Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 46862-46864 [2018-19750]
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46862
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 180 / Monday, September 17, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Section, send it
to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (l)(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 the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or
Fokker Services B.V.’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (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 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.
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(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD
2017–0163, dated September 4, 2017;
corrected September 5, 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–2018–0448.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Tom Rodriquez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax 206–231–
3226.
(m) 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) Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100–32–
169, dated August 23, 2017.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Fokker Services B.V.,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:03 Sep 14, 2018
Jkt 244001
Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357,
2130 EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; phone:
+31 (0)88–6280–350; fax: +31 (0)88–6280–
111; email: technicalservices@fokker.com;
internet: https://www.myfokkerfleet.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 30, 2018.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–19754 Filed 9–14–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0384; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–061–AD; Amendment
39–19401; AD 2018–19–01]
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, AS 365
N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365N1, and
SA–366G1 helicopters. This AD requires
repetitive inspections of the aft fuselage
outer skin. This AD was prompted by
several reports of aft fuselage outer skin
disbonding. The actions of this AD are
intended to address an unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 22,
2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of October 22, 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
SUMMARY:
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information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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–2018–0384.
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–
0384; 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: Matt
Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On May 9, 2018, at 83 FR 21194, 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,
AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–
365N1, and SA–366G1 helicopters.
The NPRM proposed to require a
repetitive tap inspection of the aft
fuselage outer skin for disbonding.
Depending on the inspection results, the
NPRM proposed to require reducing the
compliance time interval of the tap
inspections or repairing or replacing the
panel to terminate the shorter
compliance time interval. The NPRM
also proposed to require a repetitive
cleaning of the aft fuselage outer skin to
visually inspect for distortion,
wrinkling, and corrosion. Depending on
the visual inspection results, the NPRM
proposed to require an additional tap
inspection of the area. The proposed
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 180 / Monday, September 17, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
requirements were intended to detect
disbonding of the aft fuselage outer skin,
which could result in loss of aft fuselage
structural integrity and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
2017–0165, dated September 5, 2017
(EASA AD 2017–0165), issued by
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European
Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for the Airbus Helicopters Model SA
365 N1, AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, SA 366
G1, EC 155 B and EC 155 B1 helicopters.
EASA advises of several reports of aft
fuselage (baggage compartment area)
outer skin disbonding found during a
600-hour inspection. EASA advises that
most of the reports of disbonding
occurred on Model EC 155 helicopters
and may occur in the same area on
Model AS 365, SA 365, and SA 366
helicopters due to design similarity.
According to EASA, the cause of the
disbonding has not yet been determined
and the investigation is continuing.
Airbus Helicopters states possible
causes that are being considered include
exhaust gas heat from the exhaust pipes
and environmental conditions. EASA
states that this condition, if not detected
and corrected, could reduce the
structural integrity of the aft fuselage,
possibly affecting safe flight and
landing.
To address this unsafe condition,
EASA AD 2017–0165 requires a
repetitive tap inspection of the aft
fuselage outer skin for disbonding, a
repetitive visual inspection of the aft
fuselage outer skin for distortion,
wrinkling, and corrosion, and
contacting Airbus Helicopters if there is
any disbonding.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we did not receive any comments on the
NPRM.
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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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16:03 Sep 14, 2018
Jkt 244001
Interim Action
We consider this AD to be an interim
action. If final action is later identified,
we might consider further rulemaking
then.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
If there is disbonding within the
allowable limit, the EASA AD specifies
reporting the inspection results to
Airbus Helicopters, whereas this AD
does not. If there is disbonding that
exceeds the allowable limit, the EASA
AD specifies contacting Airbus
Helicopters for approved skin panel
repair or replacement instructions,
whereas this AD requires repairing or
replacing the panel instead.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS365–
05.00.77 for Model AS365 N, N1, N2,
and N3 and non-FAA-certificated Model
AS365 F, Fs, Fi, K, and K2 helicopters;
ASB No. SA366–05.48 for Model SA366
G1 and non-FAA-certificated Model
SA366 GA helicopters; and ASB No.
EC155–05A033 for Model EC155 B and
B1 helicopters, all Revision 0 and all
dated July 21, 2017. This service
information specifies repetitive tap and
visual inspections between aft fuselage
outer skin frames X4630 and X6630 and
defines the allowable limit of
disbonding for this area. If there is
distortion, wrinkling, or corrosion, this
service information specifies performing
a tap inspection. If there is disbonding
within the allowable limit, this service
information specifies reporting the
inspection results to Airbus Helicopters
and performing the recurring tap
inspection at a shorter compliance time
interval. If there is disbonding that
exceeds the allowable limit, this service
information specifies contacting Airbus
Helicopters for repair before further
flight.
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 46
helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate
that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD.
Tap inspecting the aft fuselage outer
skin takes about 3 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $255 per helicopter
and $11,730 for the U.S. fleet per
inspection cycle. Visually inspecting the
aft fuselage outer skin takes about 0.3
work-hour for an estimated cost of $26
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46863
per helicopter and $1,196 for the U.S.
fleet per inspection cycle. Repairing a
panel takes about 5 work-hours and
parts cost about $500 for an estimated
cost of $925. Replacing a panel takes
about 10 work-hours and parts cost
about $20,000 for an estimated cost of
$20,850.
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.
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46864
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 180 / Monday, September 17, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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):
■
2018–19–01 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–19401; Docket No.
FAA–2018–0384; Product Identifier
2017–SW–061–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model AS–365N2, AS
365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365N1, and
SA–366G1 helicopters, certificated in any
category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
disbonding of the aft fuselage outer skin. This
condition could result in loss of aft fuselage
structural integrity and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective October 22,
2018.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless it has
already been accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS),
tap inspect the aft fuselage outer skin for
disbonding between frames X4630 and
X6630 in the areas depicted in Figure 1 of
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
(ASB) No. AS365–05.00.77, ASB No. SA366–
05.48, or ASB No. EC155–05A033, all
Revision 0 and dated July 21, 2017 (ASB
AS365–05.00.77, ASB SA366–05.48, or ASB
EC155–05A033), as applicable for your
model helicopter. Examples of acceptable
and unacceptable disbonding areas are
depicted in Figure 2 of ASB AS365–05.00.77,
ASB SA366–05.48, and ASB EC155–05A033,
as applicable for your model helicopter.
(i) If there is no disbonding, repeat the tap
inspection at intervals not to exceed 660
hours TIS.
(ii) If there is disbonding within one
square-shaped area measuring 3.94 in. x 3.94
in. (10 cm x 10 cm) that does not cross two
skin panels, repeat the tap inspection at
intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS.
(iii) If there is disbonding that exceeds one
square-shaped area measuring 3.94 in. x 3.94
in. (10 cm x 10 cm) or crosses two skin
panels, before further flight, repair or replace
the panel. Thereafter, tap inspect the panel
at intervals not to exceed 660 hours TIS.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:03 Sep 14, 2018
Jkt 244001
(2) Within 220 hours TIS, and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, clean
the aft fuselage outer skin and using a light,
visually inspect for distortion, wrinkling, and
corrosion between frames X4630 and X6630
as depicted in Figure 1 of ASB AS365–
05.00.77, ASB SA366–05.48, or ASB EC155–
05A033, as applicable for your model
helicopter. If there is any distortion,
wrinkling, or corrosion, before further flight,
tap inspect the area for disbonding by
following the inspection instructions in
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
(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: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASWFTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
you notify your principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office, before
operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2017–0165, dated September 5, 2017.
You may view the EASA AD on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2018–0384.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5302, Rotorcraft tail boom.
(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 (ASB) No. AS365–05.00.77, Revision
0, dated July 21, 2017.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. SA366–
05.48, Revision 0, dated July 21, 2017.
