Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 3566-3568 [2018-01196]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 18 / Friday, January 26, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
fittings and subsequent depressurization of
the fuselage.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspection
(1) At the latest of the times specified in
paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), and (g)(1)(iii) of
this AD: Do a detailed inspection of the
pressurized floor fittings at FR 36, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
57–1028, Revision 02, dated June 3, 2013.
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 9,300 flight cycles or 18,600
flight hours, whichever occurs first.
(i) Before exceeding 20,900 flight cycles or
41,800 flight hours, whichever occurs first
since first flight of the airplane.
(ii) Within 9,300 flight cycles or 18,600
flight cycles since the most recent inspection
accomplished in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–57–1028, Revision 02,
dated June 3, 2013.
(iii) Within 1,250 flight cycles or 2,500
flight hours after March 3, 2016 (the effective
date of AD 2016–02–01), without exceeding
12,000 flight cycles since the most recent
inspection accomplished in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–57–1028, Revision 02,
dated June 3, 2013.
(2) If any crack is found during any
inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD: Before further flight, repair using a
method approved by the Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
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(h) Modification
Before exceeding 48,000 total flight cycles
or 96,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs
first since first flight of the airplane: Modify
(replace aluminum fittings with titanium
fittings) the pressurized floor fittings at FR
36, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
57–1029, Revision 02, dated June 16, 1999.
Accomplishment of this modification is
terminating action for the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (g) of this
AD for the modified airplane only.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, if that inspection was performed before
the effective date of this AD using Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–57–1028, dated
August 12, 1991; or Revision 01, dated April
19, 1996.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the
modification required by paragraph (h) of
this AD, if that modification was performed
before the effective date of this AD using
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–57–1029,
dated August 12, 1991; or Revision 01, dated
November 10, 1992.
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(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards 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 International Section, send it
to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@faa.gov. 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.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the
effective date of this AD, for any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by
the Manager, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or
Airbus’s EASA DOA. If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD
2016–0181, dated September 13, 2016, for
related information. This MCAI may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–0716.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW,
Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone: 425–
227–1405; fax: 425–227–1149.
(3) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(4) and (l)(5) of this AD.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on March 3, 2016 (81 FR
4878, January 28, 2016).
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–57–1028,
Revision 02, dated June 3, 2013.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–57–1029,
Revision 02, dated June 16, 1999.
(4) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61
93 44 51; email: account.airworth-eas@
airbus.com; internet: https://www.airbus.com.
(5) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
PO 00000
Frm 00004
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Sfmt 4700
1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(6) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
10, 2018.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–01197 Filed 1–25–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1201; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–068–AD; Amendment
39–19155; AD 2018–02–02]
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 AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D,
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and
EC130T2 helicopters. This AD requires
inspecting the main rotor (M/R) mast jet
oil lubrication hose (oil hose). This AD
is prompted by a report of a blocked oil
hose. The actions of this AD are
intended to prevent an unsafe condition
on these helicopters.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
February 12, 2018.
We must receive comments on this
AD by March 27, 2018.
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.
SUMMARY:
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• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
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.
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–2017–
1201; or in person at Docket Operations
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
Docket Operations (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.helicopters.airbus.com/website/
en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. 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: Rao
Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations and Policy Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
rao.edupuganti@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued AD No. 2017–0089,
dated May 17, 2017 (AD 2017–0089), to
correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350BB, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP,
EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters.
EASA advises that an oil hose part
number (P/N) 704A34–412–015
(manufacturing P/N 4T13) was found
blocked during unscheduled
maintenance. EASA states an
investigation showed the hose had
become completely blocked with solder
during the manufacturing process,
resulting in a complete absence of
lubrication from the direct oil jet to the
M/R mast upper bearing. According to
EASA this condition could lead to
degradation of the M/R mast bearings,
loss of transmission function, and
subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter. To correct this condition,
EASA AD 2017–0089 requires a onetime inspection of the oil hose to
determine if there is any blockage,
replacing the oil hose and the M/R mast
if the oil hose is blocked, and marking
unobstructed hoses with an ‘‘x’’ after the
P/N.
3567
May 19, 2017. This service information
specifies procedures for inspecting the
oil hose for the presence of oil,
inspecting the oil hose for blockage, and
marking the hose if there is no blockage.
AD Requirements
This AD requires, within 30 hours
time-in-service (TIS):
• Removing the upper end of the oil
hose and inspecting the inside of the
hose to determine if there is any oil
present. If there is no oil present, before
further flight, replacing the M/R mast
and the oil hose;
• If there is oil present, within 30
hours TIS of inspecting for the presence
of oil, removing the hose and
determining if there is blockage in the
hose, first using an air gun and then
using cable ties or a piece of wire. If
there is blockage in the hose, before
further flight, replacing the M/R mast
and the oil hose; and
• If there is oil present and there is
no blockage, before further flight,
permanently marking the hose with an
‘‘X’’ following the P/N.
This AD also prohibits installing an
oil hose, P/N 704A34–412–015, on any
helicopter unless it has been inspected
as required by this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Airbus
Helicopters Model AS350BB
helicopters, this AD does not as that
model is not type certificated in the U.S.
Costs of Compliance
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.
We estimate that this AD affects 1,246
helicopters of U.S. Registry.
We estimate that operators may incur
the following costs in order to comply
with this AD. At an average labor rate
of $85 per work-hour, inspecting the oil
hose for oil and obstruction and
marking the hose will require about one
hour, for a cost per helicopter of $85
and a cost of $105,910 for the U.S. fleet.
If required, replacing the M/R mast
and oil hose will require 16 hours and
required parts will cost $29,940 for a
cost per helicopter of $31,300.
Related Service Information
Airbus Helicopters has co-published
as one document Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 62.00.20 for
non-FAA type-certificated AS550-series
helicopters, EASB No. 62.00.23 for nonFAA type-certificated AS555-series
helicopters, EASB No. 62.00.36 for
AS355-series helicopters, EASB No.
62.00.39 for AS350-series helicopters,
and EASB No. 62A015 for EC130 series
helicopters, all Revision 1 and dated
FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
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Fmt 4700
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An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD without providing an opportunity
for public comments prior to adoption.
The FAA has found that the risk to the
flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to the adoption of
this rule because some of the required
corrective actions must be accomplished
within 30 hours TIS, a potentially short
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period of time for helicopters primarily
used for air ambulance operations.
Therefore, we find good cause that
notice and opportunity for prior public
comment are impracticable. In addition,
for the reason stated above, we find 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.
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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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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Jkt 244001
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
(2) If there is no blockage, re-identify the
oil hose by vibro-etching the letter ‘‘X’’ after
the P/N.
(2) Do not install an oil hose P/N 704A34–
412–015 on any helicopter unless it has been
inspected as required by this AD.
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
proposal to: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 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.
■
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):
■
2018–02–02 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–19155; Docket No.
FAA–2017–1201; Product Identifier
2017–SW–068–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N,
AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2
helicopters, certificated in any category, with
a main rotor (M/R) mast jet oil lubrication
hose (oil hose) part number (P/N) 704A34–
412–015 (manufacturing P/N 4T13), except
those marked with an X following the P/N,
installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
blocked oil hose. This condition could result
in failure of the direct oil jet to lubricate the
M/R mast upper bearing, degradation of the
M/R mast bearings, loss of M/R transmission
function, and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective February 12,
2018.
(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 30 hours time-in-service (TIS),
disconnect the upper end of the oil hose and
inspect the inside of the hose for oil.
(i) If there is no oil inside the hose, before
further flight, replace the M/R mast and oil
hose.
(ii) If there is oil inside the hose, within 30
hours TIS, remove the oil hose and blow air
through the oil hose using an air gun.
(A) If no air flows through the oil hose,
before further flight, replace the M/R mast
and oil hose.
(B) If air does flow through the oil hose,
inspect the oil hose for any blockage by
inserting two cable ties or a semi-rigid piece
of wire with a diameter of 2 to 2.3
millimeters (mm) a minimum of 100 mm into
each end of the oil hose.
(1) If there is any blockage, before further
flight, replace the M/R mast and oil hose.
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(g) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin No. 62.00.20, No. 62.00.23,
No. 62.00.36, No. 62.00.39, and No. 62A015,
all Revision 1 and dated May 19, 2017, which
are co-published as one document and 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.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/
Technical-Support_73.html. 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. 2017–0089, dated May 17, 2017. You
may view the EASA AD on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017–
1201.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6230 Main Gearbox Mast.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 8,
2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–01196 Filed 1–25–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 18 (Friday, January 26, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3566-3568]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01196]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-1201; Product Identifier 2017-SW-068-AD; Amendment
39-19155; AD 2018-02-02]
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 AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D,
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the main rotor (M/R) mast jet
oil lubrication hose (oil hose). This AD is prompted by a report of a
blocked oil hose. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an
unsafe condition on these helicopters.
DATES: This AD becomes effective February 12, 2018.
We must receive comments on this AD by March 27, 2018.
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.
[[Page 3567]]
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-2017-
1201; or in person at Docket Operations 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 Docket Operations (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.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. 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: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email [email protected].
