[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 71 (Monday, April 13, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20447-20449]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-07669]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0378; Product Identifier 2018-SW-060-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, 
AS350BA, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, 
AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This proposed AD 
would require visually inspecting each main rotor gearbox (MGB) 
suspension bar attachment bracket bolt for missing bolt heads. 
Depending on the outcome of the visual inspection, measuring the 
tightening torque, removing certain parts, sending photos and reporting 
information to Airbus Helicopters, and completing an FAA-approved 
repair would be required. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of a 
missing MGB suspension bar attachment bolt head. 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 June 12, 
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.

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-2020-
0378; 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (previously 
European Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, 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: Kristi Bradley, 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

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2018-0152, dated July 18, 2018 
(EASA AD 2018-0152), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France) Model AS 350 B, AS 
350 D, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 BA, AS 350 BB, AS 350 B3, EC 130 
B4, EC 130 T2, AS 355 E, AS355 F, AS355 F1, AS 355 F2, AS 355 N, and 
AS355 NP helicopters.
    EASA advises of a reported occurrence of a missing MGB suspension 
bar attachment bolt head. EASA advises that investigations are ongoing 
to determine the root cause of this event. According to Airbus 
Helicopters, the missing MGB suspension bar attachment bolt head was 
discovered during scheduled maintenance of a Model EC 130 T2 
helicopter. EASA states this condition could lead to fatigue failure of 
other affected bolts of the same MGB bracket, possibly resulting in 
loss of the MGB suspension bar and consequently loss of helicopter 
control. As an interim measure to address this potential unsafe 
condition, the EASA AD also includes Model AS 350 B, AS 350 D, AS 350 
B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 BA, AS 350 BB, AS 350 B3, EC 130 B4, AS 355 E, 
AS355 F,

[[Page 20448]]

AS355 F1, AS355 F2, AS355 N, and AS355 NP helicopters in its 
applicability.
    Accordingly, EASA AD 2018-0152 requires a one-time visual 
inspection to check that all MGB suspension bar attachment bracket bolt 
heads are present and depending on the outcome, measuring the 
tightening torque values of the bolts, removing and sending bolts, 
washers, and nuts to Airbus Helicopters, installing new bolts, washers, 
and nuts, sending photos and reporting certain information to Airbus 
Helicopters, and contacting Airbus Helicopters for approved repair 
instructions. EASA states EASA AD 2018-0152 is considered an interim 
action and further AD action may follow.

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 
because the FAA evaluated all known relevant information and determined 
that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
AS350-05.00.92 for Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and D helicopters, 
non-FAA type-certificated Model AS350BB helicopters, and military Model 
AS350L1 helicopters; Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS355-05.00.79 for 
Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP helicopters; and Airbus Helicopters 
ASB No. EC130-05A028 for Model EC130B4 and T2 helicopters, all Revision 
0 and dated July 16, 2018. This service information specifies a one-
time visual inspection using a light source and a mirror, and using an 
endoscope for any attachment bolts that are difficult to access, for 
the presence of the 16 attachment bracket bolt heads of the 4 MGB 
suspension bars. The service information also specifies different 
actions depending on the results of the visual inspection.
    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 also reviewed Airbus Standard Practices Manual (MTC) 20-02-
05-404, Assembly by screws and nuts Joining, dated May 23, 2017. This 
service information specifies instructions for installing screws and 
nuts, tightening procedures when installing multiple bolts, tightening 
torque check and readjustment procedures, tooling information, 
measuring locking torque procedures, standard tightening torque 
procedures and values, torque tightening of screws in sandwich panels 
information, use of consumable materials and their correction 
coefficient values pertaining to screws, nuts, and washers, marking 
torque stripes, and re-installation criteria and inspection of 
attachment components.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require visually inspecting each MGB 
suspension bar attachment bracket for missing bolt heads.
    If one bolt head is missing, this proposed AD would require 
performing actions specified in the service information including 
measuring the tightening torque of the remaining bolts of that bracket, 
removing the attachment bracket bolts, washers, and nuts of that 
bracket, and sending photos and reporting certain information to Airbus 
Helicopters.
    If two or more bolt heads are missing, this proposed AD would 
require repairs in accordance with an FAA-approved method as described 
in paragraph (e) of this AD.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Model AS350BB helicopters, whereas this 
proposed AD does not because that model is not FAA type-certificated. 
The EASA AD directs the operators to contact Airbus Helicopters for 
repairs if more than one screw head is missing, whereas this proposed 
AD does not.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this proposed AD to be an interim action. If 
final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further 
rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 1,277 
helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may 
incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs 
are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
    Inspecting for any missing MGB suspension bar attachment bracket 
bolt heads would take about 2 work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 
per helicopter and $217,090 for the U.S. fleet.
    Measuring the tightening torque of three MGB suspension bar 
attachment bracket bolts and replacing the set of four MGB suspension 
bar attachment bracket bolts, washers, and nuts would take about 1 
work-hour and parts would cost about $50 for an estimated replacement 
cost of $135 per helicopter. Sending photos and reporting required 
information would take about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 
per helicopter.
    The FAA does not have the data to estimate the costs to do any FAA-
approved repairs if two or more MGB suspension bar attachment bracket 
bolt heads are missing.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate 
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including 
suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection 
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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

[[Page 20449]]

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; 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.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2020-0378; Product Identifier 
2018-SW-060-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1, 
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, 
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters, 
all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a missing main rotor 
gearbox (MGB) suspension bar attachment bracket bolt head. This 
condition could result in fatigue failure of the other MGB 
suspension bar attachment bracket bolts of the same MGB bracket, 
which could result in loss of the MGB suspension bar and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by June 12, 2020.

(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

    For helicopters with less than 1035 hours time-in-service (TIS), 
before reaching 1200 hours TIS, and for helicopters with 1035 or 
more hours TIS, within 165 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs 
first, visually inspect each MGB suspension bar attachment bracket 
bolt for missing bolt heads by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.a. of Airbus Helicopter Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-05.00.92, Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS355-
05.00.79, or Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC130-05A028, all Revision 0 
and dated July 16, 2018 (ASB AS350-05.00.92, ASB AS355-05.00.79, or 
ASB EC130-05A028), as applicable to your model helicopter. If any 
bolt heads are missing, do the following:
    (1) If one bolt head is missing, do the actions under the 
section ``If only one screw head (a) is missing'' in the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b of ASB AS350-
05.00.92, ASB AS355-05.00.79, or ASB EC130-05A028, as applicable to 
your model helicopter, except you are not required to return removed 
parts to Airbus Helicopters. You must do the repair before further 
flight, and you must submit the photographs and reply form to Airbus 
Helicopters within 30 days of completing the inspection.
    (2) If two or more bolt heads are missing, before further 
flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, Safety 
Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch. For a repair method 
to be approved by the Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft 
Standards Branch, as required by this paragraph, the Manager's 
approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD: Airbus Helicopters refers to 
the bolts as screws.

(f) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and 
reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this 
collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding 
this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of 
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

(h) 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: 
Kristi Bradley, 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.

(i) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Standard Practices Manual (MTC) 20-02-05-404, 
Assembly by screws and nuts Joining, dated May 23, 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 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.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (previously European Aviation Safety Agency) 
(EASA) AD No. 2018-0152, dated July 18, 2018. You may view the EASA 
AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.

 (j) Subject

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

    Issued on April 7, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
 Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-07669 Filed 4-10-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P