81_FR_43607 81 FR 43479 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

81 FR 43479 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 128 (July 5, 2016)

Page Range43479-43481
FR Document2016-15624

We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and Model EC225LP helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD immediately prohibits flight of all Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. This AD is prompted by an accident involving an EC225LP helicopter in which the main rotor hub (MRH) detached from the main gearbox (MGB). These actions are intended to prevent failure of the main rotor system and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 128 (Tuesday, July 5, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 5, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43479-43481]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15624]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-8032; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-037-AD; 
Amendment 39-18578; AD 2016-12-51]
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 publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and Model EC225LP helicopters, which 
was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these 
helicopters. This AD immediately prohibits flight of all Model AS332L2 
and EC225LP helicopters. This AD is prompted by an accident involving 
an EC225LP helicopter in which the main rotor hub (MRH) detached from 
the main gearbox (MGB). These actions are intended to prevent failure 
of the main rotor system and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 20, 2016 to all persons except 
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 
2016-12-51, issued on June 3, 2016, which contains the requirements of 
this AD.
    We must receive comments on this AD by September 6, 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-2016-
8032; 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, 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110, 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

    On June 3, 2016, we issued Emergency AD 2016-12-51 to correct an 
unsafe condition for Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. Emergency 
AD 2016-12-51 immediately prohibits further flight of Model AS332L2 and 
EC225LP helicopters. The emergency AD was sent previously to all known 
U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters.
    Emergency AD 2016-12-51 was prompted by Emergency AD No. 2016-0104-
E, dated June 2, 2016, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European

[[Page 43480]]

Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model EC 
225 LP helicopters. Following a fatal accident in Norway in which the 
MRH detached from the MGB in-flight, EASA issued Emergency AD No. 2016-
0089-E, dated May 3, 2016, to require a one-time inspection of the MGB 
and to report findings to EASA and Airbus Helicopters. Review of the 
findings from the inspections prompted Airbus Helicopters to provide 
further inspections and replacement instructions for correctly 
installing the MGB suspension bars and attachment fittings. EASA 
subsequently issued Emergency AD No. 2016-0103-E, dated June 1, 2016, 
which superseded Emergency AD No. 2016-0089-E, and required inspecting 
the MGB suspension bar fittings and related base plate assemblies and 
replacing the attachment hardware. Soon after Emergency AD No. 2016-
0103-E was issued, a preliminary report from the Accident Investigation 
Board Norway indicated metallurgical findings of fatigue and surface 
degradation in the outer race of a second stage planet gear of the MGB 
epi-cyclic module. EASA advises that it could not be determined if the 
fatigue and surface degradation is a contributing factor or if it 
resulted from another initiating factor. Therefore, pending further 
investigation to determine the root cause of the reported damage and 
pending development of mitigating measures by Airbus Helicopters, EASA 
decided to temporarily ground the fleet as a precautionary measure and 
issued Emergency AD No. 2016-0104-E on June 2, 2016. EASA included 
Model AS 332 L2 helicopters to the applicability due to similarities in 
design that make it subject to the same unsafe condition.

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

AD Requirements

    This AD immediately prohibits flight of all Airbus Helicopters 
Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be an interim action. Once the design 
approval holder develops a modification that addresses the unsafe 
condition identified in this AD, we might consider additional 
rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects five helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
There are no costs of compliance with this AD because there are no 
required maintenance actions.

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 address this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find the 
risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to 
the adoption of this rule because the previously described unsafe 
condition can adversely affect the airworthiness of the helicopter and 
the prohibition of all flights must begin immediately.
    Since it was found that immediate action was required, notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment before issuing this AD were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest and good cause 
existed for making Emergency AD 2016-12-51 effective immediately on 
June 3, 2016, to all known U.S. operators of the specified Airbus 
helicopters. These conditions still exist and the Emergency AD is 
hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to Sec.  39.13 
of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective 
to all persons.

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.