(iii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC155–
05A033, Revision 0, dated July 21, 2017.
(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.
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(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 September
4, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–19750 Filed 9–14–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0139; Airspace
Docket No. 18–ACE–1]
RIN 2120–AA66
Amendment of Class E Airspace;
Lyons, KS
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule, correction.
AGENCY:
This action corrects a final
rule published in the Federal Register
of August 1, 2018, that amends Class E
airspace at Lyons-Rice County
Municipal Airport, Lyons, KS. The word
‘‘County’’ was inadvertently omitted
from the airport name in the Summary,
History, and Rules section of the
document, as well as in the header of
the legal description.
DATES: Effective date 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rebecca Shelby, Federal Aviation
Administration, Operations Support
Group, Central Service Center, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222–5857.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
History
The FAA published a final rule in the
Federal Register for Docket No. FAA–
2018–0139 (83 FR 37422, August 1,
2018), amending Class E airspace at
Lyons-Rice County Municipal Airport,
Lyons, KS. Subsequent to publication,
the FAA identified a clerical error that
the word ‘‘County’’ was omitted from
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 180 (Monday, September 17, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46862-46864]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19750]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0384; Product Identifier 2017-SW-061-AD; Amendment
39-19401; AD 2018-19-01]
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, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N1, and
SA-366G1 helicopters. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the
aft fuselage outer skin. This AD was prompted by several reports of aft
fuselage outer skin disbonding. The actions of this AD are intended to
address an unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 22, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of October 22,
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. 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-
0384.
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-
0384; 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: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110;
email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On May 9, 2018, at 83 FR 21194, 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, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N1, and SA-366G1
helicopters.
The NPRM proposed to require a repetitive tap inspection of the aft
fuselage outer skin for disbonding. Depending on the inspection
results, the NPRM proposed to require reducing the compliance time
interval of the tap inspections or repairing or replacing the panel to
terminate the shorter compliance time interval. The NPRM also proposed
to require a repetitive cleaning of the aft fuselage outer skin to
visually inspect for distortion, wrinkling, and corrosion. Depending on
the visual inspection results, the NPRM proposed to require an
additional tap inspection of the area. The proposed
[[Page 46863]]
requirements were intended to detect disbonding of the aft fuselage
outer skin, which could result in loss of aft fuselage structural
integrity and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2017-0165, dated September 5, 2017
(EASA AD 2017-0165), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for the Airbus Helicopters Model SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, SA
366 G1, EC 155 B and EC 155 B1 helicopters. EASA advises of several
reports of aft fuselage (baggage compartment area) outer skin
disbonding found during a 600-hour inspection. EASA advises that most
of the reports of disbonding occurred on Model EC 155 helicopters and
may occur in the same area on Model AS 365, SA 365, and SA 366
helicopters due to design similarity. According to EASA, the cause of
the disbonding has not yet been determined and the investigation is
continuing. Airbus Helicopters states possible causes that are being
considered include exhaust gas heat from the exhaust pipes and
environmental conditions. EASA states that this condition, if not
detected and corrected, could reduce the structural integrity of the
aft fuselage, possibly affecting safe flight and landing.
To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD 2017-0165 requires a
repetitive tap inspection of the aft fuselage outer skin for
disbonding, a repetitive visual inspection of the aft fuselage outer
skin for distortion, wrinkling, and corrosion, and contacting Airbus
Helicopters if there is any disbonding.
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.
Interim Action
We consider this AD to be an interim action. If final action is
later identified, we might consider further rulemaking then.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
If there is disbonding within the allowable limit, the EASA AD
specifies reporting the inspection results to Airbus Helicopters,
whereas this AD does not. If there is disbonding that exceeds the
allowable limit, the EASA AD specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters
for approved skin panel repair or replacement instructions, whereas
this AD requires repairing or replacing the panel instead.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
AS365-05.00.77 for Model AS365 N, N1, N2, and N3 and non-FAA-
certificated Model AS365 F, Fs, Fi, K, and K2 helicopters; ASB No.
