Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) (Airbus Helicopters), 34831-34833 [2015-14852]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 117 / Thursday, June 18, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
effective date of this AD using Boeing Service
Bulletin 777–52–0053, Revision 1, dated
September 26, 2013; and Eaton Service
Bulletin 692D100–52–4, Revision 2, dated
August 1, 2013. This service information is
not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(k) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no
rotary actuator having Boeing part number
S135W132–3 (supplier part number
692D100–13) may be installed on any
airplane.
(l) 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 (m)(1) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@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.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Susan Monroe, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems
Branch, ANM–150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–
6457; fax: 425–917–6590; email:
susan.l.monroe@faa.gov.
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the applicable addresses
specified in paragraphs (n)(3), (n)(4), and
(n)(5) of this AD.
(n) 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) Boeing Service Bulletin 767–52A0100,
Revision 3, dated January 19, 2015.
(ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 777–52–0053,
Revision 2, dated January 19, 2015.
(iii) Eaton Service Bulletin 692D100–52–4,
Revision 3, dated August 14, 2014.
(3) For Boeing service information
identified in this AD, contact Boeing
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12:50 Jun 17, 2015
Jkt 235001
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.
(4) For Eaton service information identified
in this AD, contact Eaton Corporation,
Aerospace Operations, 3 Park Plaza, Suite
1200, Irvine, CA 92614; telephone 949–253–
2100; fax 949–253–2111; Internet https://
www.eaton.com.
(5) You may view this service information
at FAA, the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
425–227–1221.
(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 June 9,
2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–14703 Filed 6–17–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0577; Directorate
Identifier 2013–SW–042–AD; Amendment
39–18184; AD 2015–12–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(Previously Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH) (Airbus Helicopters)
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135T1,
EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+,
EC135T2+, and MBB–BK 117 C–2
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting
certain washers for movement and
making appropriate repairs if the
washers move. This AD was prompted
by play found between the Smart
Electro Mechanical Actuator (SEMA)
and the control rod during installation
work on a helicopter. The actions of this
AD are intended to prevent loss of
concerned control axis and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
SUMMARY:
Frm 00005
This AD is effective July 23,
2015.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of July 23, 2015.
ADDRESSES: 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.airbus
helicopters.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.
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 (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
July 6, 2015
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34831
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On August 18, 2014, at 79 FR 48707,
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 Airbus Helicopters Model EC135P1,
EC135T1, EC135P2, EC135T2,
EC135P2+, EC135T2+, and MBB–BK
117 C–2 helicopters. The NPRM
proposed to require inspecting certain
washers for movement in the
attachment hardware that connects the
SEMA and the control rod of the
longitudinal, lateral, and yaw actuators.
If a washer can be moved, the NPRM
proposed replacing the four screws,
installing two additional washers, and
torque-tightening the screws. The
proposed requirements were intended to
prevent loss of concerned control axis
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 117 / Thursday, June 18, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
2013–0176, dated August 7, 2013,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, to correct an unsafe
condition for Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH Model EC 135 P1 (CDS), EC 135
P1 (CPDS), EC 135 P2+, EC 135 P2
(CPDS), EC 135 T1 (CDS), EC 135 T1
(CPDS), EC 135 T2+, EC 135 T2 (CPDS),
EC 635 P2+, EC 635 T1 (CPDS), EC 635
T2+, and MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopters.
EASA advises that during installation
work on a helicopter, it was discovered
that it was not possible to install
attachment hardware on a threaded
blind borehole between the SEMA and
the control rod without play. EASA
advises that this condition, if not
detected and corrected, could lead to
loss of the concerned control axis,
possibly resulting in loss of helicopter
control. For these reasons, EASA AD
No. 2013–0176 requires a one-time
inspection of the affected SEMA
attachment hardware to detect improper
connection and play and, depending on
the findings, replacement of the affected
hardware. After the issuance of EASA
AD No. 2013–0176, Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH changed its name to
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH.
Comments
After our NPRM (79 FR 48707, August
18, 2014) was published, we received
comments from one commenter.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Request
Air Methods stated that the proposed
AD requires compliance with Revision 1
of the service information and requested
that previous compliance with the
original service information, Revision 0,
be included as an acceptable method of
compliance in the AD.
We agree. We have added a paragraph
to the AD giving credit for previous
compliance with Revision 0 of the
service information.
