Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 44509-44511 [2017-19939]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 184 / Monday, September 25, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
(2) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737–53A1232, Revision 1, dated
May 18, 2012.
(3) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737–53A1232, Revision 2, dated July
26, 2013.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES
(p) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (q)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO, to make those findings. To be
approved, the repair method, modification
deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) AMOCs approved previously for repairs
for AD 2008–12–04 are approved as AMOCs
for the installation of the repair specified in
this AD, provided all post-repair inspections
are done at the applicable times specified in
the AMOC.
(5) AMOCs approved previously for
preventive modifications for AD 2008–12–04
are approved as AMOCs for the installation
of the preventive modification specified in
this AD, provided all post-modification
inspections are done at the applicable times
specified in the AMOC, or in tables 1a and
1b of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1232,
Revision 3, dated July 27, 2015, whichever
occurs first. The AMOC must include all of
the inspections specified in Tables 1a and 1b
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
53A1232, Revision 3, dated July 27, 2015.
(q) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–
3356; phone: 425–917–6577; fax: 425–917–
6450; email: alan.pohl@faa.gov.
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (r)(3) and (r)(4) of this AD.
(r) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
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(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
53A1232, Revision 3, dated July 27, 2015.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740;
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://www.archives.
gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
September 14, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–20114 Filed 9–22–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9143; Product
Identifier 2013–SW–037–AD; Amendment
39–19051; AD 2017–19–21]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters.
This AD requires modifying the
emergency lubrication system (EMLUB).
This AD was prompted by two incidents
of emergency ditching after there was a
warning of a loss of oil pressure and a
false EMLUB failure. The actions of this
AD are intended to address an unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 30,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of October 30, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
SUMMARY:
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44509
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–
9143; or in person at the Docket
Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
incorporated-by-reference service
information, the economic evaluation,
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Operations Office (phone: 800–
647–5527) is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations
Office, M–30, West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao
Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, Texas
76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
rao.edupuganti@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On March 14, 2017, at 82 FR 13565,
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 (formerly
Eurocopter France) Model EC225LP
helicopters. The NPRM proposed to
require replacing the EMLUB glycol
pump, the air and glycol pressure
switches, and the MGB lubrication card,
and modifying and re-identifying the
helicopter wiring harness. The NPRM
also proposed testing the function of the
EMLUB and electrical systems and
revising the Emergency Procedures
section of the RFM. Lastly, the NPRM
proposed to prohibit installing certain
part-numbered EMLUB glycol pumps,
air-pressure switches, glycol pressure
switches and electronic boards on any
helicopter. The proposed requirements
were intended to prevent a false EMLUB
warning. This condition when
associated with a loss of the MGB oil
pressure could result in an unnecessary
emergency landing or ditching.
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The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
2013–0156, dated July 18, 2013, 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
EC225LP helicopters. EASA advises of
two incidents of emergency ditching in
the North Sea after a warning indication
of MGB loss of oil pressure followed by
a red alarm on the EMLUB. In both
cases, the EMLUB provided a false
failure indication due to a design
nonconformity on the electrical outputs
of some EMLUB air and glycol pressureswitches. EASA states that a false red
EMLUB warning during an MGB
emergency lubrication system operation
could cause the flight crew to perform
an immediate landing or ditching. As a
result, the EASA AD requires several
actions that restore safe operation of the
EMLUB system.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we received no comments on the NPRM.
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 and that air
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters)
issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
EC225–05A033, Revision 0, dated July
14, 2013, for Model EC225LP
helicopters. This ASB specifies
replacing the air and glycol pressure
switches, modifying the helicopter
wiring, replacing the glycol pump,
replacing the MGB lubrication card,
modifying the RFM emergency
procedures in the event of EMLUB
activation, and canceling the RFM
limitations of Eurocopter Emergency
ASB No. 04A010, dated July 14, 2013.
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.
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Jkt 241001
Related Service Information
Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters)
also issued the following Alert Service
Bulletins (ASBs), each dated July 14,
2013:
• Emergency ASB, Revision 1, with
two different numbers: No. 04A010 for
Model EC225LP helicopters and No.
04A009 for military Model EC725AP
helicopters, which are not FAA type
certificated. This Emergency ASB
specifies modifying the RFM emergency
procedures in the event of activation of
the EMLUB system and applies only to
those helicopters that have not been
altered by certain modifications.
• Emergency ASB No. 05A032,
Revision 2, for both Model EC225LP and
military Model EC725AP helicopters.
This Emergency ASB specifies checking
that the EMLUB electrical system
(harness, control, alarm, and indicator
panel) operates correctly and applies
only to those helicopters that have not
been altered by certain modifications
(the same as those for Emergency ASB
No. 04A010 and No. 04A009).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 4
helicopters of U.S. Registry and that
labor costs average $85 per work-hour.
Based on these estimates, we expect the
following costs. We estimate that 34
work-hours are needed to replace the air
and glycol pressure switches, modify
the helicopter wiring, replace the glycol
pump, and replace the MGB lubrication
card. The required parts cost $121,695
per helicopter. Based on these estimates,
the total costs are $124,585 per
helicopter and $498,340 for the U.S.
fleet.
