80_FR_16384 80 FR 16325 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France)

80 FR 16325 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 59 (March 27, 2015)

Page Range16325-16327
FR Document2015-06805

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the swashplate assembly rotating star to determine whether a ferrule was installed. If a ferrule exists, this proposed AD would require inspecting the rotating star for a crack and removing any cracked rotating star. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that reconditioning the rotating swashplate per a certain repair procedure could result in the rotating star cracking. The proposed actions are intended to detect a crack in the rotating star and prevent failure of the rotating star and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 59 (Friday, March 27, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 59 (Friday, March 27, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16325-16327]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06805]



[[Page 16325]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0673; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-034-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously 
Eurocopter France)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, 
AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, 
AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. This proposed AD would 
require inspecting the swashplate assembly rotating star to determine 
whether a ferrule was installed. If a ferrule exists, this proposed AD 
would require inspecting the rotating star for a crack and removing any 
cracked rotating star. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that 
reconditioning the rotating swashplate per a certain repair procedure 
could result in the rotating star cracking. The proposed actions are 
intended to detect a crack in the rotating star and prevent failure of 
the rotating star and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 26, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://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 http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at 
http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 
76137. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0673.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

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

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, issued EASA AD No. 2014-0132R1, dated June 2, 2014, to 
correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters (previously 
Eurocopter France) Model AS 350 B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, D, AS 355 E, F, 
F1, F2, N, NP, EC 130 B4, and T2 helicopters if equipped with a 
swashplate assembly with a rotating star, part number (P/N) 350A371003-
04, P/N 350A371003-05, P/N 350A371003-06, P/N 350A371003-07, or P/N 
350A371003-08. EASA advises that during a repair of a helicopter, it 
was discovered that rotating swashplates reconditioned in accordance 
with a certain repair procedure could experience a high stress level. 
This condition, if not corrected, could affect the service life of the 
part. To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD No. 2014-0132R1 
requires repetitive inspections and replacement of the rotating star.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known 
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
EC130 62A010 for Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters; ASB No. AS355 
62.00.33 for Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and 
AS355NP helicopters; and ASB No. AS350 62.00.34 for Model AS350B, 
AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, and military 
version AS350L1 helicopters; all Revision 0 and all dated April 28, 
2014.
    The ASBs report that a certain repair sheet instruction, which 
requires reconditioning the rotating swashplate by machining and adding 
a steel ferrule to accommodate a swashplate bearing, potentially 
affects the service life limit specified in the airworthiness 
limitations section. The ASBs provide procedures for inspecting the 
swashplate assembly's rotating star for a ferrule and if a ferrule 
exists, inspecting

[[Page 16326]]

for a crack. The ASBs call for replacing the rotating star before 
further flight if a crack exists, and before December 31, 2014, if a 
ferrule is present and there are no cracks. If there is no ferrule, the 
ASBs require no additional action. 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 of this NPRM.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 165 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), visually inspecting the swashplate assembly to determine whether 
a ferrule is installed with the rotating star. If no ferrule exists, no 
further action would be needed. If a ferrule is installed, the proposed 
AD would require, before further flight, dye-penetrant inspecting the 
rotating star for a crack. The proposed AD would also require removing 
the rotating star and all attachment hardware before further flight if 
the rotating star has a crack, or within 160 hours TIS if the rotating 
star has a ferrule installed but does not have a crack.
    This proposed AD would also prohibit installing a rotating star 
with a ferrule.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires reporting inspection findings to Airbus 
Helicopters. This proposed AD would make no such requirement. The EASA 
AD does not apply to Airbus Model AS350C and AS350D1 helicopters, 
whereas this proposed AD would apply to those models. The EASA AD 
applies to Model AS350BB helicopters, and this proposed AD would not 
because that model is not type certificated in the United States. The 
EASA AD would require replacing the rotating star, unless already 
accomplished, by December 31, 2014, while we would require replacing 
the rotating star within 160 hours TIS, unless already accomplished.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 1,132 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs would average $85 a work hour. Based 
on these estimates, we would expect the following costs:
     Visually inspecting the swashplate assembly would require 
0.25 work-hour for a labor cost of about $21 per inspection. No parts 
would be needed for a total cost of about $21 per inspection per 
helicopter, or about $23,772 for the U.S. fleet.
     Dye-penetrant inspecting the rotating star would require 1 
work-hour for a labor cost of about $85 per helicopter. No parts would 
be needed for a total cost of $85 per inspection helicopter and $96,220 
for the U.S. fleet.
     Replacing the rotating star, ferrule, and associated parts 
would require 16 work hours and parts would cost $8,354, for a total 
cost of $9,714 per helicopter.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2015-0673; Directorate Identifier 
2014-SW-034-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, 
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3,AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, 
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters 
with a swashplate assembly with rotating star, part number (P/N) 
350A371003-04, 350A371003-05, 350A371003-06, 350A371003-07, or 
350A371003-08, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a rotating 
star in a main rotor blade (M/R) swashplate assembly. This condition 
could result in loss of the M/R pitch control and subsequent loss of 
helicopter control.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 26, 2015.

