[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 72 (Friday, April 16, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20089-20091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-07623]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0293; Product Identifier 2017-SW-052-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
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 Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model 
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and 
EC135T3 helicopters. This proposed AD would require modification of the 
tail rotor (T/R) control installation, a functional test, and 
corrective actions as necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by cases 
of insufficient clearance between a certain T/R control bearing 
connection and the helicopter structure, which were detected on the 
production line. The FAA is proposing this AD to address an unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 1, 
2021.

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.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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.

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-2019-
0293; 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 NPRM, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Aircraft Systems Section, Technical Innovation Policy 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 send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-0293; Product Identifier 
2017-SW-052-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated

[[Page 20090]]

as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or 
responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the 
submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission 
containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked 
submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed 
in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be 
sent to David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Aircraft Systems 
Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, FAA, 10101 Hill wood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2017-0147, dated August 10, 2017 
(EASA AD 2017-0147), 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 that several cases of insufficient 
clearance between a certain T/R bearing connection and the helicopter 
structure were detected during inspections of helicopters on the 
production line. EASA states that this condition, if not corrected and 
in the case of an unglued bearing, could lead to blockage of the pedal 
controlling the T/R thrust and loss of the T/R control. EASA further 
advises that this could result in a forced landing with damage to the 
helicopter and injury to the occupants.
    Accordingly, EASA AD 2017-0147 requires modifying the T/R control 
installation by adding a Teflon washer, which reduces the degree of 
freedom in case of a drifting bearing at the affected connection. EASA 
AD 2017-0147 also requires a functional test for clearance, and 
depending on the results, either accomplishing additional corrective 
actions or contacting Airbus Helicopters for instructions.

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 about the 
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is issuing this NPRM 
after determining that an unsafe condition described previously 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 Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC135-
67A-031, Revision 0, dated March 30, 2017 (ASB EC135-67A-031), for 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, 
EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1, EC635T2+, and 
EC635T3 helicopters. For serial numbers (S/N) up to 1254 inclusive, 
except S/N 1235, this service information specifies retrofitting a 
Teflon washer on the T/R controls, performing a functional test of the 
modified T/R control installation to inspect for clearance, and making 
any necessary adjustments. This service information advises that S/N 
1255 and up will have the Teflon washer installed in production.
    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 in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would apply to Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, 
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC125T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters with a S/N up to 
1254 inclusive (except for S/N 1235) and would require modifying the T/
R control within 360 hours time-in-service (TIS) by installing a Teflon 
washer and performing a functional test in accordance with specified 
portions of ASB EC135-67A-031. Based on the results of the functional 
test, this proposed AD would require making repairs in accordance with 
FAA-approved procedures.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD sets compliance times at 12 months, while this proposed 
AD would require compliance within 360 hours TIS. The EASA AD applies 
to Airbus Helicopters Model 635 T1, 635 T2+, 635 T3, 635 P2+, 635 P3 
helicopters, and this proposed AD would not because those models do not 
have an FAA type certificate. The EASA AD requires contacting Airbus 
Helicopters for approved repair procedures, while this proposed AD 
would require a repair using FAA-approved procedures. The EASA AD 
requires revising the ``aircraft maintenance program,'' whereas this AD 
does not because not all U.S. operators are required to have a 
maintenance program.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 331 helicopters of U.S. registry. Labor rates are estimated at 
$85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the 
following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
    Modifying the T/R control installation and conducting a functional 
test would take about 3 work-hours and parts would cost about $25 for 
an estimated cost of $280 per helicopter and $92,680 for the U.S. 
fleet.
    If required, adjusting the clearance would take about 1 work-hour 
for an estimated cost of $85 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, 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.

[[Page 20091]]

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:

Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2019-0293; 
Product Identifier 2017-SW-052-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by June 1, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and 
EC135T3 helicopters with serial number (S/N) up to and including 
1254 (except S/N 1235), certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor 
Control System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as interference between the 
tail rotor (T/R) control bearing connection close-tolerance bolt and 
the helicopter structure, which could lead to blockage of the pedal 
controlling the T/R thrust. This condition could result in loss of 
T/R control, prompting a forced landing.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    Within 360 hours time-in-service, modify the T/R control by 
installing a Teflon washer and perform a functional test of the 
modification in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3.B.2 through 3.B.4.2., of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin ASB EC135-67A-031, Revision 0, dated March 30, 
2017. If, during the functional test, the clearance between the end 
of the close[hyphen]tolerance bolt, castellated nut, and the lower 
stringer is less than 1.0 mm, repair in accordance with FAA-approved 
procedures.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. Information may be 
emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact David Hatfield, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Aircraft Systems Section, Technical 
Innovation Policy Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 
76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected].
    (2) 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.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2017-0147, dated August 10, 2017. You may 
view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in 
the AD Docket.

    Issued on April 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-07623 Filed 4-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P