80 FR 34831 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) (Airbus Helicopters)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 117 (June 18, 2015)

Page Range		34831-34833
FR Document		2015-14852

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135T1, EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+, EC135T2+, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting certain washers for movement and making appropriate repairs if the washers move. This AD was prompted by play found between the Smart Electro Mechanical Actuator (SEMA) and the control rod during installation work on a helicopter. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent loss of concerned control axis and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 117 (Thursday, June 18, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 117 (Thursday, June 18, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34831-34833]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14852]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0577; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-042-AD; 
Amendment 39-18184; AD 2015-12-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) (Airbus Helicopters)

July 6, 2015
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135T1, EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+, 
EC135T2+, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting 
certain washers for movement and making appropriate repairs if the 
washers move. This AD was prompted by play found between the Smart 
Electro Mechanical Actuator (SEMA) and the control rod during 
installation work on a helicopter. The actions of this AD are intended 
to prevent loss of concerned control axis and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective July 23, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of July 23, 2015.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this 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.

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 AD, the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, 
the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, 
M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On August 18, 2014, at 79 FR 48707, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters 
Model EC135P1, EC135T1, EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+, EC135T2+, and MBB-
BK 117 C-2 helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting certain 
washers for movement in the attachment hardware that connects the SEMA 
and the control rod of the longitudinal, lateral, and yaw actuators. If 
a washer can be moved, the NPRM proposed replacing the four screws, 
installing two additional washers, and torque-tightening the screws. 
The proposed requirements were intended to prevent loss of concerned 
control axis

[[Page 34832]]

and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2013-0176, dated August 7, 2013, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter 
Deutschland GmbH Model EC 135 P1 (CDS), EC 135 P1 (CPDS), EC 135 P2+, 
EC 135 P2 (CPDS), EC 135 T1 (CDS), EC 135 T1 (CPDS), EC 135 T2+, EC 135 
T2 (CPDS), EC 635 P2+, EC 635 T1 (CPDS), EC 635 T2+, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 
helicopters. EASA advises that during installation work on a 
helicopter, it was discovered that it was not possible to install 
attachment hardware on a threaded blind borehole between the SEMA and 
the control rod without play. EASA advises that this condition, if not 
detected and corrected, could lead to loss of the concerned control 
axis, possibly resulting in loss of helicopter control. For these 
reasons, EASA AD No. 2013-0176 requires a one-time inspection of the 
affected SEMA attachment hardware to detect improper connection and 
play and, depending on the findings, replacement of the affected 
hardware. After the issuance of EASA AD No. 2013-0176, Eurocopter 
Deutschland GmbH changed its name to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland 
GmbH.

Comments

    After our NPRM (79 FR 48707, August 18, 2014) was published, we 
received comments from one commenter.

Request

    Air Methods stated that the proposed AD requires compliance with 
Revision 1 of the service information and requested that previous 
compliance with the original service information, Revision 0, be 
included as an acceptable method of compliance in the AD.
    We agree. We have added a paragraph to the AD giving credit for 
previous compliance with Revision 0 of the service information.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by EASA, reviewed the relevant information, 
considered the comment received, and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these 
same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Eurocopter Model EC635P2+, EC635T1 and 
EC635T2+ helicopters. This AD does not apply to these model helicopters 
because they have no FAA type certificate.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Eurocopter reported in Alert Service Bulletins (ASBs) EC135-22A-
015, Revision 1, dated January 28, 2013, and MBB BK117 C-2-22A-009, 
Revision 1, dated August 3, 2009, that it was discovered during the 
installation work on a helicopter that it was not possible to establish 
attachment hardware on a threaded blind borehole between the SEMA and 
the control rod without play. The ASBs state that ``unfavourable adding 
of the tolerances'' of the individual attachment hardware elements 
caused the screw to push against the bottom of the threaded blind 
borehole on the SEMA, preventing any clamping force on the screw head. 
The ASBs call for inspecting the SEMA attachment hardware connected to 
their respective control rods for play and making the proper 
adjustments to eliminate any play.
    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 
AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 385 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 per work hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Inspecting for movement of the washers requires 1.5 work 
hours for a labor cost of $128 per helicopter and $49,280 for the U.S. 
fleet.
     Replacing the screws and related work requires an 
additional 0.5 work-hours for a labor cost of $43. Screws cost $4 each 
while washers cost $10 each. We estimate the cost at $79 per repair.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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