(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 165 hours time-in-service (TIS), visually inspect the 
swashplate assembly to determine whether a ferrule is installed on 
the rotating star. If the ferrule is not visible, use a magnetic 
retriever positioned in Area (X) as shown in the pictures under 
paragraph 3.B.2.b., Accomplishment Instructions, of Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC130 62A010, ASB No. 
AS350 62.00.34, or ASB No. AS355 62.00.33, all Revision 0, and all 
dated April 28, 2014, whichever is applicable to your helicopter, to 
determine whether the ferrule is installed. The magnetic retriever 
will be magnetized if a ferrule is installed.
    (2) If a ferrule is not installed, no further action is needed.

[[Page 16327]]

    (3) If a ferrule is installed on the rotating star, before 
further flight, dye-penetrant inspect the rotating star for a crack 
in areas ``Z'' depicted in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters ASB No. 
EC130 62A010, ASB No. AS350 62.00.34, or ASB No. AS355 62.00.33, all 
Revision 0, and all dated April 28, 2014, as applicable to your 
model helicopter.
    (i) If the rotating star has a crack, before further flight, 
remove from service the rotating star; ferrule; and the screws, 
washers and nuts used to attach the pitch change rods, compass, and 
the rotating star deflector.
    (ii) If the rotating star does not have a crack, within 160 
hours TIS, remove from service the rotating star; ferrule; and the 
screws, washers and nuts used to attach the pitch change rods, 
compass, and the rotating star deflector.
    (4) Do not install a rotating star P/N 350A371003-04, 
350A371003-05, 350A371003-06, 350A371003-07, or 350A371003-08 with a 
ferrule.

(f) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort 
Worth, Texas 76137; 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, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(h) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2014-0132R1, dated June 2, 2014. You may 
view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 
the AD Docket.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor 
System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 18, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-06805 Filed 3-26-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 59 / Friday, March 27, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                           16325

