Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 46384-46386 [2018-19432]
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46384
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 178 / Thursday, September 13, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737–57A1338 RB, dated September 25, 2017.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, 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.
(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/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
August 24, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–19185 Filed 9–12–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0418; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–016–AD; Amendment
39–19390; AD 2018–18–11]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model AS–365N2 and AS
365 N3 helicopters with a lower strobe
light installed. This AD requires
installing a cable mount, inspecting the
lower strobe light wiring harness, and
re-routing the wiring harness. This AD
was prompted by reports of interference
between the lower strobe light wiring
harness and the helicopter structure.
The actions of this AD are intended to
prevent an unsafe condition on these
helicopters.
DATES: This AD is effective October 18,
2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:40 Sep 12, 2018
Jkt 244001
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of October 18, 2018.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/
en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You
may review the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also
available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0418.
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–
0418; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this AD, the
European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, any incorporated-byreference service information, the
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations
(phone: 800–647–5527) is 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:
George Schwab, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
george.schwab@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On May 11, 2018, at 83 FR 21964, the
Federal Register published our notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which
proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by
adding an AD that would apply to
Airbus Helicopters Model AS–365N2
and AS 365 N3 helicopters with a lower
strobe light installed.
The NPRM proposed to require
installing a cable mount on the
helicopter structure and inspecting the
lower strobe light electrical harness and
the electrical harness between the cutoff connector and Frame 2000 for torn
spiral tape and for any chafing on the
harness cables. If the spiral tape is torn,
the NPRM proposed to require replacing
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the spiral tape. If there is any chafing on
the cable, the NPRM proposed to require
replacing the harness. The proposed
requirements were intended to prevent
interference between the lower strobe
light electrical harness wiring and the
helicopter structure, which could result
in chafing of an electrical harness
adjacent to the inboard fuel tank vapor
space, a fuel tank fire, and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
2016–0258, dated December 16, 2016,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, to correct an unsafe
condition for Airbus Helicopters Model
AS 365 N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters
with certain serial numbers and
configurations. EASA advises of inproduction helicopters with lower
strobe light wiring harnesses that were
interfering with either the helicopter
structure or the adjacent fuel tank
support. EASA further states that an
investigation determined that the
electrical harnesses of these lower
strobe lights were manufactured with
additional length to facilitate removal
and installation of the lower strobe light
assembly. However, the additional
length of wiring in the harness was not
properly secured to the helicopter
structure. According to EASA, this
could result in chafing of the harness on
the helicopter structure, creating an
ignition source adjacent to the inboard
fuel tank vapor space, and result in a
fuel tank fire.
To address this unsafe condition, the
EASA AD requires installing a cable
mount, inspecting the lower strobe light
electrical harness for damage, and rerouting the electrical harness.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we did not receive any comments on the
NPRM.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by the aviation authority of France and
are approved for operation in the United
States. Pursuant to our bilateral
agreement with France, EASA, its
technical representative, has notified us
of the unsafe condition described in the
EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
because we evaluated all information
provided by EASA and determined the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other helicopters of
these same type designs and that air
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 178 / Thursday, September 13, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The EASA AD limits the applicability
to helicopters with a lower strobe light
installed and with certain serial
numbers or that are in a configuration
based upon a modification, service
information, or engineering drawings.
This AD applies to all Model AS–365N2
and AS 365 N3 helicopters with a lower
strobe light installed.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin No. AS365–05.00.73,
Revision 1, dated December 12, 2016,
which specifies procedures for
inspecting the lower strobe light
electrical harness for interference and
chafing with the helicopter structure
and also specifies procedures for
installing a cable mount to secure the
electrical harness. These procedures
correspond to Airbus Helicopters
modification (MOD) 365P084778.00.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 30
helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate
that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD.
At an average labor rate of $85 per
work-hour, installing a cable mount and
inspecting the strobe light wiring
harnesses requires about 1 work-hour,
and required parts cost about $50, for a
cost of $135 per helicopter and a total
cost of $4,050 to all U.S. operators.
If required, replacing torn spiral tape
requires about 1 work-hour, and
required parts cost $45, for a cost of
$130 per helicopter.
If required, replacing a chafed wiring
harness between the cut-off connector
and Frame 2000 requires about 3 workhours, and required parts cost $90, for
a cost of $345 per helicopter.
If required, replacing a chafed lower
strobe light wiring harness requires
about 3 work-hours, and required parts
cost $154, for a cost of $409 per
helicopter.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:40 Sep 12, 2018
Jkt 244001
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
helicopters identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
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 above, 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):
■
2018–18–11 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–19390; Docket No.
