81 FR 94954 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 248 (December 27, 2016)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 248 (December 27, 2016)
| Page Range | 94954-94956 | |
| FR Document | 2016-30048 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 248 (Tuesday, December 27, 2016)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 94954-94956] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-30048] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2015-3929; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-031-AD; Amendment 39-18746; AD 2016-25-20] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4, EC130T2, AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. This AD requires inspecting each bi- directional suspension cross-bar (cross-bar). This AD was prompted by two reports of cracks in a cross-bar. These actions are intended to prevent the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective January 31, 2017. ADDRESSES: 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. 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. 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- 3929; 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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On April 11, 2016, at 81 FR 21284, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4, EC130T2, AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters with a cross-bar part number (P/N) 350A38-1040-20 or P/N 350A38-1040-00 installed. The NPRM proposed to require repetitively inspecting each cross-bar for a crack and replacing any cracked cross-bar before further flight. The proposed requirements were intended to detect cracks in a cross-bar and prevent failure of the cross-bar and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2015-0094, dated May 29, 2015, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent [[Page 94955]] for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. EASA advises that two cases of cracks in a cross-bar were reported on AS350B3 helicopters. The cracks were found at the transmission deck attachment fitting holes in helicopters equipped with a cargo hook that had completed missions with a significant number of torque cycles. Because of common design features, cracks may also occur on other Model AS350- series, AS355-series, and EC130-series helicopters. EASA advises that crack growth may lead to failure of one of the four yokes and significantly increase stress loads on the remaining yokes. This condition, if not detected or corrected, could lead to cracks on the remaining yokes and increased load on the cross-bar, possibly resulting in cross-bar failure and consequently loss of the helicopter. To correct this condition, EASA AD No. 2015-0094 requires repetitive cross-bar inspections and, depending on the findings, replacing the cross-bar. Comments One commenter submitted comments supporting the NPRM (81 FR 21284, April 11, 2016). 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 and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350BB helicopters. This AD does not apply to the Model AS350BB because it does not have an FAA type certificate. However, this AD applies to Model AS350C and AS350D1 helicopters, while the EASA AD does not. The EASA AD requires a florescent dye-penetrant inspection if the visual inspection of the bi-directional suspension cross-bar causes doubts. This AD does not require a florescent dye-penetrant inspection. The EASA AD requires returning the damaged bi-directional suspension cross- bar to Airbus Helicopters, and this AD does not. Related Service Information Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC130-05A021 for Model EC130B4 helicopters; ASB No. EC130-05A022 for Model EC130T2 helicopters; ASB No. AS350-05.00.84 for Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350D, and military Model AS350L1 helicopters; and ASB No. 355-05.00.73 for Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355 NP helicopters (ASBs). All of the ASBs are Revision 0 and dated May 21, 2015. The ASBs specify visually inspecting the cross-bar. If there is any doubt after the visual inspection, the ASBs call for a dye-penetrant inspection to make sure there are no cracks. If a crack is detected, the ASBs call for replacing the cross-bar before further flight and sending the damaged cross-bar to Airbus Helicopters. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 1,132 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs:Visually inspecting the cross-bar requires 16.5 work-hours for a labor cost of about $1,403. No parts are needed so that the cost for the U.S. fleet totals $1,588,196 per inspection cycle. Replacing the cross-bar costs $1,630 for parts. No additional labor costs are needed. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): 2016-25-20 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-18746; Docket No. FAA- 2015-3929; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-031-AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4, EC130T2, AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters with a bi-directional suspension cross-bar (cross-bar) part number (P/N) 350A38-1040-20 or P/N 350A38-1040-00 installed, certificated in any category. [[Page 94956]] (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a bi- directional cross-bar, which could result in failure of a cross-bar and loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective January 31, 2017. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions (1) Within the initial inspection times shown in Table 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD or the next time maintenance of the helicopter involves removing the main gearbox, whichever comes first; and thereafter at intervals not to exceed the compliance times shown in Table 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD, inspect each cross-bar for a crack. For purposes of this AD, a torque cycle is defined as one landing with or without stopping the rotor or one external load-carrying operation; an external load-carrying operation occurs each time a helicopter picks up an external load and drops it off. Table 1 to Paragraph (e) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Initial and recurrent Helicopter model inspection interval ------------------------------------------------------------------------ AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, 4,500 hours time-in-service AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1. (TIS) or 60,000 torque cycles, whichever occurs first. AS350B3, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, 3,300 hours TIS or 60,000 AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355 NP. torque cycles, whichever EC130B4................................ occurs first. EC130T2................................ 3,300 hours TIS or 40,000 torque cycles, whichever occurs first. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (2) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the cross-bar. (f) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, 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. (h) Additional Information (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC130-05A021, No. EC130-05A022, No. AS350-05.00.84, and No. AS355-05.00.73, all Revision 0 and all dated May 21, 2015, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this final rule. 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. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0094, dated May 29, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2015-3929. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6300, Main Rotor Drive System. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 6, 2016. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016-30048 Filed 12-23-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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to the manager of the ACO, send it to the (iv) Boeing Special Attention Service Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
attention of the person identified in Bulletin 767–22–0143, Revision 2, dated May telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. Information may 25, 2016. 0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at http://
be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC- (v) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 767–22–0146, Revision 1, dated June
www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
Requests@faa.gov.
25, 2015. You may review the referenced
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector, (3) For Boeing service information service information at the FAA, Office
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager identified in this AD, contact Boeing of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
of the local flight standards district office/ Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room
certificate holding district office. Services Management, P. O. Box 3707, MC 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. You
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone: may review the referenced service
level of safety may be used for any repair, 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax: 206–766– information at the FAA, Office of the
5680; Internet https://
modification, or alteration required by this
www.myboeingfleet.com.
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
AD if it is approved by the Boeing 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,
(4) You may view this service information
Commercial Airplanes Organization Fort Worth, TX 76177.
at FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For Examining the AD Docket
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle information on the availability of this
ACO, to make those findings. To be material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. You may examine the AD docket on
approved, the repair method, modification (5) You may view this service information the Internet at http://
deviation, or alteration deviation must meet that is incorporated by reference at the
the certification basis of the airplane, and the www.regulations.gov by searching for
National Archives and Records and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
approval must specifically refer to this AD. Administration (NARA). For information on
(4) For service information that contains the availability of this material at NARA, call
3929; or in person at the Docket
steps that are labeled as Required for 202–741–6030, or go to: http:// Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
Compliance (RC), the provisions of www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- p.m., Monday through Friday, except
paragraphs (l)(4)(i) and (l)(4)(ii) apply. locations.html. Federal holidays. The AD docket
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including contains this AD, the European Aviation
substeps under an RC step and any figures Issued in Renton, Washington, on
November 23, 2016. Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the
identified in an RC step, must be done to economic evaluation, any comments
comply with the AD. If a step or sub-step is Michael Kaszycki,
received, and other information. The
labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
requirement is removed from that step or Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
street address for the Docket Operations
sub-step. An AMOC is required for any Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S.
[FR Doc. 2016–29247 Filed 12–23–16; 8:45 am]
deviations to RC steps, including substeps Department of Transportation, Docket
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
and identified figures. Operations Office, M–30, West Building
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
deviated from using accepted methods in New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
accordance with the operator’s maintenance DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DC 20590.
or inspection program without obtaining
Federal Aviation Administration FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures, can Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer,
still be done as specified, and the airplane 14 CFR Part 39 Safety Management Group, FAA, 10101
can be put back in an airworthy condition. Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177;
[Docket No. FAA–2015–3929; Directorate
Identifier 2015–SW–031–AD; Amendment
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
(m) Related Information robert.grant@faa.gov.
39–18746; AD 2016–25–20]
(1) For more information about this AD, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
contact Fnu Winarto, Aerospace Engineer, RIN 2120–AA64
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–130S, Discussion
FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917– On April 11, 2016, at 81 FR 21284, the
Helicopters
6659; fax: 425–917–6590; email: Federal Register published our notice of
fnu.winarto@faa.gov. AGENCY: Federal Aviation proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which
(2) Service information identified in this Administration (FAA), DOT. proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by
AD that is not incorporated by reference is ACTION: Final rule. adding an AD that would apply to
available at the addresses specified in Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4,
paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new EC130T2, AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2,
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350C, AS350D,
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
Helicopters Model EC130B4, EC130T2, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
(1) The Director of the Federal Register AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3,
approved the incorporation by reference AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
AS350BA, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, helicopters with a cross-bar part number
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, (P/N) 350A38–1040–20 or P/N 350A38–
part 51. AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. 1040–00 installed. The NPRM proposed
(2) You must use this service information This AD requires inspecting each bi- to require repetitively inspecting each
as applicable to do the actions required by directional suspension cross-bar (cross- cross-bar for a crack and replacing any
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. bar). This AD was prompted by two cracked cross-bar before further flight.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(i) Aviation Partners Boeing Service reports of cracks in a cross-bar. These The proposed requirements were
Bulletin AP767–22–005, Revision 1, dated actions are intended to prevent the intended to detect cracks in a cross-bar
June 16, 2015. unsafe condition on these products.
(ii) Boeing Special Attention Service
and prevent failure of the cross-bar and
DATES: This AD is effective January 31, subsequent loss of control of the
Bulletin 747–22–2256, Revision 1, dated
January 6, 2016. 2017. helicopter.
