Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 21913-21916 [2017-09376]

Download as PDF 21913 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 82, No. 90 Thursday, May 11, 2017 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–6651; Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–015–AD; Amendment 39–18867; AD 2017–09–05] 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 AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires repetitively checking screws in the emergency flotation gear. This AD is prompted by a report that a screw ruptured on a Model AS332 helicopter’s emergency flotation gear. These actions are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective May 26, 2017. We must receive comments on this AD by July 10, 2017. 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. pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:36 May 10, 2017 Jkt 241001 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– 6651; 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 (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. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD No. 2015–0239–E, dated December 18, 2015, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, AS 332 L2, and EC 225 LP helicopters with emergency flotation gear. EASA advises that a screw ruptured on the rear upper fitting on the left-hand (LH) emergency flotation gear of an AS332 helicopter. EASA states that this condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in the failure of an emergency flotation system when ditching and unstable floating of the helicopter, possibly resulting in injury to the occupants. EASA consequently requires repetitive inspections of the lower attachment screws of rear upper fitting on the rear LH and right-hand (RH) emergency flotation gears. According to EASA, the root cause of the failure has not yet been identified. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. Related Service Information We have reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 05.01.06, Revision 0, dated December 18, 2015, for Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters and for military Model AS332B, AS332B1, AS332F1, AS332M, and AS332M1 helicopters, and EASB No. 05A047, Revision 0, dated December 18, 2015, for Model EC225LP helicopters. This service information specifies repetitively E:\FR\FM\11MYR1.SGM 11MYR1 21914 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 90 / Thursday, May 11, 2017 / Rules and Regulations inspecting the lower screws of the rear upper fitting on the rear LH and RH emergency floating gears for the presence of the heads and stressing the screw heads using a tool to make sure that the screw head does not move. If all screw heads are present, the service information requires no further action. If at least one screw head is missing or moves, the service information specifies replacing the two lower screws and the upper screw and informing Airbus Helicopters. AD Requirements This AD requires, within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter before each flight over water, visually checking the rear upper fittings of the LH and RH emergency flotation gears for the presence of screw heads and looseness. An owner/operator (pilot) may perform the required visual check and must enter compliance with the applicable paragraph of the AD into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may perform this check because it involves visually checking the rear upper fittings of the LH and RH emergency flotation gears for the presence of screw heads and twisting the screws by hand, which can be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This check is an exception to our standard maintenance regulations. If any screw heads are missing, loose, or twist off with hand pressure, this AD requires replacing all screws in the fitting before the next flight over water. pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD allows using tools for the inspection, while this AD requires checking by hand. The EASA AD requires that repetitive inspections occur at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, while this AD requires the repetitive checks before each flight over water. The EASA AD requires contacting Airbus Helicopters if a screw is missing or loose, while this AD does not. Interim Action We consider this AD interim action. The design approval holder is currently investigating the root cause for this unsafe condition and may develop a modification that will address this unsafe condition. If this modification is developed, approved and available, we might consider additional rulemaking. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 24 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:36 May 10, 2017 Jkt 241001 labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs: • Checking the screws requires about 1/10 of a work-hour and no parts are needed, for a cost of $9 per helicopter and $216 for the U.S. fleet. • Replacing the screws requires 8 work-hours for a labor cost of $680. Parts cost $150 for a total cost of $830 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 the required corrective actions must be accomplished within 15 hours TIS. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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): ■ 2017–09–05 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–18867; Docket No. FAA–2016–6651; Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–015–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters with emergency flotation gear installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a rear upper screw fitting on the emergency flotation gear. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in failure of the emergency flotation system and subsequent capsizing of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective May 26, 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 15 hours time-in-service, and before each flight over water thereafter: E:\FR\FM\11MYR1.SGM 11MYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 90 / Thursday, May 11, 2017 / Rules and Regulations determining whether it can be rotated by hand. The actions required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14CFR) §§ 43.9(a)(1)–(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P BILLING CODE 4910–13–C VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:36 May 10, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\11MYR1.SGM 11MYR1 ER11MY17.000</GPH> pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES (1) Visually check each emergency flotation gear left hand and right hand rear upper fitting to determine whether the heads of the lower screws are present. Figure 1 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD depicts where the lower three screws (noted as B and E) are located. Check each screw for looseness by 21915 21916 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 90 / Thursday, May 11, 2017 / Rules and Regulations (2) If a screw head is missing or if a screw is loose, before further flight over water, replace all screws in the fitting. Replacing the screws is not a terminating action for the repetitive checks required by 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 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. (h) Additional Information (1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.01.06, and Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A047, both Revision 0, and both dated December 18, 2015, which are not incorporated by reference, contain 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 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) Emergency AD No. 2015–0239–E, dated December 18, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2016–6651. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212, Emergency Flotation Section. pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES Signed at Washington, DC Byron Zuidema, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training. RIN 1205–AB63 Special flight permits are prohibited for flight over water. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 24, 2017. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–09376 Filed 5–10–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 14:36 May 10, 2017 Unemployment compensation. Employment and Training Administration 20 CFR Part 620 (f) Special Flight Permits VerDate Sep<11>2014 List of Subjects in 20 CFR Part 620 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Jkt 241001 Federal State Unemployment Compensation Program; Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 Provision on Establishing Appropriate Occupations for Drug Testing of Unemployment Compensation Applicants Employment and Training Administration, Labor. ACTION: Final rule; CRA Revocation. AGENCY: Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress has passed, and the President has signed a public law disapproving the Employment and Training Administration’s (ETA’s) final rule establishing appropriate occupations for State drug testing of unemployment compensation claimants. ETA published the final rule on August 1, 2016, and the rule became effective on September 30, 2016. Because the public law invalidates the rule, ETA is hereby removing it from the Code of Federal Regulations. DATES: This final rule is effective May 11, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adele Gagliardi, Administrator, Office of Policy Development and Research, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. NW., Suite N–5641,Washington, DC 20210, or by phone at 202–693–3700. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 1, 2016, ETA issued a final rule in accordance with Section 2105 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, Public Law 112– 96 (2012), titled Federal-State Unemployment Compensation Program; Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 Provision on Establishing Appropriate Occupations for Drug Testing of Unemployment Compensation Applicants (20 CFR part 620) (81 FR 50298). The final rule became effective on September 30, 2016. On February 15, 2017, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution of disapproval (H.J. Res. 42) under the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.). The United States Senate passed H.J. Res. 42 on March 14, 2017. President Donald J. Trump signed the resolution into law as Public Law 115–17 on March 31, 2017. Accordingly, ETA is hereby removing the rule from the Code of Federal Regulations. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, and under the authority of the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) and Public Law 115–17 (March 31, 2017), the ETA amends 20 CFR chapter V as follows: PART 620—[Removed] ■ 1. Remove part 620. [FR Doc. 2017–09374 Filed 5–10–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–30–P SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 117 [Docket No. USCG–2017–0161] Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Canaveral Barge Canal, Canaveral, FL Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of deviation from drawbridge regulation with request for comments; modification. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard has modified a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the SR 401 Drawbridge, mile 5.5 at Port Canaveral, Florida. This modified deviation is necessary to reduce vehicular traffic congestion and to ensure the safety of the roadways while passengers are transiting to and from Cruise Terminal 10, which is used by Norwegian Cruise Line at Port Canaveral. Since the arrival of the cruise ship Norwegian Epic to the Port of Canaveral, massive traffic back-ups have been caused by the drawbridge openings. This modified deviation allows the bridge to not open to navigation during prime cruise ship passenger loading and unloading times on Saturdays and Sundays. DATES: This modified deviation is effective without actual notice from May 11, 2017 until October 23, 2017. Submit comments by June 26, 2017. ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG–2017–0161] is available at https://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH’’. Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this deviation. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\11MYR1.SGM 11MYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 90 (Thursday, May 11, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21913-21916]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-09376]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 90 / Thursday, May 11, 2017 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 21913]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6651; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-015-AD; 
Amendment 39-18867; AD 2017-09-05]
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 AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and 
EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires repetitively checking screws in 
the emergency flotation gear. This AD is prompted by a report that a 
screw ruptured on a Model AS332 helicopter's emergency flotation gear. 
These actions are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 26, 2017.
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 10, 2017.

