[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 250 (Tuesday, December 31, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 72254-72257]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-27978]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0404; Product Identifier 2015-SW-066-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously 
Eurocopter France)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2008-24-04 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model AS355E, 
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. AD 2008-24-04 
requires repetitively inspecting the lubricating pump and checking the 
magnetic chip detector plug (chip detector) and the main gearbox (MGB) 
oil-sight glass. Since the FAA issued AD 2008-24-04, Airbus Helicopters 
has developed an alteration of the MGB oil flow distribution that 
corrects the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the 
requirements of AD 2008-24-04 and would allow the option of altering 
the MGB oil flow distribution as a terminating action for the 
inspections. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 2, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://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.

[[Page 72255]]

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0404; 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 is listed above. 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 https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html.
    You may view 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: Jignesh Patel, Aerospace 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

    The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. The FAA also invites 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.
    The FAA will file in the docket all comments received, as well as a 
report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, 
the FAA will consider all comments received on or before the closing 
date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after the 
comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring 
expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light of the 
comments received.

Discussion

    The FAA issued AD 2008-24-04, Amendment 39-15744 (73 FR 71530, 
November 25, 2008) (``AD 2008-24-04'') for Eurocopter France (now 
Airbus Helicopters) Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N 
helicopters. AD 2008-24-04 requires repetitive checks of the chip 
detector and the MGB oil-sight glass and repetitive inspections of the 
lubricating pump. AD 2008-24-04 also requires replacing the MGB and 
pump with an airworthy MGB and pump if necessary. AD 2008-24-04 was 
prompted by cases of MGB lubricating pump deterioration. The actions of 
AD 2008-24-04 are intended to implement improved procedures to detect a 
failing MGB oil pump, prevent failure of the MGB oil pump, seizure of 
the MGB, loss of drive to an engine and main rotor, and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter.

Actions Since AD 2008-24-04 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2008-24-04, Airbus Helicopters has issued 
service information to provide procedures for Airbus Helicopters 
modification (MOD) 077222, which improves the distribution of the oil 
flow between the accessory modules of the combiner gearbox and the MGB. 
Subsequently, EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States 
of the European Union, issued EASA AD No. 2007-0209R1, dated September 
11, 2015. EASA advises that Airbus Helicopters MOD 077222 provides the 
same level of safety as the MGB pump inspections. Accordingly, the EASA 
AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, 
AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters with a lubrication pump part number 
355A32-0700-01, 355A32-0700-02, or 355A32-0701-00 installed, except 
those with Airbus Helicopters MOD 077222 installed, and requires 
repetitive MGB pump inspections and chip detector and MGB oil-sight 
glass checks, and allows MOD 077222 as optional terminating action for 
the repetitive inspections.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral 
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA of the 
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an 
unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of 
the same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
05.00.51, Revision 0, dated July 9, 2007 (ASB 05.00.51 Rev 0), and 
Airbus Helicopters ASB No. 05.00.51, Revision 1, dated July 29, 2015. 
This service information contains procedures for monitoring the MGB oil 
pump for wear. Revision 1 of this service information omits helicopters 
with MOD 077222 installed.
    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

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No. AS355-
63.00.25, Revision 1, dated July 29, 2015, and Revision 2, dated June 
22, 2017. This service information contains procedures for altering the 
lubrication system to increase oil flow between the accessory modules 
of the combiner gearbox and the MGB. This service information also 
specifies using mineral oil 0-155 in the combiner gearbox instead of 
synthetic oil 0-156 after completing the alteration. Airbus Helicopters 
identifies this alteration as MOD 077222. Revision 2 of this service 
information clarifies a procedure and updates a work card.
    The FAA also reviewed Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 
No. 05.00.40, Revision 3, dated July 9, 2007. This service information 
specifies inspecting the MGB magnetic plug for sludge and oil sight for 
color. If there is sludge or if the oil is dark or dark purple, this 
service information specifies removing the lubrication pump and 
inspecting it for certain conditions, and replacing it as necessary. 
Revision 3 of this service information informs operators that this 
service information is superseded by ASB 05.00.51 Rev 0.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2008-24-04 and 
add an option to alter the lubrication system (MOD 077222) as a 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. For those 
helicopters that incorporate Mod 077222, using mineral oil 0-155 in the 
combiner gearbox instead of synthetic oil 0-156 would be required. This 
proposed AD would also exclude helicopters with MOD 077222 from the 
applicability.
    An owner/operator (pilot) may perform the proposed visual checks 
and

