Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH), 25415-25417 [2018-11447]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 106 / Friday, June 1, 2018 / Proposed Rules
Airworthiness Directive 2017–0206, dated
October 12, 2017, 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–2018–0491.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–
231–3225.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Office—EAW, 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.
You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May
21, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–11680 Filed 5–31–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0555; Product
Identifier 2010–SW–047–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH)
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to revise
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014–05–
06 for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
Model EC135 and MBB–BK 117C–2
helicopters. AD 2014–05–06 requires
repetitive inspections of the flightcontrol bearings, replacing any loose
bearings with airworthy flight-control
bearings, and installing bushings and
washers. This proposed AD would
retain the requirements of AD 2014–05–
06 but would remove the repetitive
inspections. The actions of this
proposed AD are intended to correct an
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by July 31, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
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• 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–2013–
0555; 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 proposed
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 proposed 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 service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177.
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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Comments Invited
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 might result
from adopting the proposals in this
document. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
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25415
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
filed electronically, commenters should
submit 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 proposed rulemaking.
Before acting on this proposal, we will
consider all comments we receive on or
before the closing date for comments.
We will consider comments filed after
the comment period has closed if it is
possible to do so without incurring
expense or delay. We may change this
proposal in light of the comments we
receive.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, issued EASA AD No. 2010–0058,
dated March 30, 2010, for Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH) Model
EC135, EC635, and MBB–BK 117C–2
helicopters. EASA advises that during
an inspection of an MBB–BK117 C–2,
‘‘bearings were detected which had not
been correctly fixed.’’ EASA advises
that this condition, if not detected and
corrected, may cause the affected
control lever to shift in the axial
direction and contact the helicopter
structure, possibly resulting in reduced
helicopter control. As some bearings on
the EC135 and MBB–BK 117C–2
helicopter are installed with the same
procedure, they are equally affected by
the possibility of the unsafe condition,
EASA advises.
As a result, we published AD 2014–
05–06 (79 FR 13196, March 10, 2014),
which requires repetitively inspecting
the flight-control bearings, replacing any
loose bearings with an airworthy flightcontrol bearing, and installing bushings
and washers.
Actions Since AD 2014–05–06 Was
Issued
Since we published AD 2014–05–06,
EASA issued AD No. 2010–0058R1,
dated April 7, 2017, to remove the
repetitive inspections required by EASA
AD No. 2010–0058. EASA advises that
a review of data and feedback from inservice helicopters determined the
Airbus Helicopters modification
removes the need for repetitive
inspections. We have made a similar
determination and are issuing this
proposed AD to remove the repetitive
inspections required by AD 2014–05–
06.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 106 / Friday, June 1, 2018 / Proposed Rules
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by the aviation authority of Germany
and are approved for operation in the
United States. Pursuant to our bilateral
agreement with Germany, EASA, its
technical representative, has notified us
of the unsafe condition described in its
AD. We are proposing this AD because
we evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an
unsafe condition is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Eurocopter issued Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) EC135–67A–019,
Revision 3, dated December 16, 2009,
for Model EC135-series helicopters, and
ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–67A–010,
Revision 3, dated February 8, 2010, for
Model MBB–BK 117C–2 helicopters.
This service information specifies a
repetitive inspection of the affected
bearings and retrofitting bushings on the
levers to prevent movement of the
bearings.
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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Other Related Service Information
We reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB
EC135–67A–019 for Model EC135-series
helicopters and ASB MBB–BK117C–2–
67A–010 for Model MBB–BK 117C–2
helicopters, both Revision 4 and both
dated April 3, 2017. This service
information removes the repetitive
inspections and retains the procedures
for retrofitting the bushings on the
levers to prevent movement of the
bearings. Revision 3 of this service
information is attached as an appendix
to Revision 4.
Proposed AD Requirements
For EC135 helicopters, this proposed
AD would require within 100 hours
time-in-service (TIS) or at the next
annual inspection, whichever occurs
first, modifying the left-hand (LH) and
right-hand (RH) guidance units and
cyclic shaft by installing bushings and
washers to prevent shifting in the axial
direction.
For MBB–BK 117C–2 helicopters, this
proposed AD would require within 100
hours TIS or at the next annual
inspection, whichever occurs first,
modifying the LH and RH guidance
units and the lateral control lever by
installing bushings and washers to
prevent shifting of the bearings in the
axial direction.
