Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 17617-17619 [2018-08096]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 78 / Monday, April 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
April 23, 2018 and applicable
beginning April 15, 2016.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Valerie J. Best, Supervisory Counsel
(Assistant Executive Secretary), vbest@
fdic.gov, ph. 202–898–3812; or Michael
Phillips, Counsel, mphillips@fdic.gov;
Legal Division, Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, 550 17th Street
NW, Washington, DC 20429.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
document sets out the text of
§ 324.403(b)(1)(v) as adopted by the
FDIC Board of Directors on June 16,
2015. This technical correction is
needed to rescind the impact of a
delayed effective date initially
prescribed in 2014. On April 8, 2014,
the FDIC issued revisions to
§ 324.403(b)(1)(v), with a delayed
effective date of January 1, 2018. 79 FR
24528 at 24541 (May 1, 2014). On July
15, 2015, the FDIC revised
§ 324.403(b)(1)(i) through (vi). 80 FR
41409 at 41426 (July 15, 2015). In the
2015 Federal Register the FDIC
specified an effective date of October 1,
2015, but did not specifically rescind
the delayed effective date prescribed in
the 2014 Federal Register. On April 12,
2016, the FDIC issued a correcting
amendment with respect to § 324.403
but, again, did not specifically rescind
the delayed effective date prescribed in
the 2014 Federal Register. Because the
FDIC did not specifically rescind the
delayed effective date, when the
delayed effective date occurred on
January 1, 2018, the text of
§ 324.403(b)(1)(v) reverted to the text as
it appeared in the 2014 Federal
Register. But, because the FDIC Board
had adopted revisions to the text of
§ 324.403(b)(1)(v) and (vi) in 2015, as
illustrated in the 2015 and 2016 Federal
Registers, the effect, if uncorrected, is
that the text of paragraph (v) duplicates
the text of paragraph (vi).
Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1815(a), 1815(b),
1816, 1818(a), 1818(b), 1818(c), 1818(t), 1819
(Tenth), 1828(c), 1828(d), 1828(i), 1828(n),
1828(o), 1831o, 1835, 3907, 3909, 4808; 5371;
5412; Pub. L. 102–233, 105 Stat. 1761, 1789,
1790 (12 U.S.C. 1831n note); Pub. L. 102–
242, 105 Stat. 2236, 2355, as amended by
Pub. L. 103–325, 108 Stat. 2160, 2233 (12
U.S.C. 1828 note); Pub. L. 102–242, 105 Stat.
2236, 2386, as amended by Pub. L. 102–550,
106 Stat. 3672, 4089 (12 U.S.C. 1828 note);
Pub. L. 111–203, 124 Stat. 1376, 1887 (15
U.S.C. 78o–7 note).
List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 324
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0237; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–145–AD; Amendment
39–19254; AD 2018–08–01]
DATES:
Administrative practice and
procedure, Banks, Banking, Capital
adequacy, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Savings associations,
State non-member banks.
12 CFR CHAPTER III
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES
For the reasons stated in the
preamble, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation amends part 324 of chapter
III of Title 12, Code of Federal
Regulations as follows:
PART 324—CAPITAL ADEQUACY
1. The authority citation for part 324
continues to read as follows:
■
14:32 Apr 20, 2018
§ 324.403 Capital measures and capital
category definitions.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(1) * * *
(v) Is not subject to any written
agreement, order, capital directive, or
prompt corrective action directive
issued by the FDIC pursuant to section
8 of the FDI Act (12 U.S.C. 1818), the
International Lending Supervision Act
of 1983 (12 U.S.C. 3907), or the Home
Owners’ Loan Act (12 U.S.C.
1464(t)(6)(A)(ii)), or section 38 of the
FDI Act (12 U.S.C. 1831o), or any
regulation thereunder, to meet and
maintain a specific capital level for any
capital measure; and
*
*
*
*
*
Dated at Washington, DC, on April 17,
2018.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Valerie Best,
Assistant Executive Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2018–08359 Filed 4–20–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6714–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
Authority and Issuance
VerDate Sep<11>2014
2. In § 324.403, revise paragraph
(b)(1)(v) to read as follows:
■
Jkt 244001
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters.
This AD requires inspecting each main
rotor rotating swashplate (swashplate)
control rod attachment yoke (yoke). This
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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17617
AD is prompted by a finding that the
yoke is susceptible to cracking. The
actions of this AD are intended to
address an unsafe condition on these
products.
This AD becomes effective
May 8, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of May 8, 2018.
We must receive comments on this
AD by June 22, 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.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
DATES:
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–2018–
0237; 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, any incorporated-byreference service information, 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. It is also
available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0237.
E:\FR\FM\23APR1.SGM
23APR1
17618
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 78 / Monday, April 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Matt
Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not provide you with notice and
an opportunity to provide your
comments prior to it becoming effective.
However, we invite you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting written
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.
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2017–
0191R2, dated December 15, 2017, to
correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC 225 LP
helicopters with swashplate part
number (P/N) 332A31–3074–00 or P/N
332A31–3074–01 installed. EASA
advises of a finding by Airbus
Helicopters that the yoke is susceptible
to cracking due to strain aging of the
metal. EASA advises that this condition,
if not detected and corrected, could lead
to structural failure of a yoke, possibly
resulting in loss of control of the
helicopter.
Accordingly, the EASA AD requires,
for swashplates that are seven or more
years old, a recurring inspection of the
five yokes for a crack and a one-time
inspection of the yokes for corrosion
and a crack. If there is a crack or
corrosion on a yoke, the EASA AD
requires replacing the swashplate or
repairing and reworking the yokes.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:32 Apr 20, 2018
Jkt 244001
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
the same type design.
Related Service Information Under
1 CFR Part 51
Airbus Helicopters has issued one
document that co-publishes two
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
(EASB) identification numbers: No.
05A051 for Model EC225LP helicopters
and No. 05A046 for non-FAA typecertificated Model EC725AP helicopters,
both Revision 1 and both dated
November 16, 2017. Airbus Helicopters
EASB No. 05A051 is incorporated by
reference in this AD. Airbus Helicopters
EASB No. 05A046 is not incorporated
by reference in this AD.
This service information specifies
inspections for certain serial-numbered
swashplate P/N 332A31–3074–00 and
P/N 332A31–3074–01. This service
information specifies a repetitive
inspection of the yokes for a crack and
a one-time inspection of the stripped
yokes for corrosion and a crack. If in
doubt about whether there is a crack,
this service information specifies
performing a non-destructive
inspection. This service information
also specifies touching up the
swashplate if there is corrosion,
removing any damage within allowable
limits, and refinishing the yokes. If there
is a crack in a yoke, this service
information specifies replacing the
swashplate.
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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires a repetitive visual
inspection of the five yokes for a crack
every 15 hours time-in-service (TIS),
and replacing the swashplate if there is
a crack in any of the yokes.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The EASA AD specifies performing a
non-destructive inspection if in doubt
about if there is a crack and removing
damage within allowable limits,
whereas this AD does not. The EASA
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Sfmt 4700
AD also specifies stripping the yokes
and performing a one-time inspection
within 100 hours TIS for corrosion and
a crack, and this AD does not. We plan
to publish a notice of proposed
rulemaking to give the public an
opportunity to comment on this longterm requirement.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 5
helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate
that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD.
Labor costs are estimated at $85 per
work-hour.
Inspecting the yokes takes about 0.25
work-hour for an estimated cost of $21
per helicopter and $105 for the U.S.
fleet per inspection cycle. Replacing a
swashplate takes about 6 work-hours
and parts cost about $82,000 for an
estimated cost of $82,510 per helicopter.
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 adoption of this
rule because the required corrective
action must be completed within 15
hours TIS. 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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23APR1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 78 / Monday, April 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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:
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES
2018–08–01 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–19254; Docket No.
FAA–2018–0237; Product Identifier
2017–SW–145–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model EC225LP
helicopters, certificated in any category, with
a main rotor (M/R) rotating swashplate
(swashplate) part number (P/N) 332A31–
3074–00 or P/N 332A31–3074–01 with a
serial number listed in Appendix 4.A. of
Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin No. 05A051, Revision 1, dated
November 16, 2017 (EASB 05A051).
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in a swashplate control rod attachment
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:32 Apr 20, 2018
Jkt 244001
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective May 8, 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
Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours
TIS, visually inspect each yoke for a crack,
paying particular attention to the areas
shown in Details B, C, and D of Figure 1 of
EASB 05A051. If there is a crack on a yoke,
before further flight, replace the swashplate.
(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: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation
Safety Engineer, Safety Management 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.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2017–0191R2, dated December 15, 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–2018–
0237.
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
§ 39.13
yoke (yoke). This condition could result in
failure of the yoke, loss of M/R control, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6230 Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 05A051,
Revision 1, dated November 16, 2017.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2)(i): Airbus
Helicopters EASB No. 05A051, Revision 1,
dated November 16, 2017, is co-published as
one document along with Airbus Helicopters
EASB No. 05A046, Revision 1, dated
November 16, 2017, which is not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Airbus Helicopter’s service
information identified in this AD, contact
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
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17619
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.
(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 April 11,
2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–08096 Filed 4–20–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
31 CFR Part 148
RIN 1505–AC57
Qualified Financial Contracts
Recordkeeping Related to Orderly
Liquidation Authority
Department of the Treasury.
Final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Secretary of the Treasury
(the ‘‘Secretary’’), as Chairperson of the
Financial Stability Oversight Council, in
consultation with the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (the ‘‘FDIC’’), is
adopting a final rule that extends the
compliance dates of the regulation
implementing the qualified financial
contract (‘‘QFC’’) recordkeeping
requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall
Street Reform and Consumer Protection
Act (the ‘‘Dodd-Frank Act’’ or the
‘‘Act’’).
