Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 16196-16198 [2013-05872]

Download as PDF 16196 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 78, No. 50 Thursday, March 14, 2013 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0239; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–087–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) EC 135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters equipped with a certain main transmission housing upper part. This proposed AD would require installing a corrugated washer in the middle of the main transmission filter housing upper part and modifying the main transmission housing upper part. This proposed AD is prompted by an inspection of housing upper parts that revealed the bypass inlet in the oil filter area was not manufactured in accordance with applicable design specifications. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of the main transmission and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 13, 2013. 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 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:02 Mar 13, 2013 Jkt 229001 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 or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232– 0323, fax (972) 641–3775, or at https:// www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email chinh.vuong@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite 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. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued AD No. 2010–0213, dated October 14, 2010 (AD 2010–0213), to correct an unsafe condition for the ECD model EC 135 and EC635 helicopters. EASA advises that a recent inspection on some housing upper parts for the main transmission FS108 revealed the bypass inlet in the oil filter area had not been manufactured in accordance with the applicable design specifications. EASA advises that this condition, if not detected and corrected, could adversely affect the oil-filter bypass function, which is essential for continued safe flight. The EASA AD requires a temporary modification of the main transmission housing upper part by installing a corrugated washer, and then a ‘‘rework’’ of the oil filter area to bring the affected parts within the applicable design specifications. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of the Republic 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 proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Related Service Information ECD has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) ASB EC135–63A–017, Revision 0, dated October 11, 2010 (EC135–63A– 017), which specifies removing the oil filter element and installing a corrugated washer. EC135–63A–017 also specifies reworking the affected filter housing upper part at the next repair or major overhaul of the main transmission, no later than 4,000 flight E:\FR\FM\14MRP1.SGM 14MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 50 / Thursday, March 14, 2013 / Proposed Rules hours after receipt of the service bulletin. EASA classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD 2010–0213 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters. We have also reviewed ZF Luftfahrttechnik GmbH Service Instruction No. EC135FS108–1659– 1009, dated September 14, 2010, which specifies procedures for repairing the main transmission upper housing, and includes dimensions and tolerances for machining the housing upper part. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require compliance with specified portions of the manufacturer’s service information. This proposed AD would require: • Within three months, installing a corrugated washer in the filter housing of the housing upper part; and • Within 4,000 hours time-in-service, modifying each affected main transmission housing upper part by machining the oil filter bypass inlet. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD applies to Model EC 635 helicopters. The proposed AD does not, as this model is not typecertificated in the U.S. Costs of Compliance tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 227 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Based on an average labor rate of $85 per work hour, we estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this proposed AD. Installing the corrugated washer would require about .5 work hour, and required parts would cost about $10, for a cost per helicopter of about $53, and a total cost to the U.S. operator fleet of $12,031. Machining the housing upper part would require about 5 work-hours and required parts would cost about $73, for a total cost per helicopter of $498, and a total cost to U.S. operators of $113,046. According to the ECD ASB, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Eurocopter. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:02 Mar 13, 2013 Jkt 229001 16197 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. § 39.13 Regulatory Findings (b) Unsafe Condition We 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. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the 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. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. This AD defines the unsafe condition as an improperly manufactured bypass inlet in the oil filter area. This condition could adversely affect the oil-filter bypass function, resulting in failure of the main transmission and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new Airworthiness Directive (AD): ■ Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA–2013–0239; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–087–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters with a main transmission FS108 housing upper part, part number (P/ N) 4649 301 034 and a serial number listed in Table 1 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135–63A–017, Revision 0, dated October 11, 2010 (ASB EC135–63A–017), certificated in any category. (c) Reserved (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 (1) Within 3 months, remove the oil filter element and install a corrugated washer, P/ N 0630100377, in the middle of the filter housing of the housing upper part as depicted in Figure 2 of ASB EC135–63A–017. (2) Within 4,000 hours time-in-service or at the next main transmission repair or overhaul, whichever occurs first, machine the main transmission housing upper part in accordance with Annex A of ZF Luftfahrttechnik GmbH Service Instruction No. EC135FS108–1659–1009, dated September 14, 2010. (3) Do not install a main transmission upper part, P/N 4649 301 034, on any helicopter unless it has been modified as required by paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(2) of this AD. (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email chinh.vuong@faa.gov. (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 certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. E:\FR\FM\14MRP1.SGM 14MRP1 16198 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 50 / Thursday, March 14, 2013 / Proposed Rules (g) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2010–0213, dated October 14, 2010. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320: Main Rotor Gearbox. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 6, 2013. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–05872 Filed 3–13–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0210; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–053–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model MD–11 and MD–11F airplanes. The existing AD currently requires inspecting to determine if wires touch the upper surface of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank, and marking the location, as necessary; inspecting all wire bundles above the center upper auxiliary fuel tank for splices and damage; inspecting for damage to the fuel vapor barrier seal and upper surface of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank; and performing corrective actions, as necessary. The existing AD also requires installing nonmetallic barrier/shield sleeving, new clamps, new attaching hardware, and a new extruded channel. The existing AD resulted from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. Since we issued that AD, we have identified additional center upper auxiliary fuel tank locations where inspections and corrective actions are needed. We are proposing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 29, 2013. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:02 Mar 13, 2013 Jkt 229001 You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800–0019, Long Beach, CA 90846–0001; telephone 206–544– 5000, extension 2; fax 206–766–5683; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. ADDRESSES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: (562) 627–5262; fax: (562) 627–5210; email: samuel.lee@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2013–0210; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–053–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion On December 16, 2009, we issued AD 2009–26–16, Amendment 39–16155 (74 FR 69249, December 31, 2009), for certain McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model MD–11 and MD–11F airplanes. That AD requires inspecting to determine if wires touch the upper surface of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank, and marking the location, as necessary; inspecting all wire bundles above the center upper auxiliary fuel tank for splices and damage; inspecting for damage to the fuel vapor barrier seal and upper surface of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank; and corrective actions, as necessary. That AD also requires installing nonmetallic barrier/ shield sleeving, new clamps, new attaching hardware, and a new extruded channel. That AD resulted from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We issued that AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. Actions Since AD 2009–26–16, Amendment 39–16155 (74 FR 69249, December 31, 2009), Was Issued AD 2009–26–16, Amendment 39– 16155 (74 FR 69249, December 31, 2009) refers to Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126, Revision 1, dated June 18, 2009, as the appropriate source of service information for the required actions. Boeing has since revised this service information. We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126, Revision 4, dated November 29, 2011, which added additional work for certain airplanes. This additional work includes inspecting an additional wire bundle and installing additional sleeving, clamping, and an extruded channel over the center upper auxiliary fuel tank. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126, Revision 4, dated November 29, 2011. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this service E:\FR\FM\14MRP1.SGM 14MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 50 (Thursday, March 14, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16196-16198]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-05872]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 50 / Thursday, March 14, 2013 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 16196]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0239; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-087-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) EC 135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ 
helicopters equipped with a certain main transmission housing upper 
part. This proposed AD would require installing a corrugated washer in 
the middle of the main transmission filter housing upper part and 
modifying the main transmission housing upper part. This proposed AD is 
prompted by an inspection of housing upper parts that revealed the 
bypass inlet in the oil filter area was not manufactured in accordance 
with applicable design specifications. The proposed actions are 
intended to prevent failure of the main transmission and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 13, 2013.