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Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
Differences between this AD and the
EASA AD are:
• The EASA AD is applicable to EC
635-series helicopters, whereas this
proposed AD would not because these
model helicopters have no U.S. type
certificate.
• The EASA AD requires the
modification within the next 12 months
after April 13, 2010. This proposed AD
would require the modification within
100 hours TIS or at the next annual
inspection, whichever occurs first.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 295
Model EC135-series helicopters and 117
Model MBB–BK 117C–2 helicopters of
U.S. Registry and that labor costs
average $85 per work-hour. Based on
these estimates, we expect the following
costs:
• For EC135 helicopters, completing
the required modification would require
about 32 work-hours and parts would
cost about $312, for a total cost of
$3,032 per helicopter and $894,400 for
the U.S. fleet.
• For MBB–BK 117C–2 helicopters,
completing the required modification
would require about 32 work-hours and
parts would cost about $396, for a total
cost of $3,116 per helicopter and
$364,572 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
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
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Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify
this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
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 proposed 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 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
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2014–05–06, Amendment 39–17779 (79
FR 13196, March 10, 2014), and adding
the following new AD:
■
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(Previously Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH): Docket No. FAA–2013–0555;
Product Identifier 2010–SW–047–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (previously
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) helicopters,
certificated in any category:
(1) Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and
T2+ helicopters, serial number (S/N) 0005
through 00829, with a tail rotor control lever,
part number (P/N) L672M2802205 or
L672M1012212; cyclic control lever, P/N
L671M1005250; collective control lever
assembly, P/N L671M2020108; or collective
control plate, P/N L671M5040207; installed,
and
(2) Model MBB–BK 117C–2 helicopters, S/
N 9004 through 9310, with a tail rotor control
lever assembly, P/N B672M1007101 or
B672M1807101; tail rotor control lever, P/N
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 106 / Friday, June 1, 2018 / Proposed Rules
B672M1002202 or L672M2802205; or lateral
control lever assembly, P/N B670M1008101,
installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
incorrectly installed flight control bearings.
This condition could cause the affected
control lever to shift and contact the
helicopter structure, resulting in reduced
control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 31,
2018.
(f) Affected ADs
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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) For Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2,
and T2+ helicopters: Within the next 100
hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next
annual inspection, whichever occurs first,
modify the left-hand (LH) and right-hand
(RH) guidance units and the cyclic shaft by
installing bushings and washers to prevent
shifting of the bearings in the axial direction
as follows:
(i) Remove and disassemble the LH
guidance unit and install a bushing, P/N
L672M1012260, between the bearing block
and the lever of the LH guidance unit as
depicted in Detail A of Figure 5 of Eurocopter
Alert Service Bulletin EC135–67A–019,
Revision 3, dated December 16, 2009 (EC135
ASB).
(ii) For helicopters without a yaw brake,
remove and disassemble the RH guidance
unit and install a bushing, P/N
L672M1012260, between the bearing block
and the lever as depicted in Detail B of
Figure 5 of EC135 ASB.
(iii) Remove and disassemble the cyclic
shaft and install a washer, P/N
L671M10055260, between the bearing block
and the lever as depicted in Detail C of
Figure 6 of EC135 ASB.
(iv) Remove the collective control rod from
the bellcrank and install a washer, P/N
L221M1042208, on each side of the collective
control rod and bellcrank as depicted in
Detail D of Figure 6 of EC135 ASB.
(2) For Model MBB–BK 117C–2
helicopters: Within the next 100 hours TIS or
at the next annual inspection, whichever
occurs first, modify the LH and RH guidance
units and the lateral control lever by
installing bushings and washers to prevent
shifting of the bearings in the axial direction
as follows:
(i) Remove and disassemble the RH
guidance unit and install a bushing, P/N
L672M1012260, between the lever and the
bracket as depicted in Detail B of Figure 4 of
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB
BK117C–2–67A–010, Revision 3, dated
February 8, 2010 (BK117 ASB). Remove and
disassemble the LH guidance unit and install
a bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the
lever and the bracket as depicted in Detail C
of Figure 4 of BK117 ASB.
(ii) Remove the lateral control lever and
install new bushings in accordance with the
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Jkt 244001
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs
3.C(9)(a) through 3.C(9)(g) of BK117 ASB.
(iii) Identify the modified lever assembly
by writing ‘‘MBB BK117C–2–67A–010’’ on
the lever with permanent marking pen and
protect with a single layer of lacquer (CM 421
or equivalent).
