Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH, 47410-47413 [2019-18707]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 10, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
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Where EASA AD 2019–0026 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2019–0026 requires
inspecting to determine the part number of
the wing slat tracks at the #10 position, this
AD allows a review of airplane maintenance
records in lieu of the inspection if the part
number can be conclusively determined from
that review.
(3) EASA AD 2019–0026 refers to Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–57–3144, dated
November 12, 2018, which specifies that if
the slat track part number is not identifiable,
the upper thickness of the aft lug must be
measured, and if the dimension is 10.80
millimeters (mm), it is an affected part and
must be replaced. For this AD, the affected
part dimensions range from 10.763 mm
through 11.275 mm inclusive.
(4) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2019–0026 does not apply to this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal
inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Section, send it
to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@
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 instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA;
or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any
service information referenced in EASA AD
2019–0026 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2)
of this AD, RC procedures and tests must be
done to comply with this AD; any procedures
or tests that are not identified as RC are
recommended. Those procedures and tests
that are not identified as RC may be deviated
from using accepted methods in accordance
with the operator’s maintenance or
inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the
procedures and tests identified as RC can be
done and the airplane can be put back in an
airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
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Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and
fax: 206–231–3229.
(k) 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) European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2019–0026, dated February 4,
2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2019–0026, contact the
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 89990
6017; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this EASA AD 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.
EASA AD 2019–0026 may be found in the
AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2019–0320.
(5) You may view this material 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/federalregister/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
August 22, 2019.
Suzanne Masterson,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–19442 Filed 9–9–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0656; Product
Identifier 2019–SW–039–AD; Amendment
39–19722; AD 2019–17–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus
SUMMARY:
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Helicopters) Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting
certain part-numbered actuators for
corrosion, and removing them from
service as necessary. This AD also
requires reporting certain information to
Airbus Helicopters. This AD is
prompted by a hard landing of a
helicopter and discovery of a ruptured
and displaced tie bar inside the piston
of the longitudinal single-axis actuator
of the main rotor actuator (MRA). The
actions of this AD are intended to
address an unsafe condition on these
products.
This AD becomes effective
September 25, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of September 25, 2019.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by November 12, 2019.
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.
DATES:
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–2019–
0656; 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 service information
that is incorporated by reference, the
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
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/
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en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You
may review the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also
available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0656.
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:
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Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
the FAA did not provide you with
notice and an opportunity to provide
your comments prior to it becoming
effective. However, the FAA invites you
to participate in this rulemaking by
submitting written comments, data, or
views. The FAA also invites comments
relating to the economic, environmental,
energy, or federalism impacts that
resulted from adopting this AD. The
most helpful comments reference a
specific portion of the AD, explain the
reason for any recommended change,
and include supporting data. To ensure
the docket does not contain duplicate
comments, commenters should send
only one copy of written comments, or
if comments are filed electronically,
commenters should submit them only
one time. The FAA will file in the
docket all comments that the FAA
receives, as well as a report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerning
this rulemaking during the comment
period. The FAA will consider all the
comments received and may conduct
additional rulemaking based on those
comments.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2019–
0087–E, dated April 24, 2019, to correct
an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD),
formerly Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH, Eurocopter Espan˜a S.A. Model
EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135
P3, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+,
EC135 T3, EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635
T1, EC635 T2+ and EC635 T3
helicopters with a longitudinal singleaxis actuator part number (P/N)
L673M20A1008 or P/N L673M30A2111;
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a collective single-axis actuator P/N
L673M20A1012, P/N L673M30A1211,
or P/N E673M30A1201; or a lateral
single-axis actuator P/N L673M20A1011
or P/N L673M30A2311, that have
accumulated 6 or more years since
manufacturing date or last overhaul,
whichever occurred later, installed.
EASA advises of a report of a hard
landing by a Model EC135 helicopter.
Inspection revealed that the tie bar
inside the piston of the longitudinal
single-axis actuator of the MRA was
ruptured and displaced.
EASA states that this condition, if not
detected and corrected, could lead to
loss of control of the helicopter,
possibly resulting in damage to the
helicopter and/or injury to occupants.
Accordingly, the EASA AD requires a
one-time inspection for corrosion,
reporting inspection results to AHD, and
depending on findings, replacing parts
at different compliance times. The
EASA AD also allows installing an MRA
that has any of the affected parts
installed, provided the affected parts are
inspected and replaced as required by
the AD. The EASA AD states it is
considered an interim action and further
AD action may follow.
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA of the unsafe condition described
in the EASA AD. The FAA is issuing
this AD because the FAA 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.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus Helicopters has issued
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
EC135–67A–039, Revision 1, dated
April 23, 2019. This service information
specifies reviewing records to determine
the date of manufacture or date of last
overhaul of certain part-numbered
single-axis actuators, procedures to
visually inspect the single-axis actuators
for the external appearance of corrosion,
instruction to take photos of any
corroded single-axis actuators, and
report certain information to Airbus
Helicopters. This service information
also specifies replacing single-axis
actuators and references Airbus
Helicopters Service Bulletin No. EC135–
67–040, Revision 0, dated April 25,
2019 (SB EC135–67–040), which is not
incorporated by reference in this AD, for
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inspection criteria of serviceable parts
and replacement procedures.
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.
Other Related Service Information
Airbus Helicopters has issued SB
EC135–67–040, which identifies
procedures to inspect the longitudinal,
collective, and lateral single-axis
actuators for corrosion and to replace
those parts.
AD Requirements
This AD requires visually inspecting
for corrosion all external surfaces of
certain part-numbered longitudinal,
collective, and lateral single-axis
actuators that have accumulated 6 or
more years since manufacturing date or
last overhaul, whichever occurs later.
Based on the inspection outcome, this
AD requires removing the single-axis
actuators from service at different
compliance times. This AD also requires
reporting certain information, along
with photos of any corrosion, to Airbus
Helicopters.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
FAA’s Determination
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The EASA AD applies to Model
EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635
T2+ and EC635 T3 helicopters, whereas
this AD does not because none of those
models are FAA type-certificated. The
EASA AD requires inspecting the singleaxis actuators for the, ‘‘external
appearance of corrosion,’’ whereas this
AD requires inspecting for any
corrosion. The EASA AD specifies
longer compliance times for parts that
have accumulated 6 to 10 years that do
not have any corrosion. The FAA plans
to publish a notice of proposed
rulemaking to give the public an
opportunity to comment on these longer
compliance times.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim
action. If final action is later identified,
the FAA might consider further
rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 311 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
Labor costs are estimated at $85 per
work-hour. Based on these numbers, the
FAA estimates the following costs in
order to comply with this AD.
Inspecting the single-axis actuators
takes about 2 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter
and $52,870 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing
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a single-axis actuator takes about 7
work-hours and parts cost about
$20,000, for an estimated cost of
$20,595 per replacement. Reporting the
required information takes about 1
work-hour for an estimated cost of $85
per helicopter and $26,435 for the U.S.
fleet.
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Paperwork Reduction Act
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 currently 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, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the
data needed, completing and reviewing
the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send
comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this
collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden to:
Information Collection Clearance
Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524.
Justification for Immediate Adoption
and Determination of the Effective Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C.) authorizes agencies to dispense
with notice and comment procedures
for rules when the agency, for ‘‘good
cause’’ finds that those procedures are
‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary
to the public interest.’’ Under this
section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without
seeking comment prior to the
rulemaking.
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD without providing an opportunity
for public comments prior to adoption.
The FAA has found that the risk to the
flying public justifies foregoing notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because some of the required
actions must be completed within 3
days. Therefore, notice and opportunity
for prior public comment are
impracticable and contrary to public
interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for the
reason(s) stated above, the FAA finds
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that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this
amendment effective in less than 30
days.
§ 39.13
Authority for This Rulemaking
2019–17–02 Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39–
19722; Docket No. FAA–2019–0656;
Product Identifier 2019–SW–039–AD.
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA determined that this AD
will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD
will not have a substantial direct effect
on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and
the States, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify
that this AD:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
and
2. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska.
The FAA 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.
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.
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[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters)
Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+,
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+,
and EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with any of the following installed
that have, as of April 23, 2019, accumulated
6 or more years since manufacturing date or
last overhaul, whichever occurs later:
(1) Longitudinal single-axis actuator part
number (P/N) L673M20A1008 or P/N
L673M30A2111;
(2) Collective single-axis actuator P/N
L673M20A1012, P/N L673M30A1211, or P/N
E673M30A1201; or
(3) Lateral single-axis actuator P/N
L673M20A1011or P/N L673M30A2311.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
corrosion in certain main rotor actuator
(MRA) components. This condition could
result in failure of the component, failure of
the MRA, and loss of control of the
helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 25,
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
(1) Within 3 days, visually inspect all
external surfaces of each single-axis actuator
for corrosion. Refer to Figure 1 of Airbus
Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
No. EC135–67A–039, Revision 1, dated April
23, 2019 (EASB EC135–67A–039), for
example photos of single-axis actuators with
corrosion. Refer to Figure 2 of EASB EC135–
67A–039 for example photos of single-axis
actuators without corrosion.
(i) If there is any corrosion, remove the part
from service as follows:
(A) For a part that has accumulated 14 or
more years, within 7 days.
(B) For a part that has accumulated 12 or
more years, but less than 14 years, within 14
days.
(C) For a part that has accumulated 10 or
more years, but less than 12 years, within 30
days.
(D) For a part that has accumulated 8 or
more years, but less than 10 years, within 60
days.
(E) For a part that has accumulated 6 or
more years, but less than 8 years, within 120
days.
(ii) If there is not any corrosion, remove the
part from service as follows:
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(A) For a part that has accumulated 14 or
more years, within 14 days.
(B) For a part that has accumulated 12 or
more years, but less than 14 years, within 30
days.
(C) For a part that has accumulated 10 or
more years, but less than 12 years, within 90
days.
(2) Within 7 days after the inspection
required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD,
report the information requested in the Reply
Form Sheet for EASB ‘‘Check of single-axis
actuators’’ of EASB EC135–67A–039, along
with photos of any corrosion, by email to
support.vehicle.ahd@airbus.com or by using
the QR code to report to Airbus Helicopters.
The QR code is available on page 12 of EASB
EC135–67A–039.
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 a copy of the 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. 2019–0087–E, dated April 24, 2019. You
may view the EASA AD on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2019–
0656.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(j) Subject
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(g) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden
Statement
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 currently 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, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed,
completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection
of information are mandatory. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or
any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden to: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524.
(h) 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, the FAA suggests
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.
(i) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No.
EC135-67-040, Revision 0, dated April 25,
2019, which is not incorporated by reference,
contains additional information about the
subject of this AD. For service information
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Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 67000, Rotorcraft Flight Control.
(k) 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 Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin No. EC135–67A–039,
Revision 1, dated April 23, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive,
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972)
641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–
3775; or at https://
www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/
Technical-Support_73.html.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 21,
2019.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–18707 Filed 9–9–19; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0890; Airspace
Docket No. 16–ACE–10]
RIN 2120–AA66
Establishment of Class D and E
Airspace; Wichita, KS
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This action establishes Class
D airspace and Class E airspace
designated as surface area, at Beech
Factory Airport, Wichita, KS. This
action is for the safety and management
of instrument flight rules (IFR)
operations at the airport.
DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, December 5,
2019. The Director of the Federal
Register approves this incorporation by
reference action under Title 1 Code of
Federal Regulations part 51, subject to
the annual revision of FAA Order
7400.11 and publication of conforming
amendments.
ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11C,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, and subsequent amendments can
be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/
air_traffic/publications/. For further
information, you can contact the
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order 7400.11C at NARA, email
fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on
September 15.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator.
Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
E:\FR\FM\10SER1.SGM
10SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 10, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47410-47413]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-18707]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0656; Product Identifier 2019-SW-039-AD; Amendment
39-19722; AD 2019-17-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model EC135P1,
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting certain part-numbered
actuators for corrosion, and removing them from service as necessary.
This AD also requires reporting certain information to Airbus
Helicopters. This AD is prompted by a hard landing of a helicopter and
discovery of a ruptured and displaced tie bar inside the piston of the
longitudinal single-axis actuator of the main rotor actuator (MRA). The
actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 25, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of September 25,
2019.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by November 12, 2019.
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-2019-
0656; 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 service
information that is incorporated by reference, the economic evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
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/
[[Page 47411]]
en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You may review the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is
also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0656.
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 [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and the FAA did not provide you with notice and an opportunity
to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, the
FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. The FAA also invites comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should
submit them only one time. The FAA will file in the docket all comments
that the FAA receives, as well as a report summarizing each substantive
public contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the
comment period. The FAA will consider all the comments received and may
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2019-0087-E, dated April 24,
2019, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH (AHD), formerly Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH, Eurocopter
Espa[ntilde]a S.A. Model EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 P3, EC135
T1, EC135 T2, EC135 T2+, EC135 T3, EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635
T2+ and EC635 T3 helicopters with a longitudinal single-axis actuator
part number (P/N) L673M20A1008 or P/N L673M30A2111; a collective
single[hyphen]axis actuator P/N L673M20A1012, P/N L673M30A1211, or P/N
E673M30A1201; or a lateral single[hyphen]axis actuator P/N L673M20A1011
or P/N L673M30A2311, that have accumulated 6 or more years since
manufacturing date or last overhaul, whichever occurred later,
installed. EASA advises of a report of a hard landing by a Model EC135
helicopter. Inspection revealed that the tie bar inside the piston of
the longitudinal single-axis actuator of the MRA was ruptured and
displaced.
EASA states that this condition, if not detected and corrected,
could lead to loss of control of the helicopter, possibly resulting in
damage to the helicopter and/or injury to occupants. Accordingly, the
EASA AD requires a one-time inspection for corrosion, reporting
inspection results to AHD, and depending on findings, replacing parts
at different compliance times. The EASA AD also allows installing an
MRA that has any of the affected parts installed, provided the affected
parts are inspected and replaced as required by the AD. The EASA AD
states it is considered an interim action and further AD action may
follow.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA of the
unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. The FAA is issuing this AD
because the FAA 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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus Helicopters has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
EC135-67A-039, Revision 1, dated April 23, 2019. This service
information specifies reviewing records to determine the date of
manufacture or date of last overhaul of certain part-numbered single-
axis actuators, procedures to visually inspect the single-axis
actuators for the external appearance of corrosion, instruction to take
photos of any corroded single-axis actuators, and report certain
information to Airbus Helicopters. This service information also
specifies replacing single-axis actuators and references Airbus
Helicopters Service Bulletin No. EC135-67-040, Revision 0, dated April
25, 2019 (SB EC135-67-040), which is not incorporated by reference in
this AD, for inspection criteria of serviceable parts and replacement
procedures.
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.
Other Related Service Information
Airbus Helicopters has issued SB EC135-67-040, which identifies
procedures to inspect the longitudinal, collective, and lateral
single[hyphen]axis actuators for corrosion and to replace those parts.
AD Requirements
This AD requires visually inspecting for corrosion all external
surfaces of certain part-numbered longitudinal, collective, and lateral
single[hyphen]axis actuators that have accumulated 6 or more years
since manufacturing date or last overhaul, whichever occurs later.
Based on the inspection outcome, this AD requires removing the single-
axis actuators from service at different compliance times. This AD also
requires reporting certain information, along with photos of any
corrosion, to Airbus Helicopters.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Model EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635
T2+ and EC635 T3 helicopters, whereas this AD does not because none of
those models are FAA type-certificated. The EASA AD requires inspecting
the single-axis actuators for the, ``external appearance of
corrosion,'' whereas this AD requires inspecting for any corrosion. The
EASA AD specifies longer compliance times for parts that have
accumulated 6 to 10 years that do not have any corrosion. The FAA plans
to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to give the public an
opportunity to comment on these longer compliance times.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 311 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs in order to comply
with this AD.
Inspecting the single-axis actuators takes about 2 work-hours for
an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $52,870 for the U.S.
fleet. Replacing
[[Page 47412]]
a single-axis actuator takes about 7 work-hours and parts cost about
$20,000, for an estimated cost of $20,595 per replacement. Reporting
the required information takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost
of $85 per helicopter and $26,435 for the U.S. fleet.
Paperwork Reduction Act
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 currently 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, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection of information are
mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer,
Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177-1524.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without seeking comment prior to the
rulemaking.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because some of the required actions must be completed within 3 days.
Therefore, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable and contrary to public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for the reason(s) stated above, the FAA
finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making
this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is 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
The FAA determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866, and
2. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
The FAA 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.
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):
2019-17-02 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-19722;
Docket No. FAA-2019-0656; Product Identifier 2019-SW-039-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus
Helicopters) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with any of the following installed that have, as of April
23, 2019, accumulated 6 or more years since manufacturing date or
last overhaul, whichever occurs later:
(1) Longitudinal single-axis actuator part number (P/N)
L673M20A1008 or P/N L673M30A2111;
(2) Collective single[hyphen]axis actuator P/N L673M20A1012, P/N
L673M30A1211, or P/N E673M30A1201; or
(3) Lateral single[hyphen]axis actuator P/N L673M20A1011or P/N
L673M30A2311.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion in certain
main rotor actuator (MRA) components. This condition could result in
failure of the component, failure of the MRA, and loss of control of
the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 25, 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
(1) Within 3 days, visually inspect all external surfaces of
each single-axis actuator for corrosion. Refer to Figure 1 of Airbus
Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. EC135-67A-039,
Revision 1, dated April 23, 2019 (EASB EC135-67A-039), for example
photos of single-axis actuators with corrosion. Refer to Figure 2 of
EASB EC135-67A-039 for example photos of single-axis actuators
without corrosion.
(i) If there is any corrosion, remove the part from service as
follows:
(A) For a part that has accumulated 14 or more years, within 7
days.
(B) For a part that has accumulated 12 or more years, but less
than 14 years, within 14 days.
(C) For a part that has accumulated 10 or more years, but less
than 12 years, within 30 days.
(D) For a part that has accumulated 8 or more years, but less
than 10 years, within 60 days.
(E) For a part that has accumulated 6 or more years, but less
than 8 years, within 120 days.
(ii) If there is not any corrosion, remove the part from service
as follows:
[[Page 47413]]
(A) For a part that has accumulated 14 or more years, within 14
days.
(B) For a part that has accumulated 12 or more years, but less
than 14 years, within 30 days.
(C) For a part that has accumulated 10 or more years, but less
than 12 years, within 90 days.
(2) Within 7 days after the inspection required by paragraph
(e)(1) of this AD, report the information requested in the Reply
Form Sheet for EASB ``Check of single-axis actuators'' of EASB
EC135-67A-039, along with photos of any corrosion, by email to
[email protected] or by using the QR code to report to
Airbus Helicopters. The QR code is available on page 12 of EASB
EC135-67A-039.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(g) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
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 currently 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, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing
the collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
(h) 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 [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests
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.
(i) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No.
EC135[hyphen]67[hyphen]040, Revision 0, dated April 25, 2019, 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 a copy of the 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. 2019-0087-E, dated April 24, 2019. You
may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2019-0656.
(j) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 67000, Rotorcraft
Flight Control.
(k) 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 Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
EC135-67A-039, Revision 1, dated April 23, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax
(972) 641-3775; or at https://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 21, 2019.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-18707 Filed 9-9-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