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, reviewed the
relevant information, considered the
comment received, and determined the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other helicopters of
these same type designs and that air
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12:50 Jun 17, 2015
Jkt 235001
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Eurocopter
Model EC635P2+, EC635T1 and
EC635T2+ helicopters. This AD does
not apply to these model helicopters
because they have no FAA type
certificate.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Eurocopter reported in Alert Service
Bulletins (ASBs) EC135–22A–015,
Revision 1, dated January 28, 2013, and
MBB BK117 C–2–22A–009, Revision 1,
dated August 3, 2009, that it was
discovered during the installation work
on a helicopter that it was not possible
to establish attachment hardware on a
threaded blind borehole between the
SEMA and the control rod without play.
The ASBs state that ‘‘unfavourable
adding of the tolerances’’ of the
individual attachment hardware
elements caused the screw to push
against the bottom of the threaded blind
borehole on the SEMA, preventing any
clamping force on the screw head. The
ASBs call for inspecting the SEMA
attachment hardware connected to their
respective control rods for play and
making the proper adjustments to
eliminate any play.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section of
this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 385
helicopters of U.S. Registry and that
labor costs average $85 per work hour.
Based on these estimates, we expect the
following costs:
• Inspecting for movement of the
washers requires 1.5 work hours for a
labor cost of $128 per helicopter and
$49,280 for the U.S. fleet.
• Replacing the screws and related
work requires an additional 0.5 workhours for a labor cost of $43. Screws
cost $4 each while washers cost $10
each. We estimate the cost at $79 per
repair.
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
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Frm 00006
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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
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):
■
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 117 / Thursday, June 18, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
2015–12–09 Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (Previously
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) (Airbus
Helicopters): Amendment 39–18184;
Docket No. FAA–2014–0577; Directorate
Identifier 2013–SW–042–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model EC135P1, EC135T1, EC135P2,
EC135T2, EC135P2+, EC135T2+, and MBB–
BK 117 C–2 helicopters, certificated in any
category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
loose attachment hardware between the
Smart Electro Mechanical Actuator (SEMA)
and a control rod. This condition could result
in loss of the control axis and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective July 23, 2015.
(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.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 50 hours time in service (TIS),
for Model EC135P1, EC135T1, EC135P2,
EC135T2, EC135P2+, and EC135T2+
helicopters, do the following:
(i) Using Figure 1 and Figure 2 of
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135–
22A–015, Revision 1, dated January 28, 2013
(ASB EC135–22A–015) as reference, inspect
the attachment hardware between the SEMA
and the longitudinal actuator control rod to
determine whether any of the washers can be
moved.
(A) If no washer can be moved, no further
action is needed.
(B) If a washer can be moved, replace the
four screws and install two additional
washers, part number (P/N) EN2139–05016,
to connect the SEMA with the control rod.
Torque-tighten each screw to 5–6 Nm.
(ii) Using Figure 1 and Figure 2 of ASB
EC135–22A–015 as reference, inspect the
attachment hardware between the SEMA and
the lateral actuator control rod to determine
whether any of the washers can be moved.
(A) If no washer can be moved, no further
action is needed.
(B) If a washer can be moved, replace the
four screws and install two additional
washers, P/N EN2139–05016, to connect the
SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten
each screw to 5–6 Nm.
(iii) Using Figure 1, Figure 3, and Figure
4 of ASB EC135–22A–015 as reference,
inspect the attachment hardware between the
SEMA and the yaw actuator control rod to
determine whether any of the washers can be
moved.
(A) If no washer can be moved, no further
action is needed.
(B) If a washer can be moved, replace the
four screws and install two additional
washers, P/N EN2139–05016, to connect the
SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten
each screw to 5–6 Nm.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
12:50 Jun 17, 2015
Jkt 235001
(2) Within 50 hours TIS, for Model MBB
BK117 C–2 helicopters, using Figure 1 of
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB
BK117 C–2–22A–009, Revision 1, dated
August 3, 2009, as reference, inspect the
attachment hardware between the YawSEMA and the Yaw-SEMA control rod to
determine whether any of the washers can be
moved.
(i) If no washer can be moved, no further
action is needed.
(ii) If a washer can be moved, replace the
four screws and install two additional
washers, P/N EN2139–05016, to connect the
SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten
each screw to 5–6 Nm and apply
polyurethane lacquer onto the attachment
hardware.