                                                      DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            docket contains this proposed AD, the                 Discussion
                                                                                                              European Aviation Safety Agency                          EASA, which is the Technical Agent
                                                      Federal Aviation Administration                         (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation,                   for the Member States of the European
                                                                                                              any comments received, and other                      Union, issued EASA AD No. 2014–
                                                      14 CFR Part 39                                          information. The street address for the               0132R1, dated June 2, 2014, to correct
                                                      [Docket No. FAA–2015–0673; Directorate                  Docket Operations Office (telephone                   an unsafe condition for Airbus
                                                      Identifier 2014–SW–034–AD]                              800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES                     Helicopters (previously Eurocopter
                                                                                                              section. Comments will be available in                France) Model AS 350 B, BA, BB, B1,
                                                      RIN 2120–AA64
                                                                                                              the AD docket shortly after receipt.                  B2, B3, D, AS 355 E, F, F1, F2, N, NP,
                                                      Airworthiness Directives; Airbus                          For service information identified in               EC 130 B4, and T2 helicopters if
                                                      Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter                      this proposed AD, contact Airbus                      equipped with a swashplate assembly
                                                      France)                                                 Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive,               with a rotating star, part number (P/N)
                                                                                                              Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone                    350A371003–04, P/N 350A371003–05,
                                                      AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                                                                      P/N 350A371003–06, P/N 350A371003–
                                                                                                              (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax
                                                      Administration (FAA), DOT.                                                                                    07, or P/N 350A371003–08. EASA
                                                                                                              (972) 641–3775; or at http://
                                                      ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                   www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.                    advises that during a repair of a
                                                      (NPRM).                                                 You may review the referenced service                 helicopter, it was discovered that
                                                                                                              information at the FAA, Office of the                 rotating swashplates reconditioned in
                                                      SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new                                                                          accordance with a certain repair
                                                      airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus                 Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
                                                                                                              2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort                    procedure could experience a high
                                                      Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA,                                                                            stress level. This condition, if not
                                                      AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C,                      Worth, Texas 76137. It is also available
                                                                                                              on the Internet at http://                            corrected, could affect the service life of
                                                      AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F,                                                                              the part. To address this unsafe
                                                      AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP,                      www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                                                                              and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                     condition, EASA AD No. 2014–0132R1
                                                      EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters.                                                                             requires repetitive inspections and
                                                      This proposed AD would require                          0673.
                                                                                                                                                                    replacement of the rotating star.
                                                      inspecting the swashplate assembly
                                                                                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                      rotating star to determine whether a                                                                          FAA’s Determination
                                                      ferrule was installed. If a ferrule exists,             Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer,
                                                                                                              Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601                      These helicopters have been approved
                                                      this proposed AD would require                                                                                by the aviation authority of France and
                                                      inspecting the rotating star for a crack                Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
                                                                                                              76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email                are approved for operation in the United
                                                      and removing any cracked rotating star.                                                                       States. Pursuant to our bilateral
                                                      This proposed AD is prompted by a                       robert.grant@faa.gov.
                                                                                                                                                                    agreement with France, EASA, its
                                                      report that reconditioning the rotating                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            technical representative, has notified us
                                                      swashplate per a certain repair                                                                               of the unsafe condition described in its
                                                      procedure could result in the rotating                  Comments Invited
                                                                                                                                                                    AD. We are proposing this AD because
                                                      star cracking. The proposed actions are                                                                       we evaluated all known relevant
                                                                                                                 We invite you to participate in this
                                                      intended to detect a crack in the rotating                                                                    information and determined that an
                                                                                                              rulemaking by submitting written
                                                      star and prevent failure of the rotating                                                                      unsafe condition is likely to exist or
                                                                                                              comments, data, or views. We also
                                                      star and subsequent loss of control of                                                                        develop on other products of the same
                                                                                                              invite comments relating to the
                                                      the helicopter.                                                                                               type design.
                                                                                                              economic, environmental, energy, or
                                                      DATES: We must receive comments on                      federalism impacts that might result
                                                      this proposed AD by May 26, 2015.                                                                             Related Service Information Under 1
                                                                                                              from adopting the proposals in this                   CFR Part 51
                                                      ADDRESSES: You may send comments by                     document. The most helpful comments
                                                      any of the following methods:                           reference a specific portion of the                      We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert
                                                        • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to                   proposal, explain the reason for any                  Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC130
                                                      http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                  recommended change, and include                       62A010 for Model EC130B4 and
                                                      online instructions for sending your                    supporting data. To ensure the docket                 EC130T2 helicopters; ASB No. AS355
                                                      comments electronically.                                                                                      62.00.33 for Model AS355E, AS355F,
                                                                                                              does not contain duplicate comments,
                                                        • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                  commenters should send only one copy
                                                                                                                                                                    AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
                                                        • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.                     of written comments, or if comments are
                                                                                                                                                                    AS355NP helicopters; and ASB No.
                                                      Department of Transportation, Docket                                                                          AS350 62.00.34 for Model AS350B,
                                                                                                              filed electronically, commenters should
                                                      Operations, M–30, West Building                                                                               AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350B1,
                                                                                                              submit only one time.
                                                      Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                                                                              AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, and
                                                      New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                         We will file in the docket all                     military version AS350L1 helicopters;
                                                      DC 20590–0001.                                          comments that we receive, as well as a                all Revision 0 and all dated April 28,
                                                        • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the                       report summarizing each substantive                   2014.
                                                      ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5                   public contact with FAA personnel                        The ASBs report that a certain repair
                                                      p.m., Monday through Friday, except                     concerning this proposed rulemaking.                  sheet instruction, which requires
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      Federal holidays.                                       Before acting on this proposal, we will               reconditioning the rotating swashplate
                                                                                                              consider all comments we receive on or                by machining and adding a steel ferrule
                                                      Examining the AD Docket                                 before the closing date for comments.                 to accommodate a swashplate bearing,
                                                        You may examine the AD docket on                      We will consider comments filed after                 potentially affects the service life limit
                                                      the Internet at http://                                 the comment period has closed if it is                specified in the airworthiness
                                                      www.regulations.gov or in person at the                 possible to do so without incurring                   limitations section. The ASBs provide
                                                      Docket Operations Office between 9                      expense or delay. We may change this                  procedures for inspecting the
                                                      a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through                         proposal in light of the comments we                  swashplate assembly’s rotating star for a
                                                      Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD                 receive.                                              ferrule and if a ferrule exists, inspecting


