Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 78710-78713 [2013-30466]
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78710
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 249 / Friday, December 27, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 4, 2013.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort
Worth, Texas 76137.
Examining the AD Docket
[FR Doc. 2013–30066 Filed 12–26–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0340; Directorate
Identifier 2010–SW–081–AD; Amendment
39–17630; AD 2013–21–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
(Eurocopter) Model EC135 P1, EC135
P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 T1, EC135 T2,
EC135 T2+, and MBB–BK 117 C–2
helicopters with a certain external
mounted hoist system (hoist) with boom
support assembly (boom) installed. This
AD requires inspecting the boom for a
crack and, if a crack exists, replacing the
boom with an airworthy boom. Until the
boom is inspected, this AD requires,
before further flight, and thereafter
before the first flight of each day,
checking the hoist for a crack. This AD
was prompted by cracks found on the
boom during a pre-flight check of a hoist
on an MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopter. The
actions of this AD are intended to detect
a crack and prevent failure of the boom,
loss of the boom and attached loads, and
subsequent loss of helicopter control.
DATES: This AD is effective January 31,
2014.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of January 31, 2014.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this 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, and
contact UTC Aerospace Systems
(formerly the Goodrich Corporation),
2727 East Imperial Highway, Brea, CA
92821; telephone (714) 984–1461; fax
714–984–1675, or at www.goodrich.com.
You may review the referenced service
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SUMMARY:
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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 AD, the foreign
authority’s ADs, any incorporated-byreference service information, the
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations Office, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
Wilbanks, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Rotorcraft Certification Office,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matt.wilbanks@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On April 15, 2013, at 78 FR 22209, the
Federal Register published our notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which
proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by
adding an AD that would apply to
Eurocopter Model EC135 P1, EC135 P2,
EC135 P2+, EC135 T1, EC135 T2 and
EC135 T2+ helicopters with a Goodrich
Corporation (Goodrich) hoist with a
boom, Part Number (P/N) 44301–500,
44307–500, or 44307–500–1 installed,
and Model MBB–BK 117 C–2
helicopters with a Goodrich hoist with
boom P/N 44307–500 installed. The
NPRM proposed to require dye
penetrant inspecting the boom for a
crack and, if a crack exists, replacing the
boom with an airworthy boom. Until the
inspection is completed, the NPRM
proposed to require, before the first
flight of each day, a visual check of the
hoist for a crack. The NPRM proposed
to allow an owner/operator (pilot)
holding at least a private pilot certificate
to conduct that check. The performance
of the check would be required to be
entered into the aircraft’s maintenance
records showing compliance with this
AD in accordance with applicable
regulations. This authorization marks an
exception to our standard maintenance
regulations. The proposed requirements
were intended to detect a crack and
prevent failure of the boom, loss of the
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Sfmt 4700
boom and attached loads, and
subsequent loss of helicopter control.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
2010–0154, dated August 13, 2010,
issued by the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union. EASA issued AD No.
2010–0154 to correct an unsafe
condition for Eurocopter Model MBB–
BK 117 C–2, EC135, and EC635 series
helicopters. EASA AD No. 2010–0154
supersedes EASA AD No. 2009–0093–E,
dated April 17, 2009. EASA advises that
cracks were detected on the boom, P/N
44307–500, during a pre-flight check of
the hoist on a Model MBB–BK 117 C–
2 helicopter. EASA advises that this
condition, if not detected and corrected,
would impair the structural strength of
the boom and could lead to failure of
the boom. EASA advises that this could
result in the loss of the boom and
attached loads. According to EASA,
boom P/Ns 44301–500 and 44307–500–
1 are of similar design to P/N 44307–
500, and therefore are also subject to
this unsafe condition. As a result, EASA
issued Emergency AD No. 2009–0093–E
to require repetitive visual checks of the
affected boom and removal or
replacement of the boom when cracks
are found.
EASA advises that since AD No.
