Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (Previously Eurocopter France) Helicopters, 60334-60337 [2014-23594]

Download as PDF 60334 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 194 / Tuesday, October 7, 2014 / Rules and Regulations (h) Exceptions to the Service Information (1) Where the Compliance Time column of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–54– 0028, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2013, refers to the compliance time ‘‘after the Revision 1 date of this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires compliance after the effective date of this AD. (2) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–54–0028, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for repair: At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–54–0028, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2013, repair, using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. (i) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–54–0028, dated May 25, 2012. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACOAMOCRequests@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2013–11–14, Amendment 39–17474 (78 FR 35749, June 14, 2013), are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD. (k) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone: 425–917–6501; fax: 425–917– 6590; email: kevin.nguyen@faa.gov. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:08 Oct 06, 2014 Jkt 235001 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. (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on October 22, 2014. (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–54–0028, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2013. (ii) Reserved. (4) For Boeing 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. (5) You may view the 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. (6) 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 Renton, Washington, on September 23, 2014. Dionne Palermo, Acting Manager. Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–23545 Filed 10–6–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2014–0757; Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–030–AD; Amendment 39–17988; AD 2014–20–15] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (Previously Eurocopter France) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2012–02– 13 for certain Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (Airbus Helicopters) Model EC130B4 helicopters. AD 2012–02–13 required inspecting certain areas of the tailboom/ Fenestron junction frame (junction frame) for a crack. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2012–02–13, expands the inspection area of the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 junction frame, and reduces the repetitive inspection interval. These actions are intended to detect a crack in the junction frame, which could result in detachment of the Fenestron and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. This AD becomes effective October 22, 2014. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 22, 2014. We must receive comments on this AD by December 8, 2014. 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. DATES: 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any incorporated by reference service information, 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 AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641– 0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641– 3775; or at https:// www.airbushelicopters.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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email robert.grant@faa.gov. E:\FR\FM\07OCR1.SGM 07OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 194 / Tuesday, October 7, 2014 / Rules and Regulations SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, 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 resulted from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the AD, 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 them 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 rulemaking during the comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments. Discussion On January 23, 2012, we issued AD 2012–02–13, Amendment 39–16936 (77 FR 5994, February 7, 2012), which required repetitively inspecting the right-hand side of the junction frame for a crack, and if there was a crack, replacing the tailboom before further flight. AD 2012–02–13 was prompted by AD No. 2011–0116, dated July 6, 2011 (AD 2011–0116), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC130B4 helicopters. EASA advises of several reports of cracks in the junction frame developing in the plane of the rivet head countersink on the right-hand side of the Fenestron and spreading to the web of the frame. EASA further advises that this condition could lead to structural failure resulting in Fenestron detachment and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. EASA AD 2011–0116 required compliance with Eurocopter’s service information to repetitively inspect the affected area and depending on findings, accomplish corrective actions. Actions Since AD 2012–02–13 Was Issued Since we issued AD 2012–02–13, EASA has issued AD No. 2014–0114–E, VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:08 Oct 06, 2014 Jkt 235001 dated May 8, 2014, which superseded EASA AD 2011–0116, for Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 helicopters, except those with Modification (MOD) 073880, those with MOD 074609, or those that have been repaired in accordance with certain Repair Design Approval Sheets. EASA advises that after issuing EASA AD 2011–0116, Airbus Helicopters developed MOD 074609, which limits the risk of cracks appearing on the junction frame, and revised its service information to expand the area of inspection. EASA AD 2014–0114–E requires repetitively inspecting the entire circumference of the junction frame for a crack, and also requires altering the helicopter in accordance with MOD 074609 as a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. We have also determined that the repetitive inspection interval can be reduced to 40 hours time-in-service (TIS) as specified in the Airbus Helicopters service information. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with France, 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. Related Service Information Airbus Helicopters, Inc. has published Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 53A019, Revision 1, dated April 15, 2014 (EASB 53A019). EASB 53A019 describes procedures for inspecting the entire circumference of the junction frame from the inside and outside for cracks. If there is a crack, EASB 53A019 requires contacting Airbus Helicopters for approved repair instructions. Finally, if there is not a crack, EASB 53A019 requires altering the helicopter in accordance with MOD 074609 before December 12, 2017. AD Requirements This AD requires repetitively inspecting the circumference of the junction frame for a crack by complying with specified portions of the manufacturer’s service bulletin, and replacing the junction frame if there is a crack. This AD also prohibits installing a tailboom without MOD 073880 on any helicopter. PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 60335 Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD allows for flights for a certain period of time with known cracks, while this AD does not permit operations with known cracks. The EASA AD allows for an initial inspection which does not require stripping the paint, and then stripping the paint prior to inspection within 110 flight hours. This AD mandates stripping the paint as part of the initial inspection. The EASA AD requires altering the helicopter with MOD 074609 before December 31, 2017, and this AD does not. The EASA AD requires contacting Airbus Helicopters for repair instructions if there is a crack, while this AD requires replacing the junction frame. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 160 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Inspecting the junction frame for a crack will require 1 workhour at an average labor cost of $85 per hour, for a total cost per inspection cycle $85 per helicopter and $13,600 for the entire fleet. If required, replacing a tailboom will require 50 work-hours and required parts will cost $60,000, for a cost per helicopter of $64,250. FAA’s Justification and Determination of the Effective Date Providing an opportunity for public comments before adopting these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because the cracks are in a primary structure of the helicopter that may prevent further safe flight and the required corrective actions must be accomplished within 10 hours TIS, a very short time period for the air tour and helicopter emergency medical services operations of these helicopters. Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD, we determined notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. 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: E:\FR\FM\07OCR1.SGM 07OCR1 60336 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 194 / Tuesday, October 7, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 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 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, 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 asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) ■ VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:08 Oct 06, 2014 Jkt 235001 2012–02–13, Amendment 39–16936 (77 FR 5994, February 7, 2012), and adding the following new AD: 2014–20–15 Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (Previously Eurocopter France): Amendment 39–17988; Docket No. FAA–2014–0757; Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–030–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model EC130B4 helicopters that do not have Modification (MOD) 073880 incorporated, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as cracks on the tailboom/Fenestron junction frame (junction frame). This condition could result in structural failure of the tailboom, detachment of the Fenestron, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 2012–02–13, Amendment 39–16936 (77 FR 5994, February 7, 2012). (d) Effective Date This AD becomes effective October 22, 2014. (e) 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. (f) Required Actions (1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS): (i) Inspect the right-hand side of the junction frame for cracks in the web from the inside as depicted in Details C and D of Figure 2 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A019, Revision 1, dated April 15, 2014 (EASB). (ii) Strip the paint around the entire circumference of the junction frame as depicted in Detail E of Figure 3 of the EASB. Apply a coat of primer to the stripped area. Apply varnish to the stripped area. (iii) Inspect the stripped area of the frame for cracks from the outside. (2) Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 40 hours TIS, inspect the frame by following the inspection requirements of paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(iii) of this AD. (3) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the junction frame with an airworthy junction frame. (4) Do not install a tailboom that does not incorporate MOD 073880 on any helicopter. PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (g) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email robert.grant@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. (i) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2014–0114–E, dated May 8, 2014. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2014–0757. (j) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5302: Rotorcraft Tail Boom. (k) 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) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A019, Revision 1, dated April 15, 2014. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Airbus Helicopters, Inc. service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://www.airbushelicopters.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. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by E:\FR\FM\07OCR1.SGM 07OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 194 / Tuesday, October 7, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 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 22, 2014. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–23594 Filed 10–6–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Discussion 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2014–0516; Directorate Identifier 2014–CE–021–AD; Amendment 39–17987; AD 2014–20–14] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014–04– 03 for all Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as broken control column attachment bolts failing in service. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective November 12, 2014. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 12, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– 0516; or in person at the 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 service information identified in this AD, contact Pacific Aerospace Limited, Hamilton Airport, Private Bag 3027 Hamilton 3240, New Zealand; asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:08 Oct 06, 2014 Jkt 235001 telephone: +64 7 843 6144; fax: +64 7 843 6134; email: pacific@ aerospace.co.nz; Internet: https:// www.aerospace.co.nz/. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329– 4146; fax: (816) 329–4090; email: karl.schletzbaum@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to add an AD that would apply to all Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 1, 2014 (79 FR 44722), and proposed to supersede AD 2014–04–03, Amendment 39–17761 (79 FR 10344, February 25, 2014). Since we issued AD 2014–04–03, Amendment 39–17761 (79 FR 10344, February 25, 2014), Pacific Aerospace Limited revised the related service information. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness authority for New Zealand, has issued AD DCA/ 750XL/15A, dated June 26, 2014 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. The MCAI states: 60337 • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 44722, August 1, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 44722, August 1, 2014). Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 17 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 6 workhours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $200 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $12,070, or $710 per product. According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. The cost difference between AD 2014–04–03, Amendment 39–17761 (79 FR 10344, February 25, 2014), and this AD is the increase in work-hours from 1.5 to 6 and the increase in cost for parts from $100 to $200, for an overall cost difference on U.S. operators to be $8,202.50, or $482.50 per product. Conclusion 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. We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: Regulatory Findings We determined that 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 DCA/750XL/15A revised to mandate the embodiment of modification PAC/XL/0627 to the control column attachment per the instructions in Pacific Aerospace Limited Service Bulletin (SB) PACSB/XL/070 issue 2, dated 3 June 2014. The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: https:// www.regulations.gov/ #!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-05160002. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 44722, August 1, 2014) or on the determination of the cost to the public. PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\07OCR1.SGM 07OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 194 (Tuesday, October 7, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60334-60337]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-23594]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0757; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-030-AD; 
Amendment 39-17988; AD 2014-20-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (Previously 
Eurocopter France) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-02-13 for 
certain Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (Airbus Helicopters) Model EC130B4 
helicopters. AD 2012-02-13 required inspecting certain areas of the 
tailboom/Fenestron junction frame (junction frame) for a crack. This AD 
retains the requirements of AD 2012-02-13, expands the inspection area 
of the junction frame, and reduces the repetitive inspection interval. 
These actions are intended to detect a crack in the junction frame, 
which could result in detachment of the Fenestron and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 22, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 22, 
2014.
    We must receive comments on this AD by December 8, 2014.

