information to obtain service documentation. Additionally, 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 proposed AD 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).

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 Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135-67A-012, 
Revision 1, dated October 18, 2006 (ASB Rev 1), which specifies 
repetitively inspecting the bearing of the linear transducer for 
freedom of movement and the lower side of the floor for chafing or 
damage. If there is binding, ASB Rev 1 specifies replacing the bearing. 
If there is chafing or damage on the floor, ASB Rev 1 specifies 
replacing the bearing and repairing the floor. ASB Rev 1 also specifies 
modifying and re-identifying a certain rod.
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    We also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC135-
67A-012, Revision 2, dated April 3, 2017 (ASB Rev 2). ASB Rev 2 states 
that the repetitive inspection has been added to the helicopter 
maintenance manual. The repetitive inspection is therefore removed, and 
ASB Rev 2 requires no action. ASB Rev 1 is attached to ASB Rev 2 as an 
Appendix.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would remove the repetitive 800-hour TIS bearing 
inspection that is currently required. This proposed AD would continue 
to require inspecting each bearing for freedom of movement within 100 
hours TIS, and replacing the bearing before further flight if there is 
binding or rough turning. If there is chafing or damage on the lower 
side of the floor, this proposed AD would require, before further 
flight, replacing the bearing and repairing the floor, and thereafter 
installing a Teflon strip. This proposed AD would also require 
modifying and re-identifying the rod and lever with a new part number.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD sets compliance times from its original effective date 
of October 20, 2006, and this proposed AD would not. This proposed AD 
would require modifying each rod within 100 hours TIS, rather than 
within 800 hours TIS as specified in the EASA AD. This proposed AD 
would not require contacting Eurocopter customer support, unlike the 
EASA AD. Finally, this proposed AD would not apply to Airbus 
Helicopters Model EC635 T1, EC635 P2+, and EC635 T2+ helicopters 
because they have no FAA type certificate.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 304 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work hour. We estimate 
it would take about 10 work-hours to inspect the bearing and no parts 
or materials would be required, for a cost of $850 per helicopter and 
$258,400 for the U.S. fleet. If necessary, replacing the bearing would 
require 3 additional work-hours, and parts would cost $50, for a cost 
of $305 per helicopter. Repairing the floor would require 3 additional 
work hours and minimal cost for materials, for a cost of $255 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

[[Page 13885]]

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-21-05, Amendment 39-17629 (78 FR 65169, October 31, 2013), and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter 
Deutschland GmbH): Docket No. FAA-2013-0446; Product Identifier 
2010-SW-007-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ 
helicopters, with bearing, part number (P/N) LN9367GE6N2; rod, P/N 
L671M5040205; lever, P/N L671M5040101; and floor, P/N L533M1014101, 
L533M1014102, L533M1014103, L533M1014104, L533M1014105 or 
L533M1014106, installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as limited control of a 
tail rotor because of the binding of a bearing. This condition could 
result in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-21-05, Amendment 39-17629 (78 FR 65169, 
October 31, 2013).

(d) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 1, 2018.

(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) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect each bearing 
for freedom of movement by turning and tilting the bearing as 
depicted in Figure 2 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. EC135-
67A-012, Revision 1, dated October 18, 2006 (ASB). During any 
inspection:
    (i) If there is binding or rough turning, before further flight, 
replace the bearing with an airworthy bearing.
    (ii) If there is chafing on the lower side of the floor that 
does not extend through the panel outer layer, before further 
flight, replace the bearing with an airworthy bearing.
    (iii) If there is damage on the lower side of the floor in the 
area of the assembly opening that extends through the panel outer 
layer (revealing an open honeycomb cell or layer), before further 
flight, replace the bearing with an airworthy bearing and repair the 
floor.
    (2) After performing the actions in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through 
(iii) of this AD, before further flight, install a Teflon strip and 
identify the floor by following the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3.E.(1) through 3.E.(4), of the ASB.
    (3) Within 100 hours TIS, modify and re-identify the rod as 
depicted in Figure 1 of the ASB and by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 3.H.(1) through 3.H.(3)(f), of the ASB.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft 
Standards Branch, 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

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC135-67A-012, 
Revision 2, dated April 3, 2017, 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.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. 
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. 2006-0318R2, dated April 25, 2017. 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: 6720, Tail Rotor 
Control System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 23, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-06448 Filed 3-30-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P