Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 20089-20091 [2021-07623]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 72 / Friday, April 16, 2021 / Proposed Rules
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(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation 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 Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@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, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except
as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, if
any service information contains procedures
or tests that are identified as RC, those
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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020–
0211 and EASA AD 2021–0026, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; Internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find these
EASA ADs on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this
material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. This
material may be found in the AD docket on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0303.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3218; email
kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:09 Apr 15, 2021
Jkt 253001
Issued on April 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–07625 Filed 4–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0293; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–052–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
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(Airbus Helicopters) Model EC135P1,
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3,
EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and
EC135T3 helicopters. This proposed AD
would require modification of the tail
rotor (T/R) control installation, a
functional test, and corrective actions as
necessary. This proposed AD is
prompted by cases of insufficient
clearance between a certain T/R control
bearing connection and the helicopter
structure, which were detected on the
production line. The FAA is proposing
this AD to address an unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by June 1, 2021.
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.
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
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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20089
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.
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–
0293; 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 Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, any comments received,
and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed
above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Aircraft Systems Section,
Technical Innovation Policy Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–
5110; email david.hatfield@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–2019–0293; Product Identifier
2017–SW–052–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 NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 72 / Friday, April 16, 2021 / Proposed Rules
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 David Hatfield,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Aircraft
Systems Section, Technical Innovation
Policy Branch, FAA, 10101 Hill wood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone
817–222–5110; email david.hatfield@
faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
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Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2017–0147,
dated August 10, 2017 (EASA AD 2017–
0147), to correct an unsafe condition for
Airbus Helicopters Model EC135P1,
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3,
EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+,
EC135T3, EC635P2+, EC635P3,
EC635T1, EC635T2+, and EC635T3
helicopters. EASA advises that several
cases of insufficient clearance between
a certain T/R bearing connection and
the helicopter structure were detected
during inspections of helicopters on the
production line. EASA states that this
condition, if not corrected and in the
case of an unglued bearing, could lead
to blockage of the pedal controlling the
T/R thrust and loss of the T/R control.
EASA further advises that this could
result in a forced landing with damage
to the helicopter and injury to the
occupants.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2017–0147
requires modifying the T/R control
installation by adding a Teflon washer,
which reduces the degree of freedom in
case of a drifting bearing at the affected
connection. EASA AD 2017–0147 also
requires a functional test for clearance,
and depending on the results, either
accomplishing additional corrective
actions or contacting Airbus Helicopters
for instructions.
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 issuing
this NPRM after determining that an
unsafe condition described previously is
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:09 Apr 15, 2021
Jkt 253001
likely to exist or develop on other
helicopters of the same type designs.
are required to have a maintenance
program.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Costs of Compliance
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin EC135–67A–031,
Revision 0, dated March 30, 2017 (ASB
EC135–67A–031), for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135P2,
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3,
EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1,
EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters.
For serial numbers (S/N) up to 1254
inclusive, except S/N 1235, this service
information specifies retrofitting a
Teflon washer on the T/R controls,
performing a functional test of the
modified T/R control installation to
inspect for clearance, and making any
necessary adjustments. This service
information advises that S/N 1255 and
up will have the Teflon washer installed
in production.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would apply to
Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+,
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC125T2+, and
EC135T3 helicopters with a S/N up to
1254 inclusive (except for S/N 1235)
and would require modifying the T/R
control within 360 hours time-in-service
(TIS) by installing a Teflon washer and
performing a functional test in
accordance with specified portions of
ASB EC135–67A–031. Based on the
results of the functional test, this
proposed AD would require making
repairs in accordance with FAAapproved procedures.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
The EASA AD sets compliance times
at 12 months, while this proposed AD
would require compliance within 360
hours TIS. The EASA AD applies to
Airbus Helicopters Model 635 T1, 635
T2+, 635 T3, 635 P2+, 635 P3
helicopters, and this proposed AD
would not because those models do not
have an FAA type certificate. The EASA
AD requires contacting Airbus
Helicopters for approved repair
procedures, while this proposed AD
would require a repair using FAAapproved procedures. The EASA AD
requires revising the ‘‘aircraft
maintenance program,’’ whereas this AD
does not because not all U.S. operators
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The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 331
helicopters of U.S. registry. Labor rates
are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Based on these numbers, the FAA
estimates the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD.
Modifying the T/R control installation
and conducting a functional test would
take about 3 work-hours and parts
would cost about $25 for an estimated
cost of $280 per helicopter and $92,680
for the U.S. fleet.
If required, adjusting the clearance
would take about 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
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, 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
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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 72 / Friday, April 16, 2021 / Proposed Rules
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–2019–0293; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–052–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by June 1, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P1,
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3
helicopters with serial number (S/N) up to
and including 1254 (except S/N 1235),
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6720, Tail Rotor Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
interference between the tail rotor (T/R)
control bearing connection close-tolerance
bolt and the helicopter structure, which
could lead to blockage of the pedal
controlling the T/R thrust. This condition
could result in loss of T/R control, prompting
a forced landing.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 360 hours time-in-service, modify
the T/R control by installing a Teflon washer
and perform a functional test of the
modification in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs
3.B.2 through 3.B.4.2., of Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin ASB EC135–67A–031,
Revision 0, dated March 30, 2017. If, during
the functional test, the clearance between the
end of the close-tolerance bolt, castellated
nut, and the lower stringer is less than 1.0
mm, repair in accordance with FAAapproved procedures.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:09 Apr 15, 2021
Jkt 253001
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, 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. Information
may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@
faa.gov.
(2) 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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Aircraft Systems Section,
Technical Innovation Policy Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email
david.hatfield@faa.gov.
(2) 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.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2017–0147, dated August 10, 2017. You may
view the EASA AD on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
Issued on April 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–07623 Filed 4–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0298; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01549–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
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 Canada Limited
SUMMARY:
Frm 00055
Fmt 4702
Partnership Model BD–500–1A10
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report that an incorrect
low-pressure distribution supply duct
may be installed in the forward cargo
compartment. This proposed AD would
require an inspection of the lowpressure distribution supply duct to
determine the part number, and
replacement if necessary, as specified in
a Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA) AD, which is proposed for
incorporation by reference. 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 June 1, 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.
For material that will be incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
TCCA, Transport Canada National
Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra
Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5
Canada; telephone 888–663–3639; email
AD-CN@tc.gc.ca; internet https://
tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. You may view
this IBR material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0298.
Examining the AD Docket
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Canada Limited Partnership (Type
Certificate Previously Held by C Series
Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP);
Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
PO 00000
20091
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You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0298; 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, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Siddeeq Bacchus, Aerospace Engineer,
E:\FR\FM\16APP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 72 (Friday, April 16, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20089-20091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-07623]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0293; Product Identifier 2017-SW-052-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 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and
EC135T3 helicopters. This proposed AD would require modification of the
tail rotor (T/R) control installation, a functional test, and
corrective actions as necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by cases
of insufficient clearance between a certain T/R control bearing
connection and the helicopter structure, which were detected on the
production line. The FAA is proposing this AD to address an unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 1,
2021.
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.
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 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-2019-
0293; 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 Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Aircraft Systems Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-
5110; 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-2019-0293; Product Identifier
2017-SW-052-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 NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and 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
[[Page 20090]]
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 David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Aircraft Systems
Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, FAA, 10101 Hill wood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2017-0147, dated August 10, 2017
(EASA AD 2017-0147), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1, EC635T2+, and
EC635T3 helicopters. EASA advises that several cases of insufficient
clearance between a certain T/R bearing connection and the helicopter
structure were detected during inspections of helicopters on the
production line. EASA states that this condition, if not corrected and
in the case of an unglued bearing, could lead to blockage of the pedal
controlling the T/R thrust and loss of the T/R control. EASA further
advises that this could result in a forced landing with damage to the
helicopter and injury to the occupants.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2017-0147 requires modifying the T/R control
installation by adding a Teflon washer, which reduces the degree of
freedom in case of a drifting bearing at the affected connection. EASA
AD 2017-0147 also requires a functional test for clearance, and
depending on the results, either accomplishing additional corrective
actions or contacting Airbus Helicopters for instructions.
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 issuing this NPRM
after determining that an unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type
designs.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC135-
67A-031, Revision 0, dated March 30, 2017 (ASB EC135-67A-031), for
Airbus Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1,
EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1, EC635T2+, and
EC635T3 helicopters. For serial numbers (S/N) up to 1254 inclusive,
except S/N 1235, this service information specifies retrofitting a
Teflon washer on the T/R controls, performing a functional test of the
modified T/R control installation to inspect for clearance, and making
any necessary adjustments. This service information advises that S/N
1255 and up will have the Teflon washer installed in production.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would apply to Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+,
EC135P3, EC135T1, EC125T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters with a S/N up to
1254 inclusive (except for S/N 1235) and would require modifying the T/
R control within 360 hours time-in-service (TIS) by installing a Teflon
washer and performing a functional test in accordance with specified
portions of ASB EC135-67A-031. Based on the results of the functional
test, this proposed AD would require making repairs in accordance with
FAA-approved procedures.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD sets compliance times at 12 months, while this proposed
AD would require compliance within 360 hours TIS. The EASA AD applies
to Airbus Helicopters Model 635 T1, 635 T2+, 635 T3, 635 P2+, 635 P3
helicopters, and this proposed AD would not because those models do not
have an FAA type certificate. The EASA AD requires contacting Airbus
Helicopters for approved repair procedures, while this proposed AD
would require a repair using FAA-approved procedures. The EASA AD
requires revising the ``aircraft maintenance program,'' whereas this AD
does not because not all U.S. operators are required to have a
maintenance program.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 331 helicopters of U.S. registry. Labor rates are estimated at
$85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
Modifying the T/R control installation and conducting a functional
test would take about 3 work-hours and parts would cost about $25 for
an estimated cost of $280 per helicopter and $92,680 for the U.S.
fleet.
If required, adjusting the clearance would take about 1 work-hour
for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
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, 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
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.
[[Page 20091]]
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-2019-0293;
Product Identifier 2017-SW-052-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by June 1, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and
EC135T3 helicopters with serial number (S/N) up to and including
1254 (except S/N 1235), certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor
Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as interference between the
tail rotor (T/R) control bearing connection close-tolerance bolt and
the helicopter structure, which could lead to blockage of the pedal
controlling the T/R thrust. This condition could result in loss of
T/R control, prompting a forced landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 360 hours time-in-service, modify the T/R control by
installing a Teflon washer and perform a functional test of the
modification in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs 3.B.2 through 3.B.4.2., of Airbus Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin ASB EC135-67A-031, Revision 0, dated March 30,
2017. If, during the functional test, the clearance between the end
of the close[hyphen]tolerance bolt, castellated nut, and the lower
stringer is less than 1.0 mm, repair in accordance with FAA-approved
procedures.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, 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. Information may be
emailed to: [email protected].
(2) 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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact David Hatfield,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Aircraft Systems Section, Technical
Innovation Policy Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected].
(2) 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.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2017-0147, dated August 10, 2017. You may
view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
the AD Docket.
Issued on April 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-07623 Filed 4-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