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 AD, the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD, any incorporated by reference service information, 
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 AD, contact Airbus 
Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at 
https://www.airbushelicopters.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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email robert.grant@faa.gov.

[[Page 60335]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, 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 resulted 
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the AD, 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 them 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 rulemaking during the 
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may 
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.

Discussion

    On January 23, 2012, we issued AD 2012-02-13, Amendment 39-16936 
(77 FR 5994, February 7, 2012), which required repetitively inspecting 
the right-hand side of the junction frame for a crack, and if there was 
a crack, replacing the tailboom before further flight.
    AD 2012-02-13 was prompted by AD No. 2011-0116, dated July 6, 2011 
(AD 2011-0116), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the 
Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for 
Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC130B4 helicopters. 
EASA advises of several reports of cracks in the junction frame 
developing in the plane of the rivet head countersink on the right-hand 
side of the Fenestron and spreading to the web of the frame. EASA 
further advises that this condition could lead to structural failure 
resulting in Fenestron detachment and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter. EASA AD 2011-0116 required compliance with Eurocopter's 
service information to repetitively inspect the affected area and 
depending on findings, accomplish corrective actions.

Actions Since AD 2012-02-13 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2012-02-13, EASA has issued AD No. 2014-0114-E, 
dated May 8, 2014, which superseded EASA AD 2011-0116, for Airbus 
Helicopters Model EC130B4 helicopters, except those with Modification 
(MOD) 073880, those with MOD 074609, or those that have been repaired 
in accordance with certain Repair Design Approval Sheets. EASA advises 
that after issuing EASA AD 2011-0116, Airbus Helicopters developed MOD 
074609, which limits the risk of cracks appearing on the junction 
frame, and revised its service information to expand the area of 
inspection. EASA AD 2014-0114-E requires repetitively inspecting the 
entire circumference of the junction frame for a crack, and also 
requires altering the helicopter in accordance with MOD 074609 as a 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
    We have also determined that the repetitive inspection interval can 
be reduced to 40 hours time-in-service (TIS) as specified in the Airbus 
Helicopters service information.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with France, 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.

