Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 76490-76492 [2020-26253]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 230 / Monday, November 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules
part 50 and in accordance with 10 CFR
50.59, ‘‘Changes, Tests and
Experiments,’’ to support the staff’s
performance of potential inspections of
a licensee’s implementation of these
requirements for AMT-fabricated
components.
TKELLEY on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
III. Specific Considerations
This report documents completion of
the staff’s initial review of QA criteria
and 10 CFR 50.59 requirements for AMT
applications at U.S. nuclear power
plants. This report does not represent a
complete and final analysis of all
aspects of QA criteria and 10 CFR 50.59
requirements and guidance that might
be applicable to the use of AMT
components at U.S. nuclear power
plants. This report does not create new
regulatory requirements or establish
new regulatory positions with respect to
the use or manufacture of AMT
components for nuclear power plants.
The scope of this report is limited to the
review of existing requirements and
guidance to address AMT components
and the consideration of potential
regulatory and technical challenges.
This report may be subject to future
revision, as additional insights and
operating experience for use of AMT
components are gained.
The NRC is requesting general
comments on this document to be open
and transparent in processes involving
the installation of AMT-fabricated
components.
IV. Public Meeting
The NRC plans to hold a public
meeting during the public comment
period for this action. A public meeting
is planned for December 2020, via
webinar. The public meeting will
provide forums for the NRC staff to
discuss issues and questions with
members of the public. The NRC does
not intend to provide any responses to
comments submitted during the public
meeting. The public meeting will be
noticed on the NRC’s public meeting
website at least 10 calendar days before
the meeting. Members of the public
should monitor the NRC’s public
meeting website for additional
information about the public meetings
at https://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/
public-meetings/index.cfm. The NRC
will post the notices for the public
meetings and webinars and may post
additional material related to this action
to the Federal Rulemaking website at
https://www.regulations.gov/ under
Docket ID NRC–2020–0253. The Federal
Rulemaking website allows you to
receive alerts when changes or additions
occur in a docket folder. To subscribe:
(1) Navigate to the docket folder (NRC–
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:33 Nov 27, 2020
Jkt 253001
2020–0253); (2) click the ‘‘Sign up for
Email Alerts’’ link; and (3) enter your
email address and select how frequently
you would like to receive emails (daily,
weekly, or monthly).
Dated: November 23, 2020.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Anna H. Bradford,
Director, Division of New and Renewed
Licenses, Office of Nuclear Reactor
Regulation.
[FR Doc. 2020–26272 Filed 11–27–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1037; Project
Identifier 2019–SW–077–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3
helicopters. This proposed AD would
require removing certain Titanium (Ti)
bolts from service and prohibit
installing these Ti-bolts in a critical
area. This proposed AD was prompted
by a report of a broken Ti-bolt. The FAA
is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by January 14,
2021.
SUMMARY:
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.
ADDRESSES:
PO 00000
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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–2020–
1037; 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
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, 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 NPRM, 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.airbus.com/helicopters/
services/technical-support.html. You
may view this service information at the
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Katherine Venegas, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO, FAA, 3960
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712;
telephone 562–627–5353; email
katherine.venegas@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2020–1037; Product Identifier
2019–SW–077–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposal.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 230 / Monday, November 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules
TKELLEY on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Katherine Venegas,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles
ACO, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd.,
Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone 562–
627–5353; email katherine.venegas@
faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA
receives that is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2019–
0199, dated August 16, 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. EASA advises of a report of
a broken Ti-bolt. Subsequent
investigation revealed that an improper
heat treatment process was
accomplished on a batch of Ti-bolts,
which can lead to hydrogen
embrittlement. The investigation also
identified the critical location where
these Ti-bolts are installed on
helicopters. According to EASA, this
condition, if not detected and corrected,
could lead to failure of an affected Tibolt installed in a critical location,
possibly resulting in reduced control of
the helicopter. Accordingly, the EASA
AD requires a one-time inspection of Tibolt part number (P/N) L535M2001203
marked with manufacturer monogram
‘‘D’’ or with an illegible manufacturer
monogram installed on the forward tail
rotor (T/R) drive shaft and, depending
on the inspection results, replacing the
Ti-bolt. The EASA AD also prohibits the
(re)installation of these Ti-bolts.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:33 Nov 27, 2020
Jkt 253001
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA about the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA is
proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and
determining that an unsafe condition is
likely to exist or develop on other
helicopters of these same type designs.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC135–
00A–001, Revision 1, dated September
2, 2019, for Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 T1,
T2, T2+, T3, P1, P2, P2+, P3, 635 T1,
635 T2+, 635 T3, 635 P2+, and 635 P3
helicopters, and Airbus Helicopters ASB
No. EC135H–00A–001, Revision 1,
dated September 2, 2019, for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
EC135, T3H, P3H, 635 T3H, and 635
P3H helicopters. This service
information specifies inspecting the
forward T/R drive shaft, distance plate
of the 5B–0.50–2.50P–XN–1 antenna,
main rotor controls, FWD connection of
ball bearing control, and AFT
connection of ball bearing control and
yaw actuator for the installation of Tibolt P/N L535M2001203, EN3308–
040020F, L221M1040201, EN3740–
060020F, and EN3308–060020F, marked
with manufacturer monogram ‘‘D’’ or an
illegible manufacturer monogram. If a
specified Ti-bolt is installed, the service
information specifies replacing the Tibolt and discarding the removed Ti-bolt.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
removing any Ti-bolt P/N
L535M2001203 marked with
manufacturer monogram ‘‘D’’ or with an
illegible manufacturer monogram
installed on the forward T/R drive shaft
from service. This proposed AD would
also prohibit installing an affected Tibolt on the forward T/R drive shaft of
any helicopter.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to 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 and requires inspecting Tibolt P/N L535M2001203 marked with
manufacturer monogram ‘‘D’’ or with an
illegible manufacturer monogram
installed on the forward T/R drive shaft.
This proposed AD applies to Model
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+,
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2,
EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters
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Sfmt 4702
76491
with a Ti-bolt P/N L535M2001203
marked with manufacturer monogram
‘‘D’’ or with an illegible manufacturer
monogram installed on the forward T/R
drive shaft instead. This proposed AD
does not apply to Model EC635 P2+,
EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+, or
EC635 T3 helicopters because these
models are not FAA type-certificated.
The EASA AD requires discarding the
affected Ti-bolts, whereas this proposed
AD would require removing the affected
Ti-bolts from service instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 326 helicopters of U.S.
registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85
per work-hour. Based on these numbers,
the FAA estimates that operators may
incur the following costs in order to
comply with this proposed AD.
Replacing a Ti-bolt would take about
four work-hours and parts would cost
about $82 for an estimated cost of $422
per Ti-bolt.
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
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 above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 230 / Monday, November 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules
(3) 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.
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:
■
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH:
Docket No. FAA–2020–1037; Project
Identifier 2019–SW–077–AD.
(a) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies
to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+,
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+,
and EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with a Titanium (Ti) bolt part
number L535M2001203 marked with
manufacturer monogram ‘‘D’’ or with an
illegible manufacturer monogram installed
on the forward tail rotor drive shaft.
Note 1 to paragraph (a): Helicopters with
an EC135P3H designation are Model
EC135P3 helicopters. Helicopters with an
EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3
helicopters.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
failure of an affected Ti-bolt installed in a
critical location, possibly resulting in
reduced control of the helicopter.
TKELLEY on DSKBCP9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Codes: 1430, Fasteners; and 6510, Tail Rotor
Drive Shaft.
Issued on November 20, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–26253 Filed 11–27–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1038; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–00569–E]
RIN 2120–AA64
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service or 3
months, whichever occurs first, remove any
Ti-bolt identified in paragraph (a) of this AD,
located on the forward tail rotor drive shaft,
from service.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install a Ti-bolt identified in paragraph
Jkt 253001
(g) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. EC135–00A–001 and ASB
No. EC135H–00A–001, each Revision 1 and
dated September 2, 2019, which are not
incorporated by reference, contain 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.airbus.com/
helicopters/services/technical-support.html.
You may view 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) No. 2019–0199, dated August 16,
2019. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the
AD Docket.
14 CFR Part 39
(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.
17:33 Nov 27, 2020
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs):
The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch,
FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send
your proposal to: Manager, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone
817–222–5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOCRequests@faa.gov.
Federal Aviation Administration
(c) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
January 14, 2021.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
(a) of this AD on the forward tail rotor drive
shaft of any helicopter.
Airworthiness Directives; Safran
Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type
Certificate Previously Held by
Turbomeca, S.A.) Turboshaft Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran)
Arriel 2D and Arriel 2E model
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
turboshaft engines. This proposed AD
was prompted by the manufacturer
revising the maintenance and overhaul
manuals to introduce new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations and
maintenance tasks. This proposed AD
would require the replacement of
certain critical parts before reaching
their published in-service life limits,
performing scheduled maintenance
tasks before reaching their published
periodicity, and performing
unscheduled maintenance tasks when
the engine meets certain conditions. As
a terminating action, this proposed AD
would require operators to revise the
airworthiness limitation section (ALS)
of their existing approved aircraft
maintenance program (AMP) by
incorporating the revised airworthiness
limitations and maintenance tasks. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by January 14,
2021.
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 Safran Helicopter
Engines, S.A., 64511 Bordes—Cedex,
France; phone: (33) 05 59 74 40 00; fax:
(33) 05 59 74 45 15. You may view this
service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (781) 238–
7759.
ADDRESSES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1038; 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 mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI), any
comments received, and other
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 230 (Monday, November 30, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76490-76492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-26253]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1037; Project Identifier 2019-SW-077-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters.