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.
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Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction; and
(4) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2017–19–21 Airbus Helicopters (formerly
Eurocopter France): Amendment 39–
19051; Docket No. FAA–2016–9143;
Product Identifier 2013–SW–037–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model EC225LP
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
false emergency lubrication system (EMLUB)
warning. This condition when associated
with a loss of the main gearbox (MGB) oil
pressure could result in an unnecessary
emergency landing or ditching.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective October 30,
2017.
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(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless it has
already been accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 500 hours time-in-service:
(i) Replace EMLUB glycol pump part
number (P/N) 332A32–5051–00 with EMLUB
glycol pump P/N 332A32–5043–00.
(ii) Replace EMLUB air pressure switch
P/N MA193–00 or MC7014–0–00 with P/N
MC7014–1–00, and replace EMLUB glycol
pressure switch P/N MA194–01 or MC7015–
0–00 with P/N MC7015–1–00. P/N MC7014–
1–00 and P/N MC7015–1–00 must be from
the same manufacturer.
(iii) Modify and re-identify the helicopter
wiring harness. Refer to Figure 3 of
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225–
05A033, Revision 0, dated July 14, 2013 (ASB
EC225–05A033).
(iv) Replace MGB lubrication card P/N
704A46580127 with P/N 704A46580146, and
MGB lubrication card P/N 704A46580106
with P/N 704A46580146 or –147.
(v) Accomplish a functional test of the
EMLUB system and the electrical system.
(vi) Revise the Emergency Procedures
section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM)
by removing any pages from Section 3 of the
RFM that pertain to the emergency
procedures in the event of EMLUB activation
and by inserting the pages from paragraph
4.C. Appendix 3, of ASB EC225–05A033 into
Section 3 of the RFM.
(2) Do not install on any helicopter EMLUB
glycol pump P/N 332A32–5051–00, air
pressure-switch P/N MA193–00 or P/N
MC7014–0–00, glycol pressure-switch P/N
MA194–01 or P/N MC7015–0–00, or MGB
lubrication card P/N 704A46580106 or P/N
704A46580127.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Section, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Rao Edupuganti,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations &
Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch,
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) Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
No. 05A032, Revision 2, dated July 14, 2013,
and Emergency ASB with two numbers (No.
04A010 and No. 04A009), Revision 1, dated
July 14, 2013, which are not incorporated by
reference, contain additional information
about the subject of this AD. For service
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:53 Sep 22, 2017
Jkt 241001
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) AD
2013–0156, dated July 18, 2013. You may
view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–
2016–9143.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6320, Main Rotor Gearbox.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
EC225–05A033, Revision 0, dated July 14,
2013.
(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 September
11, 2017.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–19939 Filed 9–22–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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44511
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0188; Airspace
Docket No. 17–AGL–8]
Amendment of Class E Airspace;
Brainerd, MN
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This action modifies Class E
airspace extending up to 700 feet above
the surface at Brainerd Lakes Regional
Airport (formerly Brainerd-Crow Wing
County Regional Airport), Brainerd,
MN. Airspace reconfiguration is
necessary due to the decommissioning
of the Brainerd (BRD) VHF
omnidirectional radio range tactical air
navigation aid (VORTAC), and
cancellation of the VOR approach. This
action also updates the geographic
coordinates of the airport and the
airport name in the Class E airspace.
Additionally, an editorial change is
made to the Class E surface area
airspace legal description replacing
Airport/Facility Directory with the term
Chart Supplement.
DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, December 7,
2017. The Director of the Federal
Register approves this incorporation by
reference action under Title 1, Code of
Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to
the annual revision of FAA Order
7400.11 and publication of conforming
amendments.
ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11B,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, and subsequent amendments can
be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/
air_traffic/publications/. For further
information, you can contact the
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202)
741–6030, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_
locations.html.
FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on
September 15.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Walter Tweedy, Federal Aviation
Administration, Operations Support
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 184 (Monday, September 25, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44509-44511]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19939]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9143; Product Identifier 2013-SW-037-AD; Amendment
39-19051; AD 2017-19-21]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires modifying the
emergency lubrication system (EMLUB). This AD was prompted by two
incidents of emergency ditching after there was a warning of a loss of
oil pressure and a false EMLUB failure. The actions of this AD are
intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 30, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 30,
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-
9143; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department
of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817)
222-5110; email rao.edupuganti@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On March 14, 2017, at 82 FR 13565, 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
(formerly Eurocopter France) Model EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM
proposed to require replacing the EMLUB glycol pump, the air and glycol
pressure switches, and the MGB lubrication card, and modifying and re-
identifying the helicopter wiring harness. The NPRM also proposed
testing the function of the EMLUB and electrical systems and revising
the Emergency Procedures section of the RFM. Lastly, the NPRM proposed
to prohibit installing certain part-numbered EMLUB glycol pumps, air-
pressure switches, glycol pressure switches and electronic boards on
any helicopter. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent a
false EMLUB warning. This condition when associated with a loss of the
MGB oil pressure could result in an unnecessary emergency landing or
ditching.
[[Page 44510]]
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2013-0156, dated July 18, 2013,
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 EC225LP helicopters. EASA advises of two incidents of
emergency ditching in the North Sea after a warning indication of MGB
loss of oil pressure followed by a red alarm on the EMLUB. In both
cases, the EMLUB provided a false failure indication due to a design
nonconformity on the electrical outputs of some EMLUB air and glycol
pressure-switches. EASA states that a false red EMLUB warning during an
MGB emergency lubrication system operation could cause the flight crew
to perform an immediate landing or ditching. As a result, the EASA AD
requires several actions that restore safe operation of the EMLUB
system.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM.
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 and that air safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) issued Alert Service Bulletin
(ASB) No. EC225-05A033, Revision 0, dated July 14, 2013, for Model
EC225LP helicopters. This ASB specifies replacing the air and glycol
pressure switches, modifying the helicopter wiring, replacing the
glycol pump, replacing the MGB lubrication card, modifying the RFM
emergency procedures in the event of EMLUB activation, and canceling
the RFM limitations of Eurocopter Emergency ASB No. 04A010, dated July
14, 2013.
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.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) also issued the following Alert
Service Bulletins (ASBs), each dated July 14, 2013:
Emergency ASB, Revision 1, with two different numbers: No.
04A010 for Model EC225LP helicopters and No. 04A009 for military Model
EC725AP helicopters, which are not FAA type certificated. This
Emergency ASB specifies modifying the RFM emergency procedures in the
event of activation of the EMLUB system and applies only to those
helicopters that have not been altered by certain modifications.
Emergency ASB No. 05A032, Revision 2, for both Model
EC225LP and military Model EC725AP helicopters. This Emergency ASB
specifies checking that the EMLUB electrical system (harness, control,
alarm, and indicator panel) operates correctly and applies only to
those helicopters that have not been altered by certain modifications
(the same as those for Emergency ASB No. 04A010 and No. 04A009).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 4 helicopters of U.S. Registry and
that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates,
we expect the following costs. We estimate that 34 work-hours are
needed to replace the air and glycol pressure switches, modify the
helicopter wiring, replace the glycol pump, and replace the MGB
lubrication card. The required parts cost $121,695 per helicopter.
Based on these estimates, the total costs are $124,585 per helicopter
and $498,340 for the U.S. fleet.
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):
2017-19-21 Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter France):
Amendment 39-19051; Docket No. FAA-2016-9143; Product Identifier
2013-SW-037-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in
any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a false emergency
lubrication system (EMLUB) warning. This condition when associated
with a loss of the main gearbox (MGB) oil pressure could result in
an unnecessary emergency landing or ditching.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective October 30, 2017.
[[Page 44511]]
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 500 hours time-in-service:
(i) Replace EMLUB glycol pump part number (P/N) 332A32-5051-00
with EMLUB glycol pump P/N 332A32-5043-00.
(ii) Replace EMLUB air pressure switch P/N MA193-00 or MC7014-0-
00 with P/N MC7014-1-00, and replace EMLUB glycol pressure switch P/
N MA194-01 or MC7015-0-00 with P/N MC7015-1-00. P/N MC7014-1-00 and
P/N MC7015-1-00 must be from the same manufacturer.
(iii) Modify and re-identify the helicopter wiring harness.
Refer to Figure 3 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-
05A033, Revision 0, dated July 14, 2013 (ASB EC225-05A033).
(iv) Replace MGB lubrication card P/N 704A46580127 with P/N
704A46580146, and MGB lubrication card P/N 704A46580106 with P/N
704A46580146 or -147.
(v) Accomplish a functional test of the EMLUB system and the
electrical system.
(vi) Revise the Emergency Procedures section of the Rotorcraft
Flight Manual (RFM) by removing any pages from Section 3 of the RFM
that pertain to the emergency procedures in the event of EMLUB
activation and by inserting the pages from paragraph 4.C. Appendix
3, of ASB EC225-05A033 into Section 3 of the RFM.
(2) Do not install on any helicopter EMLUB glycol pump P/N
332A32-5051-00, air pressure-switch P/N MA193-00 or P/N MC7014-0-00,
glycol pressure-switch P/N MA194-01 or P/N MC7015-0-00, or MGB
lubrication card P/N 704A46580106 or P/N 704A46580127.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, FAA, may approve
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation
Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, 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) Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05A032, Revision
2, dated July 14, 2013, and Emergency ASB with two numbers (No.
04A010 and No. 04A009), Revision 1, dated July 14, 2013, 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) AD 2013-0156, dated July 18, 2013. You may view
the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket
No. FAA-2016-9143.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320, Main Rotor
Gearbox.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-05A033, Revision
0, dated July 14, 2013.
(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/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 11, 2017.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-19939 Filed 9-22-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