(iii) Boeing Special Attention Service ADDRESSES: For service information The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
Bulletin 757–22–0096, Revision 1, dated identified in this final rule, contact 2015–0094, dated May 29, 2015, issued
February 8, 2016. Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
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for the Member States of the European doubts. This AD does not require a helicopters identified in this rulemaking
Union, to correct an unsafe condition florescent dye-penetrant inspection. The action.
for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, EASA AD requires returning the
Regulatory Findings
AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350B1, damaged bi-directional suspension
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, cross-bar to Airbus Helicopters, and this This AD will not have federalism
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AD does not. implications under Executive Order
AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 13132. This AD will not have a
helicopters. EASA advises that two Related Service Information substantial direct effect on the States, on
cases of cracks in a cross-bar were Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert the relationship between the national
reported on AS350B3 helicopters. The Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC130– government and the States, or on the
cracks were found at the transmission 05A021 for Model EC130B4 helicopters; distribution of power and
deck attachment fitting holes in ASB No. EC130–05A022 for Model responsibilities among the various
helicopters equipped with a cargo hook EC130T2 helicopters; ASB No. AS350– levels of government.
that had completed missions with a 05.00.84 for Model AS350B, AS350B1, For the reasons discussed above, I
significant number of torque cycles. AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, certify that this AD:
Because of common design features, AS350BB, AS350D, and military Model (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
cracks may also occur on other Model AS350L1 helicopters; and ASB No. 355– action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
AS350-series, AS355-series, and EC130- 05.00.73 for Model AS355E, AS355F, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
series helicopters. EASA advises that AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
crack growth may lead to failure of one AS355 NP helicopters (ASBs). All of the (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
of the four yokes and significantly ASBs are Revision 0 and dated May 21, (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
increase stress loads on the remaining 2015. The ASBs specify visually in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
yokes. This condition, if not detected or inspecting the cross-bar. If there is any making a regulatory distinction; and
corrected, could lead to cracks on the doubt after the visual inspection, the (4) Will not have a significant
remaining yokes and increased load on ASBs call for a dye-penetrant inspection economic impact, positive or negative,
the cross-bar, possibly resulting in to make sure there are no cracks. If a on a substantial number of small entities
cross-bar failure and consequently loss crack is detected, the ASBs call for under the criteria of the Regulatory
of the helicopter. To correct this replacing the cross-bar before further Flexibility Act.
condition, EASA AD No. 2015–0094 flight and sending the damaged cross- We prepared an economic evaluation
requires repetitive cross-bar inspections bar to Airbus Helicopters. of the estimated costs to comply with
and, depending on the findings, this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
replacing the cross-bar. Costs of Compliance
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Comments We estimate that this AD affects 1,132
helicopters of U.S. Registry and that Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
One commenter submitted comments labor costs average $85 a work-hour. safety, Incorporation by reference,
supporting the NPRM (81 FR 21284, Based on these estimates, we expect the Safety.
April 11, 2016). following costs: Adoption of the Amendment
FAA’s Determination • Visually inspecting the cross-bar
Accordingly, under the authority
These helicopters have been approved requires 16.5 work-hours for a labor cost
delegated to me by the Administrator,
by the aviation authority of France and of about $1,403. No parts are needed so
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
are approved for operation in the United that the cost for the U.S. fleet totals
follows:
States. Pursuant to our bilateral $1,588,196 per inspection cycle.
agreement with France, EASA, its • Replacing the cross-bar costs $1,630 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
technical representative, has notified us for parts. No additional labor costs are DIRECTIVES
of the unsafe condition described in the needed.
EASA AD. We are issuing this AD Authority for This Rulemaking ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
because we evaluated all information continues to read as follows:
provided by EASA and determined the Title 49 of the United States Code Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
unsafe condition exists and is likely to specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
exist or develop on other helicopters of rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, § 39.13 [Amended]
these same type designs and that air section 106, describes the authority of ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
safety and the public interest require the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: the following new airworthiness
adopting the AD requirements as Aviation Programs, describes in more directive (AD):
proposed. detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority. 2016–25–20 Airbus Helicopters:
Differences Between This AD and the Amendment 39–18746; Docket No.
We are issuing this rulemaking under FAA–2015–3929; Directorate Identifier
EASA AD the authority described in Subtitle VII, 2015–SW–031–AD.
