Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 39382-39384 [2018-16638]

Download as PDF 39382 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 154 / Thursday, August 9, 2018 / Proposed Rules of RR Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) Trent 1000 72–AJ929, Initial Issue, dated November 23, 2017, as follows: (i) For engines with an IPC rotor seal with 300 cycles since new (CSN) or more as of the effective date of this AD, perform a BSI before the IPC rotor seal accumulates 400 flight cycles (FC) after the effective date of this AD. (ii) For engines with an IPC rotor seal with less than 300 CSN as of the effective date of this AD, perform a BSI before the IPC rotor seal accumulates 300 CSN or within 100 FC after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later. (iii) For engines that were modified to incorporate RR Service Bulletin (SB) Trent 1000 72–J704, Initial Issue, dated June 23, 2017, before the effective date of this AD, perform a BSI before the IPC rotor seal accumulates 400 FC since the shop visit modification or before the next flight, whichever occurs later. (2) Repeat the on-wing BSI at intervals in accordance with Figure 2 of RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72–AJ929, Initial Issue, dated November 23, 2017. (3) An in-shop inspection in accordance with paragraph 3, Accomplishment Instructions, of RR NMSB Trent 1000 72– J353, Revision 2, dated February 14, 2018, may be substituted for an on-wing BSI as required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, within the compliance times specified by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD. (4) If a crack is found on the front face of the seal that is at or beyond the rejection limits specified in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72–AJ929, Initial Issue, dated November 23, 2017, replace the IPC rotor seal with a part eligible for installation before further flight. (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238– 7088; fax: 781–238–7199; email: kevin.m.clark@faa.gov. (2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018–0095, dated April 24, 2018, for more information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2018–0611. (3) For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE24 8BJ; phone: 011–44– 1332–242424; fax: 011–44–1332–249936; email: corporate.care@rolls-royce.com; internet: https://customers.rolls-royce.com/ public/rollsroycecare. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759. (h) Operating Prohibition After the effective date of this AD, do not operate an aircraft that has two engines installed that are both required by this AD to complete either the 50 FC interval inspections or the single 100 FC fly-on period as specified in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of RR Alert NMSB Trent 1000 72–AJ929, Initial Issue, dated November 23, 2017. 14 CFR Part 39 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS (i) Non-Required Action No reporting requirement contained within any of the Alert NMSBs referenced in paragraphs (g)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD are required by this AD. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:04 Aug 08, 2018 Jkt 244001 Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 30, 2018. Robert J. Ganley, Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–16649 Filed 8–8–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Docket No. FAA–2018–0694; Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–068–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of each life raft inflation cylinder percussion system bellcrank (bellcrank). This proposed AD is prompted by reports of jammed bellcranks. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 9, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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– 0694; 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/TechnicalSupport_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: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email david.hatfield@faa.gov. 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 E:\FR\FM\09AUP1.SGM 09AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 154 / Thursday, August 9, 2018 / Proposed Rules 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, has issued EASA AD No. 2016– 0200, dated October 11, 2016 (AD 2016– 0200), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model EC 225 LP helicopters. EASA advises of a report of the left-hand and right-hand bellcranks becoming jammed. EASA states an investigation determined the bellcranks were jammed by the accumulation of a foreign coating material in the bellcrank hole. EASA further states that investigation of an additional incident of a jammed bellcrank determined that corrosion in the bellcrank hole caused the jam. This condition, according to EASA, could result in failure of the life rafts to release in an emergency and subsequent injury to occupants during an otherwise survivable accident. To address this, EASA AD 2016–0200 requires repetitive cleaning and lubrication of each bellcrank and pivot link. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS 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 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 helicopters of the same type design. Related Service Information We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A050, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016, which contains procedures for cleaning and lubricating each bellcrank and pivot link of the life raft inflation cylinder percussion system and removing any corrosion if necessary. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:04 Aug 08, 2018 Jkt 244001 Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require, before further flight and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 6 months, cleaning and lubricating each bellcrank and pivot link. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 5 helicopters of U.S. Registry. At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, we estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Cleaning and lubricating both bellcranks and pivot links would require about 16 workhours, and required materials costs would be minimal, for a cost of $1,360 per helicopter and $6,800 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 39383 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2018– 0694; Product Identifier 2016–SW–068– AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225 LP helicopters with a life raft installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a jammed bellcrank in a life raft jettison inflation cylinder percussion system (bellcrank). This condition could result in failure of a life raft to release in an emergency and subsequent injury to occupants. (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by October 9, 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 Before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months: (1) Clean each bellcrank and pivot link and inspect each bellcrank hole for corrosion. If there is any corrosion in a bellcrank hole: (i) Remove the corrosion without exceeding a maximum depth of 0.1 millimeter (0.004 inch). (ii) Clean each pivot link using 400-grain abrasive paper. (iii) Apply corrosion protectant (Alodine 1200 or equivalent) to each bellcrank hole. (2) Lubricate each bellcrank hole with grease before assembling the bellcrank. E:\FR\FM\09AUP1.SGM 09AUP1 39384 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 154 / Thursday, August 9, 2018 / Proposed Rules (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (g) Additional Information (1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A050, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 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 the referenced 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. 2016–0200, dated October 11, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2564 Life Raft. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 23, 2018. Scott A. Horn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–16638 Filed 8–8–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS [Docket No. FAA–2018–0369; Airspace Docket No. 18–ASO–8] RIN 2120–AA66 Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace, Augusta, GA, and Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace, Waynesboro, GA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:04 Aug 08, 2018 Jkt 244001 Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ACTION: This action proposes to amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface in Augusta, GA, by recognizing the name change of Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field (formerly Augusta Regional at Bush Field Airport); removing Burke County Airport and Millen Airport from the airspace designation and establishing these two airports under Waynesboro, GA, designation; and updating the geographic coordinates of Daniel Field, Augusta, GA, and Millen Airport, Waynesboro, GA. This action would accommodate airspace reconfiguration due to the decommissioning of the Millen non-directional radio beacon (NDB) and cancellation of the NDB approach at Millen Airport. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at these airports. SUMMARY: Comments must be received on or before September 24, 2018. DATES: Send comments on this proposal to: The U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001; Telephone: (800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826. You must identify the Docket No. FAA–2018–0369; Airspace Docket No. 18–ASO–8, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov. FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed on line at https://www.faa.gov/air_ traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of FAA Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Fornito, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 Columbia Avenue, ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 College Park, GA 30337; telephone (404) 305–6364. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it would amend Class E airspace at Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field, Augusta, GA, and establish Class E airspace at Burke County Airport and Millen Airport, Waynesboro, GA, to support IFR operations at these airports. Comments Invited Interested persons are invited to comment on this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers (Docket No. FAA– 2018–0369 and Airspace Docket No. 18– ASO–8) and be submitted in triplicate to DOT Docket Operations (see ADDRESSES section for the address and phone number.) You may also submit comments through the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov. Persons wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA Docket No. FAA–2018–0369; Airspace Docket No. 18–ASO–8.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this document may be changed in light of the comments received. All comments submitted will E:\FR\FM\09AUP1.SGM 09AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 154 (Thursday, August 9, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39382-39384]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16638]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0694; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-068-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would 
require repetitive inspections of each life raft inflation cylinder 
percussion system bellcrank (bellcrank). This proposed AD is prompted 
by reports of jammed bellcranks. The actions of this proposed AD are 
intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 9, 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-
0694; 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 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: David Hatfield, 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

