80_FR_51618 80 FR 51454 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

80 FR 51454 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 164 (August 25, 2015)

Page Range51454-51456
FR Document2015-20587

We are adopting 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 AD requires inspecting the swashplate assembly rotating star to determine whether a ferrule was installed. If a ferrule exists, this AD requires inspecting the rotating star for a crack and removing any cracked rotating star. This AD was prompted by a report that reconditioning the rotating swashplate per a certain repair procedure could result in the rotating star cracking. The actions of this AD 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 164 (Tuesday, August 25, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 164 (Tuesday, August 25, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51454-51456]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-20587]


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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; 
Amendment 39-18244; AD 2015-17-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting 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 AD requires inspecting the 
swashplate assembly rotating star to determine whether a ferrule was 
installed. If a ferrule exists, this AD requires inspecting the 
rotating star for a crack and removing any cracked rotating star. This 
AD was prompted by a report that reconditioning the rotating swashplate 
per a certain repair procedure could result in the rotating star 
cracking. The actions of this AD 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: This AD is effective September 29, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of September 29, 
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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, Texas 
76177.

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: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort 
Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email: 
robert.grant@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On March 27, 2015, at 80 FR 16325, 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 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. The NPRM proposed to 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. The proposed requirements were intended to 
detect a crack in the rotating star and prevent failure of the rotating 
star and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2014-0132R1, dated June 2, 2014, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union. EASA AD No. 2014-0132R1 corrects 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, 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 16325, March 
27, 2015).

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

[[Page 51455]]

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

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 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 
AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1,132 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 a work hour. Based on these estimates, 
we expect the following costs:
     Visually inspecting the swashplate assembly requires 0.25 
work-hour for a labor cost of about $21 per inspection. No parts are 
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 requires 1 
work-hour for a labor cost of about $85 per helicopter. No parts are 
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 
requires 16 work hours, and parts 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 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):

2015-17-11 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-18244; 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) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective September 29, 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.

[[Page 51456]]

(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.
    (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 Permits

    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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort 
Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email asw-ftw-amoc@faa.gov.
    (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 
Docket No. FAA-2015-0673.

 (i) Subject

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

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC130 
62A010, Revision 0, dated April 28, 2014.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS350 62.00.34, Revision 0, 
dated April 28, 2014.
    (iii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS355 62.00.33, Revision 0, 
dated April 28, 2014.
    (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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, Texas 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 13, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-20587 Filed 8-24-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

51454 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations (p) Related Information ACTION: Final rule. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: (1) For more information about this AD, Discussion contact Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace SUMMARY: We are adopting a new Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus On March 27, 2015, at 80 FR 16325, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, the Federal Register published our Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 5264; fax: 562–627–5210; email: AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, 39 by adding an AD that would apply jennifer.tsakoumakis@faa.gov. EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is This AD requires inspecting the AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, available at the addresses specified in swashplate assembly rotating star to AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, paragraphs (q)(4) and (q)(5) of this AD. determine whether a ferrule was AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, installed. If a ferrule exists, this AD AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and (q) Material Incorporated by Reference requires inspecting the rotating star for EC130T2 helicopters with a swashplate (1) The Director of the Federal Register a crack and removing any cracked assembly with rotating star, part number approved the incorporation by reference rotating star. This AD was prompted by (P/N) 350A371003–04, 350A371003–05, (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR a report that reconditioning the rotating 350A371003–06, 350A371003–07, or part 51. swashplate per a certain repair 350A371003–08. The NPRM proposed (2) You must use this service information procedure could result in the rotating to require inspecting the swashplate as applicable to do the actions required by star cracking. The actions of this AD are assembly rotating star to determine this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. intended to detect a crack in the rotating whether a ferrule was installed. If a (3) The following service information was star and prevent failure of the rotating ferrule exists, this proposed AD would approved for IBR on September 29, 2015. star and subsequent loss of control of require inspecting the rotating star for a (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737– the helicopter. crack and removing any cracked rotating 53A1319, Revision 2, dated April 4, 2014. DATES: This AD is effective September star. The proposed requirements were (ii) Reserved. (4) For Boeing service information 29, 2015. intended to detect a crack in the rotating identified in this AD, contact Boeing The Director of the Federal Register star and prevent failure of the rotating Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & approved the incorporation by reference star and subsequent loss of control of Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC of certain documents listed in this AD the helicopter. 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone as of September 29, 2015. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766– 2014–0132R1, dated June 2, 2014, 5680; Internet https:// ADDRESSES: For service information issued by EASA, which is the Technical www.myboeingfleet.com. identified in this AD, contact Airbus Agent for the Member States of the (5) You may view this referenced service Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, European Union. EASA AD No. 2014– information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 0132R1 corrects an unsafe condition for Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax WA. For information on the availability of Airbus Helicopters (previously (972) 641–3775; or at http:// this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Eurocopter France) Model AS 350 B, www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. (6) You may view this service information BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, D, AS 355 E, F, F1, You may review the referenced service that is incorporated by reference at the F2, N, NP, EC 130 B4, and T2 information at the FAA, Office of the National Archives and Records helicopters if equipped with a Administration (NARA). For information on Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, swashplate assembly with a rotating the availability of this material at NARA, call 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, star, P/N 350A371003–04, P/N 202–741–6030, or go to: http:// Fort Worth, Texas 76177. 350A371003–05, P/N 350A371003–06, www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- Examining the AD Docket P/N 350A371003–07, or P/N locations.html. You may examine the AD docket on 350A371003–08. EASA advises that Issued in Renton, Washington, on August during a repair of a helicopter, it was 7, 2015. the Internet at http:// www.regulations.gov or in person at the discovered that rotating swashplates Jeffrey E. Duven, reconditioned in accordance with a Docket Operations Office between 9 Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, certain repair procedure could Aircraft Certification Service. a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD experience a high stress level. This [FR Doc. 2015–20372 Filed 8–24–15; 8:45 am] docket contains this AD, the European condition, if not corrected, could affect BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any the service life of the part. To address incorporated-by-reference service this unsafe condition, EASA AD No. information, the economic evaluation, 2014–0132R1 requires repetitive DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION inspections and replacement of the any comments received, and other information. The street address for the rotating star. Federal Aviation Administration Docket Operations Office (phone: 800– Comments 14 CFR Part 39 647–5527) is U.S. Department of We gave the public the opportunity to Transportation, Docket Operations participate in developing this AD, but [Docket No. FAA–2015–0673; Directorate Office, M–30, West Building Ground Identifier 2014–SW–034–AD; Amendment we received no comments on the NPRM 39–18244; AD 2015–17–11] Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey (80 FR 16325, March 27, 2015). Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES RIN 2120–AA64 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FAA’s Determination Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, These helicopters have been approved Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Safety Management Group, FAA, 10101 by the aviation authority of France and Helicopters Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, Texas are approved for operation in the United AGENCY:Federal Aviation 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email: States. Pursuant to our bilateral Administration (FAA), DOT. robert.grant@faa.gov. agreement with France, EASA, its VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:04 Aug 24, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 51455 technical representative, has notified us have access to it through their normal (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under of the unsafe condition described in the course of business or by the means DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures EASA AD. We are issuing this AD identified in the ADDRESSES section of (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); because we evaluated all information this AD. (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation provided by EASA and determined the in Alaska to the extent that it justifies unsafe condition exists and is likely to Costs of Compliance making a regulatory distinction; and exist or develop on other helicopters of We estimate that this AD affects 1,132 these same type designs and that air (4) Will not have a significant helicopters of U.S. Registry and that economic impact, positive or negative, safety and the public interest require labor costs average $85 a work hour. adopting the AD requirements as on a substantial number of small entities Based on these estimates, we expect the under the criteria of the Regulatory proposed. following costs: Flexibility Act. Differences Between This AD and the • Visually inspecting the swashplate We prepared an economic evaluation EASA AD assembly requires 0.25 work-hour for a of the estimated costs to comply with labor cost of about $21 per inspection. The EASA AD requires reporting this AD and placed it in the AD docket. inspection findings to Airbus No parts are needed for a total cost of Helicopters. This AD makes no such about $21 per inspection per helicopter, List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 requirement. The EASA AD does not or about $23,772 for the U.S. fleet. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation apply to Airbus Helicopters Model • Dye-penetrant inspecting the safety, Incorporation by reference, AS350C and AS350D1 helicopters, rotating star requires 1 work-hour for a Safety. whereas this AD applies to those labor cost of about $85 per helicopter. models. The EASA AD applies to Model No parts are needed for a total cost of Adoption of the Amendment AS350BB helicopters, and this AD does $85 per inspection helicopter and $96,220 for the U.S. fleet. Accordingly, under the authority not because that model is not type delegated to me by the Administrator, certificated in the United States. The • Replacing the rotating star, ferrule, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as EASA AD requires replacing the rotating and associated parts requires 16 work follows: star, unless already accomplished, by hours, and parts cost $8,354, for a total December 31, 2014, while we require cost of $9,714 per helicopter. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS replacing the rotating star within 160 Authority for This Rulemaking DIRECTIVES hours time-in-service, unless already accomplished. Title 49 of the United States Code ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 This AD also prohibits installing a specifies the FAA’s authority to issue continues to read as follows: rotating star with a ferrule, and the rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, EASA AD does not. section 106, describes the authority of Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Related Service Information Under 1 the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: § 39.13 [Amended] CFR Part 51 Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert authority. the following new airworthiness Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC130 directive (AD): We are issuing this rulemaking under 62A010 for Model EC130B4 and the authority described in Subtitle VII, 2015–17–11 Airbus Helicopters: EC130T2 helicopters; ASB No. AS355 Amendment 39–18244; Docket No. Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: 62.00.33 for Model AS355E, AS355F, FAA–2015–0673; Directorate Identifier ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and 2014–SW–034–AD. section, Congress charges the FAA with AS355NP helicopters; and ASB No. promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in (a) Applicability AS350 62.00.34 for Model AS350B, air commerce by prescribing regulations This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350B1, for practices, methods, and procedures Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, and the Administrator finds necessary for AS350B2, AS350B3,AS350C, AS350D, military version AS350L1 helicopters; safety in air commerce. This regulation AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, all Revision 0 and all dated April 28, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and is within the scope of that authority 2014. EC130T2 helicopters with a swashplate because it addresses an unsafe condition The ASBs report that a certain repair assembly with rotating star, part number (P/ that is likely to exist or develop on sheet instruction, which requires N) 350A371003–04, 350A371003–05, helicopters identified in this rulemaking reconditioning the rotating swashplate 350A371003–06, 350A371003–07, or action. 350A371003–08, certificated in any category. by machining and adding a steel ferrule to accommodate a swashplate bearing, Regulatory Findings (b) Unsafe Condition potentially affects the service life limit This AD will not have federalism This AD defines the unsafe condition as a specified in the airworthiness crack in a rotating star in a main rotor blade limitations section. The ASBs provide implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a (M/R) swashplate assembly. This condition procedures for inspecting the could result in loss of the M/R pitch control swashplate assembly’s rotating star for a substantial direct effect on the States, on and subsequent loss of helicopter control. ferrule and if a ferrule exists, inspecting the relationship between the national for a crack. The ASBs call for replacing government and the States, or on the (c) Effective Date the rotating star before further flight if distribution of power and This AD becomes effective September 29, Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES a crack exists, and before December 31, responsibilities among the various 2015. 2014, if a ferrule is present and there are levels of government. (d) Compliance no cracks. If there is no ferrule, the For the reasons discussed above, I You are responsible for performing each ASBs require no additional action. certify that this AD: action required by this AD within the This service information is reasonably (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory specified compliance time unless it has available because the interested parties action’’ under Executive Order 12866; already been accomplished prior to that time. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:04 Aug 24, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1

