81 FR 12804 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 48 (March 11, 2016)

Page Range		12804-12806
FR Document		2016-04981

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters with certain external life rafts. This AD requires installing a sheath kit on the left-hand and right-hand raft deployment control systems. This AD is prompted by a report that the life raft deployment control could not be adjusted due to problems with the life raft deployment linkage. This unsafe condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the external life raft to deploy and prevent evacuation of passengers during an emergency.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 48 (Friday, March 11, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 48 (Friday, March 11, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12804-12806]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-04981]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-4381; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-009-
AD;Amendment 39-18428; AD 2016-05-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters with 
certain external life rafts. This AD requires installing a sheath kit 
on the left-hand and right-hand raft deployment control systems. This 
AD is prompted by a report that the life raft deployment control could 
not be adjusted due to problems with the life raft deployment linkage. 
This unsafe condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the 
external life raft to deploy and prevent evacuation of passengers 
during an emergency.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 28, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of March 28, 2016.
    We must receive comments on this AD by May 10, 2016.

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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
4381; 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 (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 final rule, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at 
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, TX 
76177. It is also on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-4381.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, 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 resulted 
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the AD, 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 them 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 rulemaking during the 
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may 
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015-0048, dated March 17, 2015, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model AS 365 N3, 
EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. EASA advises that after installation 
of a new life raft on a helicopter, the travel of the life raft 
deployment control could not be properly adjusted, putting at risk 
proper life raft inflation. According to a technical analysis, the 
varying positions of the life raft inflation cylinder inside the bag 
containing the life raft, as well as the varying positions of the bag 
within the life raft container, may cause the life raft deployment 
control cable to loosen and travel insufficiently.
    This condition could result in failure of the external life raft to 
deploy after a ditching, impeding or preventing the safe evacuation of 
helicopter occupants, EASA states. EASA consequently requires 
alteration of the life raft deployment control by installing a sheath 
kit, which Airbus Helicopters identifies as Modification 365A084711.00 
and 365A084711.01.

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 
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information

[[Page 12805]]

provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
AS365-25.01.45 and ASB No. EC155-25A128, both Revision 1, and both 
dated February 2, 2015. The service information reports that the 
position of the life raft inflation cylinder may slacken the deployment 
control cable for new life rafts installed on Model AS 365 N3, EC 155B, 
and EC155B1 helicopters. In one instance, travel of the life raft 
deployment control could not be adjusted as stated in the maintenance 
manual. This anomaly is due to the varying positions of the inflation 
cylinder inside the bag that contains the life raft, and the varying 
positions of the bag inside the container, related to the installation 
and removal of optional equipment, calendar overhauls, life raft 
storage, shock impacts, and in-flight vibrations. Airbus Helicopters 
consequently developed modification 365A084711.00 and 365A084711.01, 
which ensure sufficient travel of the life raft deployment control 
cable in all positions of the inflation cylinder by installing an 
improved sheath kit on the left hand and right hand deployment 
controls.
    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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, before the next flight over water, installing a 
sheath kit on the left-hand and right-hand raft deployment controls.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires installing a sheath kit on the left-hand and 
right-hand raft deployment controls within 110 hours time-in-service or 
before further flight for helicopters required to have life rafts, 
whichever occurs later. This AD requires installing a sheath kit on the 
left-hand and right-hand raft deployment controls before the next 
flight over water.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 23 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect that installing the sheath kits requires 4 work-
hours and a parts cost of $50 for a total cost of $390 per helicopter 
and $8,970 for the U.S. fleet.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting 
these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions 
needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that 
the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment 
prior to the adoption of this rule because many of the affected 
helicopters are located along major waterways, and the required 
corrective actions must be accomplished before the next flight over 
water.
    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for 
prior public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest and that good cause exists to make this 
AD effective in less than 30 days.

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 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, 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):

2016-05-10 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-18428; Docket No. FAA-
2015-4381; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-009-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS 365 N3, EC 155B, 
and EC155B1 helicopters with an external life raft part number 
245431-0, 245431-1, 245434-0, or 245434-1 installed, certificated in 
any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an external life raft's 
failure to deploy. This condition could prevent the safe evacuation 
of helicopter occupants during an emergency landing in water.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 28, 2016.

(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

    Before the next flight over water, install a sheath kit on each 
left-hand and right-hand life raft deployment control in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2, of Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS365-25.01.45, 
Revision 1, dated February 2, 2015, or ASB No. EC155-25A128, 
Revision 1, dated February 2, 2015, whichever is applicable to your 
helicopter.

[[Page 12806]]

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; 
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.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0048, dated March 17, 2015. You may view 
the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2015-4381.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: Life Raft, 2564.