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):

2016-12-51 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-18578; Docket No. FAA-
2016-8032; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-037-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and Model 
EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of the main 
rotor system, which will result in loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 20, 2016 to all persons except 
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency 
AD 2016-12-51 issued on June 3,

[[Page 43481]]

2016, which contains the requirements of this AD.

(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 Action

    Further flight is prohibited.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 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.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2016-0104-E, dated June 2, 2016. You may 
view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2016-8032.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: Main Rotor 
Gearbox: 6320.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 23, 2016.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-15624 Filed 7-1-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 128 / Tuesday, July 5, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        43479

                                              (o) Related Information                                  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                (1) For more information about this AD,                                                                      p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                              contact Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer,               Federal Aviation Administration                       Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                              Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los                                                                            contains this AD, the European Aviation
                                              Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),             14 CFR Part 39                                        Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the
                                              3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA                   [Docket No. FAA–2016–8032; Directorate                economic evaluation, any comments
                                              90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5324; fax: 562–               Identifier 2016–SW–037–AD; Amendment                  received, and other information. The
                                              627–5210; email: galib.abumeri@faa.gov.                  39–18578; AD 2016–12–51]                              street address for the Docket Operations
                                                (2) Service information identified in this                                                                   Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in
                                                                                                       RIN 2120–AA64
                                              AD that is not incorporated by reference is                                                                    the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
                                              available at the addresses specified in                  Airworthiness Directives; Airbus                      be available in the AD docket shortly
                                              paragraphs (p)(5) and (p)(6) of this AD.                 Helicopters                                           after receipt.
                                              (p) Material Incorporated by Reference                                                                         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary
                                                                                                       AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                             Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer,
                                                 (1) The Director of the Federal Register              Administration (FAA), Department of                   Regulations and Policy Group,
                                              approved the incorporation by reference                  Transportation (DOT).                                 Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101
                                              (IBR) of the service information listed in this
                                                                                                       ACTION: Final rule; request for                       Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
                                              paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
                                                                                                       comments.                                             telephone (817) 222–5110, email
                                              part 51.
                                                 (2) You must use this service information
                                                                                                                                                             gary.b.roach@faa.gov.
                                                                                                       SUMMARY:  We are publishing a new
                                              as applicable to do the actions required by                                                                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                       airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
                                              this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.              Helicopters Model AS332L2 and Model                   Comments Invited
                                                 (3) The following service information was             EC225LP helicopters, which was sent
                                              approved for IBR on August 9, 2016.                                                                               This AD is a final rule that involves
                                                                                                       previously to all known U.S. owners
                                                 (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–                                                                      requirements affecting flight safety, and
                                                                                                       and operators of these helicopters. This
                                              57A1296, Revision 2, dated April 1, 2015.                                                                      we did not provide you with notice and
                                                                                                       AD immediately prohibits flight of all
                                                 (ii) Reserved.                                                                                              an opportunity to provide your
                                                                                                       Model AS332L2 and EC225LP
                                                 (4) The following service information was                                                                   comments prior to it becoming effective.
                                                                                                       helicopters. This AD is prompted by an
                                              approved for IBR on April 8, 2008 (73 FR                                                                       However, we invite you to participate in
                                                                                                       accident involving an EC225LP
                                              11538, March 4, 2008).                                                                                         this rulemaking by submitting written
                                                                                                       helicopter in which the main rotor hub
