Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Formerly Eurocopter France), 7288-7290 [2015-01803]

Download as PDF 7288 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 27 / Tuesday, February 10, 2015 / Rules and Regulations email thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com; Internet https://www.bombardier.com. (4) You may view this 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. (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 Renton, Washington, on January 21, 2015. Jeffrey E. Duven, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015–01663 Filed 2–9–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 Examining the AD Docket [Docket No. FAA–2015–0133; Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–066–AD; Amendment 39–18088; AD 2014–22–51] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Formerly Eurocopter France) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter France) Model EC130T2 helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the attachment points where the fan attaches to the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooler hopper (hopper) and replacing any cracked hopper with an airworthy hopper. This AD is prompted by several cases of a cracked hopper. The cracks were found on the hopper at the fan attachment points. These actions are intended to detect a crack in the hopper at a fan attachment point to prevent failure of the fan attachment, interference of the fan with the control rod of the front servo-control or with the flight control bellcrank, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD becomes effective February 25, 2015 to all persons except those persons to whom it was made rljohnson on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:13 Feb 09, 2015 Jkt 235001 immediately effective by Emergency AD (EAD) 2014–22–51, issued on October 29, 2014, which contained the requirements of this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of February 25, 2015. We must receive comments on this AD by April 13, 2015. 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. 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. It is also available on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– 0133. Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email eric.haight@faa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 October 29, 2014, we issued EAD 2014–22–51, which requires, before further flight and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), visually inspecting the hopper for a crack at the four attachment points. If there is a crack, EAD 2014–22–51 requires replacing the hopper with an airworthy hopper, which is not terminating action for the repetitive visual inspections. EAD 2014–22–51 was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters and resulted from several cases of a cracked MGB oil cooler hopper. EAD 2014–22–51 was prompted by EAD No. 2014–0229–E, dated October 20, 2014, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for the Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters. EASA advises of several cases of cracked MGB oil cooler fan attachments to the hopper. EASA EAD No. 2014– 0229–E requires repetitive visual inspections of the MGB oil cooler fan attachment to the hopper and, depending on findings, replacement of cracked parts. FAA’s Determination This helicopter has been approved by the aviation authority of France and is E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM 10FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 27 / Tuesday, February 10, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 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 EAD. 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 the same type design. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus Helicopters issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A020 Revision 0, dated October 20, 2014 (EASB), specifying periodic visual checks for cracks in the engine MGB oil fan hopper. The EASB states that a crack could lead to the total failure of the fan attachment and that this condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to interference of the fan with the control rod of the front servo-control or with the flight control bellcrank, possibly resulting in reduced control of the helicopter. Also, the EASB states that pending modification, the periodic visual check of the hopper is necessary. This service information is reasonably available; see ADDRESSES for ways to access this service information. AD Requirements This AD requires, before further flight and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS, visually inspecting the hopper for a crack at the four fan attachment points. If there is a crack in the hopper, this AD requires replacing the hopper with an airworthy hopper. Replacing the hopper does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive visual inspections required by this AD. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD We do not use the compliance time option of every 7 days. rljohnson on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES Interim Action We consider this AD to be an interim action. The design approval holder is currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional rulemaking. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 60 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per hour. We estimate 0.2 work VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:13 Feb 09, 2015 Jkt 235001 hour to inspect the hopper at an estimated $17 per helicopter and a total cost of $1,020 for the fleet. If a hopper is replaced, we estimate 6 hours to replace it and $1,000 for required parts for a total of $1,510. FAA’s Justification and Determination of the Effective Date Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we found and continue to find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because the previously described unsafe condition can adversely affect the controllability of the helicopter and the required corrective actions must be accomplished before further flight and in 10-hour intervals. Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, notice and opportunity for prior public comment before issuing this AD were impracticable and contrary to the public interest and good cause existed to make the AD effective immediately by EAD 2014–22–51, issued on October 9, 2014, to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. These conditions still exist and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to all persons. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 7289 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 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): ■ 2014–22–51 Airbus Helicopters (Formerly Eurocopter France): Amendment 39–18088; Docket No. FAA–2015–0133; Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–066–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in the main gearbox oil cooler fan hopper. This condition could result in failure of the fan attachment, interference of the fan with the control rod of the front servo-control or with the flight control bellcrank, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective February 25, 2015 to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2014–22–51, issued on October 29, 2014, which contains the requirements of this AD. E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM 10FER1 7290 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 27 / Tuesday, February 10, 2015 / Rules and Regulations (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 Before further flight and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours time-inservice, using a light and a mirror, visually inspect the hopper for a crack at the four fan attachment points. The hopper is depicted as item ‘‘a’’ and the fan as item ‘‘b’’ in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A020, Revision 0, dated October 20, 2014 (EASB). If there is a crack in the hopper, replace the hopper with an airworthy hopper. Examples of a crack are shown in Figure 2 of the EASB. Replacing the hopper does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive visual inspections required by this AD. (f) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits may be issued provided that the fan is removed. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P (h) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD No. 2014–0229–E, dated October 20, 2014. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2015–0133. rljohnson on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Tracking Code: 6322 Main Rotor Drive Rotorcraft Cooling Fan System. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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. 05A020, Revision 0, dated October 20, 2014. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum 15:13 Feb 09, 2015 Jkt 235001 Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 16, 2015. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015–01803 Filed 2–9–15; 8:45 am] (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this EAD. Send your proposal to: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email eric.haight@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 EAD through an AMOC. VerDate Sep<11>2014 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 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. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2014–0142; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–161–AD; Amendment 39–18093; AD 2015–02–24] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007–03– 18, AD 2008–17–02, AD 2012–08–03, and AD 2012–15–14, for certain Airbus Model A300 B4–2C, B4–103, and B4– 203 airplanes; Model A300 B4–600, B4– 600R, and F4–600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300–600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. AD 2007–03–18, AD 2008–17–02, AD 2012–08–03, and AD 2012–15–14 required repetitive inspections of the forward lugs of the aft bearing at rib 5 of the main landing gear (MLG) on the left-hand (LH) and righthand (RH) wings, and repair if necessary; and installation of new bushes with increased interference fit in the forward lug of the aft bearing at rib 5 of the MLG on the LH and RH wings. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability; and adds, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections of the MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs, and SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the forward lug of the MLG rib 5 aft bearing attachment. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the forward lugs of the aft bearing at rib 5 of the MLG on the LH and RH wings, which could affect the structural integrity of the MLG attachment, resulting in possible MLG collapse during landing or rollout. DATES: This AD becomes effective March 17, 2015. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 17, 2015. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of September 11, 2012 (77 FR 46937, August 7, 2012). The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of May 29, 2012 (77 FR 24367, April 24, 2012). The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of September 17, 2008 (73 FR 47032, August 13, 2008). The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of February 6, 2007 (72 FR 2612, January 22, 2007). ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0142; 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. For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.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. It is also available on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– 0142. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM 10FER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 10, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7288-7290]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-01803]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0133; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-066-AD; 
Amendment 39-18088; AD 2014-22-51]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Formerly Eurocopter 
France)

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter France) Model EC130T2 
helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and 
operators of these helicopters. This AD requires repetitively 
inspecting the attachment points where the fan attaches to the main 
gearbox (MGB) oil cooler hopper (hopper) and replacing any cracked 
hopper with an airworthy hopper. This AD is prompted by several cases 
of a cracked hopper. The cracks were found on the hopper at the fan 
attachment points. These actions are intended to detect a crack in the 
hopper at a fan attachment point to prevent failure of the fan 
attachment, interference of the fan with the control rod of the front 
servo-control or with the flight control bellcrank, and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 25, 2015 to all persons 
except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by 
Emergency AD (EAD) 2014-22-51, issued on October 29, 2014, which 
contained the requirements of this AD.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of February 25, 
2015.
    We must receive comments on this AD by April 13, 2015.

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. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0133.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
eric.haight@faa.gov.

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 October 29, 2014, we issued EAD 2014-22-51, which requires, 
before further flight and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 
hours time-in-service (TIS), visually inspecting the hopper for a crack 
at the four attachment points. If there is a crack, EAD 2014-22-51 
requires replacing the hopper with an airworthy hopper, which is not 
terminating action for the repetitive visual inspections. EAD 2014-22-
51 was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these 
helicopters and resulted from several cases of a cracked MGB oil cooler 
hopper.
    EAD 2014-22-51 was prompted by EAD No. 2014-0229-E, dated October 
20, 2014, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for the 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters. EASA advises of several 
cases of cracked MGB oil cooler fan attachments to the hopper. EASA EAD 
No. 2014-0229-E requires repetitive visual inspections of the MGB oil 
cooler fan attachment to the hopper and, depending on findings, 
replacement of cracked parts.

FAA's Determination

    This helicopter has been approved by the aviation authority of 
France and is

[[Page 7289]]

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 EAD. 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 the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Helicopters issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
05A020 Revision 0, dated October 20, 2014 (EASB), specifying periodic 
visual checks for cracks in the engine MGB oil fan hopper. The EASB 
states that a crack could lead to the total failure of the fan 
attachment and that this condition, if not detected and corrected, 
could lead to interference of the fan with the control rod of the front 
servo-control or with the flight control bellcrank, possibly resulting 
in reduced control of the helicopter. Also, the EASB states that 
pending modification, the periodic visual check of the hopper is 
necessary. This service information is reasonably available; see 
ADDRESSES for ways to access this service information.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, before further flight and thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 10 hours TIS, visually inspecting the hopper for a crack 
at the four fan attachment points. If there is a crack in the hopper, 
this AD requires replacing the hopper with an airworthy hopper. 
Replacing the hopper does not constitute terminating action for the 
repetitive visual inspections required by this AD.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    We do not use the compliance time option of every 7 days.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be an interim action. The design approval 
holder is currently developing a modification that will address the 
unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is 
developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional 
rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 60 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per hour. We 
estimate 0.2 work hour to inspect the hopper at an estimated $17 per 
helicopter and a total cost of $1,020 for the fleet. If a hopper is 
replaced, we estimate 6 hours to replace it and $1,000 for required 
parts for a total of $1,510.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting 
these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions 
needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we found and 
continue to find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving 
notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because the 
previously described unsafe condition can adversely affect the 
controllability of the helicopter and the required corrective actions 
must be accomplished before further flight and in 10-hour intervals.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment before issuing this AD 
were impracticable and contrary to the public interest and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by EAD 2014-22-51, issued 
on October 9, 2014, to all known U.S. owners and operators of these 
helicopters. These conditions still exist and the AD is hereby 
published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to 
all persons.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

    2014-22-51 Airbus Helicopters (Formerly Eurocopter France): 
Amendment 39-18088; Docket No. FAA-2015-0133; Directorate Identifier 
2014-SW-066-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in 
any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in the main 
gearbox oil cooler fan hopper. This condition could result in 
failure of the fan attachment, interference of the fan with the 
control rod of the front servo-control or with the flight control 
bellcrank, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective February 25, 2015 to all persons 
except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by 
Emergency AD 2014-22-51, issued on October 29, 2014, which contains 
the requirements of this AD.

[[Page 7290]]

(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

    Before further flight and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
10 hours time-in-service, using a light and a mirror, visually 
inspect the hopper for a crack at the four fan attachment points. 
The hopper is depicted as item ``a'' and the fan as item ``b'' in 
Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
05A020, Revision 0, dated October 20, 2014 (EASB). If there is a 
crack in the hopper, replace the hopper with an airworthy hopper. 
Examples of a crack are shown in Figure 2 of the EASB. Replacing the 
hopper does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive 
visual inspections required by this AD.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be issued provided that the fan is 
removed.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this EAD. Send your proposal to: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email eric.haight@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 EAD through an AMOC.

(h) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) Emergency AD No. 2014-0229-E, dated October 20, 2014. 
You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2015-0133.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Tracking Code: 6322 Main 
Rotor Drive Rotorcraft Cooling Fan System.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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. 
05A020, Revision 0, dated October 20, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters 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 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 16, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-01803 Filed 2-9-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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