Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 94944-94946 [2016-30053]

Download as PDF 94944 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 27, 2016 / 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 Within 600 hours time-in-service or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first, remove and install the fire extinguishing system pipes, and remove any placards on the instrument panel if installed, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B. and 3.B.1 through 3.B.2, of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS355–26.00.10, Revision 0, dated July 2, 2015. Note 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD: Airbus Helicopters identifies Alert Service Bulletin No. AS355–26.00.10, Revision 0, dated July 2, 2015, as mod 073990. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASWFTW-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. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES (g) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. AS–355–26.00.09, Revision 0, dated September 15, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this final rule. 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 a copy of the 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) AD No. 2015–0181, dated August 31, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in AD Docket No. FAA–2016–2015–5807. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2620, Extinguishing System. (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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Dec 23, 2016 Jkt 241001 (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. AS355–26.00.10, Revision 0, dated July 2, 2015. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in this AD, 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 December 8, 2016. Scott A Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–30116 Filed 12–23–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–5247; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–008–AD; Amendment 39–18740; AD 2016–25–14] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model BO–105LS A–3 helicopters. This AD requires establishing a life limit for the tensiontorsion (TT) straps. This AD is prompted by an error in the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual. These actions are intended to prevent the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective January 31, 2017. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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. 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– 5247; 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, 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 Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On March 25, 2016, at 81 FR 16100, 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 BO–105LS A–3 helicopters with a TT strap part number (P/N) 2604067 or P/N 117– 14110 installed. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the helicopter records to determine if there is a life limit for the TT straps installed in the helicopter lifting system, establishing a life limit if none exists, and replacing each TT strap that has met or exceeded its life limit. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of a TT strap and subsequent loss of control of a helicopter. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2015–0042, dated March 9, 2015, 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 BO105 LS A–3 helicopters. EASA advises that life limits have been introduced for TT E:\FR\FM\27DER1.SGM 27DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations strap P/N 2604067 and P/N 117–14110 installed on the helicopter lifting system. During a revision of the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Model BO105LS A–3 maintenance manual, the life limit for the TT strap was inadvertently deleted. Accordingly, EASA issued AD No. 2015–0042 to correct this error. EASA AD No. 2015– 0042 requires replacing TT straps upon reaching their life limit and entering the life limit into the aircraft maintenance manual. EASA states that failure to comply with the life limit could result in an unsafe condition. Comments After our NPRM (81 FR 16100, March 25, 2016) was published, we received comments from one commenter. Request The commenter supported the NPRM but asked why the FAA proposed a drastically shorter compliance time of 20 hours time-in-service (TIS) instead of the two-month compliance time that EASA requires. We disagree that the compliance time in this AD is drastically shorter. We determined that, because of the average utilization of this model helicopter, 20 hours TIS is roughly equivalent to EASA’s twomonth compliance time. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES 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 This AD requires compliance within 20 hours TIS. The EASA AD allows two months to calculate the flight cycles or calendar time of each TT strap. Related Service Information Airbus Helicopters issued Alert Service Bulletin ASB BO105LS–10A– 013, Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015 (ASB). The ASB specifies adding a life limit for the TT strap P/N 2604067 or 117–14110 of 25,000 flights or 10 years, VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Dec 23, 2016 Jkt 241001 whichever occurs first, in the list of lifelimited parts and corresponding log cards. The ASB also states TT straps that have exceeded the retirement time must be replaced and that only TT straps that have not exceeded the retirement time may be installed. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 8 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work hour. We estimate that it takes 2 work hours to inspect and revise the Airworthiness Limitations section and to calculate and record a life limit for the TT strap for a total cost of $170 per helicopter and $1,360 for the fleet. If a TT strap is replaced, we estimate it takes 8 work hours and $16,617 for required parts for a total cost of $17,297 per helicopter per TT strap. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 94945 (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): ■ 2016–25–14 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters: Amendment 39–18740; Docket No. FAA–2016–5247; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–008–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model BO–105LS A–3 helicopters with a tension torsion (TT) strap part number (P/N) 2604067 or P/N 117– 14110 installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a TT strap remaining in service beyond its fatigue life. This condition could result in failure of a TT strap and loss of control of a helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective January 31, 2017. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions Within 20 hours time-in-service: (1) Inspect the Airworthiness Limitations section of the applicable maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) and the component history card or equivalent record for TT strap P/N 2604067 and P/N 117–14110. Determine whether those records specify a life limit of 25,000 flights or 10 years since the date of manufacture, whichever occurs first. (2) If the Airworthiness Limitations section of the applicable maintenance manual or ICA E:\FR\FM\27DER1.SGM 27DER1 94946 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 27, 2016 / Rules and Regulations or the component history card or equivalent record do not specify a life limit for the TT strap, or if they specify a different life limit than in paragraph (e)(1), do the following: (i) Revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of the applicable maintenance manual or ICA by establishing a life limit of 25,000 flights or 10 years since date of manufacture, whichever occurs first, for each TT strap P/N 2604067 and P/N 117–14110 by making pen-and-ink changes or by inserting a copy of this AD into the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual or the ICA. For purposes of this AD, a flight would be counted anytime the helicopter lifts off into the air and then lands again regardless of the duration of the landing and regardless of whether the engine is shut down. (ii) Create a component history card or equivalent record for each TT strap P/N 2604067 and P/N 117–14110, if one does not exist, and record a life limit of 25,000 flights or 10 years since date of manufacture, whichever occurs first. (3) Remove from service each TT strap that has reached or exceeded its life limit. (f) Special Flight Permits (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, Texas 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. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES (h) Additional Information (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB BO105LS–10A–013, Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, 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) AD No. 2015–0042, dated March 9, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2016–5247. Jkt 241001 [FR Doc. 2016–30053 Filed 12–23–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–4278; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–022–AD; Amendment 39–18758; AD 2016–26–01] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland S.p.A. (Agusta) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) 19:06 Dec 23, 2016 Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 1, 2016. Lance T. Gant, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. AGENCY: Special flight permits are prohibited. VerDate Sep<11>2014 (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200 Main Rotor System. We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD requires performing operational checks of both hydraulic systems. This AD was prompted by an assessment of the hydraulic systems of the helicopter following an accident. These actions are intended to prevent the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective January 31, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of January 31, 2017. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact AgustaWestland, Product Support Engineering, Via del Gregge, 100, 21015 Lonate Pozzolo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Maurizio D’Angelo; telephone 39–0331– 664757; fax 39 0331–664680; or at https://www.agustawestland.com/ technical-bulletins. 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. SUMMARY: 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– 4278; or in person at the Docket PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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, the economic evaluation, any incorporatedby-reference service information, 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, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matt.wilbanks@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On March 11, 2016, at 81 FR 12838, 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 certain serial-numbered Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), performing operational tests of the Number 1 and Number 2 hydraulic systems power control modules (PCMs), the tail shut-off valve, the PCM1 and PCM2 flight control shut-off valves, and the emergency landing gear shut-off valve for correct functionality. Depending on the results of the operational checks, the NPRM proposed to require replacing a PCM, the tail shutoff valve, a flight control shut-off valve, the number 2 hydraulic control panel, the number 1 hydraulic module, the number 1 or number 2 PCM pressure switch, or repairing the electrical wiring. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent loss of hydraulic power to the flight controls and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2011–0207, dated October 20, 2011 (AD No. 2011–0207), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for certain serialnumbered Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. EASA advises that an accident involving a Model AW139 helicopter caused the tail rotor (T/R), the T/R gearbox, and part of the fin to detach from the aircraft, rupturing the hydraulic lines and draining all of the hydraulic fluid. According to EASA, an E:\FR\FM\27DER1.SGM 27DER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 248 (Tuesday, December 27, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 94944-94946]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30053]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-5247; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-008-AD; 
Amendment 39-18740; AD 2016-25-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model BO-105LS A-3 
helicopters. This AD requires establishing a life limit for the 
tension-torsion (TT) straps. This AD is prompted by an error in the 
Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual. These 
actions are intended to prevent the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 31, 2017.