51456 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations (e) Required Actions (j) Material Incorporated by Reference another country to identify and correct (1) Within 165 hours time-in-service (TIS), (1) The Director of the Federal Register an unsafe condition on an aviation visually inspect the swashplate assembly to approved the incorporation by reference of product. The MCAI describes the unsafe determine whether a ferrule is installed on the service information listed in this condition as cracks found on the main the rotating star. If the ferrule is not visible, paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR landing gear cylinders. We are issuing use a magnetic retriever positioned in Area part 51. this AD to require actions to address the (X) as shown in the pictures under paragraph (2) You must use this service information unsafe condition on these products. 3.B.2.b., Accomplishment Instructions, of as applicable to do the actions required by Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. DATES: This AD is effective September (ASB) No. EC130 62A010, ASB No. AS350 (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 29, 2015. 62.00.34, or ASB No. AS355 62.00.33, all Bulletin (ASB) No. EC130 62A010, Revision The Director of the Federal Register Revision 0, and all dated April 28, 2014, 0, dated April 28, 2014. approved the incorporation by reference whichever is applicable to your helicopter, to (ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS350 of a certain publication listed in this AD determine whether the ferrule is installed. 62.00.34, Revision 0, dated April 28, 2014. as of September 29, 2015. The magnetic retriever will be magnetized if (iii) Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS355 The Director of the Federal Register a ferrule is installed. 62.00.33, Revision 0, dated April 28, 2014. approved the incorporation by reference (2) If a ferrule is not installed, no further (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in this AD, contact of a certain other publication listed in action is needed. (3) If a ferrule is installed on the rotating Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum this AD as of March 23, 2007 (72 FR star, before further flight, dye-penetrant Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 7576, February 16, 2007). inspect the rotating star for a crack in areas (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD ‘‘Z’’ depicted in Figure 1 of Airbus 641–3775; or at http:// docket on the Internet at http:// Helicopters ASB No. EC130 62A010, ASB www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. www.regulations.gov by searching for No. AS350 62.00.34, or ASB No. AS355 (4) You may view this service information and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– 62.00.33, all Revision 0, and all dated April at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 2047; or in person at the Docket 28, 2014, as applicable to your model Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, Texas 76177. For Management Facility, U.S. Department helicopter. (i) If the rotating star has a crack, before information on the availability of this of Transportation, Docket Operations, further flight, remove from service the material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. M–30, West Building Ground Floor, rotating star; ferrule; and the screws, washers (5) You may view this service information Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey and nuts used to attach the pitch change that is incorporated by reference at the Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. rods, compass, and the rotating star deflector. National Archives and Records For service information identified in (ii) If the rotating star does not have a Administration (NARA). For information on this AD, contact SOCATA, Direction des crack, within 160 hours TIS, remove from the availability of this material at NARA, call Services, 65921 Tarbes Cedex 9, France; service the rotating star; ferrule; and the (202) 741–6030, or go to: http:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- telephone: 33 (0)5 62.41.73.00; fax: 33 screws, washers and nuts used to attach the (0)5 62.41.76.54; or SOCATA North pitch change rods, compass, and the rotating locations.html. star deflector. America, North Perry Airport, 7501 S Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 13, Airport Rd., Pembroke Pines, Florida (4) Do not install a rotating star P/N 2015. 350A371003–04, 350A371003–05, 33023, telephone: (954) 893–1400; fax: Lance T. Gant, (954) 964–4141; Internet: http:// 350A371003–06, 350A371003–07, or 350A371003–08 with a ferrule. Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft www.socata.com. You may view this Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. referenced service information at the (f) Special Flight Permits [FR Doc. 2015–20587 Filed 8–24–15; 8:45 am] FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Special flight permits are prohibited. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance For information on the availability of (AMOCs) this material at the FAA, call (816) 329– DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 4148. It is also available on the Internet (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this at http://www.regulations.gov by Federal Aviation Administration AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, searching for Docket No. FAA–2015– Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management 2047. Group, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort 14 CFR Part 39 Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 222– FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: [Docket No. FAA–2015–2047; Directorate 5110; email asw-ftw-amoc@faa.gov. Albert J. Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, Identifier 2015–CE–013–AD; Amendment (2) For operations conducted under a 14 39–18243; AD 2015–17–10] FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that RIN 2120–AA64 Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329– you notify your principal inspector, or 4119; fax: (816) 329–4090; email: lacking a principal inspector, the manager of Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA albert.mercado@faa.gov. the local flight standards district office or Airplanes SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AGENCY: Federal Aviation Discussion AD through an AMOC. Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). We issued a supplemental notice of (h) Additional Information proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to make ACTION: Final rule. The subject of this AD is addressed in the changes to an NPRM (80 FR 8821, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD SUMMARY: We are superseding February 19, 2015), which would amend No. 2014–0132R1, dated June 2, 2014. You Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007–04– 14 CFR part 39 to add an AD that would Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES may view the EASA AD on the Internet at 13 for certain SOCATA Model TBM 700 apply to certain SOCATA Model TBM http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. airplaness (type certificate previously 700 airplaness (type certificate FAA–2015–0673. held by EADS SOCATA). This AD previously held by EADS SOCATA). (i) Subject results from mandatory continuing That SNPRM was published in the Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) airworthiness information (MCAI) Federal Register on June 11, 2015 (80 Code: 6200, Main Rotor System. issued by an aviation authority of FR 33208), and proposed to supersede VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:04 Aug 24, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1


Document Created: 2018-02-23 11:03:14
Document Modified: 2018-02-23 11:03:14
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective September 29, 2015.
ContactRobert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email: [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 51454 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
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