82 FR 13565 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 48 (March 14, 2017)

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would require modifying the emergency lubrication system (EMLUB). This proposed AD is prompted by two incidents of emergency ditching after there was a warning of a loss of oil pressure and a false EMLUB failure. The proposed actions are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 14, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13565-13567]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-04736]


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Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 48 / Tuesday, March 14, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 13565]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9143; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-037-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would 
require modifying the emergency lubrication system (EMLUB). This 
proposed AD is prompted by two incidents of emergency ditching after 
there was a warning of a loss of oil pressure and a false EMLUB 
failure. The proposed actions are intended to address an unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 15, 2017.

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-
9143; 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 proposed 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 service information identified in this proposed AD, 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, Texas 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    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 might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 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 proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2013-0156, dated July 18, 2013, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters (formerly 
Eurocopter) Model EC225LP helicopters. EASA advises of two incidents of 
emergency ditching in the North Sea after a warning indication of MGB 
loss of oil pressure and subsequent additional red alarm on the EMLUB. 
In both cases, the EMLUB provided a false failure indication. EASA 
states in its AD that the EMLUB system was designed to guarantee 30 
minutes of continued safe flight in the event of total loss of the dual 
oil lubrication system of the MGB.
    According to EASA, an investigation revealed that a design 
nonconformity on the electrical outputs of some EMLUB air and glycol 
pressure-switches, resulting in a connection inconsistency between the 
pressure switches' electrical pins and the helicopter wiring, caused 
the false EMLUB warnings. EASA states that a false red EMLUB warning 
during an MGB emergency lubrication system operation could cause the 
flight crew to perform an immediate landing or ditching. As a result, 
EASA required several modifications that restore safe operation of the 
EMLUB system for the full Model EC225LP flight envelope. Modifications, 
include installing a new glycol pump and new air and glycol pressure 
switches, wiring harness modifications, and installing an improved 
EMLUB electronic board. The EASA AD also specifies a new amendment to 
the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) emergency procedures and prohibits 
installing some EMLUB parts.

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 
its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known 
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or

[[Page 13566]]

develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. EC225-05A033, Revision 0, dated July 14, 2013, for 
Model EC225LP helicopters. This ASB specifies replacing the air and 
glycol pressure switches, modifying the helicopter wiring, replacing 
the glycol pump, replacing the MGB lubrication card, modifying the RFM 
emergency procedures in the event of EMLUB activation, and canceling 
the RFM limitations of Emergency ASB (EASB) No. 04A010, Revision 1, 
dated July 14, 2013.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    We reviewed the following Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) 
EASBs, each dated July 14, 2013:
     EASB, Revision 1, with two different numbers: No. 04A010 
for Model EC225LP helicopters and No. 04A009 for military Model EC725AP 
helicopters, which are not FAA type certificated. This EASB specifies 
modifying the RFM emergency procedures in the event of activation of 
the EMLUB system and applies only to those helicopters that have not 
been altered by certain modifications.
     EASB No. 05A032, Revision 2, for both Model EC225LP and 
military Model EC725AP helicopters. This EASB specifies checking that 
the EMLUB electrical system (harness, control, alarm, and indicator 
panel) operates correctly and applies only to those helicopters that 
have not been altered by certain modifications (the same as those for 
EASB No. 04A010 and No. 04A009).

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 500 hours time-in-service:
     Replacing the EMLUB glycol pump.
     Replacing the air and glycol pressure switches with 
switches from the same manufacturer.
     Modifying and re-identifying the helicopter wiring 
harness.
     Replacing the MGB lubrication card.
     Testing the function of the EMLUB system and the 
electrical system.
     Revising the Emergency Procedures section of the RFM.
    The proposed AD would also prohibit installing on any helicopter an 
EMLUB glycol pump part number (P/N) 332A32-5051-00, air pressure-switch 
P/N MA193-00 or P/N MC7014-0-00, glycol pressure-switch P/N MA194-01 or 
P/N MC7015-0-00, or an electronic board P/N 704A46580106 or P/N 
704A46580127.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 4 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs to comply 
with this AD:
    The estimated labor cost is $85 per work hour. We estimate a total 
of 34 work hours to replace the air and glycol pressure switches, 
modify the helicopter wiring, replace the glycol pump, and replace the 
MGB lubrication card. The required parts would cost $121,695 per 
helicopter. Based on these estimates, the total cost would be $124,585 
per helicopter and $498,340 for the U.S. fleet.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 proposed 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

Airbus Helicopters (Formerly Eurocopter France): Docket No. FAA-
2016-9143; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-037-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in 
any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a false emergency 
lubrication system (EMLUB) warning. This condition when associated 
with a loss of the main gearbox (MGB) oil pressure could result in 
an unnecessary emergency landing or ditching.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 15, 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 500 hours time-in-service:
    (i) Replace EMLUB glycol pump part number (P/N) 332A32-5051-00 
with EMLUB glycol pump P/N 332A32-5043-00.
    (ii) Replace EMLUB air pressure switch P/N MA193-00 or MC7014-0-
00 with P/N MC7014-1-00, and replace EMLUB glycol pressure switch P/
N MA194-01 or MC7015-

[[Page 13567]]

0-00 with P/N MC7015-1-00. P/N MC7014-1-00 and P/N MC7015-1-00 must 
be from the same manufacturer.
    (iii) Modify and re-identify the helicopter wiring harness. 
Refer to Figure 3 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-
05A033, Revision 0, dated July 14, 2013 (ASB EC225-05A033).
    (iv) Replace MGB lubrication card P/N 704A46580127 with P/N 
704A46580146, and MGB lubrication card P/N 704A46580106 with P/N 
704A46580146 or -147.
    (v) Accomplish a functional test of the EMLUB system and the 
electrical system.
    (vi) Revise the Emergency Procedures section of the Rotorcraft 
Flight Manual (RFM) by removing any pages from Section 3 of the RFM 
that pertain to the emergency procedures in the event of EMLUB 
activation and by inserting the pages from paragraph 4.C. Appendix 
3, of ASB EC225-05A033 into Section 3 of the RFM.
    (2) Do not install on any helicopter EMLUB glycol pump P/N 
332A32-5051-00, air pressure-switch P/N MA193-00 or P/N MC7014-0-00, 
glycol pressure-switch P/N MA194-01 or P/N MC7015-0-00, or 
electronic board P/N 704A46580106 or P/N 704A46580127.

(f) Special Flight Permit

    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 Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, Texas 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) Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.05A032, Revision 
2, dated July 14, 2013, and Emergency ASB with two numbers (No. 
04A010 and No. 04A009), Revision 1, dated July 14, 2013, which are 
not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about 
the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this 
AD, 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, Texas 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2013-0156, dated July 18, 2013. You may view 
the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2016-9143.

(i) Subject

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

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 1, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-04736 Filed 3-13-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P