(i) 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 No. AS365-
25.01.45, Revision 1, dated February 2, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC155-25A128, 
Revision 1, dated February 2, 2015.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, 
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; 
fax (972) 641-3775; or at 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, TX 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 February 29, 2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-04981 Filed 3-10-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

12804 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 48 / Friday, March 11, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

049, dated April 30, 2014, are co-published of certain documents listed in this AD we did not provide you with notice and
as one document. as of March 28, 2016. an opportunity to provide your
(3) For MD Helicopters service information We must receive comments on this comments prior to it becoming effective.
identified in this final rule, contact MD
AD by May 10, 2016. However, we invite you to participate in
Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support
Division, 4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop ADDRESSES: You may send comments by this rulemaking by submitting written
M615, Mesa, AZ 85215–9734; telephone 1– any of the following methods: comments, data, or views. We also
800–388–3378; fax 480–346–6813; or at • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to invite comments relating to the
http://www.mdhelicopters.com. http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the economic, environmental, energy, or
(4) You may view this service information online instructions for sending your federalism impacts that resulted from
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, adopting this AD. The most helpful
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy,
comments electronically.
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For • Fax: 202–493–2251. comments reference a specific portion of
information on the availability of this • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. the AD, explain the reason for any
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. Department of Transportation, Docket recommended change, and include
(5) You may view this service information Operations, M–30, West Building supporting data. To ensure the docket
that is incorporated by reference at the Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 does not contain duplicate comments,
National Archives and Records New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, commenters should send only one copy
Administration (NARA). For information on DC 20590–0001. of written comments, or if comments are
the availability of this material at NARA, call filed electronically, commenters should
(202) 741–6030, or go to: http://
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 submit them only one time. We will file
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
p.m., Monday through Friday, except in the docket all comments that we
locations.html.
Federal holidays. receive, as well as a report summarizing
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 1, each substantive public contact with
2016. Examining the AD Docket FAA personnel concerning this
Scott A. Horn, rulemaking during the comment period.
You may examine the AD docket on
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, the Internet at http:// We will consider all the comments we
Aircraft Certification Service. receive and may conduct additional
www.regulations.gov by searching for
[FR Doc. 2016–04982 Filed 3–10–16; 8:45 am] rulemaking based on those comments.
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 4381; or in person at the Docket Discussion
Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except EASA, which is the Technical Agent
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION for the Member States of the European
Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the European Aviation Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015–
Federal Aviation Administration 0048, dated March 17, 2015, to correct
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
an unsafe condition for Airbus
14 CFR Part 39 incorporated by reference service
Helicopters Model AS 365 N3, EC 155B,
information, the economic evaluation,
[Docket No. FAA–2015–4381; Directorate and EC155B1 helicopters. EASA advises
any comments received, and other
Identifier 2015–SW–009–AD;Amendment that after installation of a new life raft
information. The street address for the
39–18428; AD 2016–05–10] on a helicopter, the travel of the life raft
Docket Operations Office (telephone
deployment control could not be
RIN 2120–AA64 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
properly adjusted, putting at risk proper
section. Comments will be available in
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus life raft inflation. According to a
the AD docket shortly after receipt.
Helicopters technical analysis, the varying positions
For service information identified in
of the life raft inflation cylinder inside
AGENCY: Federal Aviation this final rule, contact Airbus
the bag containing the life raft, as well
Administration (FAA), Department of Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,
as the varying positions of the bag
Transportation (DOT). Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
within the life raft container, may cause
ACTION: Final rule; request for
(972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax
the life raft deployment control cable to
comments. (972) 641–3775; or at http://
loosen and travel insufficiently.
www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
This condition could result in failure
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new You may review the referenced service
of the external life raft to deploy after a
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus information at the FAA, Office of the
ditching, impeding or preventing the
Helicopters Model AS 365 N3, EC 155B, Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
safe evacuation of helicopter occupants,
and EC155B1 helicopters with certain 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,
EASA states. EASA consequently
external life rafts. This AD requires Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also on the
requires alteration of the life raft
installing a sheath kit on the left-hand Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
deployment control by installing a
and right-hand raft deployment control by searching for and locating Docket No.
sheath kit, which Airbus Helicopters
systems. This AD is prompted by a FAA–2015–4381.
identifies as Modification
report that the life raft deployment FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 365A084711.00 and 365A084711.01.
control could not be adjusted due to David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
problems with the life raft deployment Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA’s Determination
linkage. This unsafe condition, if not Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 These helicopters have been approved
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES

corrected, could result in failure of the Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; by the aviation authority of France and
external life raft to deploy and prevent telephone (817) 222–5116; email are approved for operation in the United
evacuation of passengers during an david.hatfield@faa.gov. States. Pursuant to our bilateral
emergency. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: agreement with France, EASA, its
DATES: This AD becomes effective technical representative, has notified us
Comments Invited of the unsafe condition described in the
March 28, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register This AD is a final rule that involves EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
approved the incorporation by reference requirements affecting flight safety, and because we evaluated all information

VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:58 Mar 10, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\11MRR1.SGM 11MRR1

