Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters, 47848-47850 [2018-20490]

Download as PDF 47848 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 83, No. 184 Friday, September 21, 2018 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–1236; Product Identifier 2017–SW–136–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson Helicopter) Model R66 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the oil tank outlet’s fitting color. If the fitting is blue, this proposed AD would require replacing the tank with an oil tank that lacks a blue fitting. This proposed AD also would require determining the revision letter on the ink stamp, and installing an oil tank angle based on that determination. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of broken oil tank internal baffles. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 20, 2018. SUMMARY: 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 daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:30 Sep 20, 2018 Jkt 244001 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–2017– 1236; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone 800–647– 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; telephone (310) 539–0508; fax (310) 539–5198; or at https://www.robinsonheli.com/ servelib.htm. 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: Danny Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627–5247; email danny.nguyen@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion We propose to adopt a new AD for Robinson Helicopters Model R66 helicopters with serial numbers 0003 through 0789, 0791, 0794, and 0796. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of broken oil tank internal baffles caused by vibration. A broken baffle inside the oil tank could block the oil return port, causing loss of oil pressure and oil flow to the engine. This situation could result in engine failure. This proposed AD consequently would require installing an angle to the oil tank outlet or replacing the oil tank, depending on the oil tank’s outlet fitting color or the revision level of the ink stamp on the tank’s top surface. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R66 Service Bulletin SB–21A, Revision A, dated June 6, 2017, which specifies installing an angle in the tank outlet to prevent a failed baffle from blocking the outlet. 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. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require, within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), visually inspecting the oil tank outlet fitting color to determine if it is blue. If the fitting is blue, before further flight, replace the tank with an oil tank that does not have a blue fitting would be required. The proposed AD would then require locating the G689–1 oil tank assembly identification ink stamp on E:\FR\FM\21SEP1.SGM 21SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules the top surface of the oil tank, and determining the revision letter. If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision letter F, G, H, or I, the proposed AD would require installing a G805–1 angle. If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision letter J, you would be required to determine if there is a yellow dot near the ink stamp. A yellow dot indicates that the angle has been pre-installed and that no further action would be required by this proposed AD. If there is not a yellow dot near the ink stamp, installing a G805– 1 angle would be required. If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision letter K, no further action would be required by this proposed AD. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information Robinson Helicopters service information specifies performing the corrective actions within the next 100 hours TIS or by July 31, 2017, whichever comes first. This proposed AD would require the actions within 100 hours TIS. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 265 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs: • The cost for identifying the oil tank assembly identification ink stamp and outlet fitting color would be minimal. • Inserting a G805–1 angle would require 1 work-hour for a labor cost of $85. Parts would cost $17 for a total cost of $102 per helicopter. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:30 Sep 20, 2018 Jkt 244001 Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 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): ■ Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No. FAA–2017–1236; Product Identifier 2017–SW–136–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R66 helicopters, serial numbers 0003 through 0789, 0791, 0794 and 0796, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as broken baffle inside an oil tank. This condition could result in loss of oil pressure and oil flow to the engine, leading to engine failure and subsequent forced landing of the helicopter. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 47849 (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by November 20, 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 100 hours time-in-service: (1) Visually inspect the oil tank outlet fitting color to determine if it is blue. If the fitting is blue, before further flight, replace the tank with an oil tank that does not have a blue fitting. (2) Locate the G689–1 oil tank assembly identification ink stamp on the top surface of the oil tank, and determine the revision letter. (i) If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision letter F, G, H, or I unless previously installed, install a G805–1 angle as follows: (A) Drain the engine oil and disconnect the F723–1 line assembly from the tank fitting at the firewall, using as reference Figure 1 of Robinson Helicopter Company R66 Service Bulletin SB–21A, Revision A, dated June 6, 2017. (B) Pinch the flanges of G805–1 angle at the minimum required to enable insertion, and insert the angle in the oil tank outlet fitting until the angle snaps in place. (C) Connect the F723–1 line assembly to the tank fitting. Special torque nut to 675 in.lb. Torque stripe the fitting. (ii) If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision letter J, determine if there is a yellow dot near the ink stamp. A yellow dot indicates that the angle has been pre-installed and that no further action is required by this AD. If there is not a yellow dot near the ink stamp, install a G805–1 angle by following the procedures in paragraphs (e)(2)(i)(A) through (e)(2)(i)(C) of this AD. (iii) If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision letter K, no further action is required by this AD. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Danny Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627–5247; email 9-ANM-LAACO-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) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7910, Engine Oil Storage (Airframe Furnished). E:\FR\FM\21SEP1.SGM 21SEP1 47850 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 11, 2018. Scott A. Horn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–20490 Filed 9–20–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; internet https://www.airbus.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. Examining the AD Docket DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0800; Product Identifier 2018–NM–107–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A330–223F and Model A330–243F airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracking at fastener holes located at a certain frame on the lower shell panel junction. This proposed AD would require repetitive special detailed inspections (rototest) of certain fastener holes located at the lower shell junction of a certain frame on both left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides, and applicable related investigative and corrective actions. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 5, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:30 Sep 20, 2018 Jkt 244001 You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0800; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3229. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2018–0800; Product Identifier 2018– NM–107–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this NPRM. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018–0146, dated July 12, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A330–223F and Model A330– 243F airplanes. The MCAI states: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 During embodiment of a frame (FR) 40 web repair on an A330 aeroplane, and during keel beam replacement on an A340 aeroplane, cracks were found on both left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) sides on internal strap, butt strap, keel beam fitting, or forward fitting FR40 flange. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the structural integrity of the centre fuselage of the aeroplane. Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued SB A330–53–3215, providing inspection instructions, and EASA issued AD 2014– 0136 and, subsequently, AD 2017–0063 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2018–12–08, Amendment 39–19312 (83 FR 33821, July 18, 2018)] to require repetitive special detailed inspection (SDI), (rototest), of 10 fastener holes located at the FR40 lower shell panel junction on both LH and RH sides and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). After those ADs were issued, it has been determined that A330 Freighter aeroplanes are also affected by this potential unsafe condition. Consequently, Airbus published SB [service bulletin] A330–53–3215 Revision 03 to expand the Effectivity of that SB to these aeroplanes. For the reason described above, this AD requires repetitive SDI (rototest) of 10 fastener holes located at the FR40 lower shell panel junction on both LH and RH sides and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s) [which include oversizing, installing fasteners and repair; and accomplishment of applicable related investigative actions, which include a rototest inspection for cracking after oversizing]. The initial compliance time is 16,200 flight cycles or 48,800 flight hours, whichever occurs first since airplane first flight. The repetitive inspection interval is 13,700 flight cycles or 41,100 flight hours, whichever occurs first. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0800. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus SAS has issued Service Bulletin A330–53–3215, Revision 03, dated January 22, 2018. This service information describes procedures for repetitive rototest inspections of certain fastener holes, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. 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. FAA’s Determination This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our E:\FR\FM\21SEP1.SGM 21SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 184 (Friday, September 21, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47848-47850]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20490]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 47848]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1236; Product Identifier 2017-SW-136-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson Helicopter) Model R66 
helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the oil tank 
outlet's fitting color. If the fitting is blue, this proposed AD would 
require replacing the tank with an oil tank that lacks a blue fitting. 
This proposed AD also would require determining the revision letter on 
the ink stamp, and installing an oil tank angle based on that 
determination. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of broken oil 
tank internal baffles. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to 
correct an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 20, 
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-2017-
1236; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone 
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; 
telephone (310) 539-0508; fax (310) 539-5198; or at https://www.robinsonheli.com/servelib.htm. 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: Danny Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5247; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    We propose to adopt a new AD for Robinson Helicopters Model R66 
helicopters with serial numbers 0003 through 0789, 0791, 0794, and 
0796. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of broken oil tank 
internal baffles caused by vibration. A broken baffle inside the oil 
tank could block the oil return port, causing loss of oil pressure and 
oil flow to the engine. This situation could result in engine failure.
    This proposed AD consequently would require installing an angle to 
the oil tank outlet or replacing the oil tank, depending on the oil 
tank's outlet fitting color or the revision level of the ink stamp on 
the tank's top surface.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R66 Service Bulletin SB-
21A, Revision A, dated June 6, 2017, which specifies installing an 
angle in the tank outlet to prevent a failed baffle from blocking the 
outlet.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 100 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), visually inspecting the oil tank outlet fitting color to 
determine if it is blue. If the fitting is blue, before further flight, 
replace the tank with an oil tank that does not have a blue fitting 
would be required. The proposed AD would then require locating the 
G689-1 oil tank assembly identification ink stamp on