2009–0093–E was issued, further
technical investigation determined that
torque values that were too high have
been applied. EASA advises that
Goodrich Corporation, the manufacturer
of the affected booms, had developed an
inspection that would determine the
need for further action. As a result,
EASA superseded its AD to include a
new inspection to detect damage, by
issuing EASA AD No. 2010–0154. EASA
AD states that if no damage is found
during this new inspection, that
constitutes terminating action.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we received no comments on the NPRM
(78 FR 22209, April 15, 2013).
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 the
EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
because we evaluated all information
provided by EASA and determined the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other helicopters of
these same type designs and that air
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 249 / Friday, December 27, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The EASA AD requires you to notify
and return parts to the manufacturer,
and this AD does not. The EASA AD
also applies to the Eurocopter EC635
series military helicopters, while this
AD does not because these models are
not type certificated in the United
States.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Emergency
Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No.
EC135–85A–036, Revision 2, dated June
23, 2010, and EASB No. MBB BK117 C–
2–85A–024, Revision 1, dated June 23,
2010, which specify a visual check of
the boom for cracks, and removing or
replacing the boom before the next flight
if there is a crack. The EASBs also
require compliance with the visual and
dye penetrant inspection procedures
specified in Goodrich Corporation
Service Bulletin 44307–500–03,
Revision 2, dated April 30, 2010. EASA
classified these EASBs as mandatory,
and issued EASA AD No. 2010–0154,
dated August 13, 2010, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these
helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 350
helicopters of U.S. Registry and a labor
rate of $85 per work-hour. Based on
these estimates, we expect the following
costs:
• We estimate that the cost of the
daily visual check is minimal.
• We estimate that removing the hoist
and boom assembly, performing the dye
penetrant inspection, and reinstalling
the equipment requires 1.5 work hours.
No parts are needed, for a total cost of
about $128 per helicopter and $44,800
for the U.S. fleet.
• Replacing the hoist and boom
assembly, if needed, requires about a
0.33 work-hour for a labor cost of about
$28. Parts cost $10,833 for a total cost
of $10,861 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
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Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
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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
helicopters identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
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.
We prepared an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
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78711
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2013–21–06 Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters: Amendment 39–17630;
Docket No. FAA–2013–0340; Directorate
Identifier 2010–SW–081–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH (Eurocopter) Model EC135 P1, EC135
P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, and
EC135 T2+ helicopters with a Goodrich
Corporation (Goodrich) external mounted
hoist system (hoist) with boom support
assembly (boom) Part Number (P/N) 44301–
500, 44307–500, or 44307–500–1 installed,
and Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopters
with a Goodrich hoist with boom P/N 44307–
500 installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in the boom. This condition could
result in loss of the boom and attached loads,
and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective January 31,
2014.
(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) Before further flight, and thereafter
before the first flight of each day until you
have performed the inspection required by
paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, clean the hoist
and visually check for a crack, paying
particular attention to the areas that are
circled as depicted in Figure 1 to paragraph
(e) of this AD. The actions required by this
paragraph may be performed by the 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 14 CFR
43.9(a)(1)–(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.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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BILLING CODE 4910–13–C
(2) Within 30 days, perform a dye
penetrant inspection of the boom in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, Section 2.D, of the Goodrich
Service Bulletin 44307–500–03, Revision 2,
dated April 30, 2010 (SB).
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18:49 Dec 26, 2013
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Note 1 to paragraph (e)(2) of this AD: A
copy of the SB is attached to Eurocopter
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB)
EC135–85A–036, Revision 2, and Eurocopter
EASB MBB BK117 C–2–85A–024, Revision 1,
both dated June 23, 2010.
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(3) If a crack exists in the boom, replace the
cracked boom with an airworthy boom before
further flight.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits would be allowed
provided the hoist is disabled during the
ferry flight.
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 249 / Friday, December 27, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Wilbanks,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft
Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate,
FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110;
email matt.wilbanks@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.
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(5) 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: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
(h) Additional Information
(1) Eurocopter EASB EC135–85A–036,
Revision 2, and Eurocopter EASB MBB
BK117 C–2–85A–024, Revision 1, both dated
June 23, 2010, which are not incorporated by
reference, contain additional information
about the subject of this AD. For Eurocopter
service information identified in this 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 a copy of the service information at
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2010–0154, dated August 13, 2010,
which supersedes EASA AD No. 2009–0093–
E, dated April 17, 2009. You may view the
EASA ADs on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–
2013–0340.
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(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5345, Fuselage, Equipment Attach
Fittings.
(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.
(i) Goodrich Service Bulletin 44307–500–
03, Revision 2, dated April 30, 2010.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Goodrich service information
identified in this 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, and contact the UTC Aerospace
Systems (formerly the Goodrich Corporation),
2727 East Imperial Highway, Brea, CA 92821;
telephone (714) 984–1461; fax 714–984–
1675, or at www.goodrich.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:49 Dec 26, 2013
Jkt 232001
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September
27, 2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–30466 Filed 12–26–13; 8:45 am]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 97
[Docket No. 30934; Amdt. No. 3569]
Standard Instrument Approach
Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums
and Obstacle Departure Procedures;
Miscellaneous Amendments
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This rule establishes, amends,
suspends, or revokes Standard
Instrument Approach Procedures
(SIAPs) and associated Takeoff
Minimums and Obstacle Departure
Procedures for operations at certain
airports. These regulatory actions are
needed because of the adoption of new
or revised criteria, or because of changes
occurring in the National Airspace
System, such as the commissioning of
new navigational facilities, adding new
obstacles, or changing air traffic
requirements. These changes are
designed to provide safe and efficient
use of the navigable airspace and to
promote safe flight operations under
instrument flight rules at the affected
airports.
This rule is effective December
27, 2013. The compliance date for each
SIAP, associated Takeoff Minimums,
and ODP is specified in the amendatory
provisions.
The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the
regulations is approved by the Director
of the Federal Register as of December
27, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Availability of matters
incorporated by reference in the
amendment is as follows:
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For Examination—
1. FAA Rules Docket, FAA
Headquarters Building, 800
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20591;
2. The FAA Regional Office of the
region in which the affected airport is
located;
3. The National Flight Procedures
Office, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd.,
Oklahoma City, OK 73169 or,
4. The National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call 202–741–6030,
or go to: https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Availability—All SIAPs and Takeoff
Minimums and ODPs are available
online free of charge. Visit https://
www.nfdc.faa.gov to register.
Additionally, individual SIAP and
Takeoff Minimums and ODP copies may
be obtained from:
1. FAA Public Inquiry Center (APA–
200), FAA Headquarters Building, 800
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20591; or
2. The FAA Regional Office of the
region in which the affected airport is
located.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUMMARY:
DATES:
78713
Richard A. Dunham III, Flight Procedure
Standards Branch (AFS–420), Flight
Technologies and Programs Divisions,
Flight Standards Service, Federal
Aviation Administration, Mike
Monroney Aeronautical Center, 6500
South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City,
OK 73169 (Mail Address: P.O. Box
25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125)
Telephone: (405) 954–4164.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule
amends Title 14 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 97 (14 CFR part 97), by
establishing, amending, suspending, or
revoking SIAPS, Takeoff Minimums
and/or ODPS. The complete regulators
description of each SIAP and its
associated Takeoff Minimums or ODP
for an identified airport is listed on FAA
form documents which are incorporated
by reference in this amendment under 5
U.S.C. 552(a), 1 CFR part 51, and 14
CFR 97.20. The applicable FAA Forms
are FAA Forms 8260–3, 8260–4, 8260–
5, 8260–15A, and 8260–15B when
required by an entry on 8260–15A.
