Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 45545-45548 [2018-19431]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Rules and Regulations (2) Modification of all affected slat tracks on an airplane in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–3126, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated December 21, 2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57– 4133, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated December 21, 2017; as applicable, terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD for that airplane, provided that, prior to modification, the affected slat tracks pass an inspection (crack free) in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–3123, Revision 01, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated September 27, 2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–4130, Revision 01, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated September 27, 2017; as applicable. (l) Parts Installation Limitations (1) Except as specified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD: For Group 1 airplanes, after the effective date of this AD, an affected slat track may be installed, provided the installation is accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (2) After modification of a Group 1 airplane as specified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, no person may install an affected slat track on that airplane. (3) For Group 2 airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an affected slat track on any Group 2 airplane. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES (m) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–3123, dated June 14, 2016; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340– 57–4130, dated June 14, 2016, provided that within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, the additional work identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–3123, Revision 01, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated September 27, 2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–4130, Revision 01, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated September 27, 2017; as applicable, has been completed in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–3123, Revision 01, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated September 27, 2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57–4130, Revision 01, including Appendixes 02 and 03, dated September 27, 2017; as applicable. (n) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:01 Sep 07, 2018 Jkt 244001 to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (o)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1 work-hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. (4) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD: If any service information contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. (o) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2017–0060, dated April 7, 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–2018–0454. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax 206 231 3229. (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (p)(3) and (p)(4) of this AD. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 45545 (p) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–3123, Revision 01, dated September 27, 2017. (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–57–3126, dated December 21, 2017. (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57– 4130, Revision 01, dated September 27, 2017. (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–57– 4133, dated December 21, 2017. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAL, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700Blagnac Cedex, France; phone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 93 45 80; email: airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; internet https://www.airbus.com. (4) 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. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 22, 2018. James Cashdollar, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–18907 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0613; Product Identifier 2018–SW–041–AD; Amendment 39–19391; AD 2018–18–12] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350BA helicopters with a Pall Aerospace Corporation inlet barrier filter (IBF) element. This AD requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement to SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\10SER1.SGM 10SER1 45546 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Rules and Regulations prohibit operating a helicopter with an IBF element in wet weather and replacing the IBF element if wet. This AD is prompted by a forced landing after an engine flameout. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective September 25, 2018. We must receive comments on this AD by November 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. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES 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– 0613; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone 800–647– 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this final rule, contact Pall Aerospace Corporation, 10540 Ridge Road, Suite 300, Newport Richey, Florida 34654; telephone 727–514–6491; email cam_ dipronio@pall.com; website www.pall.com/aerospace. 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: Todd Jackson, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA 30337, telephone 404–474–5567, email Todd.Jackson@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:01 Sep 07, 2018 Jkt 244001 Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments. Discussion In June 2017, we received a report of an incident involving an Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 helicopter fitted with an IBF. The helicopter took off in heavy rain and experienced an engine flameout as the pilot increased power. The helicopter was less than 10 feet off the ground when the pilot was forced to land immediately. An inspection showed that violent water ingestion damaged six axial compressor blades. During our investigation, the FAA received additional reports of previous incidents of helicopters equipped with IBFs or induction filter installations experiencing abnormal engine operations during heavy precipitation. The FAA issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SW–17–30, dated October 13, 2017 1 (SAIB), to warn operators that persistent or heavy rains may result in the inlet barrier filter media collecting and retaining water. The SAIB recommended the following to affected owners and operators: • Use IBF covers when the rotorcraft is parked or towed outside, particularly when precipitation is reported in the area; • During the helicopter preflight inspection, visually inspect the inlet and filter to verify that the inlet and 1 SAIB SW–17–30, dated October 13, 2017, may be viewed online at https://rgl/faa/gov. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 filter medium are dry and free of accumulated moisture; • If the filter medium has moisture during the preflight inspection, or if the rotorcraft is operating in heavy precipitation, open the bypass doors if equipped; and • When operating in precipitation, sudden and rapid power transients should be avoided whenever practical. Action Since the SAIB Was Issued After the SAIB was issued, we continued to investigate this issue and determined that AD action was necessary for certain Pall Corporation IBF dry-media filter elements. Filters that have a hydrophobic coating resist water accumulation, while the drymedia filters that are the subject of this AD accumulate water. The risk of engine failure caused by the ingestion of an excessive amount of water through the IBF element results in an unsafe condition that requires AD action. FAA’s Determination We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type designs. Related Service Information We reviewed Pall Corporation Service Information Letter CE01301F2SINFOL, Revision A, dated July 15, 2015, which recommends covering the engine inlet if the helicopter is outside while not operating. The letter also recommends conducting pre-flight inspections to ensure the engine inlet is clear of water. AD Requirements This AD requires, within 30 days, revising the rotorcraft flight manual supplement by inserting Appendix A of this AD into the limitations section. Differences Between This AD and the Service Information The service information allows for removing water and reinstalling the IBF element if there is standing water on the engine inlet. This AD prohibits operation unless the IBF element is dry. Interim Action We consider this AD to be an interim action. The design approval holder is currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional rulemaking. E:\FR\FM\10SER1.SGM 10SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Rules and Regulations Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 81 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs: • Incorporating Appendix A of this AD into the rotorcraft flight manual requires 1 work-hour and no parts for a cost of $85 per helicopter and $6,885 for the U.S. fleet. • Replacing the inlet barrier filter, if required, requires 2 work-hours and parts cost $3,995 for a cost of $4,165 per filter replacement. FAA’s Justification and Determination of the Effective Date An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the unsafe condition requires corrective action within 30 days. Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In addition, for the reason stated above, we find that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES Regulatory Findings We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:01 Sep 07, 2018 Jkt 244001 responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify that this AD: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 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): ■ 2018–18–12 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–19391; Docket No. FAA–2018–0613; Product Identifier 2018–SW–041–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350BA helicopters, certificated in any category, with a Pall Aerospace Inlet Barrier Filter element part number CE01301F2 or CE01301F2B installed. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as ingestion of an excessive amount of water by the engine. This condition could result in engine flame out and failure, leading to loss of helicopter control. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective September 25, 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. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 45547 (e) Required Actions Within 30 days, revise the rotorcraft flight manual supplement (RFMS) by inserting Appendix A of this AD into the limitations section of the RFMS. (f) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Todd Jackson, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA 30337, telephone 404–474–5567, email Todd.Jackson@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 Pall Corporation Service Information Letter CE01301F2SINFOL, Revision A, dated July 15, 2015, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Pall Aerospace Corporation, 10540 Ridge Road, Suite 300, Newport Richey, Florida 34654; telephone 727–514–6491; email cam_ dipronio@pall.com; website www.pall.com/ aerospace. You may review this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7160, Engine Air Intake System. Appendix A to AD 2018–18–12 Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (1) Helicopter operation is prohibited if the filter is wet or when visible moisture (rain/ snow/ice/water) is present in the inlet or on the filter (inspect filter by hand for wetness). If the filter is wet, it must be dried or replaced prior to operation. (2) Helicopter flight is prohibited in visible moisture. (3) If the helicopter inadvertently enters precipitation (rain/snow/ice/water), open bypass doors (if equipped), avoid sudden and rapid power transients, and land as soon as practical. (4) Inlet covers must be installed when the rotorcraft is not in flight to prevent moisture from collecting in the inlet or on the filter. (5) Inspect inlet and filter for visible moisture accumulation prior to flight. If moisture is present, helicopter operation is prohibited. E:\FR\FM\10SER1.SGM 10SER1 45548 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Rules and Regulations Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 23, 2018. Scott A. Horn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–19431 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0273; Product Identifier 2018–NM–017–AD; Amendment 39–19382; AD 2018–18–03] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by several reports of cracks in a certain floor beam lower chord at door stop fitting No. 1 of the forward airstair door cutout. This AD requires repetitive inspections for any cracks and applicable on-condition actions. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective October 15, 2018. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 15, 2018. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.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. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0273. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:01 Sep 07, 2018 Jkt 244001 and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0273; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is Docket Operations, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5324; fax: 562–627– 5210; email: galib.abumeri@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 13, 2018 (83 FR 16010). The NPRM was prompted by several reports of cracks in a certain floor beam lower chord at door stop fitting No. 1 of the forward airstair door cutout. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for any cracks and applicable on-condition actions. We are issuing this AD to address such cracking, which could result in the inability of a principal structural element to sustain limit loads and possible rapid decompression. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Support for the NPRM Boeing stated that it concurs with the NPRM. Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing supplemental type certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the actions specified in the NPRM. We agree with the commenter’s request. We have redesignated paragraph (c) of the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and added paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC ST01219SE does not PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is installed, a ‘‘change in product’’ alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17. Request To Allow Manual Operation of Airstair Door Swiftair S.A. requested that a note be included in this AD to allow for fully manual operation of the forward airstair door instead of the electrical operation as specified in Appendix A of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737– 53A1370 RB, dated December 13, 2017. Swiftair S.A. observed that two steps in Appendix A of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1370 RB, dated December 13, 2017, cannot be performed on aircraft that have incorporated Boeing Service Bulletin 737–52–1092. Boeing Service Bulletin 737–52–1092 provides instructions for temporary or permanent removal of the forward airstair assembly, deactivation of the electrical system, and removal of the forward airstair door motor, among other actions. We agree because the forward airstair door cannot be operated electrically if the electrical system is deactivated and the motor is removed. We have changed paragraph (h) of this AD to include exceptions to certain steps of Appendix A of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1370 RB, dated December 13, 2017, that allow for both manual and electrical operation of the airstair door. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final rule. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–53A1370 RB, dated December 13, 2017. The service information describes procedures for repetitive high frequency E:\FR\FM\10SER1.SGM 10SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 175 (Monday, September 10, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45545-45548]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19431]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0613; Product Identifier 2018-SW-041-AD; Amendment 
39-19391; AD 2018-18-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350BA 
helicopters with a Pall Aerospace Corporation inlet barrier filter 
(IBF) element. This AD requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual 
Supplement to

