[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 174 (Friday, September 7, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45364-45366]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19430]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0336; Product Identifier 2017-SW-130-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model EC135P1, 
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 
helicopters. This proposed AD would require replacing the retaining 
ring and inspecting the hoist cable hook assembly (hook). This proposed 
AD is prompted by a report that a hook detached from the hoist cable. 
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 November 6, 
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-2018-
0336; 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 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 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.

[[Page 45365]]

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. 2017-0199, dated October 11, 
2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model 
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, 
EC135T3, EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1, EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters. 
EASA advises of a report of a hook separating from the hoist cable. 
According to EASA, an investigation determined that failure of the 
internal retaining ring combined with a permanent compression set of 
the elastomeric energy absorber caused the separation. EASA states that 
this condition, if not corrected, could lead to the detachment of an 
external load or person from the hoist, possibly resulting in personal 
injury or injury to persons on the ground.
    The EASA AD consequently requires repetitive inspections of the 
hook assembly and replacement of the retaining ring. Depending on the 
findings of the inspection, the EASA AD also requires replacement of 
the elastomeric energy absorber. According to the manufacturer of the 
hook, the retaining ring can corrode in a salt-laden environment. 
Therefore, replacement of the retaining ring is required with each 
inspection. EASA considers its AD an interim measure and states that 
further AD action may follow.

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 Goodrich Service Bulletin No. 44301-10-17, Revision 4, 
dated July 26, 2017. The Goodrich Service Bulletin is attached as an 
appendix to Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB EC135-
85A-069, Revision 0, dated August 2, 2017. This service information 
specifies an initial and repetitive inspections of the hook assembly 
and replacement of the retaining ring. If the inspections of 
elastomeric energy absorber detect a permanent compression set, this 
service information also specifies replacing the elastomeric energy 
absorber.
    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, within 90 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 180 hours TIS, 
replacing the retaining ring and inspecting the elastometric energy 
absorber for a permanent compression set, and if necessary, replacing 
the elastometric energy absorber before the next hoist operation.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires corrective actions in terms of months in 
service. This proposed AD would require compliance within 90 hours TIS 
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 180 hours TIS. The EASA AD 
applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1, 
EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters. This proposed AD would not because 
these model helicopters have no FAA type certificate.

Interim Action

    We consider this proposed AD to be an interim action. The design 
approval holder is currently developing a modification that will 
address the unsafe condition identified in this proposed AD. Once this 
modification is developed, approved, and available, we might consider 
additional rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 278 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Inspecting the hoist cable hook assembly and replacing the 
retaining ring would require 0.5 work-hour and parts would be minimal 
for a cost of $43 per helicopter and $11,954 for the U.S. fleet per 
inspection cycle.
     Replacing an elastomeric energy absorber would require 0.5 
work-hour and parts would cost $2,152 for a cost of $2,195 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:

[[Page 45366]]

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-
2018-0336; Product Identifier 2017-SW-130-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and 
EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any category, with an external 
mounted hoist (hoist) part number (P/N) and hook assembly (hook) P/N 
shown in Table 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07SE18.006

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as detachment of a hook 
from a hoist cable resulting in in-flight failure of the hoist, 
which could result in injury to persons being lifted.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 6, 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

    Within 90 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 180 hours TIS:
    (1) Inspect the hook and determine whether the elastometric 
energy absorber has taken a permanent compression set by following 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.A and 2.B, of Goodrich 
Service Bulletin No. 44301-10-17, Revision 4, dated July 26, 2017 
(SB 44301-10-17). If the elastometric energy absorber has taken a 
permanent compression set, replace the elastometric energy absorber 
before the next hoist operation.
    (2) Replace the retaining ring by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 2.D through 2.K, of SB 44301-10-17.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be permitted provided the hoist is 
not used.

(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: 
David Hatfield, 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

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0199, dated October 11, 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: 2500, Cabin 
Equipment/Furnishings.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 23, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19430 Filed 9-6-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P