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                                                      16326                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 59 / Friday, March 27, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                      for a crack. The ASBs call for replacing                inspection per helicopter, or about                   List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                                      the rotating star before further flight if              $23,772 for the U.S. fleet.
                                                                                                                • Dye-penetrant inspecting the                        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                      a crack exists, and before December 31,
                                                                                                              rotating star would require 1 work-hour               safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                                      2014, if a ferrule is present and there are
                                                                                                              for a labor cost of about $85 per                     Safety.
                                                      no cracks. If there is no ferrule, the
                                                      ASBs require no additional action. This                 helicopter. No parts would be needed                  The Proposed Amendment
                                                      service information is reasonably                       for a total cost of $85 per inspection
                                                                                                              helicopter and $96,220 for the U.S. fleet.              Accordingly, under the authority
                                                      available because the interested parties
                                                                                                                • Replacing the rotating star, ferrule,             delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                                      have access to it through their normal
                                                                                                              and associated parts would require 16                 the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
                                                      course of business or by the means
                                                                                                              work hours and parts would cost                       39 as follows:
                                                      identified in the ADDRESSES section of
                                                      this NPRM.                                              $8,354, for a total cost of $9,714 per                PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                                                                                              helicopter.                                           DIRECTIVES
                                                      Proposed AD Requirements
                                                                                                              Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                         This proposed AD would require,                                                                            ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                      within 165 hours time-in-service (TIS),                    Title 49 of the United States Code
                                                                                                                                                                    continues to read as follows:
                                                      visually inspecting the swashplate                      specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                                                                                              rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                     Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                                      assembly to determine whether a ferrule
                                                      is installed with the rotating star. If no              section 106, describes the authority of               § 39.13    [Amended]
                                                      ferrule exists, no further action would                 the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
                                                                                                              Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more                ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
                                                      be needed. If a ferrule is installed, the                                                                     the following new airworthiness
                                                      proposed AD would require, before                       detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                                                                                              authority.                                            directive (AD):
                                                      further flight, dye-penetrant inspecting
                                                      the rotating star for a crack. The                         We are issuing this rulemaking under               Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2015–
                                                      proposed AD would also require                          the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,                0673; Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–
                                                                                                              Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                       034–AD.
                                                      removing the rotating star and all
                                                      attachment hardware before further                      General requirements.’’ Under that                    (a) Applicability
                                                      flight if the rotating star has a crack, or             section, Congress charges the FAA with                  This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
                                                      within 160 hours TIS if the rotating star               promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in            Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1,
                                                      has a ferrule installed but does not have               air commerce by prescribing regulations               AS350B2, AS350B3,AS350C, AS350D,
                                                      a crack.                                                for practices, methods, and procedures                AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
                                                         This proposed AD would also                          the Administrator finds necessary for                 AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and
                                                      prohibit installing a rotating star with a              safety in air commerce. This regulation               EC130T2 helicopters with a swashplate
                                                                                                              is within the scope of that authority                 assembly with rotating star, part number (P/
                                                      ferrule.                                                                                                      N) 350A371003–04, 350A371003–05,
                                                                                                              because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                                      Differences Between This Proposed AD                    that is likely to exist or develop on                 350A371003–06, 350A371003–07, or
                                                      and the EASA AD                                                                                               350A371003–08, certificated in any category.
                                                                                                              products identified in this rulemaking
                                                        The EASA AD requires reporting                        action.                                               (b) Unsafe Condition
                                                      inspection findings to Airbus                           Regulatory Findings                                     This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
                                                      Helicopters. This proposed AD would                                                                           crack in a rotating star in a main rotor blade
                                                                                                                We determined that this proposed AD                 (M/R) swashplate assembly. This condition
                                                      make no such requirement. The EASA                      would not have federalism implications                could result in loss of the M/R pitch control
                                                      AD does not apply to Airbus Model                       under Executive Order 13132. This                     and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
                                                      AS350C and AS350D1 helicopters,                         proposed AD would not have a
                                                      whereas this proposed AD would apply                                                                          (c) Comments Due Date
                                                                                                              substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                                      to those models. The EASA AD applies                                                                             We must receive comments by May 26,
                                                                                                              the relationship between the national                 2015.
                                                      to Model AS350BB helicopters, and this                  Government and the States, or on the
                                                      proposed AD would not because that                      distribution of power and                             (d) Compliance
                                                      model is not type certificated in the                   responsibilities among the various                      You are responsible for performing each
                                                      United States. The EASA AD would                        levels of government.                                 action required by this AD within the
                                                      require replacing the rotating star,                      For the reasons discussed, I certify                specified compliance time unless it has
                                                      unless already accomplished, by                         this proposed regulation:                             already been accomplished prior to that time.
                                                      December 31, 2014, while we would                         1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                (e) Required Actions
                                                      require replacing the rotating star within              action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
                                                      160 hours TIS, unless already                                                                                    (1) Within 165 hours time-in-service (TIS),
                                                                                                                2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the          visually inspect the swashplate assembly to
                                                      accomplished.                                           DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                determine whether a ferrule is installed on
                                                      Costs of Compliance                                     (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                     the rotating star. If the ferrule is not visible,
                                                                                                                3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in           use a magnetic retriever positioned in Area
                                                        We estimate that this proposed AD                     Alaska to the extent that it justifies                (X) as shown in the pictures under paragraph
                                                      would affect 1,132 helicopters of U.S.                  making a regulatory distinction; and                  3.B.2.b., Accomplishment Instructions, of
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      Registry and that labor costs would                       4. Will not have a significant                      Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
                                                      average $85 a work hour. Based on these                 economic impact, positive or negative,                (ASB) No. EC130 62A010, ASB No. AS350
                                                      estimates, we would expect the                          on a substantial number of small entities             62.00.34, or ASB No. AS355 62.00.33, all
                                                      following costs:                                                                                              Revision 0, and all dated April 28, 2014,
                                                                                                              under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                                                                                                                                                    whichever is applicable to your helicopter, to
                                                        • Visually inspecting the swashplate                  Flexibility Act.                                      determine whether the ferrule is installed.
                                                      assembly would require 0.25 work-hour                     We prepared an economic evaluation                  The magnetic retriever will be magnetized if
                                                      for a labor cost of about $21 per                       of the estimated costs to comply with                 a ferrule is installed.
                                                      inspection. No parts would be needed                    this proposed AD and placed it in the                    (2) If a ferrule is not installed, no further
                                                      for a total cost of about $21 per                       AD docket.                                            action is needed.



