Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 8250-8251 [2019-04024]

Download as PDF 8250 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 45 / Thursday, March 7, 2019 / Rules and Regulations purpose of measuring lightning and HIRF protection. 8. The leg-flail airbag system must function properly after loss of normal airplane electrical power, and after a transverse separation of the fuselage at the most critical location. A separation at the location of the leg-flail airbag system does not have to be considered. 9. The leg-flail airbag system must not release hazardous quantities of gas or particulate matter into the cabin. 10. The leg-flail airbag system installation must be protected from the effects of fire such that no hazard to occupants will result. 11. A means must be available to verify the integrity of the leg-flail airbag system’s activation system prior to each flight, or the leg-flail airbag system’s activation system must reliably operate between inspection intervals. The FAA considers that the loss of the leg-flail airbag system’s deployment function alone (i.e., independent of the conditional event that requires the legflail airbag system’s deployment) is a major-failure condition. 12. The airbag inflatable material may not have an average burn rate of greater than 2.5 inches per minute when tested using the horizontal flammability test defined in part 25, appendix F, part I, paragraph (b)(5). 13. The leg-flail airbag system, once deployed, must not adversely affect the emergency-lighting system (i.e., must not block floor-proximity lights to the extent that the lights no longer meet their intended function). 14. The leg-flail system(s) must perform its intended function after impact from any other proximate assemblies (e.g., life raft) that may become detached under the loads specified in §§ 25.561 and 25.562. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on February 28, 2019. Victor Wicklund, Manager, Transport Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2019–04072 Filed 3–6–19; 8:45 am] amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:17 Mar 06, 2019 Jkt 247001 Federal Aviation Administration 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email david.hatfield@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 14 CFR Part 39 Discussion DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION [Docket No. FAA–2018–0694; Product Identifier 2016–SW–068–AD; Amendment 39–19564; AD 2019–03–12] 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 EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires repetitive inspections of each life raft inflation cylinder percussion system bellcrank (bellcrank). This AD was prompted by reports of jammed bellcranks. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective April 11, 2019. SUMMARY: 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. ADDRESSES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations .gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0694; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 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: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 On August 9, 2018, at 83 FR 39382, 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 EC225 LP helicopters with a life raft installed. The NPRM proposed to require, before further flight and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 6 months, cleaning and lubricating each bellcrank and pivot link. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent a jammed bellcrank which could result in failure of a life raft to release in an emergency and subsequent injury to occupants. The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2016–0200, dated October 11, 2016 (EASA AD 2016–0200), 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 EC 225 LP helicopters. EASA advises of a report of the left-hand and right-hand bellcranks becoming jammed. EASA states an investigation determined the bellcranks were jammed by the accumulation of a foreign coating material in the bellcrank hole. EASA further states that investigation of an additional incident of a jammed bellcrank determined that corrosion in the bellcrank hole caused the jam. This condition, according to EASA, could result in failure of the life rafts to release in an emergency and subsequent injury to occupants during an otherwise survivable accident. To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD 2016–0200 requires repetitive cleaning and lubrication of each bellcrank and pivot link. 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 its 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 the same type design and that air safety and the E:\FR\FM\07MRR1.SGM 07MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 45 / Thursday, March 7, 2019 / Rules and Regulations public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Related Service Information We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A050, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016, which contains procedures for cleaning and lubricating each bellcrank and pivot link of the life raft inflation cylinder percussion system and removing any corrosion if necessary. Costs of Compliance We estimate that This AD affects 5 helicopters of U.S. Registry. At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, we estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Cleaning and lubricating both bellcranks and pivot links requires about 16 work-hours, and required materials costs are minimal, for a cost of $1,360 per helicopter and $6,800 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES 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); VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:17 Mar 06, 2019 Jkt 247001 (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): ■ 2019–03–12 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–19564; Docket No. FAA–2018–0694; Product Identifier 2016–SW–068–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies Airbus Helicopters Model EC225 LP helicopters with a life raft installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a jammed bellcrank in a life raft jettison inflation cylinder percussion system (bellcrank). This condition could result in failure of a life raft to release in an emergency and subsequent injury to occupants. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective April 11, 2019. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions Before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months: (1) Clean each bellcrank and pivot link and inspect each bellcrank hole for corrosion. If there is any corrosion in a bellcrank hole: (i) Remove the corrosion without exceeding a maximum depth of 0.1 millimeter (0.004 inch). (ii) Clean each pivot link using 400-grain abrasive paper. (iii) Apply corrosion protectant (Alodine 1200 or equivalent) to each bellcrank hole. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 8251 (2) Lubricate each bellcrank hole with grease before assembling the bellcrank. (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 David Hatfield, 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 (1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A050, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https:// www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/ Technical-Support_73.html. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016–0200, dated October 11, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2018–0694. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2564 Life Raft. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 15, 2019. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2019–04024 Filed 3–6–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 73 [Docket No. FAA–2018–1080; Airspace Docket No. 18–AGL–26] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of Restricted Areas R–5502A and R–5502B; Lacarne, OH Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\07MRR1.SGM 07MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 45 (Thursday, March 7, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8250-8251]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-04024]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0694; Product Identifier 2016-SW-068-AD; Amendment 
39-19564; AD 2019-03-12]
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 EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires repetitive 
inspections of each life raft inflation cylinder percussion system 
bellcrank (bellcrank). This AD was prompted by reports of jammed 
bellcranks. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 11, 2019.