[[Page 34833]]


2015-12-09 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) (Airbus Helicopters): Amendment 39-
18184; Docket No. FAA-2014-0577; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-042-
AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135T1, 
EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+, EC135T2+, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as loose attachment 
hardware between the Smart Electro Mechanical Actuator (SEMA) and a 
control rod. This condition could result in loss of the control axis 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 23, 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 50 hours time in service (TIS), for Model EC135P1, 
EC135T1, EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+, and EC135T2+ helicopters, do 
the following:
    (i) Using Figure 1 and Figure 2 of Eurocopter Alert Service 
Bulletin EC135-22A-015, Revision 1, dated January 28, 2013 (ASB 
EC135-22A-015) as reference, inspect the attachment hardware between 
the SEMA and the longitudinal actuator control rod to determine 
whether any of the washers can be moved.
    (A) If no washer can be moved, no further action is needed.
    (B) If a washer can be moved, replace the four screws and 
install two additional washers, part number (P/N) EN2139-05016, to 
connect the SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten each screw to 
5-6 Nm.
    (ii) Using Figure 1 and Figure 2 of ASB EC135-22A-015 as 
reference, inspect the attachment hardware between the SEMA and the 
lateral actuator control rod to determine whether any of the washers 
can be moved.
    (A) If no washer can be moved, no further action is needed.
    (B) If a washer can be moved, replace the four screws and 
install two additional washers, P/N EN2139-05016, to connect the 
SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten each screw to 5-6 Nm.
    (iii) Using Figure 1, Figure 3, and Figure 4 of ASB EC135-22A-
015 as reference, inspect the attachment hardware between the SEMA 
and the yaw actuator control rod to determine whether any of the 
washers can be moved.
    (A) If no washer can be moved, no further action is needed.
    (B) If a washer can be moved, replace the four screws and 
install two additional washers, P/N EN2139-05016, to connect the 
SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten each screw to 5-6 Nm.
    (2) Within 50 hours TIS, for Model MBB BK117 C-2 helicopters, 
using Figure 1 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB BK117 C-2-
22A-009, Revision 1, dated August 3, 2009, as reference, inspect the 
attachment hardware between the Yaw-SEMA and the Yaw-SEMA control 
rod to determine whether any of the washers can be moved.
    (i) If no washer can be moved, no further action is needed.
    (ii) If a washer can be moved, replace the four screws and 
install two additional washers, P/N EN2139-05016, to connect the 
SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten each screw to 5-6 Nm and 
apply polyurethane lacquer onto the attachment hardware.

(f) Credit for Previous Actions

    If you performed the actions in Eurocopter Alert Service 
Bulletin EC135-22A-015, Revision 0, dated May 13, 2018, or 
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB BK117 C-2-22A-009, Revision 0, 
May 13, 2008, before the effective date of this AD, you met the 
requirements of this AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 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. 2013-0176, dated August 7, 2013. You may 
view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 
Docket No. FAA-2014-0577.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2213, Flight 
Controller.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135-22A-015, Revision 1, 
dated January 28, 2013.
    (ii) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB BK117 C-2-22A-009, 
Revision 1, dated August 3, 2009.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 9, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-14852 Filed 6-17-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 117 / Thursday, June 18, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 34831

effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & DATES: This AD is effective July 23,
Bulletin 777–52–0053, Revision 1, dated Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2015.
September 26, 2013; and Eaton Service 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone The Director of the Federal Register
Bulletin 692D100–52–4, Revision 2, dated 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–
approved the incorporation by reference
August 1, 2013. This service information is 5680; Internet https://
not incorporated by reference in this AD. www.myboeingfleet.com. of certain documents listed in this AD
(4) For Eaton service information identified as of July 23, 2015.
(k) Parts Installation Prohibition in this AD, contact Eaton Corporation, ADDRESSES: For service information
As of the effective date of this AD, no Aerospace Operations, 3 Park Plaza, Suite identified in this AD, contact Airbus
rotary actuator having Boeing part number 1200, Irvine, CA 92614; telephone 949–253– Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive,
S135W132–3 (supplier part number 2100; fax 949–253–2111; Internet http:// Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
692D100–13) may be installed on any www.eaton.com.
airplane. (5) You may view this service information
(972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax
at FAA, the FAA, Transport Airplane (972) 641–3775; or at http://www.airbus
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance helicopters.com/techpub. You may
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
(AMOCs) review the referenced service
Washington. For information on the
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft availability of this material at the FAA, call information at the FAA, Office of the
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the 425–227–1221. Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if (6) You may view this service information 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort
requested using the procedures found in 14 that is incorporated by reference at the
CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
Worth, Texas 76137.
National Archives and Records
send your request to your principal inspector Administration (NARA). For information on Examining the AD Docket
or local Flight Standards District Office, as the availability of this material at NARA, call
appropriate. If sending information directly 202–741–6030, or go to: http:// You may examine the AD docket on
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- the Internet at http://www.regulations
attention of the person identified in locations.html. .gov or in person at the Docket
paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. Information may Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC- Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 9,
2015. p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Requests@faa.gov. Federal holidays. The AD docket
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, Michael Kaszycki,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
contains this AD, the European Aviation
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
of the local flight standards district office/ incorporated-by-reference service
[FR Doc. 2015–14703 Filed 6–17–15; 8:45 am]
certificate holding district office. information, the economic evaluation,
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable BILLING CODE 4910–13–P any comments received, and other
level of safety may be used for any repair information. The street address for the
required by this AD if it is approved by the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800–
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
647–5527) is U.S. Department of
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle Federal Aviation Administration Transportation, Docket Operations
ACO, to make those findings. For a repair Office, M–30, West Building Ground
method to be approved, the repair must meet 14 CFR Part 39 Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
the certification basis of the airplane, and the Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
approval must specifically refer to this AD. [Docket No. FAA–2014–0577; Directorate FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
Identifier 2013–SW–042–AD; Amendment
(m) Related Information 39–18184; AD 2015–12–09]
Wilbanks, Aviation Safety Engineer,
(1) For more information about this AD,
Regulations and Policy Group,
RIN 2120–AA64 Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
contact Susan Monroe, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
Branch, ANM–150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Helicopters Deutschland GmbH matt.wilbanks@faa.gov.
Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917– (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
6457; fax: 425–917–6590; email: GmbH) (Airbus Helicopters)
susan.l.monroe@faa.gov. Discussion
(2) Service information identified in this July 6, 2015
AD that is not incorporated by reference is AGENCY: Federal Aviation On August 18, 2014, at 79 FR 48707,
available at the applicable addresses Administration (FAA), DOT. the Federal Register published our
specified in paragraphs (n)(3), (n)(4), and ACTION: Final rule. notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM),
(n)(5) of this AD. which proposed to amend 14 CFR part
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new 39 by adding an AD that would apply
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus to Airbus Helicopters Model EC135P1,
(1) The Director of the Federal Register Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135T1, EC135T1, EC135P2, EC135T2,
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+, EC135P2+, EC135T2+, and MBB–BK
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR EC135T2+, and MBB–BK 117 C–2 117 C–2 helicopters. The NPRM
part 51. helicopters. This AD requires inspecting proposed to require inspecting certain
(2) You must use this service information certain washers for movement and washers for movement in the
as applicable to do the actions required by making appropriate repairs if the attachment hardware that connects the
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. washers move. This AD was prompted SEMA and the control rod of the
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin 767–52A0100, by play found between the Smart longitudinal, lateral, and yaw actuators.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES

Revision 3, dated January 19, 2015. Electro Mechanical Actuator (SEMA) If a washer can be moved, the NPRM
(ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 777–52–0053,
Revision 2, dated January 19, 2015.
and the control rod during installation proposed replacing the four screws,
(iii) Eaton Service Bulletin 692D100–52–4, work on a helicopter. The actions of this installing two additional washers, and
Revision 3, dated August 14, 2014. AD are intended to prevent loss of torque-tightening the screws. The
(3) For Boeing service information concerned control axis and subsequent proposed requirements were intended to
identified in this AD, contact Boeing loss of control of the helicopter. prevent loss of concerned control axis

VerDate Sep<11>2014 12:50 Jun 17, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\18JNR1.SGM 18JNR1

34832 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 117 / Thursday, June 18, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

and subsequent loss of control of the safety and the public interest require detail the scope of the Agency’s
helicopter. adopting the AD requirements as authority.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. proposed. We are issuing this rulemaking under
2013–0176, dated August 7, 2013, the authority described in Subtitle VII,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Differences Between This AD and the
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
Agent for the Member States of the EASA AD
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
European Union, to correct an unsafe The EASA AD applies to Eurocopter section, Congress charges the FAA with
condition for Eurocopter Deutschland Model EC635P2+, EC635T1 and promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
GmbH Model EC 135 P1 (CDS), EC 135 EC635T2+ helicopters. This AD does air commerce by prescribing regulations
P1 (CPDS), EC 135 P2+, EC 135 P2 not apply to these model helicopters for practices, methods, and procedures
(CPDS), EC 135 T1 (CDS), EC 135 T1 because they have no FAA type the Administrator finds necessary for
(CPDS), EC 135 T2+, EC 135 T2 (CPDS), certificate. safety in air commerce. This regulation
EC 635 P2+, EC 635 T1 (CPDS), EC 635 is within the scope of that authority
T2+, and MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopters. Related Service Information Under 1
because it addresses an unsafe condition
EASA advises that during installation CFR Part 51
that is likely to exist or develop on
work on a helicopter, it was discovered Eurocopter reported in Alert Service helicopters identified in this rulemaking
that it was not possible to install Bulletins (ASBs) EC135–22A–015, action.
attachment hardware on a threaded Revision 1, dated January 28, 2013, and
blind borehole between the SEMA and Regulatory Findings
MBB BK117 C–2–22A–009, Revision 1,
the control rod without play. EASA dated August 3, 2009, that it was This AD will not have federalism
advises that this condition, if not discovered during the installation work implications under Executive Order
detected and corrected, could lead to on a helicopter that it was not possible 13132. This AD will not have a
loss of the concerned control axis, to establish attachment hardware on a substantial direct effect on the States, on
possibly resulting in loss of helicopter threaded blind borehole between the the relationship between the national
control. For these reasons, EASA AD SEMA and the control rod without play. government and the States, or on the
No. 2013–0176 requires a one-time The ASBs state that ‘‘unfavourable distribution of power and
inspection of the affected SEMA adding of the tolerances’’ of the responsibilities among the various
attachment hardware to detect improper individual attachment hardware levels of government.
connection and play and, depending on elements caused the screw to push For the reasons discussed above, I
the findings, replacement of the affected against the bottom of the threaded blind certify that this AD:
hardware. After the issuance of EASA borehole on the SEMA, preventing any (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
AD No. 2013–0176, Eurocopter clamping force on the screw head. The action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
Deutschland GmbH changed its name to ASBs call for inspecting the SEMA (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH. attachment hardware connected to their DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
respective control rods for play and (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
Comments (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
making the proper adjustments to
After our NPRM (79 FR 48707, August eliminate any play. in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
18, 2014) was published, we received This service information is reasonably making a regulatory distinction; and
comments from one commenter. available because the interested parties (4) Will not have a significant
have access to it through their normal economic impact, positive or negative,
Request
course of business or by the means on a substantial number of small entities
Air Methods stated that the proposed under the criteria of the Regulatory
AD requires compliance with Revision 1 identified in the ADDRESSES section of
this AD. Flexibility Act.
of the service information and requested We prepared an economic evaluation
that previous compliance with the Costs of Compliance of the estimated costs to comply with
original service information, Revision 0, this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
be included as an acceptable method of We estimate that this AD affects 385
compliance in the AD. helicopters of U.S. Registry and that List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
We agree. We have added a paragraph labor costs average $85 per work hour. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
to the AD giving credit for previous Based on these estimates, we expect the safety, Incorporation by reference,
compliance with Revision 0 of the following costs: Safety.
service information. • Inspecting for movement of the
washers requires 1.5 work hours for a Adoption of the Amendment
FAA’s Determination labor cost of $128 per helicopter and Accordingly, under the authority
These helicopters have been approved $49,280 for the U.S. fleet. delegated to me by the Administrator,
by the aviation authority of Germany • Replacing the screws and related the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
and are approved for operation in the work requires an additional 0.5 work- follows:
United States. Pursuant to our bilateral hours for a labor cost of $43. Screws
agreement with Germany, EASA, its cost $4 each while washers cost $10 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
technical representative, has notified us each. We estimate the cost at $79 per DIRECTIVES
of the unsafe condition described in the repair.
EASA AD. We are issuing this AD ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
Authority for This Rulemaking continues to read as follows:
because we evaluated all information
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES