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 AD No. 2017-0089, dated May 17, 2017 (AD
2017-0089), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model
AS350B, AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2
helicopters. EASA advises that an oil hose part number (P/N) 704A34-
412-015 (manufacturing P/N 4T13) was found blocked during unscheduled
maintenance. EASA states an investigation showed the hose had become
completely blocked with solder during the manufacturing process,
resulting in a complete absence of lubrication from the direct oil jet
to the M/R mast upper bearing. According to EASA this condition could
lead to degradation of the M/R mast bearings, loss of transmission
function, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. To correct
this condition, EASA AD 2017-0089 requires a one-time inspection of the
oil hose to determine if there is any blockage, replacing the oil hose
and the M/R mast if the oil hose is blocked, and marking unobstructed
hoses with an ``x'' after the P/N.
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
Airbus Helicopters has co-published as one document Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 62.00.20 for non-FAA type-certificated
AS550-series helicopters, EASB No. 62.00.23 for non-FAA type-
certificated AS555-series helicopters, EASB No. 62.00.36 for AS355-
series helicopters, EASB No. 62.00.39 for AS350-series helicopters, and
EASB No. 62A015 for EC130 series helicopters, all Revision 1 and dated
May 19, 2017. This service information specifies procedures for
inspecting the oil hose for the presence of oil, inspecting the oil
hose for blockage, and marking the hose if there is no blockage.
AD Requirements
This AD requires, within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS):
Removing the upper end of the oil hose and inspecting the
inside of the hose to determine if there is any oil present. If there
is no oil present, before further flight, replacing the M/R mast and
the oil hose;
If there is oil present, within 30 hours TIS of inspecting
for the presence of oil, removing the hose and determining if there is
blockage in the hose, first using an air gun and then using cable ties
or a piece of wire. If there is blockage in the hose, before further
flight, replacing the M/R mast and the oil hose; and
If there is oil present and there is no blockage, before
further flight, permanently marking the hose with an ``X'' following
the P/N.
This AD also prohibits installing an oil hose, P/N 704A34-412-015,
on any helicopter unless it has been inspected as required by this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350BB
helicopters, this AD does not as that model is not type certificated in
the U.S.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 1,246 helicopters of U.S.
Registry.
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order
to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour,
inspecting the oil hose for oil and obstruction and marking the hose
will require about one hour, for a cost per helicopter of $85 and a
cost of $105,910 for the U.S. fleet.
If required, replacing the M/R mast and oil hose will require 16
hours and required parts will cost $29,940 for a cost per helicopter of
$31,300.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule
because some of the required corrective actions must be accomplished
within 30 hours TIS, a potentially short
[[Page 3568]]
period of time for helicopters primarily used for air ambulance
operations.
Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment are impracticable. In addition, for the reason stated
above, we find 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):
2018-02-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-19155; Docket No. FAA-
2017-1201; Product Identifier 2017-SW-068-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters, certificated in
any category, with a main rotor (M/R) mast jet oil lubrication hose
(oil hose) part number (P/N) 704A34-412-015 (manufacturing P/N
4T13), except those marked with an X following the P/N, installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a blocked oil hose. This
condition could result in failure of the direct oil jet to lubricate
the M/R mast upper bearing, degradation of the M/R mast bearings,
loss of M/R transmission function, and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective February 12, 2018.
(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 30 hours time-in-service (TIS), disconnect the upper
end of the oil hose and inspect the inside of the hose for oil.
(i) If there is no oil inside the hose, before further flight,
replace the M/R mast and oil hose.
(ii) If there is oil inside the hose, within 30 hours TIS,
remove the oil hose and blow air through the oil hose using an air
gun.
(A) If no air flows through the oil hose, before further flight,
replace the M/R mast and oil hose.
(B) If air does flow through the oil hose, inspect the oil hose
for any blockage by inserting two cable ties or a semi-rigid piece
of wire with a diameter of 2 to 2.3 millimeters (mm) a minimum of
100 mm into each end of the oil hose.
(1) If there is any blockage, before further flight, replace the
M/R mast and oil hose.
(2) If there is no blockage, re-identify the oil hose by vibro-
etching the letter ``X'' after the P/N.
(2) Do not install an oil hose P/N 704A34-412-015 on any
helicopter unless it has been inspected as required by this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to:
Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft
complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
62.00.20, No. 62.00.23, No. 62.00.36, No. 62.00.39, and No. 62A015,
all Revision 1 and dated May 19, 2017, which are co-published as one
document and 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.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html.
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. 2017-0089, dated May 17, 2017. You may
view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2017-1201.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6230 Main Gearbox
Mast.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 8, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-01196 Filed 1-25-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
