Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 67904-67906 [2016-23347]

Download as PDF 67904 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 191 / Monday, October 3, 2016 / Rules and Regulations The revisions and additions read as follows: § 123.105 How much can I borrow with a home disaster loan and what limits apply on use of funds and repayment terms? (a) There are limits on how much money you can borrow for particular purposes: * * * * * (4) 20 percent of the verified loss (not including refinancing or malfeasance), before deduction of compensation from other sources, up to a maximum of $200,000 for post-disaster mitigation (see § 123.107); and (5) $200,000 for eligible malfeasance, pursuant to § 123.18. * * * * * Dated: September 22, 2016. Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator . [FR Doc. 2016–23733 Filed 9–30–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8025–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–9168; Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–028–AD; Amendment 39–18670; AD 2016–20–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model SA341G and SA342J. This AD prohibits autorotation training flights until the hardness of the landing gear rear crosstube (crosstube) is inspected. This AD is prompted by two reports of crosstubes failing during ground handling. These actions are intended to prevent failure of a crosstube, which could result in dropping or tipping of the helicopter. DATES: This AD becomes effective October 18, 2016. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 18, 2016. We must receive comments on this AD by December 2, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:33 Sep 30, 2016 Jkt 241001 • 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 9168; 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 final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 9168. Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@ faa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 April 13, 2016, EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, issued EASA Emergency AD No. 2016–0073–E (AD 2016–0073–E) to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model SA341G and SA342J helicopters with a crosstube part number (P/N) 341A415201.00 or P/N 341A415201.01. EASA advises that two reported failures of a crosstube have occurred during maintenance and towing operations, resulting in the helicopters dropping or tipping over. EASA further states that excessive hardness of the crosstube material, combined with inter-granular corrosion initiation, may have affected the structural integrity of the crosstube. EASA advises that this condition could lead to failure of the crosstube and dropping or tipping over of the helicopter. To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD 2016–0073–E requires identifying the affected crosstubes, implementing a temporary prohibition of autorotation training flights on affected helicopters by amending the RFM and installing a placard, inspecting the hardness of each affected crosstube, and replacing any crosstubes that do not meet the hardness criteria. 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 E:\FR\FM\03OCR1.SGM 03OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 191 / Monday, October 3, 2016 / Rules and Regulations exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. SA341/2– 32.08, Revision 0, dated March 24, 2016 (ASB 32.08), which specifies removing the crosstube, checking its hardness, and replacing the crosstube if it fails the hardness test. ASB 32.08 also specifies prohibiting autorotation training flights by installing a placard on the instrument panel. 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. Other Related Service Information We also reviewed Aerospatiale (now Airbus Helicopters) Flight Manuals SA 341G, Issue 2, dated December 1974, and SA 342J, Issue 1, dated April 27, 1976. These manuals provide various procedures, limitations, and performance and loading information. AD Requirements This AD requires, before further flight, prohibiting autorotation training flights by amending the RFM and installing a limitation placard on the instrument panel. This AD also requires, within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), applying a solution to the crosstube to determine whether the metal is coated and removing all coating within a specific area. Once there is no coating, this AD requires inspecting the hardness of the crosstube and replacing the crosstube if it does not meet the hardness criteria. After determining the crosstube meets the hardness criteria, the placard and RFM amendment prohibiting autorotation training flights may be removed. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD EASA requires the hardness inspection to be completed within six months, while we require the hardness inspection to be completed within 25 hours TIS. rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 17 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, amending the RFM and installing a placard will require about 0.5 work-hour, for a cost per helicopter of $43, and a total cost of $731 to the VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:33 Sep 30, 2016 Jkt 241001 U.S. fleet. Inspecting a crosstube will require about 8 work-hours, and the required materials cost is minimal, for a cost per helicopter of $680 and a total cost of $11,560 to the U.S. fleet. If required, replacing a crosstube will require 8 work-hours, and required parts will cost $11,952, for a total cost of $12,632 per helicopter. 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 find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because certain operations must be prohibited before further flight until the required corrective actions are accomplished. Those corrective actions must then be accomplished within 25 hours TIS, a short time interval for these model helicopters. Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD, we determined that 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: 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 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 67905 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): ■ 2016–20–04 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–18670; Docket No. FAA–2016–9168; Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–028–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA 341G and Model SA 342J helicopters with a landing gear rear crosstube (crosstube) part number 341A415201.00 or 341A415201.01, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as incorrect hardness of the crosstube, which could result in failure of the crosstube and subsequent dropping or tipping of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective October 18, 2016. (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:\FR\FM\03OCR1.SGM 03OCR1 67906 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 191 / Monday, October 3, 2016 / Rules and Regulations (e) Required Actions (1) Before further flight: (i) Amend the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) by inserting a copy of this AD or by making pen-and-ink changes in Section 1, Limitations, by adding the following: AUTOROTATION TRAINING FLIGHTS ARE PROHIBITED. (ii) Install a placard on the instrument panel in full view of the pilots that states the following: AUTOROTATION TRAINING FLIGHTS ARE PROHIBITED. (2) Within 25 hours time-in-service: (i) Inspect the crosstube to determine whether the metal is coated. Make a copper sulfate solution by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b.1., of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. SA341/342–32.08, Revision 0, dated March 24, 2016 (ASB 32.08). Apply 2 to 3 drops of the solution to Area Z in Figure 1 of ASB 32.08 and wait 10 to 15 seconds. If a dark mark appears as shown in Area 2 of Figure 3 of ASB 32.08, there is no metal coating. If a light mark appears as shown in Area 4 of Figure 3 of ASB 32.08, remove all metal coating in Area Z of Figure 1 of ASB 32.08. (ii) Inspect the hardness of the crosstube by using the criteria in the table under Paragraph 3.B.2.c. of ASB 32.08. If the hardness is not within the value range in the table, before further flight, replace the crosstube. If the hardness is within the value range in the table, apply corrosion protectant to Area Z in Figure 1 of ASB 32.08. (iii) Remove the RFM limitation and the instrument panel placard required by paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of this AD. rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (g) Additional Information (1) Aerospatiale (now Airbus Helicopters) Flight Manuals SA 341G, Issue 2, dated December 1974, and SA 342J, Issue 1, dated April 27, 1976, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this proposed rule. For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 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, 10101 VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:33 Sep 30, 2016 Jkt 241001 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD No. 2016–0073–E, dated April 13, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2016–9168. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3213 Main Landing Gear Strut/Axel/ Truck. (i) 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 Alert Service Bulletin No. SA341/342–32.08, Revision 0, dated March 24, 2016. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 16, 2016. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–23347 Filed 9–30–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket Number USCG–2016–0824] RIN 1625–AA00 Safety Zone; Dredging, Shark River, NJ Coast Guard, DHS. Temporary final rule; change of effective period. AGENCY: ACTION: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 The Coast Guard is extending the effective period for the temporary safety zone on a portion of Shark River, in Neptune City, NJ. That temporary regulation was set to expire September 30, 2016. Extending the effective period for this safety zone provides continued and uninterrupted protection for the dredge operations and for the safety of life on navigable waters during dredging operations. DATES: This rule is effective September 30, 2016. Effective September 30, 2016, the effective period for § 165.T05–0824, added at 81 FR 59484, August 30, 2016, effective from September 1, 2016, through September 30, 2016, is extended through October 31, 2016. ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to, type USCG–2016–0824 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this rule, call or email Marine Science Technician First Class Tom Simkins, U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Delaware Bay, Waterways Management Division, Coast Guard; telephone (215) 271–4889, email Tom.J.Simkins@uscg.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Table of Abbreviations CFR Code of Federal Regulations DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking § Section U.S.C. United States Code COTP Captain of the Port II. Background Information and Regulatory History Efforts to dredge the Shark River have been underway for well over a decade. After Superstorm Sandy the need to dredge the river increased significantly due to sediment deposited by the storm, which impeded navigation within those channels. Funding issues and concerns over dewatering locations (locations to dry the dredged materials) have historically stalled the progress of this project. Mobile Dredging and Pumping Co. have been awarded the contract to restore the state channels to allow safe passage for recreational and commercial traffic. The project requires dredging approximately 102,000 cubic yards of sediment comprised of sand and silt. The sediment will be hydraulically dredged and piped via a secure welded pipeline to the selected dewatering locations. E:\FR\FM\03OCR1.SGM 03OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 191 (Monday, October 3, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67904-67906]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-23347]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9168; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-028-AD; 
Amendment 39-18670; AD 2016-20-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model SA341G and SA342J. This AD prohibits autorotation 
training flights until the hardness of the landing gear rear crosstube 
(crosstube) is inspected. This AD is prompted by two reports of 
crosstubes failing during ground handling. These actions are intended 
to prevent failure of a crosstube, which could result in dropping or 
tipping of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 18, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 18, 
2016.
    We must receive comments on this AD by December 2, 2016.