[[Page 72256]]

must enter compliance with that paragraph into the helicopter 
maintenance records in accordance with Title 14 Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) Sec. Sec.  43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 
91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may perform this check because it involves 
only a visual check and can be performed equally well by a pilot or a 
mechanic. This check is an exception to the FAA's standard maintenance 
regulations.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires that the initial and repetitive MGB oil 
inspections be conducted after the last flight of each day without 
exceeding 10 flight hours between two successive checks. This proposed 
AD would require those inspections before the first flight of each day 
and at intervals not to exceed 10 hours time-in-service.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 46 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD.
     Checking the MGB oil and chip detector condition would 
take about 0.25 work-hour for an estimated cost of about $21 per 
helicopter and $966 for the U.S. fleet per check.
     Inspecting the lubricating pump would take about 1 work-
hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $3,910 for the 
U.S. fleet per inspection.
     Replacing the MGB and pump would take about 8 work-hours 
and cost about $64,000 (overhauled) in parts for an estimated cost of 
$64,680 per helicopter.
     Altering the lubrication system (optional MOD 077222) 
would take about 4 work-hours and cost about $2,335 in parts for an 
estimated cost of $2,675 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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA 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. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    3. 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.
    The FAA 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) 
2008-24-04, Amendment 39-15744 (73 FR 71530, November 25, 2008), and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter France): Docket No. FAA-
2017-0404; Product Identifier 2015-SW-066-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter 
France) Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main gearbox (MGB) 
lubrication pump (pump) part number 355A32-0700-01, 355A32-0700-02, 
or 355A32-0701-00, except helicopters with Modification (MOD) 077222 
installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as insufficient lubrication 
within an MGB. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could 
result in failure of the MGB pump, seizure of the MGB, loss of drive 
to an engine and main rotor, and subsequent loss of helicopter 
control.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2008-24-04, Amendment 39-15744 (73 FR 71530, 
November 25, 2008).

(d) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by March 2, 2020.

(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) Before the first flight of each day and at intervals not to 
exceed 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), check the MGB magnetic chip 
detector plug (chip detector) for any sludge. Also, check for dark 
oil in the MGB oil-sight glass. The actions required by this 
paragraph may be performed by an owner/operator (pilot) holding at 
least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the 
aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 
Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Sec. Sec.  43.9 (a)(1) 
through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be 
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. 
``Sludge'' is a deposit on the chip detector that is typically dark 
in color and in the form of a film or paste, as compared to metal 
chips or particles normally found on a chip detector. Sludge may 
have both metallic or nonmetallic properties, may consist of copper 
(pinion bearing), magnesium (pump case), and steel (pinion) from the 
oil pump, and a nonmetallic substance from the chemical breakdown of 
the oil as it interacts with the metal.
    (i) Before further flight, if any sludge is found on the chip 
detector, remove, open, and inspect the pump.
    (ii) Before further flight, if the oil appears dark in color 
when it is observed through the MGB oil-sight glass, take an oil 
sample. If the oil taken in the sample is dark or dark purple, 
before further flight, remove, open, and inspect the pump.
    (2) Within 25 hours TIS, after operating both engines at normal 
operating revolutions per minute (RPM) for at least 20 minutes to 
ensure the MGB oil temperature has stabilized, inspect the oil pump 
for wear by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
2.B.2., steps 1. through 6., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. 05.00.51, Revision 0, dated July 9, 2007 (ASB 05.00.51 Rev 
0), or Airbus Helicopters ASB

[[Page 72257]]

No. 05.00.51, Revision 1, dated July 29, 2015 (ASB 05.00.51 Rev 1).
    (i) Record the outside air temperature (OAT) and rotor speed (NR 
RPM) and plot the point at which they intersect using the graph in 
Figure 1 or 2 of ASB 05.00.51 Rev 0 or ASB 05.00.51 Rev 1.
    (ii) If the point on the graph at the intersection of the 
recorded OAT and the NR RPM falls within:
    (A) Zone 3--Before further flight, replace the MGB and pump with 
an airworthy MGB and pump.
    (B) Zone 2--At intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS, repeat the 
inspection procedures by following the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 2.B.2, steps 1. through 6., of ASB 05.00.51 Rev 0 or ASB 
05.00.51 Rev 1. After being classified in ``Zone 2,'' you must 
obtain two successive inspections separated by at least 24 hours TIS 
that fall within Zone 1 before you can begin to inspect at intervals 
not to exceed 110 hours TIS by following paragraph (f)(2)(ii)(C) of 
this AD for Zone 1.
    (C) Zone 1--At intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, repeat the 
inspection procedures by following the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 2.B.2., steps 1. through 6., of ASB 05.00.51 Rev 0 or ASB 
05.00.51 Rev 1.
    (iii) Compliance with paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD 
constitutes terminating action for the checks and inspections 
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
    (3) As an optional terminating action for the requirements in 
this AD, alter the lubrication system for the MGB in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2.a. through 3.B.3 
of Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No. AS355-63.00.25, Revision 
1, dated July 29, 2015, or Revision 2, dated June 22, 2017. Mineral 
oil 0-155 is required after compliance with this alteration.

    Note 1 to paragraph (f)(3) of this AD: Airbus Helicopters 
identifies alteration of the lubrication system as MOD 077222.

 (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: 
Jignesh Patel, Aerospace 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, the FAA suggests 
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 Service Bulletin No. AS355-63.00.25, 
Revision 1, dated July 29, 2015, and Revision 2, dated June 22, 
2017, and Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.40, 
Revision 3, dated July 9, 2007, which are not incorporated by 
reference, pertain to 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 https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may view a copy of 
the 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. 2007-0209R1, dated September 11, 2015. 
You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320, Main Rotor 
Gearbox.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 20, 2019.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-27978 Filed 12-30-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P