The large number of SIAPs, Takeoff
Minimums and ODPs, in addition to
their complex nature and the need for
a special format make publication in the
Federal Register expensive and
impractical. Furthermore, airmen do not
use the regulatory text of the SIAPs,
Takeoff Minimums or ODPs, but instead
refer to their depiction on charts printed
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 249 (Friday, December 27, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78710-78713]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-30466]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0340; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-081-AD;
Amendment 39-17630; AD 2013-21-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model EC135 P1, EC135 P2,
EC135 P2+, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, and MBB-BK 117 C-2
helicopters with a certain external mounted hoist system (hoist) with
boom support assembly (boom) installed. This AD requires inspecting the
boom for a crack and, if a crack exists, replacing the boom with an
airworthy boom. Until the boom is inspected, this AD requires, before
further flight, and thereafter before the first flight of each day,
checking the hoist for a crack. This AD was prompted by cracks found on
the boom during a pre-flight check of a hoist on an MBB-BK 117 C-2
helicopter. The actions of this AD are intended to detect a crack and
prevent failure of the boom, loss of the boom and attached loads, and
subsequent loss of helicopter control.
DATES: This AD is effective January 31, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of January 31,
2014.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this 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, and contact UTC Aerospace
Systems (formerly the Goodrich Corporation), 2727 East Imperial
Highway, Brea, CA 92821; telephone (714) 984-1461; fax 714-984-1675, or
at www.goodrich.com. You may review the referenced service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
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 AD, the foreign authority's ADs,
any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110;
email matt.wilbanks@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On April 15, 2013, at 78 FR 22209, the Federal Register published
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Eurocopter Model EC135
P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 T1, EC135 T2 and EC135 T2+ helicopters
with a Goodrich Corporation (Goodrich) hoist with a boom, Part Number
(P/N) 44301-500, 44307-500, or 44307-500-1 installed, and Model MBB-BK
117 C-2 helicopters with a Goodrich hoist with boom P/N 44307-500
installed. The NPRM proposed to require dye penetrant inspecting the
boom for a crack and, if a crack exists, replacing the boom with an
airworthy boom. Until the inspection is completed, the NPRM proposed to
require, before the first flight of each day, a visual check of the
hoist for a crack. The NPRM proposed to allow an owner/operator (pilot)
holding at least a private pilot certificate to conduct that check. The
performance of the check would be required to be entered into the
aircraft's maintenance records showing compliance with this AD in
accordance with applicable regulations. This authorization marks an
exception to our standard maintenance regulations. The proposed
requirements were intended to detect a crack and prevent failure of the
boom, loss of the boom and attached loads, and subsequent loss of
helicopter control.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2010-0154, dated August 13, 2010,
issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA
issued AD No. 2010-0154 to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter
Model MBB-BK 117 C-2, EC135, and EC635 series helicopters. EASA AD No.
2010-0154 supersedes EASA AD No. 2009-0093-E, dated April 17, 2009.
EASA advises that cracks were detected on the boom, P/N 44307-500,
during a pre-flight check of the hoist on a Model MBB-BK 117 C-2
helicopter. EASA advises that this condition, if not detected and
corrected, would impair the structural strength of the boom and could
lead to failure of the boom. EASA advises that this could result in the
loss of the boom and attached loads. According to EASA, boom P/Ns
44301-500 and 44307-500-1 are of similar design to P/N 44307-500, and
therefore are also subject to this unsafe condition. As a result, EASA
issued Emergency AD No. 2009-0093-E to require repetitive visual checks
of the affected boom and removal or replacement of the boom when cracks
are found.
EASA advises that since AD No. 2009-0093-E was issued, further
technical investigation determined that torque values that were too
high have been applied. EASA advises that Goodrich Corporation, the
manufacturer of the affected booms, had developed an inspection that
would determine the need for further action. As a result, EASA
superseded its AD to include a new inspection to detect damage, by
issuing EASA AD No. 2010-0154. EASA AD states that if no damage is
found during this new inspection, that constitutes terminating action.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 22209, April
15, 2013).
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
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same
type designs and that air
[[Page 78711]]
safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires you to notify and return parts to the
manufacturer, and this AD does not. The EASA AD also applies to the
Eurocopter EC635 series military helicopters, while this AD does not
because these models are not type certificated in the United States.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No.
EC135-85A-036, Revision 2, dated June 23, 2010, and EASB No. MBB BK117
C-2-85A-024, Revision 1, dated June 23, 2010, which specify a visual
check of the boom for cracks, and removing or replacing the boom before
the next flight if there is a crack. The EASBs also require compliance
with the visual and dye penetrant inspection procedures specified in
Goodrich Corporation Service Bulletin 44307-500-03, Revision 2, dated
April 30, 2010. EASA classified these EASBs as mandatory, and issued
EASA AD No. 2010-0154, dated August 13, 2010, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 350 helicopters of U.S. Registry
and a labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we
expect the following costs:
We estimate that the cost of the daily visual check is
minimal.
We estimate that removing the hoist and boom assembly,
performing the dye penetrant inspection, and reinstalling the equipment
requires 1.5 work hours. No parts are needed, for a total cost of about
$128 per helicopter and $44,800 for the U.S. fleet.
Replacing the hoist and boom assembly, if needed, requires
about a 0.33 work-hour for a labor cost of about $28. Parts cost
$10,833 for a total cost of $10,861 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 helicopters identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
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.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this 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.
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2013-21-06 Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters: Amendment 39-
17630; Docket No. FAA-2013-0340; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-081-
AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter)
Model EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, and EC135
T2+ helicopters with a Goodrich Corporation (Goodrich) external
mounted hoist system (hoist) with boom support assembly (boom) Part
Number (P/N) 44301-500, 44307-500, or 44307-500-1 installed, and
Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters with a Goodrich hoist with boom P/N
44307-500 installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in the boom.
This condition could result in loss of the boom and attached loads,
and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective January 31, 2014.
(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) Before further flight, and thereafter before the first
flight of each day until you have performed the inspection required
by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, clean the hoist and visually check
for a crack, paying particular attention to the areas that are
circled as depicted in Figure 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD. The
actions required by this paragraph may be performed by the 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 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)-(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.
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(2) Within 30 days, perform a dye penetrant inspection of the
boom in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Section
2.D, of the Goodrich Service Bulletin 44307-500-03, Revision 2,
dated April 30, 2010 (SB).
Note 1 to paragraph (e)(2) of this AD: A copy of the SB is
attached to Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB)
EC135-85A-036, Revision 2, and Eurocopter EASB MBB BK117 C-2-85A-
024, Revision 1, both dated June 23, 2010.
(3) If a crack exists in the boom, replace the cracked boom with
an airworthy boom before further flight.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits would be allowed provided the hoist is
disabled during the ferry flight.
[[Page 78713]]
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate,
FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817)
222-5110; email matt.wilbanks@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.
(h) Additional Information
(1) Eurocopter EASB EC135-85A-036, Revision 2, and Eurocopter
EASB MBB BK117 C-2-85A-024, Revision 1, both dated June 23, 2010,
which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional
information about the subject of this AD. For Eurocopter service
information identified in this 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 a copy of the service
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2010-0154, dated August 13, 2010, which
supersedes EASA AD No. 2009-0093-E, dated April 17, 2009. You may
view the EASA ADs on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA-2013-0340.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5345, Fuselage,
Equipment Attach Fittings.
(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.
(i) Goodrich Service Bulletin 44307-500-03, Revision 2, dated
April 30, 2010.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Goodrich service information identified in this 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, and contact
the UTC Aerospace Systems (formerly the Goodrich Corporation), 2727
East Imperial Highway, Brea, CA 92821; telephone (714) 984-1461; fax
714-984-1675, or at www.goodrich.com.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) 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: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 27, 2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-30466 Filed 12-26-13; 8:45 am]
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