[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 222 (Friday, November 16, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57675-57677]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24989]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 222 / Friday, November 16, 2018 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 57675]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0446; Product Identifier 2010-SW-007-AD; Amendment
39-19498; AD 2013-21-05R1]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are revising 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 required 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 AD retains the
requirements of AD 2013-21-05 but removes the repetitive inspections.
The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 21, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 5,
2013 (78 FR 65169, October 31, 2013).
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/website/technical-expert/. 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-2013-
0446.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2013-0446; 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 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 Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is Docket
Operations, 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: 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:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to remove AD 2013-21-05, Amendment 39-17629 (78 FR 65169,
October 31, 2013) (AD 2013-21-05) and add a new AD. AD 2013-21-05
applied to 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 required
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 required modifying the floor and modifying and
re-identifying the rod with a new P/N. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on April 2, 2018 (83 FR 13883). The NPRM was prompted
by AD No. 2006-0318R2, dated April 25, 2017, 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 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 to
remove the repetitive inspections.
Accordingly, the NPRM proposed to retain the requirements of AD
2013-21-05 but remove the repetitive inspections. The proposed actions
were intended to detect and prevent the binding of a bearing, which
could lead to loss of helicopter control.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM.
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 issuing this AD because we evaluated all information
provided by EASA 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 sets compliance times from its original effective date
of October 20, 2006, and this AD does not. This AD requires modifying
each rod within 100 hours TIS, rather than within 800 hours TIS as
specified in the EASA AD. This AD does not require contacting
Eurocopter customer support, unlike the EASA AD. Finally, this AD does
not apply to Airbus Helicopters Model EC635 T1, EC635 P2+, and EC635
T2+ helicopters because they have no FAA type certificate.
[[Page 57676]]
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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 304 helicopters of U.S. Registry
and that labor costs average $85 a work hour. We estimate it takes
about 10 work-hours to inspect the bearing, and no parts or materials
are required, for a cost of $850 per helicopter and $258,400 for the
U.S. fleet. If necessary, replacing the bearing requires 3 additional
work-hours, and parts cost $50, for a cost of $305 per helicopter.
Repairing the floor requires 3 additional work-hours and a 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
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 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.
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:
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:
2013-21-05R1 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH): Amendment 39-19498; 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) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective December 21, 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
[[Page 57677]]
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.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 5, 2013 (78 FR 65169, October 31, 2013).
(i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. EC135-67A-012,
Revision 1, dated October 18, 2006.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) For Airbus Helicopters 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.
(5) 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.
(6) 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 November 7, 2018.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-24989 Filed 11-15-18; 8:45 am]
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