82 FR 21913 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 90 (May 11, 2017)

Page Range		21913-21916
FR Document		2017-09376
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires repetitively checking screws in the emergency flotation gear. This AD is prompted by a report that a screw ruptured on a Model AS332 helicopter's emergency flotation gear. These actions are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.
Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 90 (Thursday, May 11, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 90 (Thursday, May 11, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21913-21916]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-09376]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
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The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 90 / Thursday, May 11, 2017 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 21913]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6651; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-015-AD; 
Amendment 39-18867; AD 2017-09-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and 
EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires repetitively checking screws in 
the emergency flotation gear. This AD is prompted by a report that a 
screw ruptured on a Model AS332 helicopter's emergency flotation gear. 
These actions are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 26, 2017.
    We must receive comments on this AD by July 10, 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-
6651; 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 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management 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

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD No. 2015-0239-E, dated 
December 18, 2015, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, AS 332 L2, 
and EC 225 LP helicopters with emergency flotation gear. EASA advises 
that a screw ruptured on the rear upper fitting on the left-hand (LH) 
emergency flotation gear of an AS332 helicopter. EASA states that this 
condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in the failure 
of an emergency flotation system when ditching and unstable floating of 
the helicopter, possibly resulting in injury to the occupants. EASA 
consequently requires repetitive inspections of the lower attachment 
screws of rear upper fitting on the rear LH and right-hand (RH) 
emergency flotation gears. According to EASA, the root cause of the 
failure has not yet been identified.

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.

Related Service Information

    We have reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service 
Bulletin (EASB) No. 05.01.06, Revision 0, dated December 18, 2015, for 
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters and for 
military Model AS332B, AS332B1, AS332F1, AS332M, and AS332M1 
helicopters, and EASB No. 05A047, Revision 0, dated December 18, 2015, 
for Model EC225LP helicopters. This service information specifies 
repetitively

[[Page 21914]]

inspecting the lower screws of the rear upper fitting on the rear LH 
and RH emergency floating gears for the presence of the heads and 
stressing the screw heads using a tool to make sure that the screw head 
does not move. If all screw heads are present, the service information 
requires no further action. If at least one screw head is missing or 
moves, the service information specifies replacing the two lower screws 
and the upper screw and informing Airbus Helicopters.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) and 
thereafter before each flight over water, visually checking the rear 
upper fittings of the LH and RH emergency flotation gears for the 
presence of screw heads and looseness. An owner/operator (pilot) may 
perform the required visual check and must enter compliance with the 
applicable paragraph of the AD into the helicopter maintenance records 
in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). A 
pilot may perform this check because it involves visually checking the 
rear upper fittings of the LH and RH emergency flotation gears for the 
presence of screw heads and twisting the screws by hand, which can be 
performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This check is an 
exception to our standard maintenance regulations. If any screw heads 
are missing, loose, or twist off with hand pressure, this AD requires 
replacing all screws in the fitting before the next flight over water.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD allows using tools for the inspection, while this AD 
requires checking by hand. The EASA AD requires that repetitive 
inspections occur at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, while this 
AD requires the repetitive checks before each flight over water. The 
EASA AD requires contacting Airbus Helicopters if a screw is missing or 
loose, while this AD does not.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. The design approval holder is 
currently investigating the root cause for this unsafe condition and 
may develop a modification that will address this unsafe condition. If 
this modification is developed, approved and available, we might 
consider additional rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 24 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Checking the screws requires about 1/10 of a work-hour and 
no parts are needed, for a cost of $9 per helicopter and $216 for the 
U.S. fleet.
     Replacing the screws requires 8 work-hours for a labor 
cost of $680. Parts cost $150 for a total cost of $830 per helicopter.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting 
these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions 
needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that 
the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment 
prior to the adoption of this rule because the required corrective 
actions must be accomplished within 15 hours TIS.
    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2017-09-05 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-18867; Docket No. FAA-
2016-6651; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-015-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters with emergency 
flotation gear installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a rear upper 
screw fitting on the emergency flotation gear. This condition, if 
not detected and corrected, could result in failure of the emergency 
flotation system and subsequent capsizing of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 26, 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

    Within 15 hours time-in-service, and before each flight over 
water thereafter:

[[Page 21915]]

    (1) Visually check each emergency flotation gear left hand and 
right hand rear upper fitting to determine whether the heads of the 
lower screws are present. Figure 1 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD 
depicts where the lower three screws (noted as B and E) are located. 
Check each screw for looseness by determining whether it can be 
rotated by hand. The actions required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD 
may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a 
private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft 
records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with Title 14 
Code of Federal Regulations (14CFR) Sec. Sec.  43.9(a)(1)-(4) and 14 
CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 
CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11MY17.000

BILLING CODE 4910-13-C

[[Page 21916]]

    (2) If a screw head is missing or if a screw is loose, before 
further flight over water, replace all screws in the fitting. 
Replacing the screws is not a terminating action for the repetitive 
checks required by this AD.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited for flight over water.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Safety Management 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.