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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9168; 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 final rule, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9168.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
matthew.fuller@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 April 13, 2016, EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the 
Member States of the European Union, issued EASA Emergency AD No. 2016-
0073-E (AD 2016-0073-E) to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters Model SA341G and SA342J helicopters with a crosstube part 
number (P/N) 341A415201.00 or P/N 341A415201.01. EASA advises that two 
reported failures of a crosstube have occurred during maintenance and 
towing operations, resulting in the helicopters dropping or tipping 
over. EASA further states that excessive hardness of the crosstube 
material, combined with inter-granular corrosion initiation, may have 
affected the structural integrity of the crosstube. EASA advises that 
this condition could lead to failure of the crosstube and dropping or 
tipping over of the helicopter. To address this unsafe condition, EASA 
AD 2016-0073-E requires identifying the affected crosstubes, 
implementing a temporary prohibition of autorotation training flights 
on affected helicopters by amending the RFM and installing a placard, 
inspecting the hardness of each affected crosstube, and replacing any 
crosstubes that do not meet the hardness criteria.

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

[[Page 67905]]

exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
SA341/2-32.08, Revision 0, dated March 24, 2016 (ASB 32.08), which 
specifies removing the crosstube, checking its hardness, and replacing 
the crosstube if it fails the hardness test. ASB 32.08 also specifies 
prohibiting autorotation training flights by installing a placard on 
the instrument panel.
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    We also reviewed Aerospatiale (now Airbus Helicopters) Flight 
Manuals SA 341G, Issue 2, dated December 1974, and SA 342J, Issue 1, 
dated April 27, 1976. These manuals provide various procedures, 
limitations, and performance and loading information.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, before further flight, prohibiting autorotation 
training flights by amending the RFM and installing a limitation 
placard on the instrument panel.
    This AD also requires, within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), 
applying a solution to the crosstube to determine whether the metal is 
coated and removing all coating within a specific area. Once there is 
no coating, this AD requires inspecting the hardness of the crosstube 
and replacing the crosstube if it does not meet the hardness criteria. 
After determining the crosstube meets the hardness criteria, the 
placard and RFM amendment prohibiting autorotation training flights may 
be removed.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    EASA requires the hardness inspection to be completed within six 
months, while we require the hardness inspection to be completed within 
25 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 17 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, 
amending the RFM and installing a placard will require about 0.5 work-
hour, for a cost per helicopter of $43, and a total cost of $731 to the 
U.S. fleet. Inspecting a crosstube will require about 8 work-hours, and 
the required materials cost is minimal, for a cost per helicopter of 
$680 and a total cost of $11,560 to the U.S. fleet.
    If required, replacing a crosstube will require 8 work-hours, and 
required parts will cost $11,952, for a total cost of $12,632 per 
helicopter.

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 find that 
the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment 
prior to the adoption of this rule because certain operations must be 
prohibited before further flight until the required corrective actions 
are accomplished. Those corrective actions must then be accomplished 
within 25 hours TIS, a short time interval for these model helicopters.
    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we determined that 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: 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):

2016-20-04 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-18670; Docket No. FAA-
2016-9168; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-028-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA 341G and Model SA 
342J helicopters with a landing gear rear crosstube (crosstube) part 
number 341A415201.00 or 341A415201.01, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as incorrect hardness of 
the crosstube, which could result in failure of the crosstube and 
subsequent dropping or tipping of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 18, 2016.

(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.

[[Page 67906]]

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Before further flight:
    (i) Amend the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) by inserting a copy 
of this AD or by making pen-and-ink changes in Section 1, 
Limitations, by adding the following: AUTOROTATION TRAINING FLIGHTS 
ARE PROHIBITED.
    (ii) Install a placard on the instrument panel in full view of 
the pilots that states the following: AUTOROTATION TRAINING FLIGHTS 
ARE PROHIBITED.
    (2) Within 25 hours time-in-service:
    (i) Inspect the crosstube to determine whether the metal is 
coated. Make a copper sulfate solution by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b.1., of Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. SA341/342-32.08, 
Revision 0, dated March 24, 2016 (ASB 32.08). Apply 2 to 3 drops of 
the solution to Area Z in Figure 1 of ASB 32.08 and wait 10 to 15 
seconds. If a dark mark appears as shown in Area 2 of Figure 3 of 
ASB 32.08, there is no metal coating. If a light mark appears as 
shown in Area 4 of Figure 3 of ASB 32.08, remove all metal coating 
in Area Z of Figure 1 of ASB 32.08.
    (ii) Inspect the hardness of the crosstube by using the criteria 
in the table under Paragraph 3.B.2.c. of ASB 32.08. If the hardness 
is not within the value range in the table, before further flight, 
replace the crosstube. If the hardness is within the value range in 
the table, apply corrosion protectant to Area Z in Figure 1 of ASB 
32.08.
    (iii) Remove the RFM limitation and the instrument panel placard 
required by paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Aerospatiale (now Airbus Helicopters) Flight Manuals SA 
341G, Issue 2, dated December 1974, and SA 342J, Issue 1, dated 
April 27, 1976, which are not incorporated by reference, contain 
additional information about the subject of this proposed rule. For 
service information identified in this proposed rule, contact Airbus 
Helicopters, 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD No. 2016-0073-E, dated April 13, 
2016. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2016-9168.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3213 Main Landing 
Gear Strut/Axel/Truck.

(i) 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 Alert Service Bulletin No. SA341/342-
32.08, Revision 0, dated March 24, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 16, 2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-23347 Filed 9-30-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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