[[Page 39383]]

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, has issued EASA AD No. 2016-0200, dated October 11, 
2016 (AD 2016-0200), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters Model EC 225 LP helicopters. EASA advises of a report of 
the left-hand and right-hand bellcranks becoming jammed. EASA states an 
investigation determined the bellcranks were jammed by the accumulation 
of a foreign coating material in the bellcrank hole. EASA further 
states that investigation of an additional incident of a jammed 
bellcrank determined that corrosion in the bellcrank hole caused the 
jam. This condition, according to EASA, could result in failure of the 
life rafts to release in an emergency and subsequent injury to 
occupants during an otherwise survivable accident. To address this, 
EASA AD 2016-0200 requires repetitive cleaning and lubrication of each 
bellcrank and pivot link.

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 
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 helicopters of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
05A050, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016, which contains procedures for 
cleaning and lubricating each bellcrank and pivot link of the life raft 
inflation cylinder percussion system and removing any corrosion if 
necessary.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, before further flight and 
thereafter at intervals not exceeding 6 months, cleaning and 
lubricating each bellcrank and pivot link.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 5 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry.
    At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, we estimate that 
operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this 
AD. Cleaning and lubricating both bellcranks and pivot links would 
require about 16 work-hours, and required materials costs would be 
minimal, for a cost of $1,360 per helicopter and $6,800 for the U.S. 
fleet per inspection cycle.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2018-0694; Product Identifier 
2016-SW-068-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225 LP helicopters 
with a life raft installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a jammed bellcrank in a 
life raft jettison inflation cylinder percussion system (bellcrank). 
This condition could result in failure of a life raft to release in 
an emergency and subsequent injury to occupants.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 9, 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

    Before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
6 months:
    (1) Clean each bellcrank and pivot link and inspect each 
bellcrank hole for corrosion. If there is any corrosion in a 
bellcrank hole:
    (i) Remove the corrosion without exceeding a maximum depth of 
0.1 millimeter (0.004 inch).
    (ii) Clean each pivot link using 400-grain abrasive paper.
    (iii) Apply corrosion protectant (Alodine 1200 or equivalent) to 
each bellcrank hole.
    (2) Lubricate each bellcrank hole with grease before assembling 
the bellcrank.

[[Page 39384]]

 (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, 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

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
05A050, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016, which is not incorporated 
by reference, contains 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 the referenced 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. 2016-0200, dated October 11, 2016. You 
may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
in the AD Docket.

 (h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2564 Life Raft.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 23, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-16638 Filed 8-8-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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