provided by EASA, reviewed the Title 49 of the United States Code Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
relevant information, considered the specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
comment received, and determined the rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, § 39.13 [Amended]
unsafe condition exists and is likely to section 106, describes the authority of ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
exist or develop on other helicopters of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: the following new airworthiness
these same type designs and that air Aviation Programs, describes in more directive (AD):

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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 117 / Thursday, June 18, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 34833

2015–12–09 Airbus Helicopters (2) Within 50 hours TIS, for Model MBB Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum
Deutschland GmbH (Previously BK117 C–2 helicopters, using Figure 1 of Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) (Airbus Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972)
Helicopters): Amendment 39–18184; BK117 C–2–22A–009, Revision 1, dated 641–3775; or at http://
Docket No. FAA–2014–0577; Directorate August 3, 2009, as reference, inspect the www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
Identifier 2013–SW–042–AD. attachment hardware between the Yaw- (4) You may view this service information
SEMA and the Yaw-SEMA control rod to at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
(a) Applicability determine whether any of the washers can be Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters moved. Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For
Model EC135P1, EC135T1, EC135P2, (i) If no washer can be moved, no further information on the availability of this
EC135T2, EC135P2+, EC135T2+, and MBB– action is needed. material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
BK 117 C–2 helicopters, certificated in any (ii) If a washer can be moved, replace the (5) You may view this service information
category. four screws and install two additional that is incorporated by reference at the
washers, P/N EN2139–05016, to connect the National Archives and Records
(b) Unsafe Condition SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten Administration (NARA). For information on
This AD defines the unsafe condition as each screw to 5–6 Nm and apply the availability of this material at NARA, call
loose attachment hardware between the polyurethane lacquer onto the attachment (202) 741–6030, or go to: http://www.
Smart Electro Mechanical Actuator (SEMA) hardware. archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations
and a control rod. This condition could result .html.
(f) Credit for Previous Actions
in loss of the control axis and subsequent Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 9,
loss of control of the helicopter. If you performed the actions in Eurocopter
2015.
Alert Service Bulletin EC135–22A–015,
(c) Effective Date Revision 0, dated May 13, 2018, or Lance T. Gant,
This AD becomes effective July 23, 2015. Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
BK117 C–2–22A–009, Revision 0, May 13, Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
(d) Compliance 2008, before the effective date of this AD, you [FR Doc. 2015–14852 Filed 6–17–15; 8:45 am]
You are responsible for performing each met the requirements of this AD.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
action required by this AD within the (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
specified compliance time unless it has (AMOCs)
already been accomplished prior to that time.
(1) The Manager, Safety Management DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
(e) Required Actions Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this SECURITY
(1) Within 50 hours time in service (TIS), AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Wilbanks,
for Model EC135P1, EC135T1, EC135P2, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Coast Guard
EC135T2, EC135P2+, and EC135T2+ Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
helicopters, do the following: 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 33 CFR Part 117
(i) Using Figure 1 and Figure 2 of 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135– matt.wilbanks@faa.gov. [Docket No. USCG–2015–0552]
22A–015, Revision 1, dated January 28, 2013 (2) For operations conducted under a 14