Related Service Information

    Airbus Helicopters, Inc. has published Emergency Alert Service 
Bulletin (EASB) No. 53A019, Revision 1, dated April 15, 2014 (EASB 
53A019). EASB 53A019 describes procedures for inspecting the entire 
circumference of the junction frame from the inside and outside for 
cracks. If there is a crack, EASB 53A019 requires contacting Airbus 
Helicopters for approved repair instructions. Finally, if there is not 
a crack, EASB 53A019 requires altering the helicopter in accordance 
with MOD 074609 before December 12, 2017.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires repetitively inspecting the circumference of the 
junction frame for a crack by complying with specified portions of the 
manufacturer's service bulletin, and replacing the junction frame if 
there is a crack. This AD also prohibits installing a tailboom without 
MOD 073880 on any helicopter.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD allows for flights for a certain period of time with 
known cracks, while this AD does not permit operations with known 
cracks. The EASA AD allows for an initial inspection which does not 
require stripping the paint, and then stripping the paint prior to 
inspection within 110 flight hours. This AD mandates stripping the 
paint as part of the initial inspection. The EASA AD requires altering 
the helicopter with MOD 074609 before December 31, 2017, and this AD 
does not. The EASA AD requires contacting Airbus Helicopters for repair 
instructions if there is a crack, while this AD requires replacing the 
junction frame.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 160 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. Inspecting the junction frame for a crack will 
require 1 work-hour at an average labor cost of $85 per hour, for a 
total cost per inspection cycle $85 per helicopter and $13,600 for the 
entire fleet. If required, replacing a tailboom will require 50 work-
hours and required parts will cost $60,000, for a cost per helicopter 
of $64,250.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Providing an opportunity for public comments before adopting these 
AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions needed to 
correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find the risk to the 
flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to the 
adoption of this rule because the cracks are in a primary structure of 
the helicopter that may prevent further safe flight and the required 
corrective actions must be accomplished within 10 hours TIS, a very 
short time period for the air tour and helicopter emergency medical 
services operations of these helicopters.
    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we determined notice and opportunity for public 
comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause 
exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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:

[[Page 60336]]

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 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, 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2012-02-13, Amendment 39-16936 (77 FR 5994, February 7, 2012), and 
adding the following new AD:

2014-20-15 Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (Previously Eurocopter France): 
Amendment 39-17988; Docket No. FAA-2014-0757; Directorate Identifier 
2014-SW-030-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model EC130B4 helicopters that do not have 
Modification (MOD) 073880 incorporated, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as cracks on the tailboom/
Fenestron junction frame (junction frame). This condition could result 
in structural failure of the tailboom, detachment of the Fenestron, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2012-02-13, Amendment 39-16936 (77 FR 5994, 
February 7, 2012).

(d) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 22, 2014.

(e) 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.

(f) Required Actions

    (1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (i) Inspect the right-hand side of the junction frame for cracks in 
the web from the inside as depicted in Details C and D of Figure 2 of 
Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A019, 
Revision 1, dated April 15, 2014 (EASB).
    (ii) Strip the paint around the entire circumference of the 
junction frame as depicted in Detail E of Figure 3 of the EASB. Apply a 
coat of primer to the stripped area. Apply varnish to the stripped 
area.
    (iii) Inspect the stripped area of the frame for cracks from the 
outside.
    (2) Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 40 hours TIS, inspect the 
frame by following the inspection requirements of paragraphs (f)(1)(i) 
and (f)(1)(iii) of this AD.
    (3) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the 
junction frame with an airworthy junction frame.
    (4) Do not install a tailboom that does not incorporate MOD 073880 
on any helicopter.

(g) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email robert.grant@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.

(i) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2014-0114-E, dated May 8, 2014. You may view the 
EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. 
FAA-2014-0757.

(j) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5302: Rotorcraft Tail 
Boom.

(k) 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) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A019, 
Revision 1, dated April 15, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters, Inc. service information identified in 
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax 
(972) 641-3775; or at https://www.airbushelicopters.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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by

[[Page 60337]]

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 22, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-23594 Filed 10-6-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.