(iv) Apply corrosion preventive paste
(CM518 or equivalent) on the shank of the
screws and install airworthy parts as
depicted in Figure 5 of BK117 ASB.
This AD replaces AD 2014–05–06,
Amendment 39–17779 (79 FR 13196, March
10, 2014).
(g) 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.
(h) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin EC135–67A–019, Revision 4, dated
April 3, 2017, and Alert Service Bulletin
MBB–BK117C–2–67A–010, Revision 4, dated
April 3, 2017, which are not incorporated by
reference, contain additional information
about 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 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. 2010–0058R1, dated April 7, 2017. You
may view the EASA AD on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6710, Main Rotor Control.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 11,
2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–11447 Filed 5–31–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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25417
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0496; Product
Identifier 2018–NM–031–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault
Aviation Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000
and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of metallic debris found in the wing slat
piccolo tubes; investigation revealed
that the debris originated from the flow
guide of the ball joint of the wing antiice valve. This proposed AD would
require repetitive inspections for
metallic debris and damage of the flow
guide of the ball joint of the wing antiice valve, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. We are
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by July 16, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Dassault Falcon Jet
Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O.
Box 2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606;
telephone 201–440–6700; internet
https://www.dassaultfalcon.com. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 106 (Friday, June 1, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25415-25417]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11447]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0555; Product Identifier 2010-SW-047-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to revise Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-05-06
for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 and MBB-BK 117C-2
helicopters. AD 2014-05-06 requires repetitive inspections of the
flight-control bearings, replacing any loose bearings with airworthy
flight-control bearings, and installing bushings and washers. This
proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2014-05-06 but would
remove the repetitive inspections. The actions of this proposed AD are
intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 31, 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-2013-
0555; 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 proposed 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 proposed 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 service information at the FAA, Office
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110;
email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
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 might
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 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 proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay.
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, issued EASA AD No. 2010-0058, dated March 30, 2010, for
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH)
Model EC135, EC635, and MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters. EASA advises that
during an inspection of an MBB-BK117 C-2, ``bearings were detected
which had not been correctly fixed.'' EASA advises that this condition,
if not detected and corrected, may cause the affected control lever to
shift in the axial direction and contact the helicopter structure,
possibly resulting in reduced helicopter control. As some bearings on
the EC135 and MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopter are installed with the same
procedure, they are equally affected by the possibility of the unsafe
condition, EASA advises.
As a result, we published AD 2014-05-06 (79 FR 13196, March 10,
2014), which requires repetitively inspecting the flight-control
bearings, replacing any loose bearings with an airworthy flight-control
bearing, and installing bushings and washers.
Actions Since AD 2014-05-06 Was Issued
Since we published AD 2014-05-06, EASA issued AD No. 2010-0058R1,
dated April 7, 2017, to remove the repetitive inspections required by
EASA AD No. 2010-0058. EASA advises that a review of data and feedback
from in-service helicopters determined the Airbus Helicopters
modification removes the need for repetitive inspections. We have made
a similar determination and are issuing this proposed AD to remove the
repetitive inspections required by AD 2014-05-06.
[[Page 25416]]
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in
its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Eurocopter issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) EC135-67A-019,
Revision 3, dated December 16, 2009, for Model EC135-series
helicopters, and ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-67A-010, Revision 3, dated February
8, 2010, for Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters. This service information
specifies a repetitive inspection of the affected bearings and
retrofitting bushings on the levers to prevent movement of the
bearings.
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.
Other Related Service Information
We reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB EC135-67A-019 for Model EC135-
series helicopters and ASB MBB-BK117C-2-67A-010 for Model MBB-BK 117C-2
helicopters, both Revision 4 and both dated April 3, 2017. This service
information removes the repetitive inspections and retains the
procedures for retrofitting the bushings on the levers to prevent
movement of the bearings. Revision 3 of this service information is
attached as an appendix to Revision 4.
Proposed AD Requirements
For EC135 helicopters, this proposed AD would require within 100
hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next annual inspection, whichever
occurs first, modifying the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) guidance
units and cyclic shaft by installing bushings and washers to prevent
shifting in the axial direction.
For MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters, this proposed AD would require
within 100 hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs
first, modifying the LH and RH guidance units and the lateral control
lever by installing bushings and washers to prevent shifting of the
bearings in the axial direction.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
Differences between this AD and the EASA AD are:
The EASA AD is applicable to EC 635-series helicopters,
whereas this proposed AD would not because these model helicopters have
no U.S. type certificate.
