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