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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 59 / Friday, March 27, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                         16327

                                                         (3) If a ferrule is installed on the rotating        DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND                              Evaluation and Research, Food and
                                                      star, before further flight, dye-penetrant              HUMAN SERVICES                                        Drug Administration, 10903 New
                                                      inspect the rotating star for a crack in areas                                                                Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD
                                                      ‘‘Z’’ depicted in Figure 1 of Airbus                    Food and Drug Administration                          20903–0002, 240–402–4612, FAX: 301–
                                                      Helicopters ASB No. EC130 62A010, ASB                                                                         847–8747, Lesley.derenzo@fda.hhs.gov;
                                                      No. AS350 62.00.34, or ASB No. AS355                    21 CFR Part 15                                        or Cynthia Ng, Center for Drug
                                                      62.00.33, all Revision 0, and all dated April                                                                 Evaluation and Research, 10903 New
                                                                                                              [Docket No. FDA–2015–N–0540]
                                                      28, 2014, as applicable to your model                                                                         Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD
                                                      helicopter.                                             Homeopathic Product Regulation:                       20903–0002, 301–796–7512, FAX: 301–
                                                         (i) If the rotating star has a crack, before
                                                                                                              Evaluating the Food and Drug                          847–8747, cynthia.ng.@fda.hhs.gov.
                                                      further flight, remove from service the
                                                                                                              Administration’s Regulatory                              Registration and Request to Provide
                                                      rotating star; ferrule; and the screws, washers
                                                                                                              Framework After a Quarter-Century;                    Oral Testimony: The public hearing is
                                                      and nuts used to attach the pitch change
                                                                                                              Public Hearing                                        free and seating will be on a first-come,
                                                      rods, compass, and the rotating star deflector.
                                                         (ii) If the rotating star does not have a            AGENCY:    Food and Drug Administration,              first-served basis. If you wish to attend
                                                      crack, within 160 hours TIS, remove from                HHS.                                                  or make an oral presentation, see section
                                                      service the rotating star; ferrule; and the             ACTION:Notice of public hearing; request              III (Attendance and/or Participation in
                                                      screws, washers and nuts used to attach the             for comments.                                         the Public Hearing) for information on
                                                      pitch change rods, compass, and the rotating                                                                  how to register and the deadline for
                                                      star deflector.                                         SUMMARY:   The Food and Drug                          registration. If you cannot attend in
                                                         (4) Do not install a rotating star P/N               Administration (FDA) is announcing a                  person, information about how you can
                                                      350A371003–04, 350A371003–05,                           public hearing to obtain information                  access a live Webcast will be located at
                                                      350A371003–06, 350A371003–07, or                        and comments from stakeholders about                  https://collaboration.fda.gov/
                                                      350A371003–08 with a ferrule.                           the current use of human drug and                     hprapril2015/.
                                                      (f) Special Flight Permit
                                                                                                              biological products labeled as                           Comments and Transcripts: You may
                                                                                                              homeopathic, as well as the Agency’s                  submit either electronic comments
                                                         Special flight permits are prohibited.               regulatory framework for such products.
                                                                                                                                                                    regarding this document to http://
                                                      (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance                   These products include prescription
                                                                                                                                                                    www.regulations.gov or written
                                                      (AMOCs)                                                 drugs and biological products labeled as
                                                                                                                                                                    comments to the Division of Dockets
                                                        (1) The Manager, Safety Management                    homeopathic and over-the-counter
                                                                                                                                                                    Management (HFA–305), Food and Drug
                                                      Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this                  (OTC) drugs labeled as homeopathic.
                                                                                                                                                                    Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm.
                                                      AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant,                FDA is seeking participants for the
                                                                                                                                                                    1061, Rockville, MD 20852. You should
                                                      Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management             public hearing and written comments
                                                                                                                                                                    annotate and organize your comments to
                                                      Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort                    from all interested parties, including,
                                                                                                                                                                    identify the specific questions or topic
                                                      Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–                but not limited to, consumers, patients,