[[Page 47849]]

the top surface of the oil tank, and determining the revision letter. 
If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision letter F, G, 
H, or I, the proposed AD would require installing a G805-1 angle. If 
the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision letter J, you 
would be required to determine if there is a yellow dot near the ink 
stamp. A yellow dot indicates that the angle has been pre-installed and 
that no further action would be required by this proposed AD. If there 
is not a yellow dot near the ink stamp, installing a G805-1 angle would 
be required. If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision 
letter K, no further action would be required by this proposed AD.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Robinson Helicopters service information specifies performing the 
corrective actions within the next 100 hours TIS or by July 31, 2017, 
whichever comes first. This proposed AD would require the actions 
within 100 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 265 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
     The cost for identifying the oil tank assembly 
identification ink stamp and outlet fitting color would be minimal.
     Inserting a G805-1 angle would require 1 work-hour for a 
labor cost of $85. Parts would cost $17 for a total cost of $102 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 products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

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

Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No. FAA-2017-1236; Product 
Identifier 2017-SW-136-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model 
R66 helicopters, serial numbers 0003 through 0789, 0791, 0794 and 
0796, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as broken baffle inside an 
oil tank. This condition could result in loss of oil pressure and 
oil flow to the engine, leading to engine failure and subsequent 
forced landing of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 20, 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 100 hours time-in-service:
    (1) Visually inspect the oil tank outlet fitting color to 
determine if it is blue. If the fitting is blue, before further 
flight, replace the tank with an oil tank that does not have a blue 
fitting.
    (2) Locate the G689-1 oil tank assembly identification ink stamp 
on the top surface of the oil tank, and determine the revision 
letter.
    (i) If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision 
letter F, G, H, or I unless previously installed, install a G805-1 
angle as follows:
    (A) Drain the engine oil and disconnect the F723-1 line assembly 
from the tank fitting at the firewall, using as reference Figure 1 
of Robinson Helicopter Company R66 Service Bulletin SB-21A, Revision 
A, dated June 6, 2017.
    (B) Pinch the flanges of G805-1 angle at the minimum required to 
enable insertion, and insert the angle in the oil tank outlet 
fitting until the angle snaps in place.
    (C) Connect the F723-1 line assembly to the tank fitting. 
Special torque nut to 675 in.-lb. Torque stripe the fitting.
    (ii) If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision 
letter J, determine if there is a yellow dot near the ink stamp. A 
yellow dot indicates that the angle has been pre-installed and that 
no further action is required by this AD. If there is not a yellow 
dot near the ink stamp, install a G805-1 angle by following the 
procedures in paragraphs (e)(2)(i)(A) through (e)(2)(i)(C) of this 
AD.
    (iii) If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision 
letter K, no further action is required by this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Danny Nguyen, Aerospace 
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; 
telephone (562) 627-5247; 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) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7910, Engine Oil 
Storage (Airframe Furnished).


[[Page 47850]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 11, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20490 Filed 9-20-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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