DATES: The final rule is effective May
23, 2018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brian Smith, Director, Office of Capital
Markets, (202) 622–0157; Peter
Nickoloff, Financial Economist, Office
of Capital Markets, (202) 622–1692;
Steven D. Laughton, Assistant General
Counsel (Banking & Finance), (202)
622–8413; or Stephen T. Milligan,
Attorney-Advisor, (202) 622–4051.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
October 31, 2016, the Secretary
published a final regulation pursuant to
section 210(c)(8)(H) of the Dodd-Frank
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\23APR1.SGM
23APR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 78 (Monday, April 23, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17617-17619]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08096]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0237; Product Identifier 2017-SW-145-AD; Amendment
39-19254; AD 2018-08-01]
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 EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires inspecting each
main rotor rotating swashplate (swashplate) control rod attachment yoke
(yoke). This AD is prompted by a finding that the yoke is susceptible
to cracking. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 8, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of May 8, 2018.
We must receive comments on this AD by June 22, 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.
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-2018-
0237; 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, any
incorporated-by-reference service information, 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">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. It is also available
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0237.
[[Page 17618]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management 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 EASA AD No. 2017-0191R2, dated December 15,
2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model EC
225 LP helicopters with swashplate part number (P/N) 332A31-3074-00 or
P/N 332A31-3074-01 installed. EASA advises of a finding by Airbus
Helicopters that the yoke is susceptible to cracking due to strain
aging of the metal. EASA advises that this condition, if not detected
and corrected, could lead to structural failure of a yoke, possibly
resulting in loss of control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, the EASA AD requires, for swashplates that are seven
or more years old, a recurring inspection of the five yokes for a crack
and a one-time inspection of the yokes for corrosion and a crack. If
there is a crack or corrosion on a yoke, the EASA AD requires replacing
the swashplate or repairing and reworking the yokes.
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 the same type
design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus Helicopters has issued one document that co-publishes two
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) identification numbers: No.
05A051 for Model EC225LP helicopters and No. 05A046 for non-FAA type-
certificated Model EC725AP helicopters, both Revision 1 and both dated
November 16, 2017. Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 05A051 is incorporated
by reference in this AD. Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 05A046 is not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
This service information specifies inspections for certain serial-
numbered swashplate P/N 332A31-3074-00 and P/N 332A31-3074-01. This
service information specifies a repetitive inspection of the yokes for
a crack and a one-time inspection of the stripped yokes for corrosion
and a crack. If in doubt about whether there is a crack, this service
information specifies performing a non-destructive inspection. This
service information also specifies touching up the swashplate if there
is corrosion, removing any damage within allowable limits, and
refinishing the yokes. If there is a crack in a yoke, this service
information specifies replacing the swashplate.
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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires a repetitive visual inspection of the five yokes
for a crack every 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), and replacing the
swashplate if there is a crack in any of the yokes.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD specifies performing a non-destructive inspection if in
doubt about if there is a crack and removing damage within allowable
limits, whereas this AD does not. The EASA AD also specifies stripping
the yokes and performing a one-time inspection within 100 hours TIS for
corrosion and a crack, and this AD does not. We plan to publish a
notice of proposed rulemaking to give the public an opportunity to
comment on this long-term requirement.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 5 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We
estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to
comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Inspecting the yokes takes about 0.25 work-hour for an estimated
cost of $21 per helicopter and $105 for the U.S. fleet per inspection
cycle. Replacing a swashplate takes about 6 work-hours and parts cost
about $82,000 for an estimated cost of $82,510 per helicopter.
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 adoption of this rule
because the required corrective action must be completed within 15
hours TIS. 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.
[[Page 17619]]
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):
2018-08-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-19254; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0237; Product Identifier 2017-SW-145-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in
any category, with a main rotor (M/R) rotating swashplate
(swashplate) part number (P/N) 332A31-3074-00 or P/N 332A31-3074-01
with a serial number listed in Appendix 4.A. of Airbus Helicopters
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A051, Revision 1, dated
November 16, 2017 (EASB 05A051).
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a swashplate
control rod attachment yoke (yoke). This condition could result in
failure of the yoke, loss of M/R control, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective May 8, 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
Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, visually inspect each yoke for
a crack, paying particular attention to the areas shown in Details
B, C, and D of Figure 1 of EASB 05A051. If there is a crack on a
yoke, before further flight, replace the swashplate.
(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:
Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
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
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0191R2, dated December 15, 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-2018-0237.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6230 Main Rotor
Mast/Swashplate.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB)
No. 05A051, Revision 1, dated November 16, 2017.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2)(i): Airbus Helicopters EASB No.
05A051, Revision 1, dated November 16, 2017, is co-published as one
document along with Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 05A046, Revision 1,
dated November 16, 2017, which is not incorporated by reference in
this AD.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Airbus Helicopter's 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.
(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 April 11, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-08096 Filed 4-20-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