(h) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
05.01.06, and Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 
No. 05A047, both Revision 0, and both dated December 18, 2015, 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 a copy of the 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) Emergency AD No. 2015-0239-E, dated December 
18, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2016-6651.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212, Emergency 
Flotation Section.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 24, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-09376 Filed 5-10-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
21913

Rules and Regulations Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 90

Thursday, May 11, 2017

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER Examining the AD Docket receive, as well as a report summarizing
contains regulatory documents having general
You may examine the AD docket on each substantive public contact with
applicability and legal effect, most of which FAA personnel concerning this
are keyed to and codified in the Code of the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov by searching for rulemaking during the comment period.
Federal Regulations, which is published under We will consider all the comments we
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
6651; or in person at the Docket receive and may conduct additional
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 rulemaking based on those comments.
the Superintendent of Documents. p.m., Monday through Friday, except Discussion
Federal holidays. The AD docket
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
contains this AD, the European Aviation
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION for the Member States of the European
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the
Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD
Federal Aviation Administration economic evaluation, any comments
No. 2015–0239–E, dated December 18,
received, and other information. The
2015, to correct an unsafe condition for
14 CFR Part 39 street address for the Docket Operations
Airbus Helicopters Model AS 332 C, AS
Office (telephone 800- 647–5527) is in
[Docket No. FAA–2016–6651; Directorate 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, AS 332
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
Identifier 2016–SW–015–AD; Amendment L2, and EC 225 LP helicopters with
be available in the AD docket shortly
39–18867; AD 2017–09–05] emergency flotation gear. EASA advises
after receipt.
For service information identified in that a screw ruptured on the rear upper
RIN 2120–AA64 fitting on the left-hand (LH) emergency
this final rule, contact Airbus
Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, flotation gear of an AS332 helicopter.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone EASA states that this condition, if not
Helicopters
(972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax detected and corrected, could result in
AGENCY: Federal Aviation (972) 641–3775; or at http:// the failure of an emergency flotation
Administration (FAA), Department of www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. system when ditching and unstable
Transportation (DOT). You may review the referenced service floating of the helicopter, possibly
ACTION: Final rule; request for information at the FAA, Office of the resulting in injury to the occupants.
comments. Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, EASA consequently requires repetitive
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, inspections of the lower attachment
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new Fort Worth, TX 76177. screws of rear upper fitting on the rear
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus LH and right-hand (RH) emergency
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, flotation gears. According to EASA, the
Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, root cause of the failure has not yet been
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and
Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft identified.
EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires
Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
repetitively checking screws in the FAA’s Determination
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone
emergency flotation gear. This AD is (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@
prompted by a report that a screw These helicopters have been approved
faa.gov. by the aviation authority of France and
ruptured on a Model AS332 helicopter’s
emergency flotation gear. These actions SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: are approved for operation in the United
are intended to correct an unsafe States. Pursuant to our bilateral
Comments Invited agreement with France, EASA, its
condition on these products.
This AD is a final rule that involves technical representative, has notified us
DATES: This AD becomes effective May requirements affecting flight safety, and of the unsafe condition described in the
26, 2017. we did not provide you with notice and EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
We must receive comments on this an opportunity to provide your because we evaluated all information
AD by July 10, 2017. comments prior to it becoming effective. provided by EASA and determined the
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by However, we invite you to participate in unsafe condition exists and is likely to
any of the following methods: this rulemaking by submitting written exist or develop on other helicopters of
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to comments, data, or views. We also these same type designs.
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the invite comments relating to the
online instructions for sending your economic, environmental, energy, or Related Service Information
comments electronically. federalism impacts that resulted from We have reviewed Airbus Helicopters
• Fax: 202–493–2251. adopting this AD. The most helpful Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. comments reference a specific portion of (EASB) No. 05.01.06, Revision 0, dated
Department of Transportation, Docket the AD, explain the reason for any December 18, 2015, for Model AS332C,
Operations, M–30, West Building recommended change, and include AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES

Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 supporting data. To ensure the docket AS332L2 helicopters and for military
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, does not contain duplicate comments, Model AS332B, AS332B1, AS332F1,
DC 20590–0001. commenters should send only one copy AS332M, and AS332M1 helicopters,
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the of written comments, or if comments are and EASB No. 05A047, Revision 0,
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 filed electronically, commenters should dated December 18, 2015, for Model
p.m., Monday through Friday, except submit them only one time. We will file EC225LP helicopters. This service
Federal holidays. in the docket all comments that we information specifies repetitively