SA366-05.48 for Model SA366 G1 and non-FAA-certificated Model SA366 GA
helicopters; and ASB No. EC155-05A033 for Model EC155 B and B1
helicopters, all Revision 0 and all dated July 21, 2017. This service
information specifies repetitive tap and visual inspections between aft
fuselage outer skin frames X4630 and X6630 and defines the allowable
limit of disbonding for this area. If there is distortion, wrinkling,
or corrosion, this service information specifies performing a tap
inspection. If there is disbonding within the allowable limit, this
service information specifies reporting the inspection results to
Airbus Helicopters and performing the recurring tap inspection at a
shorter compliance time interval. If there is disbonding that exceeds
the allowable limit, this service information specifies contacting
Airbus Helicopters for repair before further flight.
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 46 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to
comply with this AD.
Tap inspecting the aft fuselage outer skin takes about 3 work-hours
for an estimated cost of $255 per helicopter and $11,730 for the U.S.
fleet per inspection cycle. Visually inspecting the aft fuselage outer
skin takes about 0.3 work-hour for an estimated cost of $26 per
helicopter and $1,196 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
Repairing a panel takes about 5 work-hours and parts cost about $500
for an estimated cost of $925. Replacing a panel takes about 10 work-
hours and parts cost about $20,000 for an estimated cost of $20,850.
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.
[[Page 46864]]
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):
2018-19-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-19401; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0384; Product Identifier 2017-SW-061-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1,
SA-365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as disbonding of the aft
fuselage outer skin. This condition could result in loss of aft
fuselage structural integrity and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective October 22, 2018.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS), tap inspect the aft
fuselage outer skin for disbonding between frames X4630 and X6630 in
the areas depicted in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. AS365-05.00.77, ASB No. SA366-05.48, or ASB No.
EC155-05A033, all Revision 0 and dated July 21, 2017 (ASB AS365-
05.00.77, ASB SA366-05.48, or ASB EC155-05A033), as applicable for
your model helicopter. Examples of acceptable and unacceptable
disbonding areas are depicted in Figure 2 of ASB AS365-05.00.77, ASB
SA366-05.48, and ASB EC155-05A033, as applicable for your model
helicopter.
(i) If there is no disbonding, repeat the tap inspection at
intervals not to exceed 660 hours TIS.
(ii) If there is disbonding within one square-shaped area
measuring 3.94 in. x 3.94 in. (10 cm x 10 cm) that does not cross
two skin panels, repeat the tap inspection at intervals not to
exceed 110 hours TIS.
(iii) If there is disbonding that exceeds one square-shaped area
measuring 3.94 in. x 3.94 in. (10 cm x 10 cm) or crosses two skin
panels, before further flight, repair or replace the panel.
Thereafter, tap inspect the panel at intervals not to exceed 660
hours TIS.
(2) Within 220 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 110 hours TIS, clean the aft fuselage outer skin and using a
light, visually inspect for distortion, wrinkling, and corrosion
between frames X4630 and X6630 as depicted in Figure 1 of ASB AS365-
05.00.77, ASB SA366-05.48, or ASB EC155-05A033, as applicable for
your model helicopter. If there is any distortion, wrinkling, or
corrosion, before further flight, tap inspect the area for
disbonding by following the inspection instructions in paragraph
(e)(1) of this AD.
(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:
Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft
complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0165, dated September 5, 2017. You may
view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA-2018-0384.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5302, Rotorcraft
tail boom.
(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 (ASB) No. AS365-
05.00.77, Revision 0, dated July 21, 2017.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. SA366-05.48, Revision 0, dated
July 21, 2017.
(iii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC155-05A033, Revision 0, dated
July 21, 2017.
(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 September 4, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19750 Filed 9-14-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