The EASA AD requires the modification within the next 12
months after April 13, 2010. This proposed AD would require the
modification within 100 hours TIS or at the next annual inspection,
whichever occurs first.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 295 Model EC135-series helicopters
and 117 Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor
costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect
the following costs:
For EC135 helicopters, completing the required
modification would require about 32 work-hours and parts would cost
about $312, for a total cost of $3,032 per helicopter and $894,400 for
the U.S. fleet.
For MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters, completing the required
modification would require about 32 work-hours and parts would cost
about $396, for a total cost of $3,116 per helicopter and $364,572 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 products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 proposed 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2014-05-06, Amendment 39-17779 (79 FR 13196, March 10, 2014), and
adding the following new AD:
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH): Docket No. FAA-2013-0555; Product Identifier
2010-SW-047-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH (previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) helicopters,
certificated in any category:
(1) Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters, serial
number (S/N) 0005 through 00829, with a tail rotor control lever,
part number (P/N) L672M2802205 or L672M1012212; cyclic control
lever, P/N L671M1005250; collective control lever assembly, P/N
L671M2020108; or collective control plate, P/N L671M5040207;
installed, and
(2) Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters, S/N 9004 through 9310, with
a tail rotor control lever assembly, P/N B672M1007101 or
B672M1807101; tail rotor control lever, P/N
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B672M1002202 or L672M2802205; or lateral control lever assembly, P/N
B670M1008101, installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as incorrectly installed
flight control bearings. This condition could cause the affected
control lever to shift and contact the helicopter structure,
resulting in reduced control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 31, 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) For Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters:
Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next
annual inspection, whichever occurs first, modify the left-hand (LH)
and right-hand (RH) guidance units and the cyclic shaft by
installing bushings and washers to prevent shifting of the bearings
in the axial direction as follows:
(i) Remove and disassemble the LH guidance unit and install a
bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the bearing block and the lever
of the LH guidance unit as depicted in Detail A of Figure 5 of
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135-67A-019, Revision 3, dated
December 16, 2009 (EC135 ASB).
(ii) For helicopters without a yaw brake, remove and disassemble
the RH guidance unit and install a bushing, P/N L672M1012260,
between the bearing block and the lever as depicted in Detail B of
Figure 5 of EC135 ASB.
(iii) Remove and disassemble the cyclic shaft and install a
washer, P/N L671M10055260, between the bearing block and the lever
as depicted in Detail C of Figure 6 of EC135 ASB.
(iv) Remove the collective control rod from the bellcrank and
install a washer, P/N L221M1042208, on each side of the collective
control rod and bellcrank as depicted in Detail D of Figure 6 of
EC135 ASB.
(2) For Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters: Within the next 100
hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first,
modify the LH and RH guidance units and the lateral control lever by
installing bushings and washers to prevent shifting of the bearings
in the axial direction as follows:
(i) Remove and disassemble the RH guidance unit and install a
bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the lever and the bracket as
depicted in Detail B of Figure 4 of Eurocopter Alert Service
Bulletin MBB BK117C-2-67A-010, Revision 3, dated February 8, 2010
(BK117 ASB). Remove and disassemble the LH guidance unit and install
a bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the lever and the bracket as
depicted in Detail C of Figure 4 of BK117 ASB.
(ii) Remove the lateral control lever and install new bushings
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs
3.C(9)(a) through 3.C(9)(g) of BK117 ASB.
(iii) Identify the modified lever assembly by writing ``MBB
BK117C-2-67A-010'' on the lever with permanent marking pen and
protect with a single layer of lacquer (CM 421 or equivalent).
(iv) Apply corrosion preventive paste (CM518 or equivalent) on
the shank of the screws and install airworthy parts as depicted in
Figure 5 of BK117 ASB.
(f) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2014-05-06, Amendment 39-17779 (79 FR 13196,
March 10, 2014).
(g) 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.
(h) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC135-67A-019,
Revision 4, dated April 3, 2017, and Alert Service Bulletin MBB-
BK117C-2-67A-010, Revision 4, dated April 3, 2017, which are not
incorporated by reference, contain additional information about 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 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. 2010-0058R1, dated April 7, 2017. You
may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
in the AD Docket.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6710, Main Rotor
Control.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 11, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-11447 Filed 5-31-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