ADDRESSES: 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.

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-
5247; 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, 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 Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On March 25, 2016, at 81 FR 16100, 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 BO-105LS A-3 helicopters with a TT strap part number (P/N) 
2604067 or P/N 117-14110 installed. The NPRM proposed to require 
inspecting the helicopter records to determine if there is a life limit 
for the TT straps installed in the helicopter lifting system, 
establishing a life limit if none exists, and replacing each TT strap 
that has met or exceeded its life limit. The proposed requirements were 
intended to prevent failure of a TT strap and subsequent loss of 
control of a helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2015-0042, dated March 9, 2015, 
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 BO105 LS A-3 helicopters. EASA advises that life 
limits have been introduced for TT

[[Page 94945]]

strap P/N 2604067 and P/N 117-14110 installed on the helicopter lifting 
system. During a revision of the Airworthiness Limitations section of 
the Model BO105LS A-3 maintenance manual, the life limit for the TT 
strap was inadvertently deleted. Accordingly, EASA issued AD No. 2015-
0042 to correct this error. EASA AD No. 2015-0042 requires replacing TT 
straps upon reaching their life limit and entering the life limit into 
the aircraft maintenance manual. EASA states that failure to comply 
with the life limit could result in an unsafe condition.

Comments

    After our NPRM (81 FR 16100, March 25, 2016) was published, we 
received comments from one commenter.

Request

    The commenter supported the NPRM but asked why the FAA proposed a 
drastically shorter compliance time of 20 hours time-in-service (TIS) 
instead of the two-month compliance time that EASA requires. We 
disagree that the compliance time in this AD is drastically shorter. We 
determined that, because of the average utilization of this model 
helicopter, 20 hours TIS is roughly equivalent to EASA's two-month 
compliance time.

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

    This AD requires compliance within 20 hours TIS. The EASA AD allows 
two months to calculate the flight cycles or calendar time of each TT 
strap.

Related Service Information

    Airbus Helicopters issued Alert Service Bulletin ASB BO105LS-10A-
013, Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015 (ASB). The ASB specifies adding a 
life limit for the TT strap P/N 2604067 or 117-14110 of 25,000 flights 
or 10 years, whichever occurs first, in the list of life-limited parts 
and corresponding log cards. The ASB also states TT straps that have 
exceeded the retirement time must be replaced and that only TT straps 
that have not exceeded the retirement time may be installed.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 8 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work hour. We estimate that it 
takes 2 work hours to inspect and revise the Airworthiness Limitations 
section and to calculate and record a life limit for the TT strap for a 
total cost of $170 per helicopter and $1,360 for the fleet. If a TT 
strap is replaced, we estimate it takes 8 work hours and $16,617 for 
required parts for a total cost of $17,297 per helicopter per TT strap.

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):

2016-25-14 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters: 
Amendment 39-18740; Docket No. FAA-2016-5247; Directorate Identifier 
2015-SW-008-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model BO-105LS A-3 helicopters with a tension 
torsion (TT) strap part number (P/N) 2604067 or P/N 117-14110 
installed, certificated in any category.

 (b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a TT strap remaining in 
service beyond its fatigue life. This condition could result in 
failure of a TT strap and loss of control of a helicopter.

 (c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective January 31, 2017.

 (d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

 (e) Required Actions

    Within 20 hours time-in-service:
    (1) Inspect the Airworthiness Limitations section of the 
applicable maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness (ICA) and the component history card or equivalent 
record for TT strap P/N 2604067 and P/N 117-14110. Determine whether 
those records specify a life limit of 25,000 flights or 10 years 
since the date of manufacture, whichever occurs first.
    (2) If the Airworthiness Limitations section of the applicable 
maintenance manual or ICA

[[Page 94946]]

or the component history card or equivalent record do not specify a 
life limit for the TT strap, or if they specify a different life 
limit than in paragraph (e)(1), do the following:
    (i) Revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of the 
applicable maintenance manual or ICA by establishing a life limit of 
25,000 flights or 10 years since date of manufacture, whichever 
occurs first, for each TT strap P/N 2604067 and P/N 117-14110 by 
making pen-and-ink changes or by inserting a copy of this AD into 
the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual or 
the ICA. For purposes of this AD, a flight would be counted anytime 
the helicopter lifts off into the air and then lands again 
regardless of the duration of the landing and regardless of whether 
the engine is shut down.
    (ii) Create a component history card or equivalent record for 
each TT strap P/N 2604067 and P/N 117-14110, if one does not exist, 
and record a life limit of 25,000 flights or 10 years since date of 
manufacture, whichever occurs first.
    (3) Remove from service each TT strap that has reached or 
exceeded its life limit.

 (f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

 (g) 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, Texas 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.

 (h) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB BO105LS-10A-
013, Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015, which is not incorporated by 
reference, contains additional information about the subject of this 
AD. For service information identified in this AD, 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) AD No. 2015-0042, dated March 9, 2015. You may 
view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in 
Docket No. FAA-2016-5247.

 (i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200 Main Rotor 
System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 1, 2016.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-30053 Filed 12-23-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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