[[Page 45546]]

prohibit operating a helicopter with an IBF element in wet weather and 
replacing the IBF element if wet. This AD is prompted by a forced 
landing after an engine flameout. The actions of this AD are intended 
to address an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 25, 2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by November 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-
0613; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the 
economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact Pall 
Aerospace Corporation, 10540 Ridge Road, Suite 300, Newport Richey, 
Florida 34654; telephone 727-514-6491; email [email protected]; 
website www.pall.com/aerospace. 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: Todd Jackson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Atlanta ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1701 
Columbia Ave., College Park, GA 30337, telephone 404-474-5567, email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we 
invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written 
comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the 
economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted 
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and 
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain 
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written 
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should 
submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that 
we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public 
contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the 
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may 
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.

Discussion

    In June 2017, we received a report of an incident involving an 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 helicopter fitted with an IBF. The 
helicopter took off in heavy rain and experienced an engine flameout as 
the pilot increased power. The helicopter was less than 10 feet off the 
ground when the pilot was forced to land immediately. An inspection 
showed that violent water ingestion damaged six axial compressor 
blades. During our investigation, the FAA received additional reports 
of previous incidents of helicopters equipped with IBFs or induction 
filter installations experiencing abnormal engine operations during 
heavy precipitation.
    The FAA issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SW-17-30, 
dated October 13, 2017 \1\ (SAIB), to warn operators that persistent or 
heavy rains may result in the inlet barrier filter media collecting and 
retaining water. The SAIB recommended the following to affected owners 
and operators:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ SAIB SW-17-30, dated October 13, 2017, may be viewed online 
at https://rgl/faa/gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Use IBF covers when the rotorcraft is parked or towed 
outside, particularly when precipitation is reported in the area;
     During the helicopter preflight inspection, visually 
inspect the inlet and filter to verify that the inlet and filter medium 
are dry and free of accumulated moisture;
     If the filter medium has moisture during the preflight 
inspection, or if the rotorcraft is operating in heavy precipitation, 
open the bypass doors if equipped; and
     When operating in precipitation, sudden and rapid power 
transients should be avoided whenever practical.

Action Since the SAIB Was Issued

    After the SAIB was issued, we continued to investigate this issue 
and determined that AD action was necessary for certain Pall 
Corporation IBF dry-media filter elements. Filters that have a 
hydrophobic coating resist water accumulation, while the dry-media 
filters that are the subject of this AD accumulate water. The risk of 
engine failure caused by the ingestion of an excessive amount of water 
through the IBF element results in an unsafe condition that requires AD 
action.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Pall Corporation Service Information Letter 
CE01301F2SINFOL, Revision A, dated July 15, 2015, which recommends 
covering the engine inlet if the helicopter is outside while not 
operating. The letter also recommends conducting pre-flight inspections 
to ensure the engine inlet is clear of water.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within 30 days, revising the rotorcraft flight 
manual supplement by inserting Appendix A of this AD into the 
limitations section.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The service information allows for removing water and reinstalling 
the IBF element if there is standing water on the engine inlet. This AD 
prohibits operation unless the IBF element is dry.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be an interim action. The design approval 
holder is currently developing a modification that will address the 
unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is 
developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional 
rulemaking.

[[Page 45547]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 81 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Incorporating Appendix A of this AD into the rotorcraft 
flight manual requires 1 work-hour and no parts for a cost of $85 per 
helicopter and $6,885 for the U.S. fleet.
     Replacing the inlet barrier filter, if required, requires 
2 work-hours and parts cost $3,995 for a cost of $4,165 per filter 
replacement.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the unsafe condition requires corrective action within 30 days. 
Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment are impracticable. In addition, for the reason stated 
above, we find that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-18-12 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-19391; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0613; Product Identifier 2018-SW-041-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and 
AS350BA helicopters, certificated in any category, with a Pall 
Aerospace Inlet Barrier Filter element part number CE01301F2 or 
CE01301F2B installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as ingestion of an 
excessive amount of water by the engine. This condition could result 
in engine flame out and failure, leading to loss of helicopter 
control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective September 25, 2018.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    Within 30 days, revise the rotorcraft flight manual supplement 
(RFMS) by inserting Appendix A of this AD into the limitations 
section of the RFMS.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for 
this AD. Send your proposal to: Todd Jackson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Atlanta ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1701 
Columbia Ave., College Park, GA 30337, telephone 404-474-5567, 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

    Pall Corporation Service Information Letter CE01301F2SINFOL, 
Revision A, dated July 15, 2015, which is not incorporated by 
reference, contains additional information about the subject of this 
AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Pall 
Aerospace Corporation, 10540 Ridge Road, Suite 300, Newport Richey, 
Florida 34654; telephone 727-514-6491; email [email protected]; 
website www.pall.com/aerospace. You may review this service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7160, Engine Air 
Intake System.

Appendix A to AD 2018-18-12

Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement

    (1) Helicopter operation is prohibited if the filter is wet or 
when visible moisture (rain/snow/ice/water) is present in the inlet 
or on the filter (inspect filter by hand for wetness). If the filter 
is wet, it must be dried or replaced prior to operation.
    (2) Helicopter flight is prohibited in visible moisture.
    (3) If the helicopter inadvertently enters precipitation (rain/
snow/ice/water), open bypass doors (if equipped), avoid sudden and 
rapid power transients, and land as soon as practical.
    (4) Inlet covers must be installed when the rotorcraft is not in 
flight to prevent moisture from collecting in the inlet or on the 
filter.
    (5) Inspect inlet and filter for visible moisture accumulation 
prior to flight. If moisture is present, helicopter operation is 
prohibited.


[[Page 45548]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 23, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19431 Filed 9-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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