                                                 (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 737–57–1296,                                                                    comments, data, or views. We also
                                                                                                       (MRH) detached from the main gearbox
                                              dated June 13, 2007.                                                                                           invite comments relating to the
                                                                                                       (MGB). These actions are intended to
                                                 (ii) Reserved.                                                                                              economic, environmental, energy, or
                                                                                                       prevent failure of the main rotor system
                                                 (5) For Boeing service information                                                                          federalism impacts that resulted from
                                                                                                       and subsequent loss of control of the
                                              identified in this AD, contact Boeing                                                                          adopting this AD. The most helpful
                                                                                                       helicopter.
                                              Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &                                                                        comments reference a specific portion of
                                              Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC                   DATES:  This AD becomes effective July                the AD, explain the reason for any
                                              2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone                 20, 2016 to all persons except those                  recommended change, and include
                                              206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–                  persons to whom it was made                           supporting data. To ensure the docket
                                              5680; Internet https://                                  immediately effective by Emergency AD                 does not contain duplicate comments,
                                              www.myboeingfleet.com.                                   2016–12–51, issued on June 3, 2016,                   commenters should send only one copy
                                                 (6) You may view this service information             which contains the requirements of this               of written comments, or if comments are
                                              at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,              AD.                                                   filed electronically, commenters should
                                              1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For                      We must receive comments on this                    submit them only one time. We will file
                                              information on the availability of this                  AD by September 6, 2016.                              in the docket all comments that we
                                              material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.                  ADDRESSES: You may send comments by                   receive, as well as a report summarizing
                                                 (7) You may view this service information             any of the following methods:                         each substantive public contact with
                                              that is incorporated by reference at the                   • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to                 FAA personnel concerning this
                                              National Archives and Records                            http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                rulemaking during the comment period.
                                              Administration (NARA). For information on                online instructions for sending your                  We will consider all the comments we
                                              the availability of this material at NARA, call          comments electronically.                              receive and may conduct additional
                                              202–741–6030, or go to: http://                            • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                rulemaking based on those comments.
                                              www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-                 • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
                                              locations.html.                                                                                                Discussion
                                                                                                       Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 21,              Operations, M–30, West Building                         On June 3, 2016, we issued
                                              2016.                                                    Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                      Emergency AD 2016–12–51 to correct an
                                              Dorr M. Anderson,                                        New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                    unsafe condition for Model AS332L2
                                                                                                       DC 20590–0001.                                        and EC225LP helicopters. Emergency
                                              Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
                                              Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.               • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the                     AD 2016–12–51 immediately prohibits
                                                                                                       ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5                 further flight of Model AS332L2 and
                                              [FR Doc. 2016–15355 Filed 7–1–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                       p.m., Monday through Friday, except                   EC225LP helicopters. The emergency
                                              BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                                                                         AD was sent previously to all known
                                                                                                       Federal holidays.
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                                                                                                                                                             U.S. owners and operators of these
                                                                                                       Examining the AD Docket                               helicopters.
                                                                                                         You may examine the AD docket on                      Emergency AD 2016–12–51 was
                                                                                                       the Internet at http://                               prompted by Emergency AD No. 2016–
                                                                                                       www.regulations.gov by searching for                  0104–E, dated June 2, 2016, issued by
                                                                                                       and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                     EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
                                                                                                       8032; or in person at the Docket                      the Member States of the European