The EASA AD applies to Airbus Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
Helicopters Model AS350BB ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that (a) Applicability
helicopters. This AD does not apply to section, Congress charges the FAA with This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
the Model AS350BB because it does not promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Model EC130B4, EC130T2, AS350B,
have an FAA type certificate. However, air commerce by prescribing regulations AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA,
this AD applies to Model AS350C and for practices, methods, and procedures AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS350D1 helicopters, while the EASA the Administrator finds necessary for AS355NP helicopters with a bi-directional
AD does not. The EASA AD requires a safety in air commerce. This regulation suspension cross-bar (cross-bar) part number
florescent dye-penetrant inspection if is within the scope of that authority (P/N) 350A38–1040–20 or P/N 350A38–
the visual inspection of the bi- because it addresses an unsafe condition 1040–00 installed, certificated in any
directional suspension cross-bar causes that is likely to exist or develop on category.
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(b) Unsafe Condition (d) Compliance gearbox, whichever comes first; and
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a You are responsible for performing each thereafter at intervals not to exceed the
action required by this AD within the compliance times shown in Table 1 to
crack in a bi-directional cross-bar, which
specified compliance time unless it has paragraph (e) of this AD, inspect each cross-
could result in failure of a cross-bar and loss bar for a crack. For purposes of this AD, a
already been accomplished prior to that time.
of control of the helicopter. torque cycle is defined as one landing with
(e) Required Actions or without stopping the rotor or one external
(c) Effective Date
(1) Within the initial inspection times load-carrying operation; an external load-
This AD becomes effective January 31, shown in Table 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD carrying operation occurs each time a
2017. or the next time maintenance of the helicopter picks up an external load and
helicopter involves removing the main drops it off.
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (e)
Helicopter model Initial and recurrent inspection interval
AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350C, AS350D, and 4,500 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 60,000 torque cycles, whichever
AS350D1. occurs first.
AS350B3, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and 3,300 hours TIS or 60,000 torque cycles, whichever occurs first.
AS355 NP.
EC130B4 ..................................................................................................
EC130T2 ................................................................................................... 3,300 hours TIS or 40,000 torque cycles, whichever occurs first.
(2) If there is a crack, before further flight, (i) Subject DATES: This AD is effective January 31,
replace the cross-bar. Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) 2017.
(f) Special Flight Permits Code: 6300, Main Rotor Drive System. The Director of the Federal Register
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December approved the incorporation by reference
Special flight permits are prohibited.
6, 2016. of a certain publication listed in this AD
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance Scott A. Horn, as of January 31, 2017.
(AMOCs) ADDRESSES: For service information
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Aircraft Certification Service. identified in this final rule, contact
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
[FR Doc. 2016–30048 Filed 12–23–16; 8:45 am]
AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC
Group, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; telephone 562–797–1717; Internet
email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under Federal Aviation Administration may view this referenced service
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that information at the FAA, Transport
you notify your principal inspector, or 14 CFR Part 39 Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of SW., Renton, WA. For information on
[Docket No. FAA–2016–8850; Directorate
the local flight standards district office or Identifier 2016–NM–031–AD; Amendment
the availability of this material at the
certificate holding district office, before 39–18755; AD 2016–25–29] FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
operating any aircraft complying with this available on the Internet at http://
AD through an AMOC. RIN 2120–AA64 www.regulations.gov by searching for
(h) Additional Information and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing 8850.
(1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Company Airplanes
Bulletin No. EC130–05A021, No. EC130– Examining the AD Docket
05A022, No. AS350–05.00.84, and No. AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT. You may examine the AD docket on
AS355–05.00.73, all Revision 0 and all dated
ACTION: Final rule.
the Internet at http://
May 21, 2015, which are not incorporated by
reference, contain additional information
www.regulations.gov by searching for
about the subject of this final rule. For SUMMARY: We are adopting a new and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
service information identified in this final airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 8850; or in person at the Docket
rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. The Boeing Company Model 767–200 Management Facility between 9 a.m.
Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; and –300 series airplanes. This AD was and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; prompted by a report of a fire in the except Federal holidays. The AD docket
fax (972) 641–3775; or at http:// bilge area of the cargo compartment that contains this AD, the regulatory
www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You burned through the insulation blankets evaluation, any comments received, and
may review the referenced service that were intended to prevent smoke other information. The address for the
information at the FAA, Office of the from migrating behind the cargo Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 compartment sidewall liners and Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, Department of Transportation, Docket
upward into the main cabin. This AD
TX 76177.
requires replacing the cargo Operations, M–30, West Building
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
compartment insulation blankets on the Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2015–0094, dated May 29, 2015. You left and right sides with new insulation New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
may view the EASA AD on the Internet at blankets that incorporate fire stops. We DC 20590.
http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. are issuing this AD to address the unsafe FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
FAA–2015–3929. condition on these products. Francis Smith, Aerospace Engineer,
VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:06 Dec 23, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\27DER1.SGM 27DER1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_95202/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2018-02-14 09:13:16
Document Modified: 2018-02-14 09:13:16
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This AD is effective January 31, 2017. | |
| Contact | Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 94954 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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