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 or in person at the Docket Operations Office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in 
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75052, telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3775, 
or at https://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
chinh.vuong@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

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

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued AD No. 
2010-0213, dated October 14, 2010 (AD 2010-0213), to correct an unsafe 
condition for the ECD model EC 135 and EC635 helicopters. EASA advises 
that a recent inspection on some housing upper parts for the main 
transmission FS108 revealed the bypass inlet in the oil filter area had 
not been manufactured in accordance with the applicable design 
specifications. EASA advises that this condition, if not detected and 
corrected, could adversely affect the oil-filter bypass function, which 
is essential for continued safe flight. The EASA AD requires a 
temporary modification of the main transmission housing upper part by 
installing a corrugated washer, and then a ``rework'' of the oil filter 
area to bring the affected parts within the applicable design 
specifications.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
the Republic 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 proposing this AD because we evaluated all 
known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Related Service Information

    ECD has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) ASB EC135-63A-017, 
Revision 0, dated October 11, 2010 (EC135-63A-017), which specifies 
removing the oil filter element and installing a corrugated washer. 
EC135-63A-017 also specifies reworking the affected filter housing 
upper part at the next repair or major overhaul of the main 
transmission, no later than 4,000 flight

[[Page 16197]]

hours after receipt of the service bulletin. EASA classified this ASB 
as mandatory and issued AD 2010-0213 to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these helicopters.
    We have also reviewed ZF Luftfahrttechnik GmbH Service Instruction 
No. EC135FS108-1659-1009, dated September 14, 2010, which specifies 
procedures for repairing the main transmission upper housing, and 
includes dimensions and tolerances for machining the housing upper 
part.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require compliance with specified portions 
of the manufacturer's service information. This proposed AD would 
require:
     Within three months, installing a corrugated washer in the 
filter housing of the housing upper part; and
     Within 4,000 hours time-in-service, modifying each 
affected main transmission housing upper part by machining the oil 
filter bypass inlet.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Model EC 635 helicopters. The proposed AD 
does not, as this model is not type-certificated in the U.S.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 227 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. Based on an average labor rate of $85 per work hour, we 
estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this proposed AD. Installing the corrugated washer would 
require about .5 work hour, and required parts would cost about $10, 
for a cost per helicopter of about $53, and a total cost to the U.S. 
operator fleet of $12,031. Machining the housing upper part would 
require about 5 work-hours and required parts would cost about $73, for 
a total cost per helicopter of $498, and a total cost to U.S. operators 
of $113,046.
    According to the ECD ASB, some of the costs of this proposed AD may 
be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Eurocopter. 
Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.

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 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. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We 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 adding the following new Airworthiness 
Directive (AD):

Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2013-0239; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-SW-087-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 P1, 
P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters with a main transmission FS108 
housing upper part, part number (P/N) 4649 301 034 and a serial 
number listed in Table 1 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135-
63A-017, Revision 0, dated October 11, 2010 (ASB EC135-63A-017), 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an improperly 
manufactured bypass inlet in the oil filter area. This condition 
could adversely affect the oil-filter bypass function, resulting in 
failure of the main transmission and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

(c) Reserved

(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

    (1) Within 3 months, remove the oil filter element and install a 
corrugated washer, P/N 0630100377, in the middle of the filter 
housing of the housing upper part as depicted in Figure 2 of ASB 
EC135-63A-017.
    (2) Within 4,000 hours time-in-service or at the next main 
transmission repair or overhaul, whichever occurs first, machine the 
main transmission housing upper part in accordance with Annex A of 
ZF Luftfahrttechnik GmbH Service Instruction No. EC135FS108-1659-
1009, dated September 14, 2010.
    (3) Do not install a main transmission upper part, P/N 4649 301 
034, on any helicopter unless it has been modified as required by 
paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(2) of this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email chinh.vuong@faa.gov.
    (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 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

[[Page 16198]]

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency AD No. 2010-0213, dated October 14, 2010.

 (h) Subject

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


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 6, 2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-05872 Filed 3-13-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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