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                                              43480                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 128 / Tuesday, July 5, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                              Union, to correct an unsafe condition                    Interim Action                                        products identified in this rulemaking
                                              for Airbus Helicopters Model EC 225 LP                     We consider this AD to be an interim                action.
                                              helicopters. Following a fatal accident                  action. Once the design approval holder               Regulatory Findings
                                              in Norway in which the MRH detached                      develops a modification that addresses
                                              from the MGB in-flight, EASA issued                      the unsafe condition identified in this                 We determined that this AD will not
                                              Emergency AD No. 2016–0089–E, dated                      AD, we might consider additional                      have federalism implications under
                                              May 3, 2016, to require a one-time                       rulemaking.                                           Executive Order 13132. This AD will
                                              inspection of the MGB and to report                                                                            not have a substantial direct effect on
                                                                                                       Costs of Compliance                                   the States, on the relationship between
                                              findings to EASA and Airbus
                                              Helicopters. Review of the findings from                   We estimate that this AD affects five               the national Government and the States,
                                                                                                       helicopters of U.S. Registry. There are               or on the distribution of power and
                                              the inspections prompted Airbus
                                                                                                       no costs of compliance with this AD                   responsibilities among the various
                                              Helicopters to provide further
                                                                                                       because there are no required                         levels of government.
                                              inspections and replacement                                                                                      For the reasons discussed, I certify
                                              instructions for correctly installing the                maintenance actions.
                                                                                                                                                             that this AD:
                                              MGB suspension bars and attachment                       FAA’s Justification and Determination                   1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                              fittings. EASA subsequently issued                       of the Effective Date                                 action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
                                              Emergency AD No. 2016–0103–E, dated                         Providing an opportunity for public                  2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
                                              June 1, 2016, which superseded                           comments prior to adopting these AD                   DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                              Emergency AD No. 2016–0089–E, and                        requirements would delay                              (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
                                              required inspecting the MGB                              implementing the safety actions needed                  3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
                                              suspension bar fittings and related base                 to address this known unsafe condition.               Alaska to the extent that it justifies
                                              plate assemblies and replacing the                       Therefore, we find the risk to the flying             making a regulatory distinction; and
                                              attachment hardware. Soon after                          public justifies waiving notice and                     4. Will not have a significant
                                              Emergency AD No. 2016–0103–E was                         comment prior to the adoption of this                 economic impact, positive or negative,
                                              issued, a preliminary report from the                    rule because the previously described                 on a substantial number of small entities
                                              Accident Investigation Board Norway                      unsafe condition can adversely affect                 under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                              indicated metallurgical findings of                      the airworthiness of the helicopter and               Flexibility Act.
                                              fatigue and surface degradation in the                   the prohibition of all flights must begin             List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                              outer race of a second stage planet gear                 immediately.
                                              of the MGB epi-cyclic module. EASA                          Since it was found that immediate                    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                                                                       action was required, notice and                       safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                              advises that it could not be determined
                                                                                                       opportunity for prior public comment                  Safety.
                                              if the fatigue and surface degradation is
                                              a contributing factor or if it resulted                  before issuing this AD were                           Adoption of the Amendment
                                              from another initiating factor. Therefore,               impracticable and contrary to the public
                                                                                                       interest and good cause existed for                     Accordingly, under the authority
                                              pending further investigation to                                                                               delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                                                                                       making Emergency AD 2016–12–51
                                              determine the root cause of the reported                                                                       the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
                                                                                                       effective immediately on June 3, 2016,
                                              damage and pending development of                                                                              follows:
                                                                                                       to all known U.S. operators of the
                                              mitigating measures by Airbus                            specified Airbus helicopters. These
                                              Helicopters, EASA decided to                             conditions still exist and the Emergency              PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                              temporarily ground the fleet as a                        AD is hereby published in the Federal                 DIRECTIVES
                                              precautionary measure and issued                         Register as an amendment to § 39.13 of
                                              Emergency AD No. 2016–0104–E on                                                                                ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                                                                       the Federal Aviation Regulations (14                  continues to read as follows:
                                              June 2, 2016. EASA included Model AS                     CFR 39.13) to make it effective to all
                                              332 L2 helicopters to the applicability                  persons.                                                  Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                              due to similarities in design that make
                                                                                                       Authority for This Rulemaking                         § 39.13   [Amended]
                                              it subject to the same unsafe condition.
                                                                                                          Title 49 of the United States Code                 ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
                                              FAA’s Determination                                      specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                the following new airworthiness
                                                                                                       rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                 directive (AD):
                                                These helicopters have been approved
                                              by the aviation authority of France and                  section 106, describes the authority of               2016–12–51 Airbus Helicopters:
                                              are approved for operation in the United                 the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:                    Amendment 39–18578; Docket No.
                                              States. Pursuant to our bilateral                        Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more                    FAA–2016–8032; Directorate Identifier
                                                                                                       detail the scope of the Agency’s                          2016–SW–037–AD.
                                              agreement with France, EASA, its
                                              technical representative, has notified us                authority.                                            (a) Applicability
                                                                                                          We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                              of the unsafe condition described in the                                                                         This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
                                                                                                       the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,            Model AS332L2 and Model EC225LP
                                              EASA AD. We are issuing this AD                          Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                              because we evaluated all information                                                                           helicopters, certificated in any category.
                                                                                                       General requirements.’’ Under that
                                              provided by EASA and determined the                      section, Congress charges the FAA with                (b) Unsafe Condition
                                              unsafe condition exists and is likely to                 promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in               This AD defines the unsafe condition as
                                              exist or develop on other helicopters of
sradovich on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES




                                                                                                       air commerce by prescribing regulations               failure of the main rotor system, which will
                                              these same type designs.                                 for practices, methods, and procedures                result in loss of control of the helicopter.
                                              AD Requirements                                          the Administrator finds necessary for                 (c) Effective Date
                                                                                                       safety in air commerce. This regulation                  This AD becomes effective July 20, 2016 to
                                                This AD immediately prohibits flight                   is within the scope of that authority                 all persons except those persons to whom it
                                              of all Airbus Helicopters Model                          because it addresses an unsafe condition              was made immediately effective by
                                              AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters.                         that is likely to exist or develop on                 Emergency AD 2016–12–51 issued on June 3,



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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 128 / Tuesday, July 5, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                             43481

                                              2016, which contains the requirements of                 Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC–8–400                      and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
                                              this AD.                                                 series airplanes. This AD requires an                 7422; or in person at the Docket
                                              (d) Compliance                                           inspection to determine if certain left               Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                You are responsible for performing each                and right main landing gear (MLG)                     p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                              action required by this AD within the                    retract actuator rod ends are installed               Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                              specified compliance time unless it has                  and repetitive liquid penetrant                       contains this AD, the regulatory
                                              already been accomplished prior to that time.            inspections (LPIs) of affected left and               evaluation, any comments received, and
                                              (e) Required Action                                      right MLG retract actuator rod ends, and              other information. The street address for
                                                                                                       corrective actions if necessary. This AD              the Docket Operations office (telephone:
                                                 Further flight is prohibited.                                                                               800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
                                                                                                       also provides optional terminating
                                              (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance                    action for the inspections. This AD was               section. Comments will be available in
                                              (AMOCs)                                                  prompted by a report of cracked MLG                   the AD docket shortly after receipt.
                                                 (1) The Manager, Safety Management                    retract actuator rod ends. We are issuing             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aziz
                                              Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this                   this AD to detect and correct fatigue                 Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
                                              AD. Send your proposal to: Gary Roach,                   cracking of the left and right MLG                    and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE–
                                              Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and                retract actuator rod ends, which could                171, FAA, New York Aircraft
                                              Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
                                              10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
                                                                                                       lead to left or right MLG collapse.                   Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart
                                              76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-                DATES: This AD becomes effective July                 Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
                                              ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                           20, 2016.                                             11590; telephone: 516–228–7329; fax:
                                                 (2) For operations conducted under a 14                  The Director of the Federal Register               516–794–5531.
                                              CFR part 119 operating certificate or under              approved the incorporation by reference               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                              14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that               of a certain publication listed in this AD
                                              you notify your principal inspector, or                                                                        Discussion
                                              lacking a principal inspector, the manager of            as of July 20, 2016.
                                                                                                          We must receive comments on this                      Transport Canada Civil Aviation
                                              the local flight standards district office or
                                              certificate holding district office, before              AD by August 19, 2016.                                (TCCA), which is the aviation authority
                                              operating any aircraft complying with this               ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
                                                                                                                                                             for Canada, has issued Canadian AD
                                              AD through an AMOC.                                      using the procedures found in 14 CFR                  CF–2016–16, dated May 20, 2016
                                                                                                       11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following              (referred to after this as the Mandatory
                                              (g) Additional Information
                                                                                                       methods:                                              Continuing Airworthiness Information,
                                                 The subject of this AD is addressed in                                                                      or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
                                              European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)                      • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                              Emergency AD 2016–0104–E, dated June 2,                  http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                condition for certain Bombardier, Inc.
                                              2016. You may view the EASA AD on the                    instructions for submitting comments.                 Model DHC–8–400 series airplanes. The
