Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 4267-4269 [2014-00837]

Download as PDF 4267 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 79, No. 17 Monday, January 27, 2014 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each week. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0634; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–023–AD; Amendment 39–17725; AD 2014–01–02] 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 certain Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model EC135P2+ and EC135T2+ helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the mechanical air conditioning system compressor bearing block upper bearing (upper bearing) for corrosion, leaking grease, condensation, or water. This AD was prompted by metallic debris from an upper bearing found in the air inlet areas of both engines in a Model EC135P2+ helicopter. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent metallic debris from damaging the engine, causing loss of engine power, and subsequent loss of helicopter control. DATES: This AD is effective March 3, 2014. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of March 3, 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. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:20 Jan 24, 2014 Jkt 232001 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 AD, 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, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matt.wilbanks@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On July 23, 2013, at 78 FR 44050, 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 EC135P2+ and EC135T2+ helicopters, serial numbers 870, 872, 873, 879, 883, 884, 888, 893, 900, 905, 911, 914, 916, 917, 923, and 926, with an upper bearing, part number (P/N) L210M1872105, installed. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the upper bearing for corrosion, leaking grease, condensation, or water. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent metallic debris from damaging the engine, causing loss of engine power, and subsequent loss of helicopter control. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2011–0111R1, dated September 22, 2011, issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA AD No. 2011–0111R1 revises EASA AD No. 2011–0111, dated June 10, 2011, to correct an unsafe condition for certain Model EC135P2+ and EC135T2+ PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 helicopters. EASA advises that metallic debris was found within the air inlet area of both engines during a pre-flight check of an EC135 P2+ helicopter. A subsequent investigation showed that the debris came from the bearing cage of a ball bearing in the air conditioning compressor bearing block, and that it damaged the compressor stage of one of the engines to such an extent that the engine had to be overhauled, according to EASA. EASA notes that as this mechanical air conditioning system was introduced recently on the production line, only a limited number of helicopters are affected. But if not detected and corrected, this unsafe condition ‘‘could lead to further cases of bearing case failure, possibly resulting in loss of engine power and reduced control of the helicopter,’’ EASA reports. EASA AD No. 2011–0111R1 requires repetitive inspections of the affected ball bearing for indications that the upper bearing is failing and, depending on the findings, deactivating the air conditioning system. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 44050, July 23, 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 safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Related Service Information Eurocopter issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) EC135–21A– 013, Revision 0, dated June 6, 2011, to provide instructions for inspections after debris from the bearing cage of a ball bearing was found in the air inlet area of both engines of an EC135P2+ helicopter. Eurocopter followed the EASB with Service Bulletin EC135–21– E:\FR\FM\27JAR1.SGM 27JAR1 4268 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 17 / Monday, January 27, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 015, Revision 0, dated July 12, 2011, to introduce the replacement of the affected compressor bearing block with a ‘‘new, improved’’ compressor bearing block. 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. in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3.B.3, Paragraphs (a) through (ai) of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. EC135–21A–013, Revision 0, dated June 6, 2011. Costs of Compliance List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) We estimate that this AD affects 1 helicopter of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs: • Inspecting the upper bearing for corrosion, leaking grease, condensation or water requires 4 work-hours for a labor cost of $340. No parts are needed. • Deactivating the air conditioning system requires 6 work-hours for a labor cost of $510. No parts are needed. 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: 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. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES 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 14:20 Jan 24, 2014 Jkt 232001 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES ■ Authority for This Rulemaking VerDate Mar<15>2010 Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 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): ■ 2014–01–02 Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters: Amendment 39–17725; Docket No. FAA–2013–0634; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–023–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model EC135P2+ and EC135T2+ helicopters, serial numbers 870, 872, 873, 879, 883, 884, 888, 893, 900, 905, 911, 914, 916, 917, 923, and 926, with a mechanical air conditioning system compressor bearing block upper bearing (upper bearing) part number L210M1872105 installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as metallic debris in the engine inlet areas. This condition could result in failure of an engine, loss of engine power, and subsequent loss of helicopter control. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective March 3, 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. Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS): (1) Visually inspect the upper bearing for corrosion, leaking grease, condensation, or water. (2) If there is condensation but no corrosion, leaking grease, or water, repeat this inspection at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS. (3) If there is no corrosion, leaking grease, condensation, or water, repeat this inspection at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS. (4) If there is corrosion, leaking grease, or water, deactivate the air conditioning system PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, 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. (g) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter Service Bulletin EC135–21– 015, Revision 0, dated July 12, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. You may review a copy of this service information at the 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. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2011–0111R1, dated September 22, 2011. You may view a copy of the EASA AD in the AD Docket on the Internet at http:/www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2013–0634. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2100, air conditioning system. (i) 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) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. EC135–21A–013, Revision 0, dated June 6, 2011. (ii) Reserved. (3) 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. (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. E:\FR\FM\27JAR1.SGM 27JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 17 / Monday, January 27, 2014 / Rules and Regulations (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. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 2, 2014. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–00837 Filed 1–24–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0095; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–197–AD; Amendment 39–17699; AD 2013–25–03] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directives (ADs) AD 2000–17–05 and AD 2001–04–09 for all the Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. AD 2000–17–05 required a functional check of the shear rivets in all six elevator power control actuator (PCA) bellcrank assemblies to determine the condition of the shear rivets; and replacement or rework of the bellcrank assemblies, if necessary. AD 2001–04– 09 required repetitive testing of the elevator control system to determine if an elevator PCA is rigged incorrectly due to yielded or failed shear rivets in a bellcrank assembly for the elevator PCA, and follow-on actions if necessary. Since we issued ADs 2000–17–05 and 2001–04–09, a terminating modification has been designed. This new AD requires an inspection to determine the part numbers and condition of the bellcrank assemblies; modification or replacement of the PCA bellcrank assembly, if necessary; and a repetitive functional test and mis-rig check, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent continued operation with yielded or failed shear rivets in the elevator PCA bellcrank assemblies, and to prevent certain failures or jams in the elevator system from causing a hardover of the elevator surface, resulting in a significant pitch pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:20 Jan 24, 2014 Jkt 232001 4269 upset and possible loss of control of the airplane. DATES: This AD is effective March 3, 2014. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 3, 2014. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of November 28, 2007 (72 FR 67236, November 28, 2007). The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of March 20, 2001 (66 FR 13227, March 5, 2001). The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of September 11, 2000 (65 FR 51754, August 25, 2000). ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. part 39 to supersede AD 2000–17–05, Amendment 39–11879 (65 FR 51754, August 25, 2000); and AD 2001–04–09, Amendment 39–12128 (66 FR 13227, March 5, 2001). ADs 2000–17–05 and 2001–04–09 applied to the specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2013 (78 FR 12991). The NPRM proposed to continue to require a functional check of the shear rivets in all six PCA bellcrank assemblies to determine the condition of the shear rivets; and replacement or rework of the bellcrank assemblies, if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to continue to require repetitive testing of the elevator control system to determine if an elevator PCA is rigged incorrectly due to failed shear rivets in a bellcrank assembly of the elevator PCA, and follow-on actions if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require an inspection to determine the part numbers and condition of the bellcrank assemblies; modification or replacement of the PCA bellcrank assembly, if necessary; and a repetitive functional test and mis-rig check, and corrective actions if necessary. Examining the AD Docket Request To Withdraw the NPRM (78 FR 12991, February 26, 2013) 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marie Hogestad, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM– 130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6418; fax: 425–917–6590; email: marie.hogestad@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal (78 FR 12991, February 26, 2013) and the FAA’s response to each comment. United Airlines (UAL) requested that we withdraw the NPRM (78 FR 12991, February 26, 2013). UAL stated that there may be no benefit to superseding AD 2001–04–09, Amendment 39–12128 (66 FR 13227, March 5, 2001), because current actions provide an equivalent level of safety. UAL stated that, as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) to AD 2001–04–09, it is presently accomplishing the actions described in the following service bulletins. UAL stated that it is effectively complying with the NPRM, and indicated other airlines may be as well. • Boeing Service Bulletin 767–27– 0186, dated June 25, 2007. • Boeing Service Bulletin 767–27– 0187, dated June 25, 2007. • Boeing Service Bulletin 767–27– 0200, dated June 25, 2007. • Boeing Service Bulletin 767–27– 0201, dated June 27, 2007. • Boeing Service Bulletin 767–27– 0202, Revision 1, dated February 21, 2008. E:\FR\FM\27JAR1.SGM 27JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 17 (Monday, January 27, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4267-4269]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-00837]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
week.