This proposed AD would require removing certain Titanium (Ti) bolts
from service and prohibit installing these Ti-bolts in a critical area.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a broken Ti-bolt. The FAA
is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 14,
2021.
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.
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-2020-
1037; 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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 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 NPRM, 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.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may
view this service information at the 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Katherine Venegas, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA
90712; telephone 562-627-5353; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-1037; Product Identifier
2019-SW-077-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this proposal.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and
[[Page 76491]]
actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Katherine Venegas, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO, FAA, 3960
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone 562-627-5353; email
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2019-0199, dated August 16,
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. EASA advises of a report of a
broken Ti-bolt. Subsequent investigation revealed that an improper heat
treatment process was accomplished on a batch of Ti-bolts, which can
lead to hydrogen embrittlement. The investigation also identified the
critical location where these Ti-bolts are installed on helicopters.
According to EASA, this condition, if not detected and corrected, could
lead to failure of an affected Ti-bolt installed in a critical
location, possibly resulting in reduced control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, the EASA AD requires a one-time inspection of Ti-bolt part
number (P/N) L535M2001203 marked with manufacturer monogram ``D'' or
with an illegible manufacturer monogram installed on the forward tail
rotor (T/R) drive shaft and, depending on the inspection results,
replacing the Ti-bolt. The EASA AD also prohibits the (re)installation
of these Ti-bolts.
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 about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an
unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of
these same type designs.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
No. EC135-00A-001, Revision 1, dated September 2, 2019, for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 T1, T2, T2+, T3, P1, P2, P2+,
P3, 635 T1, 635 T2+, 635 T3, 635 P2+, and 635 P3 helicopters, and
Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC135H-00A-001, Revision 1, dated September
2, 2019, for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135, T3H, P3H,
635 T3H, and 635 P3H helicopters. This service information specifies
inspecting the forward T/R drive shaft, distance plate of the 5B-0.50-
2.50P-XN-1 antenna, main rotor controls, FWD connection of ball bearing
control, and AFT connection of ball bearing control and yaw actuator
for the installation of Ti-bolt P/N L535M2001203, EN3308-040020F,
L221M1040201, EN3740-060020F, and EN3308-060020F, marked with
manufacturer monogram ``D'' or an illegible manufacturer monogram. If a
specified Ti-bolt is installed, the service information specifies
replacing the Ti-bolt and discarding the removed Ti-bolt.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require removing any Ti-bolt P/N
L535M2001203 marked with manufacturer monogram ``D'' or with an
illegible manufacturer monogram installed on the forward T/R drive
shaft from service. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing an
affected Ti-bolt on the forward T/R drive shaft of any helicopter.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to 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 and requires inspecting Ti-bolt
P/N L535M2001203 marked with manufacturer monogram ``D'' or with an
illegible manufacturer monogram installed on the forward T/R drive
shaft. This proposed AD applies to Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+,
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters with a Ti-
bolt P/N L535M2001203 marked with manufacturer monogram ``D'' or with
an illegible manufacturer monogram installed on the forward T/R drive
shaft instead. This proposed AD does not apply to Model EC635 P2+,
EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+, or EC635 T3 helicopters because these
models are not FAA type-certificated. The EASA AD requires discarding
the affected Ti-bolts, whereas this proposed AD would require removing
the affected Ti-bolts from service instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 326 helicopters of
U.S. registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this proposed AD.
Replacing a Ti-bolt would take about four work-hours and parts
would cost about $82 for an estimated cost of $422 per Ti-bolt.
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 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 above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
[[Page 76492]]
(3) 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.
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:
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2020-1037;
Project Identifier 2019-SW-077-AD.
(a) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with a Titanium (Ti) bolt part number L535M2001203 marked
with manufacturer monogram ``D'' or with an illegible manufacturer
monogram installed on the forward tail rotor drive shaft.
Note 1 to paragraph (a): Helicopters with an EC135P3H
designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters. Helicopters with an
EC135T3H designation are Model EC135T3 helicopters.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of an affected
Ti-bolt installed in a critical location, possibly resulting in
reduced control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by January 14, 2021.
(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 50 hours time-in-service or 3 months, whichever
occurs first, remove any Ti-bolt identified in paragraph (a) of this
AD, located on the forward tail rotor drive shaft, from service.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a Ti-
bolt identified in paragraph (a) of this AD on the forward tail
rotor drive shaft of any helicopter.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):
The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Manager, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone
817-222-5110; email [email protected].
(g) Additional Information
(1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC135-
00A-001 and ASB No. EC135H-00A-001, each Revision 1 and dated
September 2, 2019, which are not incorporated by reference, contain
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.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may view 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 Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) No. 2019-0199, dated August 16, 2019.
You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Codes: 1430, Fasteners;
and 6510, Tail Rotor Drive Shaft.
Issued on November 20, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-26253 Filed 11-27-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