(f) Credit for Previous Actions
If you performed the actions in Eurocopter
Alert Service Bulletin EC135–22A–015,
Revision 0, dated May 13, 2018, or
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB
BK117 C–2–22A–009, Revision 0, May 13,
2008, before the effective date of this AD, you
met the requirements of this AD.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Wilbanks,
Aviation Safety Engineer, 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.
(h) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2013–0176, dated August 7, 2013. You
may view the EASA AD on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2014–0577.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 2213, Flight Controller.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin
EC135–22A–015, Revision 1, dated January
28, 2013.
(ii) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB
BK117 C–2–22A–009, Revision 1, dated
August 3, 2009.
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this AD, contact
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34833
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 June 9,
2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–14852 Filed 6–17–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG–2015–0552]
Drawbridge Operation Regulation;
Chambers Creek, Steilacoom, WA
Coast Guard, DHS.
Notice of deviation from
drawbridge regulation.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Coast Guard has issued a
temporary deviation from the operating
schedule that governs the Burlington
Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Chambers
Creek Railway Bridge across Chambers
Creek, mile 0.0, at Steilacoom,
Washington. The deviation is necessary
to minimize the effects of train noise on
the 2015 U.S. Golf Association
Championship held at Chambers Bay
Golf Course. This deviation allows the
bridge to open only upon 1 hour notice
from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 14, 2015
and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day from June
15, 2015 to June 22, 2015. At all other
times the bridge will open on signal in
accordance with its normal operating
regulation.
DATES: This deviation is effective
without actual notice from June 18,
2015 to 5 p.m. on June 22, 2015. For the
purposes of enforcement, actual notice
will be used from 7 a.m. on June 14,
2015, until June 18, 2015.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this
deviation, [USCG–2015–0552] is
available at https://www.regulations.gov.
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 117 (Thursday, June 18, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34831-34833]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14852]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0577; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-042-AD;
Amendment 39-18184; AD 2015-12-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) (Airbus Helicopters)
July 6, 2015
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135T1, EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+,
EC135T2+, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting
certain washers for movement and making appropriate repairs if the
washers move. This AD was prompted by play found between the Smart
Electro Mechanical Actuator (SEMA) and the control rod during
installation work on a helicopter. The actions of this AD are intended
to prevent loss of concerned control axis and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective July 23, 2015.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of July 23, 2015.
ADDRESSES: 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.
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 (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 August 18, 2014, at 79 FR 48707, 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 Airbus Helicopters
Model EC135P1, EC135T1, EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+, EC135T2+, and MBB-
BK 117 C-2 helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting certain
washers for movement in the attachment hardware that connects the SEMA
and the control rod of the longitudinal, lateral, and yaw actuators. If
a washer can be moved, the NPRM proposed replacing the four screws,
installing two additional washers, and torque-tightening the screws.
The proposed requirements were intended to prevent loss of concerned
control axis
[[Page 34832]]
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2013-0176, dated August 7, 2013,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH Model EC 135 P1 (CDS), EC 135 P1 (CPDS), EC 135 P2+,
EC 135 P2 (CPDS), EC 135 T1 (CDS), EC 135 T1 (CPDS), EC 135 T2+, EC 135
T2 (CPDS), EC 635 P2+, EC 635 T1 (CPDS), EC 635 T2+, and MBB-BK 117 C-2
helicopters. EASA advises that during installation work on a
helicopter, it was discovered that it was not possible to install
attachment hardware on a threaded blind borehole between the SEMA and
the control rod without play. EASA advises that this condition, if not
detected and corrected, could lead to loss of the concerned control
axis, possibly resulting in loss of helicopter control. For these
reasons, EASA AD No. 2013-0176 requires a one-time inspection of the
affected SEMA attachment hardware to detect improper connection and
play and, depending on the findings, replacement of the affected
hardware. After the issuance of EASA AD No. 2013-0176, Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH changed its name to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH.
Comments
After our NPRM (79 FR 48707, August 18, 2014) was published, we
received comments from one commenter.
Request
Air Methods stated that the proposed AD requires compliance with
Revision 1 of the service information and requested that previous
compliance with the original service information, Revision 0, be
included as an acceptable method of compliance in the AD.
We agree. We have added a paragraph to the AD giving credit for
previous compliance with Revision 0 of the service information.