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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations .gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0694; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 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: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email david.hatfield@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On August 9, 2018, at 83 FR 39382, 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 EC225 LP helicopters with a life raft installed. The NPRM 
proposed to require, before further flight and thereafter at intervals 
not exceeding 6 months, cleaning and lubricating each bellcrank and 
pivot link. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent a jammed 
bellcrank which could result in failure of a life raft to release in an 
emergency and subsequent injury to occupants.
    The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2016-0200, dated October 11, 
2016 (EASA AD 2016-0200), 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 EC 225 LP helicopters. EASA 
advises of a report of the left-hand and right-hand bellcranks becoming 
jammed. EASA states an investigation determined the bellcranks were 
jammed by the accumulation of a foreign coating material in the 
bellcrank hole. EASA further states that investigation of an additional 
incident of a jammed bellcrank determined that corrosion in the 
bellcrank hole caused the jam. This condition, according to EASA, could 
result in failure of the life rafts to release in an emergency and 
subsequent injury to occupants during an otherwise survivable accident. 
To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD 2016-0200 requires repetitive 
cleaning and lubrication of each bellcrank and pivot link.

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 
its 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 the same type design 
and that air safety and the

[[Page 8251]]

public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
05A050, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016, which contains procedures for 
cleaning and lubricating each bellcrank and pivot link of the life raft 
inflation cylinder percussion system and removing any corrosion if 
necessary.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that This AD affects 5 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
    At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, we estimate that 
operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this 
AD. Cleaning and lubricating both bellcranks and pivot links requires 
about 16 work-hours, and required materials costs are minimal, for a 
cost of $1,360 per helicopter and $6,800 for the U.S. fleet per 
inspection cycle.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

2019-03-12 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-19564; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0694; Product Identifier 2016-SW-068-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies Airbus Helicopters Model EC225 LP helicopters 
with a life raft installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a jammed bellcrank in a 
life raft jettison inflation cylinder percussion system (bellcrank). 
This condition could result in failure of a life raft to release in 
an emergency and subsequent injury to occupants.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 11, 2019.

(d) Compliance

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

(e) Required Actions

    Before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
6 months:
    (1) Clean each bellcrank and pivot link and inspect each 
bellcrank hole for corrosion. If there is any corrosion in a 
bellcrank hole:
    (i) Remove the corrosion without exceeding a maximum depth of 
0.1 millimeter (0.004 inch).
    (ii) Clean each pivot link using 400-grain abrasive paper.
    (iii) Apply corrosion protectant (Alodine 1200 or equivalent) to 
each bellcrank hole.
    (2) Lubricate each bellcrank hole with grease before assembling 
the bellcrank.

(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 
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, 
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, 
TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
05A050, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016, which is not incorporated 
by reference, contains additional information about the subject of 
this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or 
at https://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You may review the referenced service information 
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0200, dated October 11, 2016. You 
may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FAA-2018-0694.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2564 Life Raft.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 15, 2019.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-04024 Filed 3-6-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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