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


Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 17 / Monday, January 27, 2014 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 4267]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0634; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-023-AD; 
Amendment 39-17725; AD 2014-01-02]
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 certain 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model EC135P2+ and EC135T2+ 
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the mechanical air 
conditioning system compressor bearing block upper bearing (upper 
bearing) for corrosion, leaking grease, condensation, or water. This AD 
was prompted by metallic debris from an upper bearing found in the air 
inlet areas of both engines in a Model EC135P2+ helicopter. The actions 
of this AD are intended to prevent metallic debris from damaging the 
engine, causing loss of engine power, and subsequent loss of helicopter 
control.

DATES: This AD is effective March 3, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of March 3, 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. 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 AD, 
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, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email matt.wilbanks@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On July 23, 2013, at 78 FR 44050, 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 
EC135P2+ and EC135T2+ helicopters, serial numbers 870, 872, 873, 879, 
883, 884, 888, 893, 900, 905, 911, 914, 916, 917, 923, and 926, with an 
upper bearing, part number (P/N) L210M1872105, installed.
    The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the upper bearing for 
corrosion, leaking grease, condensation, or water. The proposed 
requirements were intended to prevent metallic debris from damaging the 
engine, causing loss of engine power, and subsequent loss of helicopter 
control.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2011-0111R1, dated September 22, 
2011, issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is 
the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA 
AD No. 2011-0111R1 revises EASA AD No. 2011-0111, dated June 10, 2011, 
to correct an unsafe condition for certain Model EC135P2+ and EC135T2+ 
helicopters. EASA advises that metallic debris was found within the air 
inlet area of both engines during a pre-flight check of an EC135 P2+ 
helicopter. A subsequent investigation showed that the debris came from 
the bearing cage of a ball bearing in the air conditioning compressor 
bearing block, and that it damaged the compressor stage of one of the 
engines to such an extent that the engine had to be overhauled, 
according to EASA.
    EASA notes that as this mechanical air conditioning system was 
introduced recently on the production line, only a limited number of 
helicopters are affected. But if not detected and corrected, this 
unsafe condition ``could lead to further cases of bearing case failure, 
possibly resulting in loss of engine power and reduced control of the 
helicopter,'' EASA reports. EASA AD No. 2011-0111R1 requires repetitive 
inspections of the affected ball bearing for indications that the upper 
bearing is failing and, depending on the findings, deactivating the air 
conditioning system.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 44050, July 23, 
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 safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) EC135-
21A-013, Revision 0, dated June 6, 2011, to provide instructions for 
inspections after debris from the bearing cage of a ball bearing was 
found in the air inlet area of both engines of an EC135P2+ helicopter. 
Eurocopter followed the EASB with Service Bulletin EC135-21-

[[Page 4268]]

015, Revision 0, dated July 12, 2011, to introduce the replacement of 
the affected compressor bearing block with a ``new, improved'' 
compressor bearing block.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1 helicopter of U.S. Registry and 
that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, 
we expect the following costs:
     Inspecting the upper bearing for corrosion, leaking 
grease, condensation or water requires 4 work-hours for a labor cost of 
$340. No parts are needed.
     Deactivating the air conditioning system requires 6 work-
hours for a labor cost of $510. No parts are needed.

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):

2014-01-02 Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters: Amendment 39-
17725; Docket No. FAA-2013-0634; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-023-
AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) 
Model EC135P2+ and EC135T2+ helicopters, serial numbers 870, 872, 
873, 879, 883, 884, 888, 893, 900, 905, 911, 914, 916, 917, 923, and 
926, with a mechanical air conditioning system compressor bearing 
block upper bearing (upper bearing) part number L210M1872105 
installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as metallic debris in the 
engine inlet areas.
    This condition could result in failure of an engine, loss of 
engine power, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 3, 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.

    Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (1) Visually inspect the upper bearing for corrosion, leaking 
grease, condensation, or water.
    (2) If there is condensation but no corrosion, leaking grease, 
or water, repeat this inspection at intervals not to exceed 25 hours 
TIS.
    (3) If there is no corrosion, leaking grease, condensation, or 
water, repeat this inspection at intervals not to exceed 100 hours 
TIS.
    (4) If there is corrosion, leaking grease, or water, deactivate 
the air conditioning system in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Section 3.B.3, Paragraphs (a) through (ai) of 
Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. EC135-21A-013, 
Revision 0, dated June 6, 2011.

(f) 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, Regulations and Policy Group, 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.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Eurocopter Service Bulletin EC135-21-015, Revision 0, dated 
July 12, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 
additional information about the subject of this AD. You may review 
a copy of this service information at the 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.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2011-0111R1, dated September 22, 2011. 
You may view a copy of the EASA AD in the AD Docket on the Internet 
at http:/www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2013-0634.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2100, air 
conditioning system.

(i) 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) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. EC135-21A-
013, Revision 0, dated June 6, 2011.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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.
    (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.

[[Page 4269]]

    (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 January 2, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-00837 Filed 1-24-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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