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, reviewed the relevant information,
considered the comment received, 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.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Eurocopter Model EC635P2+, EC635T1 and
EC635T2+ helicopters. This AD does not apply to these model helicopters
because they have no FAA type certificate.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Eurocopter reported in Alert Service Bulletins (ASBs) EC135-22A-
015, Revision 1, dated January 28, 2013, and MBB BK117 C-2-22A-009,
Revision 1, dated August 3, 2009, that it was discovered during the
installation work on a helicopter that it was not possible to establish
attachment hardware on a threaded blind borehole between the SEMA and
the control rod without play. The ASBs state that ``unfavourable adding
of the tolerances'' of the individual attachment hardware elements
caused the screw to push against the bottom of the threaded blind
borehole on the SEMA, preventing any clamping force on the screw head.
The ASBs call for inspecting the SEMA attachment hardware connected to
their respective control rods for play and making the proper
adjustments to eliminate any play.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this
AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 385 helicopters of U.S. Registry
and that labor costs average $85 per work hour. Based on these
estimates, we expect the following costs:
Inspecting for movement of the washers requires 1.5 work
hours for a labor cost of $128 per helicopter and $49,280 for the U.S.
fleet.
Replacing the screws and related work requires an
additional 0.5 work-hours for a labor cost of $43. Screws cost $4 each
while washers cost $10 each. We estimate the cost at $79 per repair.
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):
[[Page 34833]]
2015-12-09 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) (Airbus Helicopters): Amendment 39-
18184; Docket No. FAA-2014-0577; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-042-
AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135T1,
EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+, EC135T2+, and MBB-BK 117 C-2
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as loose attachment
hardware between the Smart Electro Mechanical Actuator (SEMA) and a
control rod. This condition could result in loss of the control axis
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective July 23, 2015.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 50 hours time in service (TIS), for Model EC135P1,
EC135T1, EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+, and EC135T2+ helicopters, do
the following:
(i) Using Figure 1 and Figure 2 of Eurocopter Alert Service
Bulletin EC135-22A-015, Revision 1, dated January 28, 2013 (ASB
EC135-22A-015) as reference, inspect the attachment hardware between
the SEMA and the longitudinal actuator control rod to determine
whether any of the washers can be moved.
(A) If no washer can be moved, no further action is needed.
(B) If a washer can be moved, replace the four screws and
install two additional washers, part number (P/N) EN2139-05016, to
connect the SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten each screw to
5-6 Nm.
(ii) Using Figure 1 and Figure 2 of ASB EC135-22A-015 as
reference, inspect the attachment hardware between the SEMA and the
lateral actuator control rod to determine whether any of the washers
can be moved.
(A) If no washer can be moved, no further action is needed.
(B) If a washer can be moved, replace the four screws and
install two additional washers, P/N EN2139-05016, to connect the
SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten each screw to 5-6 Nm.
(iii) Using Figure 1, Figure 3, and Figure 4 of ASB EC135-22A-
015 as reference, inspect the attachment hardware between the SEMA
and the yaw actuator control rod to determine whether any of the
washers can be moved.
(A) If no washer can be moved, no further action is needed.
(B) If a washer can be moved, replace the four screws and
install two additional washers, P/N EN2139-05016, to connect the
SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten each screw to 5-6 Nm.
(2) Within 50 hours TIS, for Model MBB BK117 C-2 helicopters,
using Figure 1 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB BK117 C-2-
22A-009, Revision 1, dated August 3, 2009, as reference, inspect the
attachment hardware between the Yaw-SEMA and the Yaw-SEMA control
rod to determine whether any of the washers can be moved.
(i) If no washer can be moved, no further action is needed.
(ii) If a washer can be moved, replace the four screws and
install two additional washers, P/N EN2139-05016, to connect the
SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten each screw to 5-6 Nm and
apply polyurethane lacquer onto the attachment hardware.
(f) Credit for Previous Actions
If you performed the actions in Eurocopter Alert Service
Bulletin EC135-22A-015, Revision 0, dated May 13, 2018, or
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB BK117 C-2-22A-009, Revision 0,
May 13, 2008, before the effective date of this AD, you met the
requirements of this AD.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety
Engineer, 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.
(h) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2013-0176, dated August 7, 2013. You may
view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA-2014-0577.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2213, Flight
Controller.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135-22A-015, Revision 1,
dated January 28, 2013.
(ii) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB BK117 C-2-22A-009,
Revision 1, dated August 3, 2009.
(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 June 9, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-14852 Filed 6-17-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