                                              Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by                   • Fax: 202–493–2251.                               MCAI states:
                                              searching for and locating it in Docket No.                 • Mail: U.S. Department of                            There has been a single reported case of a
                                              FAA–2016–8032.                                           Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                 cracked MLG retract actuator rod end in
                                              (h) Subject                                              30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                  service. A supplier disclosure letter and
                                                                                                                                                             subsequent Bombardier analysis indicate that
                                                Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)                W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                  the MLG retract actuator rod end P/N [part
                                              Code: Main Rotor Gearbox: 6320.                          Washington, DC 20590.                                 number] P3A2750 and P3A2750–1 may
                                                Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 23,                  • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of                develop fatigue cracking. This condition, if
                                              2016.                                                    Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                 not corrected, could lead to left hand (LH) or
                                              James A. Grigg,                                          30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                  right hand (RH) MLG collapse.
                                                                                                       W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                     This [Canadian] AD mandates the
                                              Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,                                                                        inspection [to determine if certain left and
                                              Aircraft Certification Service.                          Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                                                                       p.m., Monday through Friday, except                   right main landing gear MLG retract actuator
                                              [FR Doc. 2016–15624 Filed 7–1–16; 8:45 am]                                                                     rod ends are installed, repetitive LPIs of
                                                                                                       Federal holidays.                                     affected left and right MLG retract actuator
                                              BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                          For service information identified in              rod ends, and corrective actions if necessary],
                                                                                                       this final rule, contact Bombardier, Inc.,            and replacement of the LH and RH MLG
                                              DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                             Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123                     retract actuator rod ends P/N P3A2750 and
                                                                                                       Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario                   P3A2750–1 [which is terminating action for
                                                                                                       M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone: 416–375–                  the repetitive LPIs].
                                              Federal Aviation Administration
                                                                                                       4000; fax: 416–375–4539; email:                         Corrective actions includes replacing
                                              14 CFR Part 39                                           thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com;                      cracked MLG retract actuator rod ends.
                                                                                                       Internet: http://www.bombardier.com.                  You may examine the MCAI on the
                                              [Docket No. FAA–2016–7422; Directorate                   You may view this referenced service
                                              Identifier 2016–NM–079–AD; Amendment                                                                           Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
                                              39–18579; AD 2016–13–14]                                 information at the FAA, Transport                     by searching for and locating Docket No.
                                                                                                       Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue                FAA–2016–7422.
                                              RIN 2120–AA64                                            SW., Renton, WA. For information on
                                                                                                       the availability of this material at the              Related Service Information Under 1
                                              Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,                    FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also                    CFR Part 51
                                              Inc. Airplanes                                           available on the Internet at http://                    Bombardier, Inc. has issued Service
                                              AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                www.regulations.gov by searching for                  Bulletin 84–32–142, dated May 4, 2016.
sradovich on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES




                                              Administration (FAA), Department of                      and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                     The service information describes
                                              Transportation (DOT).                                    7422.                                                 procedures for an inspection to
                                              ACTION: Final rule; request for                                                                                determine if certain left and right MLG
                                                                                                       Examining the AD Docket                               retract actuator rod ends are installed,
                                              comments.
                                                                                                         You may examine the AD docket on                    repetitive LPIs of the left and right MLG
                                              SUMMARY:  We are adopting a new                          the Internet at http://                               retract actuator rod ends, and
                                              airworthiness directive (AD) for certain                 www.regulations.gov by searching for                  replacement of left and right MLG


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Document Created: 2016-07-01 23:50:00
Document Modified: 2016-07-01 23:50:00
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; request for comments.
DatesThis AD becomes effective July 20, 2016 to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2016-12-51, issued on June 3, 2016, which contains the requirements of this AD.
ContactGary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110, email [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 43479 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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