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21914 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 90 / Thursday, May 11, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

inspecting the lower screws of the rear labor costs average $85 per work-hour. For the reasons discussed, I certify
upper fitting on the rear LH and RH Based on these estimates, we expect the that this AD:
emergency floating gears for the following costs: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
presence of the heads and stressing the • Checking the screws requires about action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
screw heads using a tool to make sure 1/10 of a work-hour and no parts are 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
that the screw head does not move. If all needed, for a cost of $9 per helicopter DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
screw heads are present, the service and $216 for the U.S. fleet. (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
information requires no further action. If • Replacing the screws requires 8 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
at least one screw head is missing or work-hours for a labor cost of $680. Alaska to the extent that it justifies
moves, the service information specifies Parts cost $150 for a total cost of $830 making a regulatory distinction; and
replacing the two lower screws and the per helicopter. 4. Will not have a significant
upper screw and informing Airbus economic impact, positive or negative,
FAA’s Justification and Determination on a substantial number of small entities
Helicopters. of the Effective Date under the criteria of the Regulatory
AD Requirements Providing an opportunity for public Flexibility Act.
This AD requires, within 15 hours comments prior to adopting these AD We prepared an economic evaluation
time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter requirements would delay of the estimated costs to comply with
before each flight over water, visually implementing the safety actions needed this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
checking the rear upper fittings of the to correct this known unsafe condition. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
LH and RH emergency flotation gears for Therefore, we find that the risk to the
the presence of screw heads and flying public justifies waiving notice Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
looseness. An owner/operator (pilot) and comment prior to the adoption of safety, Incorporation by reference,
may perform the required visual check this rule because the required corrective Safety.
and must enter compliance with the actions must be accomplished within 15 Adoption of the Amendment
applicable paragraph of the AD into the hours TIS.
Since an unsafe condition exists that Accordingly, under the authority
helicopter maintenance records in delegated to me by the Administrator,
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) requires the immediate adoption of this
AD, we determined that notice and the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
through (4) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot follows:
may perform this check because it opportunity for public comment before
involves visually checking the rear issuing this AD are impracticable and PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
upper fittings of the LH and RH that good cause exists for making this DIRECTIVES
emergency flotation gears for the amendment effective in less than 30
presence of screw heads and twisting days. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
the screws by hand, which can be Authority for This Rulemaking continues to read as follows:
performed equally well by a pilot or a Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
mechanic. This check is an exception to Title 49 of the United States Code
our standard maintenance regulations. If specifies the FAA’s authority to issue § 39.13 [Amended]
any screw heads are missing, loose, or rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
twist off with hand pressure, this AD section 106, describes the authority of the following new airworthiness
requires replacing all screws in the the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: directive (AD):
fitting before the next flight over water. Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s 2017–09–05 Airbus Helicopters:
Differences Between This AD and the authority. Amendment 39–18867; Docket No.
EASA AD FAA–2016–6651; Directorate Identifier
We are issuing this rulemaking under 2016–SW–015–AD.
The EASA AD allows using tools for the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: (a) Applicability
the inspection, while this AD requires
checking by hand. The EASA AD General requirements.’’ Under that This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
requires that repetitive inspections section, Congress charges the FAA with Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L,
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP
occur at intervals not to exceed 15 hours helicopters with emergency flotation gear
TIS, while this AD requires the air commerce by prescribing regulations
installed, certificated in any category.
repetitive checks before each flight over for practices, methods, and procedures
water. The EASA AD requires the Administrator finds necessary for (b) Unsafe Condition
contacting Airbus Helicopters if a screw safety in air commerce. This regulation This AD defines the unsafe condition as
is missing or loose, while this AD does is within the scope of that authority failure of a rear upper screw fitting on the
not. because it addresses an unsafe condition emergency flotation gear. This condition, if
that is likely to exist or develop on not detected and corrected, could result in
Interim Action products identified in this rulemaking failure of the emergency flotation system and
subsequent capsizing of the helicopter.
We consider this AD interim action. action.
The design approval holder is currently (c) Effective Date
Regulatory Findings
investigating the root cause for this This AD becomes effective May 26, 2017.
unsafe condition and may develop a We determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under (d) Compliance
modification that will address this
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES

unsafe condition. If this modification is Executive Order 13132. This AD will You are responsible for performing each
not have a substantial direct effect on action required by this AD within the
developed, approved and available, we specified compliance time unless it has
might consider additional rulemaking. the States, on the relationship between
already been accomplished prior to that time.
the national Government and the States,
Costs of Compliance or on the distribution of power and (e) Required Actions
We estimate that this AD affects 24 responsibilities among the various Within 15 hours time-in-service, and
helicopters of U.S. Registry and that levels of government. before each flight over water thereafter:

VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:36 May 10, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\11MYR1.SGM 11MYR1
Document Created: 2017-05-11 00:14:45
Document Modified: 2017-05-11 00:14:45
Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule; request for comments.
Dates		This AD becomes effective May 26, 2017.
Contact		Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation		82 FR 21913
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
82 FR 21913 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 90 (May 11, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