                                                                                                                                                                    to which they refer. It is only necessary
                                                      5110; email robert.grant@faa.gov.                       caregivers, health care professionals,
                                                                                                                                                                    to send one set of comments. Please
                                                        (2) For operations conducted under a 14               patient groups, and industry. FDA is
                                                                                                              seeking input on a number of specific                 identify your comments with the docket
                                                      CFR part 119 operating certificate or under                                                                   number found in brackets in the
                                                      14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that              questions, but is interested in any other
                                                                                                              pertinent information participants                    heading of this document. Received
                                                      you notify your principal inspector, or
                                                                                                              would like to share.                                  comments may be seen in the Division
                                                      lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
                                                                                                                                                                    of Dockets Management between 9 a.m.
                                                      the local flight standards district office or           DATES: The public hearing will be held
                                                                                                                                                                    and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and
                                                      certificate holding district office before              on April 20 and 21, 2015, from 9 a.m.
                                                                                                                                                                    will be posted to the docket at http://
                                                      operating any aircraft complying with this              to 4 p.m. The meeting may be extended
                                                                                                                                                                    www.regulations.gov.
                                                      AD through an AMOC.                                     or may end early depending on the level
                                                                                                              of public participation. Register to                     Transcripts of the hearing will be
                                                      (h) Additional Information                                                                                    available for review at the Division of
                                                                                                              attend or provide oral testimony at the
                                                        The subject of this AD is addressed in the            hearing by April 13, 2015. See                        Dockets Management and at http://
                                                      European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD               Registration and Request to Provide Oral              www.regulations.gov approximately 45
                                                      No. 2014–0132R1, dated June 2, 2014. You                Testimony for information on how to                   days after the hearing. You may submit
                                                      may view the EASA AD on the Internet at                 register or make an oral presentation at              a request to obtain a hard copy or CD–
                                                      http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.            the hearing. Written or electronic                    ROM transcript. Send your request to
                                                      (i) Subject                                             comments will be accepted until June                  the Division of Freedom of Information
                                                                                                              22, 2015.                                             (ELEM–1029), Office of Management
                                                        Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
                                                                                                              ADDRESSES: The public hearing will be                 Programs, Food and Drug
                                                      Code: 6200, Main Rotor System.
                                                                                                              held at FDA’s White Oak Campus,                       Administration, 12420 Parklawn Dr.,
                                                        Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 18,                                                                   Element Bldg., Rockville, MD 20857.
                                                                                                              10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 31,
                                                      2015.
                                                                                                              rm. 1503A, Silver Spring, MD, 20993–                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:    FDA is
                                                      Lance T. Gant,                                          0002. Participants must enter through                 evaluating its current enforcement
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft                  Building 1 and undergo security                       policies for drug products labeled as
                                                      Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.            screening. For parking and security                   homeopathic from scientific, risk, and
                                                      [FR Doc. 2015–06805 Filed 3–26–15; 8:45 am]             information, please refer to http://                  process perspectives. The Agency is
                                                      BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                  www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/                                 now soliciting opinions about whether
                                                                                                              WorkingatFDA/BuildingsandFacilities/                  and how to adjust the current
                                                                                                              WhiteOakCampusInformation/                            enforcement policies to reflect changes
                                                                                                              ucm241740.htm.                                        in the homeopathic product
                                                                                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      marketplace over the last approximately
                                                                                                              Lesley DeRenzo, Center for Drug                       25 years.


                                                 VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:40 Mar 26, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00020   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\27MRP1.SGM   27MRP1



Document Created: 2015-12-18 11:36:33
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 11:36:33
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 26, 2015.
ContactRobert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 16325 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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