[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 106 (Friday, June 1, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25415-25417]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11447]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0555; Product Identifier 2010-SW-047-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to revise Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-05-06 
for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 and MBB-BK 117C-2 
helicopters. AD 2014-05-06 requires repetitive inspections of the 
flight-control bearings, replacing any loose bearings with airworthy 
flight-control bearings, and installing bushings and washers. This 
proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2014-05-06 but would 
remove the repetitive inspections. The actions of this proposed AD are 
intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 31, 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-
0555; or in person at 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 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.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. 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 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. 2010-0058, dated March 30, 2010, for 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH) 
Model EC135, EC635, and MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters. EASA advises that 
during an inspection of an MBB-BK117 C-2, ``bearings were detected 
which had not been correctly fixed.'' EASA advises that this condition, 
if not detected and corrected, may cause the affected control lever to 
shift in the axial direction and contact the helicopter structure, 
possibly resulting in reduced helicopter control. As some bearings on 
the EC135 and MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopter are installed with the same 
procedure, they are equally affected by the possibility of the unsafe 
condition, EASA advises.
    As a result, we published AD 2014-05-06 (79 FR 13196, March 10, 
2014), which requires repetitively inspecting the flight-control 
bearings, replacing any loose bearings with an airworthy flight-control 
bearing, and installing bushings and washers.

Actions Since AD 2014-05-06 Was Issued

    Since we published AD 2014-05-06, EASA issued AD No. 2010-0058R1, 
dated April 7, 2017, to remove the repetitive inspections required by 
EASA AD No. 2010-0058. EASA advises that a review of data and feedback 
from in-service helicopters determined the Airbus Helicopters 
modification removes the need for repetitive inspections. We have made 
a similar determination and are issuing this proposed AD to remove the 
repetitive inspections required by AD 2014-05-06.

[[Page 25416]]

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

    Eurocopter issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) EC135-67A-019, 
Revision 3, dated December 16, 2009, for Model EC135-series 
helicopters, and ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-67A-010, Revision 3, dated February 
8, 2010, for Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters. This service information 
specifies a repetitive inspection of the affected bearings and 
retrofitting bushings on the levers to prevent movement of the 
bearings.
    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 reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB EC135-67A-019 for Model EC135-
series helicopters and ASB MBB-BK117C-2-67A-010 for Model MBB-BK 117C-2 
helicopters, both Revision 4 and both dated April 3, 2017. This service 
information removes the repetitive inspections and retains the 
procedures for retrofitting the bushings on the levers to prevent 
movement of the bearings. Revision 3 of this service information is 
attached as an appendix to Revision 4.

Proposed AD Requirements

    For EC135 helicopters, this proposed AD would require within 100 
hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next annual inspection, whichever 
occurs first, modifying the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) guidance 
units and cyclic shaft by installing bushings and washers to prevent 
shifting in the axial direction.
    For MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters, this proposed AD would require 
within 100 hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs 
first, modifying the LH and RH guidance units and the lateral control 
lever by installing bushings and washers to prevent shifting of the 
bearings in the axial direction.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    Differences between this AD and the EASA AD are:
     The EASA AD is applicable to EC 635-series helicopters, 
whereas this proposed AD would not because these model helicopters have 
no U.S. type certificate.
     The EASA AD requires the modification within the next 12 
months after April 13, 2010. This proposed AD would require the 
modification within 100 hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, 
whichever occurs first.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 295 Model EC135-series helicopters 
and 117 Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor 
costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect 
the following costs:
     For EC135 helicopters, completing the required 
modification would require about 32 work-hours and parts would cost 
about $312, for a total cost of $3,032 per helicopter and $894,400 for 
the U.S. fleet.
     For MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters, completing the required 
modification would require about 32 work-hours and parts would cost 
about $396, for a total cost of $3,116 per helicopter and $364,572 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 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) 
2014-05-06, Amendment 39-17779 (79 FR 13196, March 10, 2014), and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter 
Deutschland GmbH): Docket No. FAA-2013-0555; Product Identifier 
2010-SW-047-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Airbus Helicopters Deutschland 
GmbH (previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) helicopters, 
certificated in any category:
    (1) Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters, serial 
number (S/N) 0005 through 00829, with a tail rotor control lever, 
part number (P/N) L672M2802205 or L672M1012212; cyclic control 
lever, P/N L671M1005250; collective control lever assembly, P/N 
L671M2020108; or collective control plate, P/N L671M5040207; 
installed, and
    (2) Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters, S/N 9004 through 9310, with 
a tail rotor control lever assembly, P/N B672M1007101 or 
B672M1807101; tail rotor control lever, P/N

[[Page 25417]]

B672M1002202 or L672M2802205; or lateral control lever assembly, P/N 
B670M1008101, installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as incorrectly installed 
flight control bearings. This condition could cause the affected 
control lever to shift and contact the helicopter structure, 
resulting in reduced control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 31, 2018.

(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) For Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters: 
Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next 
annual inspection, whichever occurs first, modify the left-hand (LH) 
and right-hand (RH) guidance units and the cyclic shaft by 
installing bushings and washers to prevent shifting of the bearings 
in the axial direction as follows:
    (i) Remove and disassemble the LH guidance unit and install a 
bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the bearing block and the lever 
of the LH guidance unit as depicted in Detail A of Figure 5 of 
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135-67A-019, Revision 3, dated 
December 16, 2009 (EC135 ASB).
    (ii) For helicopters without a yaw brake, remove and disassemble 
the RH guidance unit and install a bushing, P/N L672M1012260, 
between the bearing block and the lever as depicted in Detail B of 
Figure 5 of EC135 ASB.
    (iii) Remove and disassemble the cyclic shaft and install a 
washer, P/N L671M10055260, between the bearing block and the lever 
as depicted in Detail C of Figure 6 of EC135 ASB.
    (iv) Remove the collective control rod from the bellcrank and 
install a washer, P/N L221M1042208, on each side of the collective 
control rod and bellcrank as depicted in Detail D of Figure 6 of 
EC135 ASB.
    (2) For Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters: Within the next 100 
hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first, 
modify the LH and RH guidance units and the lateral control lever by 
installing bushings and washers to prevent shifting of the bearings 
in the axial direction as follows:
    (i) Remove and disassemble the RH guidance unit and install a 
bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the lever and the bracket as 
depicted in Detail B of Figure 4 of Eurocopter Alert Service 
Bulletin MBB BK117C-2-67A-010, Revision 3, dated February 8, 2010 
(BK117 ASB). Remove and disassemble the LH guidance unit and install 
a bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the lever and the bracket as 
depicted in Detail C of Figure 4 of BK117 ASB.
    (ii) Remove the lateral control lever and install new bushings 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 
3.C(9)(a) through 3.C(9)(g) of BK117 ASB.
    (iii) Identify the modified lever assembly by writing ``MBB 
BK117C-2-67A-010'' on the lever with permanent marking pen and 
protect with a single layer of lacquer (CM 421 or equivalent).
    (iv) Apply corrosion preventive paste (CM518 or equivalent) on 
the shank of the screws and install airworthy parts as depicted in 
Figure 5 of BK117 ASB.

(f) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-05-06, Amendment 39-17779 (79 FR 13196, 
March 10, 2014).

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, 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 EC135-67A-019, 
Revision 4, dated April 3, 2017, and Alert Service Bulletin MBB-
BK117C-2-67A-010, Revision 4, dated April 3, 2017, which are not 
incorporated by reference, contain additional information about 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 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. 2010-0058R1, dated April 7, 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: 6710, Main Rotor 
Control.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 11, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-11447 Filed 5-31-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P