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
46385
FAA–2018–0418; Product Identifier
2017–SW–016–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model AS–365N2 and AS 365 N3
helicopters, certificated in any category, with
a lower strobe light installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
interference between the lower strobe light
electrical harness wiring and the helicopter
structure. This condition could result in
chafing of an electrical harness adjacent to
the inboard fuel tank vapor space, a fuel tank
fire, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective October 18,
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 50 hours time-in-service:
(1) Install cable mount part number (P/N)
ASMS–A to the helicopter structure as
depicted in Figure 1, Detail A and Detail C,
of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
No. AS365–05.00.73, Revision 1, dated
December 12, 2016 (ASB AS365–05.00.73).
(2) Inspect the lower strobe light harness
and the harness between the cut-off
connector and Frame 2000 for tears in the
spiral tape and for chafing of the harness
wires. If there is a tear in the spiral tape,
before further flight, replace the spiral tape.
If there is any chafing, before further flight,
replace the chafed harness.
(3) Route the lower strobe light harness and
the harness between the cut-off connector
and Frame 2000 and secure as depicted in
Figure 1, Detail A and Section B–B, of ASB
AS365–05.00.73.
Note 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD: Airbus
Helicopters identifies the actions in ASB
AS365–05.00.73 as Modification
365P084778.00.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASWFTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
you notify your principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office, before
operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC.
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13SER1
46386
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 178 / Thursday, September 13, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2016–0258, dated December 30, 2016.
You may view the EASA AD on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2018–0418.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3340, Lights.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin No. AS365–05.00.73, Revision 1,
dated December 12, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972)
641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–
3775; or at https://www.helicopters.airbus.
com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_
73.html.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 28,
2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–19432 Filed 9–12–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1202; Airspace
Docket No. 17–AWP–31]
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
RIN 2120–AA66
Establishment of Class E Airspace,
Los Angeles, CA
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:40 Sep 12, 2018
Jkt 244001
This action establishes Class
E en route airspace extending upward
from 1,200 feet above the surface to
accommodate instrument flight rules
(IFR) aircraft under control of the Los
Angeles Air Route Traffic Control
Center (ARTCC), Los Angeles, CA.
Establishment of this airspace area
would ensure controlled airspace exists
in those areas where the Federal airway
structure is inadequate. This action also
corrects an error in one of the longitude
coordinates in the airspace description.
DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, November 8,
2018. The Director of the Federal
Register approves this incorporation by
reference action under Title 1, Code of
Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to
the annual revision of FAA Order
7400.11 and publication of conforming
amendments.
ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11B,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, and subsequent amendments can
be viewed online 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 this
material 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: Tom
Clark, Federal Aviation Administration,
Operations Support Group, Western
Service Center, 2200 S 216th Street, Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone (206)
231–2253.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
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 establishes
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Class E en route airspace extending
upward from 1,200 feet above the
surface to support IFR aircraft under
control of the Los Angeles ARTCC, Los
Angeles, CA.
History
The FAA published a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the
Federal Register (83 FR 24050; May 24,
2018) for Docket No. FAA–2017–1202 to
establish Class E en route airspace
extending 1,200 feet above the surface
for IFR aircraft under control of the Los
Angeles ARTCC, Los Angeles, CA.
Interested parties were invited to
participate in this rulemaking effort by
submitting written comments on the
proposal to the FAA. One comment was
received in support of this action.
Subsequent to publication, a
typographical error was discovered in
one of the coordinates listed in the
airspace description. The longitude
coordinate of ‘‘lat. 32°32′03″ N, long.
117°07′25″ W’’ is amended to ‘‘lat.
32°32′03″ N, long. 117°07′29″ W’’ to
correct the error.
Class E airspace designations are
published in paragraph 6006 of FAA
Order 7400.11B, dated August 3, 2017,
and effective September 15, 2017, which
is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR
71.1. The Class E airspace designation
listed in this document will be
published subsequently in the Order.
Availability and Summary of
Documents for Incorporation by
Reference
This document amends FAA Order
7400.11B, Airspace Designations and
Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2017,
and effective September 15, 2017. FAA
Order 7400.11B is publicly available as
listed in the ADDRESSES section of this
document. FAA Order 7400.11B lists
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,
air traffic service routes, and reporting
points.
The Rule
The FAA is amending Title 14 Code
of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71
by establishing Class E en route airspace
extending upward from 1,200 feet above
the surface to accommodate instrument
flight rules (IFR) aircraft under control
of the Los Angeles Air Route Traffic
Control Center (ARTCC), Los Angeles,
CA to ensure controlled airspace exists
in those areas where the Federal airway
structure is inadequate.
Regulatory Notices and Analyses
The FAA has determined that this
regulation only involves an established
body of technical regulations for which
frequent and routine amendments are
E:\FR\FM\13SER1.SGM
13SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 178 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46384-46386]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19432]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0418; Product Identifier 2017-SW-016-AD; Amendment
39-19390; AD 2018-18-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model AS-365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters with a lower
strobe light installed. This AD requires installing a cable mount,
inspecting the lower strobe light wiring harness, and re-routing the
wiring harness. This AD was prompted by reports of interference between
the lower strobe light wiring harness and the helicopter structure. The
actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these
helicopters.