(ASB EC135–22A–015) as reference, inspect CFR part 119 operating certificate or under Drawbridge Operation Regulation;
the attachment hardware between the SEMA 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that Chambers Creek, Steilacoom, WA
and the longitudinal actuator control rod to you notify your principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
determine whether any of the washers can be
the local flight standards district office or ACTION:Notice of deviation from
moved.
certificate holding district office, before drawbridge regulation.
(A) If no washer can be moved, no further
operating any aircraft complying with this
action is needed.
AD through an AMOC. SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has issued a
(B) If a washer can be moved, replace the
four screws and install two additional (h) Additional Information temporary deviation from the operating
washers, part number (P/N) EN2139–05016, schedule that governs the Burlington
The subject of this AD is addressed in the
to connect the SEMA with the control rod. European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Chambers
Torque-tighten each screw to 5–6 Nm. No. 2013–0176, dated August 7, 2013. You Creek Railway Bridge across Chambers
(ii) Using Figure 1 and Figure 2 of ASB may view the EASA AD on the Internet at Creek, mile 0.0, at Steilacoom,
EC135–22A–015 as reference, inspect the http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. Washington. The deviation is necessary
attachment hardware between the SEMA and FAA–2014–0577. to minimize the effects of train noise on
the lateral actuator control rod to determine
whether any of the washers can be moved. (i) Subject the 2015 U.S. Golf Association
(A) If no washer can be moved, no further Championship held at Chambers Bay
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
action is needed. Code: 2213, Flight Controller. Golf Course. This deviation allows the
(B) If a washer can be moved, replace the bridge to open only upon 1 hour notice
four screws and install two additional (j) Material Incorporated by Reference from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 14, 2015
washers, P/N EN2139–05016, to connect the (1) The Director of the Federal Register and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day from June
SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten approved the incorporation by reference 15, 2015 to June 22, 2015. At all other
each screw to 5–6 Nm. (IBR) of the service information listed in this times the bridge will open on signal in
(iii) Using Figure 1, Figure 3, and Figure paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR accordance with its normal operating
4 of ASB EC135–22A–015 as reference, part 51.
inspect the attachment hardware between the (2) You must use this service information
regulation.
SEMA and the yaw actuator control rod to as applicable to do the actions required by DATES: This deviation is effective
determine whether any of the washers can be this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. without actual notice from June 18,
moved. (i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin 2015 to 5 p.m. on June 22, 2015. For the
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES

(A) If no washer can be moved, no further EC135–22A–015, Revision 1, dated January purposes of enforcement, actual notice
action is needed. 28, 2013.
will be used from 7 a.m. on June 14,
(B) If a washer can be moved, replace the (ii) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB
four screws and install two additional BK117 C–2–22A–009, Revision 1, dated 2015, until June 18, 2015.
washers, P/N EN2139–05016, to connect the August 3, 2009. ADDRESSES: The docket for this
SEMA with the control rod. Torque-tighten (3) For Airbus Helicopters service deviation, [USCG–2015–0552] is
each screw to 5–6 Nm. information identified in this AD, contact available at http://www.regulations.gov.

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Document Created: 2018-02-22 11:12:01
Document Modified: 2018-02-22 11:12:01

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule.
Dates		This AD is effective July 23, 2015.
Contact		Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation		80 FR 34831
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

80 FR 34831 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) (Airbus Helicopters)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 117 (June 18, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration