[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
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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.

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

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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P