DATES: This AD is effective October 18, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 18,
2018.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775;
or at https://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You may review the referenced service information at
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0418.
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-
0418; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is 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: George Schwab, 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:
Discussion
On May 11, 2018, at 83 FR 21964, the Federal Register published our
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters Model
AS-365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters with a lower strobe light installed.
The NPRM proposed to require installing a cable mount on the
helicopter structure and inspecting the lower strobe light electrical
harness and the electrical harness between the cut-off connector and
Frame 2000 for torn spiral tape and for any chafing on the harness
cables. If the spiral tape is torn, the NPRM proposed to require
replacing the spiral tape. If there is any chafing on the cable, the
NPRM proposed to require replacing the harness. The proposed
requirements were intended to prevent interference between the lower
strobe light electrical harness wiring and the helicopter structure,
which could result in chafing of an electrical harness adjacent to the
inboard fuel tank vapor space, a fuel tank fire, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2016-0258, dated December 16, 2016,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Model AS 365 N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters with certain
serial numbers and configurations. EASA advises of in-production
helicopters with lower strobe light wiring harnesses that were
interfering with either the helicopter structure or the adjacent fuel
tank support. EASA further states that an investigation determined that
the electrical harnesses of these lower strobe lights were manufactured
with additional length to facilitate removal and installation of the
lower strobe light assembly. However, the additional length of wiring
in the harness was not properly secured to the helicopter structure.
According to EASA, this could result in chafing of the harness on the
helicopter structure, creating an ignition source adjacent to the
inboard fuel tank vapor space, and result in a fuel tank fire.
To address this unsafe condition, the EASA AD requires installing a
cable mount, inspecting the lower strobe light electrical harness for
damage, and re-routing the electrical harness.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, its technical
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same
type designs and that air safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.
[[Page 46385]]
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD limits the applicability to helicopters with a lower
strobe light installed and with certain serial numbers or that are in a
configuration based upon a modification, service information, or
engineering drawings. This AD applies to all Model AS-365N2 and AS 365
N3 helicopters with a lower strobe light installed.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-
05.00.73, Revision 1, dated December 12, 2016, which specifies
procedures for inspecting the lower strobe light electrical harness for
interference and chafing with the helicopter structure and also
specifies procedures for installing a cable mount to secure the
electrical harness. These procedures correspond to Airbus Helicopters
modification (MOD) 365P084778.00.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 30 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to
comply with this AD.
At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, installing a cable
mount and inspecting the strobe light wiring harnesses requires about 1
work-hour, and required parts cost about $50, for a cost of $135 per
helicopter and a total cost of $4,050 to all U.S. operators.
If required, replacing torn spiral tape requires about 1 work-hour,
and required parts cost $45, for a cost of $130 per helicopter.
If required, replacing a chafed wiring harness between the cut-off
connector and Frame 2000 requires about 3 work-hours, and required
parts cost $90, for a cost of $345 per helicopter.
If required, replacing a chafed lower strobe light wiring harness
requires about 3 work-hours, and required parts cost $154, for a cost
of $409 per helicopter.
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 helicopters identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
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 above, 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):
2018-18-11 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-19390; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0418; Product Identifier 2017-SW-016-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2 and AS 365
N3 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a lower strobe
light installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as interference between the
lower strobe light electrical harness wiring and the helicopter
structure. This condition could result in chafing of an electrical
harness adjacent to the inboard fuel tank vapor space, a fuel tank
fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective October 18, 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 50 hours time-in-service:
(1) Install cable mount part number (P/N) ASMS-A to the
helicopter structure as depicted in Figure 1, Detail A and Detail C,
of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-05.00.73,
Revision 1, dated December 12, 2016 (ASB AS365-05.00.73).
(2) Inspect the lower strobe light harness and the harness
between the cut-off connector and Frame 2000 for tears in the spiral
tape and for chafing of the harness wires. If there is a tear in the
spiral tape, before further flight, replace the spiral tape. If
there is any chafing, before further flight, replace the chafed
harness.
(3) Route the lower strobe light harness and the harness between
the cut-off connector and Frame 2000 and secure as depicted in
Figure 1, Detail A and Section B-B, of ASB AS365-05.00.73.
Note 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD: Airbus Helicopters
identifies the actions in ASB AS365-05.00.73 as Modification
365P084778.00.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to:
George Schwab, 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.
[[Page 46386]]
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0258, dated December 30, 2016. You may
view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA-2018-0418.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3340, Lights.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-
05.00.73, Revision 1, dated December 12, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax
(972) 641-3775; or at https://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 28, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19432 Filed 9-12-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