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-
6651; 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 (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.

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

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD No. 2015-0239-E, dated 
December 18, 2015, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, AS 332 L2, 
and EC 225 LP helicopters with emergency flotation gear. EASA advises 
that a screw ruptured on the rear upper fitting on the left-hand (LH) 
emergency flotation gear of an AS332 helicopter. EASA states that this 
condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in the failure 
of an emergency flotation system when ditching and unstable floating of 
the helicopter, possibly resulting in injury to the occupants. EASA 
consequently requires repetitive inspections of the lower attachment 
screws of rear upper fitting on the rear LH and right-hand (RH) 
emergency flotation gears. According to EASA, the root cause of the 
failure has not yet been identified.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same 
type designs.

Related Service Information

    We have reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service 
Bulletin (EASB) No. 05.01.06, Revision 0, dated December 18, 2015, for 
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters and for 
military Model AS332B, AS332B1, AS332F1, AS332M, and AS332M1 
helicopters, and EASB No. 05A047, Revision 0, dated December 18, 2015, 
for Model EC225LP helicopters. This service information specifies 
repetitively

[[Page 21914]]

inspecting the lower screws of the rear upper fitting on the rear LH 
and RH emergency floating gears for the presence of the heads and 
stressing the screw heads using a tool to make sure that the screw head 
does not move. If all screw heads are present, the service information 
requires no further action. If at least one screw head is missing or 
moves, the service information specifies replacing the two lower screws 
and the upper screw and informing Airbus Helicopters.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) and 
thereafter before each flight over water, visually checking the rear 
upper fittings of the LH and RH emergency flotation gears for the 
presence of screw heads and looseness. An owner/operator (pilot) may 
perform the required visual check and must enter compliance with the 
applicable paragraph of the AD into the helicopter maintenance records 
in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). A 
pilot may perform this check because it involves visually checking the 
rear upper fittings of the LH and RH emergency flotation gears for the 
presence of screw heads and twisting the screws by hand, which can be 
performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This check is an 
exception to our standard maintenance regulations. If any screw heads 
are missing, loose, or twist off with hand pressure, this AD requires 
replacing all screws in the fitting before the next flight over water.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD allows using tools for the inspection, while this AD 
requires checking by hand. The EASA AD requires that repetitive 
inspections occur at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, while this 
AD requires the repetitive checks before each flight over water. The 
EASA AD requires contacting Airbus Helicopters if a screw is missing or 
loose, while this AD does not.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. The design approval holder is 
currently investigating the root cause for this unsafe condition and 
may develop a modification that will address this unsafe condition. If 
this modification is developed, approved and available, we might 
consider additional rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 24 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Checking the screws requires about 1/10 of a work-hour and 
no parts are needed, for a cost of $9 per helicopter and $216 for the 
U.S. fleet.
     Replacing the screws requires 8 work-hours for a labor 
cost of $680. Parts cost $150 for a total cost of $830 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 the required corrective 
actions must be accomplished within 15 hours TIS.
    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):

2017-09-05 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-18867; Docket No. FAA-
2016-6651; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-015-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters with emergency 
flotation gear installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a rear upper 
screw fitting on the emergency flotation gear. This condition, if 
not detected and corrected, could result in failure of the emergency 
flotation system and subsequent capsizing of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 26, 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 15 hours time-in-service, and before each flight over 
water thereafter:

[[Page 21915]]

    (1) Visually check each emergency flotation gear left hand and 
right hand rear upper fitting to determine whether the heads of the 
lower screws are present. Figure 1 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD 
depicts where the lower three screws (noted as B and E) are located. 
Check each screw for looseness by determining whether it can be 
rotated by hand. The actions required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD 
may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a 
private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft 
records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with Title 14 
Code of Federal Regulations (14CFR) Sec. Sec.  43.9(a)(1)-(4) and 14 
CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 
CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
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[[Page 21916]]

    (2) If a screw head is missing or if a screw is loose, before 
further flight over water, replace all screws in the fitting. 
Replacing the screws is not a terminating action for the repetitive 
checks required by this AD.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited for flight over water.

(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, 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.

(h) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
05.01.06, and Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 
No. 05A047, both Revision 0, and both dated December 18, 2015, which 
are not incorporated by reference, contain 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 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) Emergency AD No. 2015-0239-E, dated December 
18, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2016-6651.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212, Emergency 
Flotation Section.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 24, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-09376 Filed 5-10-17; 8:45 am]
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