12806 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 48 / Friday, March 11, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Examining the AD Docket
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Federal Aviation Administration You may examine the AD docket on
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this the Internet at http://
AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, 14 CFR Part 39 www.regulations.gov by searching for
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 [Docket No. FAA–2015–0248; Directorate 0248; or in person at the Docket
Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; Identifier 2014–NM–143–AD; Amendment
39–18410; AD 2016–04–16]
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
telephone (817) 222–5116; email 9-ASW-
FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
RIN 2120–AA64 except Federal holidays. The AD docket
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under contains this AD, the regulatory
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing evaluation, any comments received, and
you notify your principal inspector, or Company Airplanes other information. The address for the
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of AGENCY: Federal Aviation Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
the local flight standards district office or Docket Management Facility, U.S.
certificate holding district office, before Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule. Department of Transportation, Docket
operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC. Operations, M–30, West Building
SUMMARY: We are superseding Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
(g) Additional Information Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013–08– New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
The subject of this AD is addressed in 23 for all The Boeing Company Model DC 20590.
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD DC–10–10, DC–10–10F, DC–10–15, DC–
No. 2015–0048, dated March 17, 2015. You FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Serj
10–30, DC–10–30F (KC–10A and KDC–
may view the EASA AD on the Internet at Harutunian, Aerospace Engineer,
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 10), DC–10–40, DC–10–40F, MD–10–
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140L, FAA,
and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2015– 10F, MD–10–30F, MD–11, and MD–11F
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
4381. airplanes. AD 2013–08–23 required
(ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
adding design features to detect
(h) Subject Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone:
electrical faults and to detect a pump
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) 562–627–5254; fax: 562–627–5210;
running in an empty fuel tank. This new
Code: Life Raft, 2564. email: serj.harutunian@faa.gov.
AD would clarify certain requirements
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference and remove a terminating action. This SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(1) The Director of the Federal Register new AD would also provide an optional
Discussion
approved the incorporation by reference of method of compliance for the proposed
the service information listed in this actions. This AD was prompted by a We issued a notice of proposed
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR determination that it is necessary to
part 51.
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
clarify the requirements for the design part 39 to supersede AD 2013–08–23,
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
features and to remove a terminating Amendment 39–17441 (78 FR 24037,
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. action for certain inspections. We are April 24, 2013). AD 2013–08–23 applied
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service issuing this AD to reduce the potential to all The Boeing Company Model DC–
Bulletin No. AS365–25.01.45, Revision 1, of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, 10–10, DC–10–10F, DC–10–15, DC–10–
dated February 2, 2015. which, in combination with flammable 30, DC–10–30F (KC–10A and KDC–10),
(ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank DC–10–40, DC–10–40F, MD–10–10F,
Bulletin No. EC155–25A128, Revision 1, explosions and consequent loss of the
dated February 2, 2015. MD–10–30F, MD–11, and MD–11F
airplane. airplanes. The NPRM published in the
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this final rule, DATES: This AD is effective April 15, Federal Register on March 27, 2015 (80
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum 2016. FR 16321). The NPRM was prompted by
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone The Director of the Federal Register a determination that it is necessary to
(972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) approved the incorporation by reference clarify the requirements for the design
641–3775; or at http:// features and to remove a terminating
www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
of certain publications listed in this AD
(4) You may view this service information as of April 15, 2016. action for certain inspections. The
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, ADDRESSES: For service information NPRM proposed to clarify certain
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, identified in this final rule, contact requirements and remove a terminating
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For Boeing Commercial Airplanes, action. The NPRM also proposed to
information on the availability of this Attention: Data & Services Management, provide an optional method of
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. compliance for the proposed actions.
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800–
(5) You may view this service information We are issuing this AD to reduce the
that is incorporated by reference at the 0019, Long Beach, CA 90846–0001;
National Archives and Records telephone 206–544–5000, extension 2; potential of ignition sources inside fuel
Administration (NARA). For information on fax 206–766–5683; Internet https:// tanks, which, in combination with
the availability of this material at NARA, call www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view flammable fuel vapors, could result in
(202) 741–6030, or go to: http:// this referenced service information at fuel tank explosions and consequent
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- the FAA, Transport Airplane loss of the airplane.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES

locations.html. Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Comments
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February Renton, WA. For information on the
29, 2016. availability of this material at the FAA, We gave the public the opportunity to
Scott A. Horn, call 425–227–1221. It is also available participate in developing this AD. The
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, on the Internet at http:// following presents the comments
Aircraft Certification Service. www.regulations.gov by searching for received on the NPRM (80 FR 16321,
[FR Doc. 2016–04981 Filed 3–10–16; 8:45 am] and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– March 27, 2015) and the FAA’s response
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 0248. to each comment.

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Document Created: 2016-03-11 01:51:03
Document Modified: 2016-03-11 01:51:03

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; request for comments.
Dates		This AD becomes effective March 28, 2016.
Contact		David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; email [email protected]
FR Citation		81 FR 12804
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

81 FR 12804 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 48 (March 11, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration