82_FR_22046 82 FR 21956 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

82 FR 21956 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

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

Page Range21956-21958
FR Document2017-09378

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspections of the main rotor (M/R) blade attachment pins (attachment pins). This proposed AD is prompted by a report of three cracked attachment pins. The proposed actions are intended to detect and prevent 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)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21956-21958]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-09378]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0419; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-077-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. This 
proposed AD would require inspections of the main rotor (M/R) blade 
attachment pins (attachment pins). This proposed AD is prompted by a 
report of three cracked attachment pins. The proposed actions are 
intended to detect and prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed 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-2017-
0419; 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 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: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 21957]]

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. 2015-0016, dated January 30, 
2015, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Model AS 332 L2 and EC 
225 LP helicopters with certain part-numbered attachment pins 
installed. EASA advises of three cracked attachment pins on a Model AS 
332 L2 helicopter. According to EASA, the cracks resulted from a 
combination of factors including corrosion that had initiated in the 
inner diameter area of the attachment pin chamfer. EASA states that if 
this condition is not detected and corrected, it may lead to failure of 
the attachment pin with loss of control of the helicopter. Due to 
design similarity, Model EC225LP helicopters are also affected by this 
issue.
    For these reasons, EASA AD No. 2015-0016 requires repetitive 
inspections of the attachment pins for corrosion.

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 develop on other products of these same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
AS332-05.00.99, Revision 0, dated December 22, 2014 (AS332-05.00.99), 
for Model AS332L2 helicopters and Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC225-
05A040, Revision 0, dated December 22, 2014 (EC225-05A040), for Model 
EC225LP helicopters. Airbus Helicopters advises of cracks discovered in 
attachment pins that resulted from a combination of factors, but mainly 
corrosion which initiated in the inner diameter at the chamfer. This 
service information specifies repetitively inspecting for corrosion and 
cracks and ensuring there are no corrosion pits in the attachment pins. 
If there is corrosion, this service information allows an attachment 
pin to be reworked up to four times before removing it from service. If 
there is a crack, this service information specifies contacting and 
sending the attachment pin to Airbus Helicopters.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require an initial and recurring inspection 
of each attachment pin for corrosion, a crack, and any pitting. If 
there is a crack or any pitting, this proposed AD would require 
replacing the attachment pin. If there is corrosion, this proposed AD 
would require removing the corrosion up to a maximum of four times. 
This proposed AD would also require performing these inspections prior 
to installing an attachment pin.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD does not require an inspection of the protective 
coating of each attachment pin for Model EC225LP helicopters. This 
proposed AD would require inspecting the protective coating of each 
attachment pin for both model helicopters. The EASA AD requires 
ensuring there are no corrosion pits without a corresponding corrective 
action. This proposed AD would require replacing an attachment pin that 
has any pitting. The EASA AD requires a non-destructive inspection if 
in doubt about whether there is a crack, while this proposed AD would 
not. Lastly, the EASA AD requires contacting and returning to Airbus 
Helicopters any attachment pin with a crack, and this proposed AD would 
not.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 5 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this proposed AD. Labor costs are estimated at 
$85 per work-hour.
    For Model AS332L2 helicopters, there would be no costs of 
compliance with this proposed AD because there are no helicopters with 
this type certificate on the U.S. Registry.
    For Model EC225LP helicopters, which have ten attachment pins 
installed, inspecting the attachment pins would take about 1 work-hour 
for a total cost of $85 per helicopter and $425 for the U.S. fleet. 
Removing corrosion would take about 1 work-hour for a total cost of $85 
per attachment pin. Replacing an attachment pin would take negligible 
additional labor time and required parts would cost about $5,720.

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:

[[Page 21958]]

    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: Docket No. FAA-2017-0419; Directorate Identifier 
2015-SW-077-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following helicopters, certificated in 
any category:
    (1) Model AS332L2 helicopters with a main rotor (M/R) blade 
attachment pin (attachment pin) part number (P/N) 332A31-2123-00 or 
P/N 332A31-2115-20 installed; and
    (2) Model EC225LP helicopters with an attachment pin P/N 332A31-
3204-20 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion or a crack in 
an attachment pin. This condition could result in loss of an M/R 
blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 10, 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) For Model AS332L2 helicopters, within 410 hours time-in-
service (TIS), and for Model EC225LP helicopters within 660 hours 
TIS, remove each attachment pin and inspect the protective coating 
on the inside of the attachment pin for scratches and missing 
protective coating.
    (i) If there is a scratch or any missing protective coating, 
sand the attachment pin to remove the varnish in the area depicted 
as ``Area A'' in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332-05.00.99, Revision 0, dated December 22, 
2014 (AS332-05.00.99), or Airbus Helicopters ASB No. EC225-05A040, 
Revision 0, dated December 22, 2014 (EC225-05A040), as applicable to 
your model helicopter.
    (ii) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect for 
corrosion and pitting at the chamfer. An example of pitting is shown 
in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3., Note 1, of 
AS332-05.00.99, and paragraph 3.B.2., Note 1, of EC225-05A040. If 
there is any corrosion, remove the corrosion. If there is any 
pitting, replace the attachment pin. Do not sand the attachment pin 
to remove a corrosion pit.
    (iii) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect the 
inside and outside of the attachment pin for a crack in the areas 
depicted as ``Area A'' and ``Area B'' in Figure 1 of AS332-05.00.99 
or EC225-05A040, as applicable to your model helicopter. Pay 
particular attention to the chamfer in ``Area A.'' If there is a 
crack, remove the attachment pin from service.
    (2) Thereafter, for Model AS332L2 helicopters, at intervals not 
to exceed 825 hours TIS or 26 months, whichever occurs first; and 
for Model EC225LP helicopters, at intervals not to exceed 1,320 
hours TIS or 26 months, whichever occurs first; perform the actions 
specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. Corrosion may be removed 
from an attachment pin as specified in paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this 
AD a maximum of four times. If there is a fifth occurrence of 
corrosion on an attachment pin, before further flight, remove the 
attachment pin from service.
    (3) Do not install an attachment pin P/N 332A31-2123-00, P/N 
332A31-2115-20, or P/N 332A31-3204-20 on any helicopter unless you 
have complied with the actions in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5116; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0016, dated January 30, 2015. You may view 
the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in the AD 
Docket.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor 
System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 27, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-09378 Filed 5-10-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                 21956                    Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 90 / Thursday, May 11, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                 other than the rule itself may affect                   above). In particular, the Bureau invites             Helicopters (Airbus) Model AS332L2
                                                 observable outcomes.                                    the public, including consumers and                   and EC225LP helicopters. This
                                                    The Bureau has data sources,                         their advocates, housing counselors,                  proposed AD would require inspections
                                                 currently available or in development,                  mortgage loan servicers and other                     of the main rotor (M/R) blade
                                                 with which to undertake these analyses,                 industry representatives, industry                    attachment pins (attachment pins). This
                                                 and the Bureau is also planning to                      analysts, and other interested persons to             proposed AD is prompted by a report of
                                                 secure additional data. These data                      submit the following:                                 three cracked attachment pins. The
                                                 sources include the National Mortgage                      (1) Comments on the feasibility and                proposed actions are intended to detect
                                                 Database (NMDB) and the American                        effectiveness of the assessment plan, the             and prevent an unsafe condition on
                                                 Survey of Mortgage Borrowers                            objectives of the 2013 RESPA Servicing                these products.
                                                 (ASMB),24 data from consumer                            Rule that the Bureau intends to                       DATES: We must receive comments on
                                                 complaints submitted to the Bureau,                     emphasize in the assessment, and the                  this proposed AD by July 10, 2017.
                                                 servicing data from a private vendor,                   outcomes, metrics, baselines, and                     ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
                                                 and applicable information obtained                     analytical methods for assessing the                  any of the following methods:
                                                 from Bureau supervision and                             effectiveness of the rule as described in               • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
                                                 enforcement activities. The Bureau is                   part IV above;                                        http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                 also exploring the availability and                        (2) Data and other factual information             online instructions for sending your
                                                 utility of other sources of administrative              that may be useful for executing the                  comments electronically.
                                                 data for conducting the assessment.                     Bureau’s assessment plan, as described                  • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                                    The Bureau intends to seek input                     in part IV above;                                        • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
                                                 from housing counselors, legal aid                         (3) Recommendations to improve the                 Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                 attorneys, and mortgage servicers as it                 assessment plan, as well as data, other               Operations, M–30, West Building
                                                 analyzes the data described above and                   factual information, and sources of data              Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                                 interprets the findings. The Bureau is                  that would be useful and available to                 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
                                                 also seeking to obtain deidentified loan-               execute any recommended                               DC 20590–0001.
                                                 level data from a small number of                       improvements to the assessment plan;                     • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
                                                 servicers. This would potentially allow                    (4) Data and other factual information             ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                 the Bureau to correlate mandated                        about the benefits and costs of the rule              p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                 servicer activity (e.g., the early                      for consumers, servicers, and others in               Federal holidays.
                                                 intervention requirements of the 2013                   the mortgage industry; and about the
                                                 RESPA Servicing Rule) with consumer                     effects of the rule on transparency,                  Examining the AD Docket
                                                 activity (e.g., additional consumer                     efficiency, access, and innovation in the                You may examine the AD docket on
                                                 payments or additional loss mitigation                  mortgage market;                                      the Internet at http://
                                                 applications occurring shortly after                       (5) Data and other factual information             www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                 early intervention communications). It                  about the rule’s effectiveness in meeting             and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
                                                 would also potentially allow the Bureau                 the purposes and objectives of title X of             0419; or in person at the Docket
                                                 to correlate consumer and servicer                      the Dodd-Frank Act (section 1021),                    Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                 activity with the measures of immediate                 which are listed in part IV above; and                p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                 consumer outcomes discussed earlier                        (6) Recommendations for modifying,                 Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                                 (fees and charges, delinquency                          expanding or eliminating the 2013                     contains this proposed AD, the
                                                 resolution, time to resolution).                        RESPA Servicing Rule.                                 European Aviation Safety Agency
                                                 V. Request for Comment                                    Dated: April 29, 2017.                              (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation,
                                                                                                         Richard Cordray,                                      any comments received, and other
                                                   To inform the assessment, the Bureau                                                                        information. The street address for the
                                                                                                         Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial
                                                 hereby invites members of the public to                                                                       Docket Operations Office (telephone
                                                                                                         Protection.
                                                 submit information and other comments                                                                         800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
                                                                                                         [FR Doc. 2017–09361 Filed 5–10–17; 8:45 am]
                                                 relevant to the issues identified below,                                                                      section. Comments will be available in
                                                                                                         BILLING CODE 4810–AM–P
                                                 as well as any information relevant to                                                                        the AD docket shortly after receipt.
                                                 assessing the effectiveness of the 2013                                                                          For service information identified in
                                                 RESPA Servicing Rule in meeting the                                                                           this proposed rule, contact Airbus
                                                 purposes and objectives of title X of the               DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                                                                               Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,
                                                 Dodd-Frank Act (section 1021) and the                                                                         Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
                                                 specific goals of the Bureau (enumerated                Federal Aviation Administration
                                                                                                                                                               (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax
                                                                                                         14 CFR Part 39                                        (972) 641–3775; or at http://
                                                   24 The NMDB and the ASMB are multi-year
                                                                                                                                                               www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
                                                 projects being jointly undertaken by the Federal        [Docket No. FAA–2017–0419; Directorate
                                                 Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Bureau.                                                                 You may review the referenced service
                                                                                                         Identifier 2015–SW–077–AD]                            information at the FAA, Office of the
                                                 See Fed. Hous. Fin. Agency, National Mortgage
                                                 Database, http://www.fhfa.gov/PolicyPrograms            RIN 2120–AA64                                         Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
                                                 Research/Programs/Pages/National-Mortgage-                                                                    10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,
                                                 Database.aspx (last visited Mar. 22, 2017); Fed.
                                                                                                         Airworthiness Directives; Airbus                      Fort Worth, TX 76177.
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 Hous. Fin. Agency, American Survey of Mortgage
                                                 Borrowers, http://www.fhfa.gov/PolicyPrograms           Helicopters                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                 Research/Programs/Pages/American-Survey-of-                                                                   David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
                                                 Mortgage-Borrowers.aspx (last visited Mar. 22,          AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                 2017); Bureau of Consumer Fin. Prot., Technical         Administration (FAA), DOT.                            Engineer, Safety Management Group,
                                                 Reports: National Survey of Mortgage Originations                                                             Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101
                                                                                                         ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                 and National Mortgage Database, http://                                                                       Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177;
                                                 www.consumerfinance.gov/data-research/research-         (NPRM).
                                                                                                                                                               telephone (817) 222–5116; email
                                                 reports/technical-reports-national-survey-of-
                                                 mortgage-borrowers-and-national-mortgage-               SUMMARY:  We propose to adopt a new                   david.hatfield@faa.gov.
                                                 database/(last visited Mar. 22, 2017).                  airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:



                                            VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:38 May 10, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00005   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\11MYP1.SGM   11MYP1


                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 90 / Thursday, May 11, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                            21957

                                                 Comments Invited                                        AD. We are proposing this AD because                  this proposed AD would not. Lastly, the
                                                    We invite you to participate in this                 we evaluated all known relevant                       EASA AD requires contacting and
                                                 rulemaking by submitting written                        information and determined that an                    returning to Airbus Helicopters any
                                                 comments, data, or views. We also                       unsafe condition is likely to exist or                attachment pin with a crack, and this
                                                 invite comments relating to the                         develop on other products of these same               proposed AD would not.
                                                                                                         type designs.
                                                 economic, environmental, energy, or                                                                           Costs of Compliance
                                                 federalism impacts that might result                    Related Service Information Under 1                      We estimate that this proposed AD
                                                 from adopting the proposals in this                     CFR Part 51                                           would affect 5 helicopters of U.S.
                                                 document. The most helpful comments                       We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert                Registry. We estimate that operators
                                                 reference a specific portion of the                     Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332–                     may incur the following costs in order
                                                 proposal, explain the reason for any                    05.00.99, Revision 0, dated December                  to comply with this proposed AD. Labor
                                                 recommended change, and include                         22, 2014 (AS332–05.00.99), for Model                  costs are estimated at $85 per work-
                                                 supporting data. To ensure the docket                   AS332L2 helicopters and Airbus                        hour.
                                                 does not contain duplicate comments,                    Helicopters ASB No. EC225–05A040,                        For Model AS332L2 helicopters, there
                                                 commenters should send only one copy                    Revision 0, dated December 22, 2014                   would be no costs of compliance with
                                                 of written comments, or if comments are                 (EC225–05A040), for Model EC225LP                     this proposed AD because there are no
                                                 filed electronically, commenters should                 helicopters. Airbus Helicopters advises               helicopters with this type certificate on
                                                 submit only one time.                                   of cracks discovered in attachment pins               the U.S. Registry.
                                                    We will file in the docket all                       that resulted from a combination of                      For Model EC225LP helicopters,
                                                 comments that we receive, as well as a                  factors, but mainly corrosion which                   which have ten attachment pins
                                                 report summarizing each substantive                     initiated in the inner diameter at the                installed, inspecting the attachment
                                                 public contact with FAA personnel                       chamfer. This service information                     pins would take about 1 work-hour for
                                                 concerning this proposed rulemaking.                    specifies repetitively inspecting for                 a total cost of $85 per helicopter and
                                                 Before acting on this proposal, we will                 corrosion and cracks and ensuring there               $425 for the U.S. fleet. Removing
                                                 consider all comments we receive on or                  are no corrosion pits in the attachment               corrosion would take about 1 work-hour
                                                 before the closing date for comments.                   pins. If there is corrosion, this service             for a total cost of $85 per attachment
                                                 We will consider comments filed after                   information allows an attachment pin to               pin. Replacing an attachment pin would
                                                 the comment period has closed if it is                  be reworked up to four times before                   take negligible additional labor time and
                                                 possible to do so without incurring                     removing it from service. If there is a               required parts would cost about $5,720.
                                                 expense or delay. We may change this                    crack, this service information specifies
                                                 proposal in light of the comments we                                                                          Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                                                                         contacting and sending the attachment
                                                 receive.                                                pin to Airbus Helicopters.                               Title 49 of the United States Code
                                                 Discussion                                                This service information is reasonably              specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                                                                                         available because the interested parties              rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                    EASA, which is the Technical Agent                   have access to it through their normal                section 106, describes the authority of
                                                 for the Member States of the European                   course of business or by the means                    the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
                                                 Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015–                     identified in the ADDRESSES section.                  Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
                                                 0016, dated January 30, 2015, to correct                                                                      detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                                 an unsafe condition for Airbus Model                    Proposed AD Requirements                              authority.
                                                 AS 332 L2 and EC 225 LP helicopters                        This proposed AD would require an                     We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                                 with certain part-numbered attachment                   initial and recurring inspection of each              the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
                                                 pins installed. EASA advises of three                   attachment pin for corrosion, a crack,                Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                                 cracked attachment pins on a Model AS                   and any pitting. If there is a crack or any           General requirements.’’ Under that
                                                 332 L2 helicopter. According to EASA,                   pitting, this proposed AD would require               section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                 the cracks resulted from a combination                  replacing the attachment pin. If there is             promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                                 of factors including corrosion that had                 corrosion, this proposed AD would                     air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                                 initiated in the inner diameter area of                 require removing the corrosion up to a                for practices, methods, and procedures
                                                 the attachment pin chamfer. EASA                        maximum of four times. This proposed                  the Administrator finds necessary for
                                                 states that if this condition is not                    AD would also require performing these                safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                                 detected and corrected, it may lead to                  inspections prior to installing an                    is within the scope of that authority
                                                 failure of the attachment pin with loss                 attachment pin.                                       because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                                 of control of the helicopter. Due to                                                                          that is likely to exist or develop on
                                                 design similarity, Model EC225LP                        Differences Between This Proposed AD
                                                                                                         and the EASA AD                                       products identified in this rulemaking
                                                 helicopters are also affected by this                                                                         action.
                                                 issue.                                                    The EASA AD does not require an
                                                    For these reasons, EASA AD No.                       inspection of the protective coating of               Regulatory Findings
                                                 2015–0016 requires repetitive                           each attachment pin for Model EC225LP                   We determined that this proposed AD
                                                 inspections of the attachment pins for                  helicopters. This proposed AD would                   would not have federalism implications
                                                 corrosion.                                              require inspecting the protective coating             under Executive Order 13132. This
                                                                                                         of each attachment pin for both model
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                                                                               proposed AD would not have a
                                                 FAA’s Determination                                     helicopters. The EASA AD requires                     substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                                   These helicopters have been approved                  ensuring there are no corrosion pits                  the relationship between the national
                                                 by the aviation authority of France and                 without a corresponding corrective                    Government and the States, or on the
                                                 are approved for operation in the United                action. This proposed AD would require                distribution of power and
                                                 States. Pursuant to our bilateral                       replacing an attachment pin that has                  responsibilities among the various
                                                 agreement with France, EASA, its                        any pitting. The EASA AD requires a                   levels of government.
                                                 technical representative, has notified us               non-destructive inspection if in doubt                  For the reasons discussed, I certify
                                                 of the unsafe condition described in its                about whether there is a crack, while                 this proposed regulation:


                                            VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:38 May 10, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00006   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\11MYP1.SGM   11MYP1


                                                 21958                    Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 90 / Thursday, May 11, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                   1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                  (e) Required Actions                                  (g) Additional Information
                                                 action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                      (1) For Model AS332L2 helicopters, within             The subject of this AD is addressed in
                                                   2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the            410 hours time-in-service (TIS), and for              European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
                                                 DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                  Model EC225LP helicopters within 660 hours            No. 2015–0016, dated January 30, 2015. You
                                                 (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                       TIS, remove each attachment pin and inspect           may view the EASA AD on the Internet at
                                                   3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in             the protective coating on the inside of the           http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
                                                                                                         attachment pin for scratches and missing
                                                 Alaska to the extent that it justifies                  protective coating.                                   (h) Subject
                                                 making a regulatory distinction; and                       (i) If there is a scratch or any missing             Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
                                                   4. Will not have a significant                        protective coating, sand the attachment pin           Code: 6200, Main Rotor System.
                                                 economic impact, positive or negative,                  to remove the varnish in the area depicted as
                                                                                                                                                                 Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 27,
                                                 on a substantial number of small entities               ‘‘Area A’’ in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters
                                                                                                                                                               2017.
                                                 under the criteria of the Regulatory                    Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332–
                                                                                                         05.00.99, Revision 0, dated December 22,              Scott A. Horn,
                                                 Flexibility Act.
                                                                                                         2014 (AS332–05.00.99), or Airbus                      Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
                                                   We prepared an economic evaluation
                                                                                                         Helicopters ASB No. EC225–05A040,                     Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                 of the estimated costs to comply with                   Revision 0, dated December 22, 2014
                                                 this proposed AD and placed it in the                                                                         [FR Doc. 2017–09378 Filed 5–10–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                         (EC225–05A040), as applicable to your model
                                                 AD docket.                                              helicopter.                                           BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

                                                                                                            (ii) Using a 10X or higher power
                                                 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                      magnifying glass, inspect for corrosion and
                                                   Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                pitting at the chamfer. An example of pitting         DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
                                                 safety, Incorporation by reference,                     is shown in the Accomplishment                        SECURITY
                                                 Safety.                                                 Instructions, paragraph 3.B.3., Note 1, of
                                                                                                         AS332–05.00.99, and paragraph 3.B.2., Note            Coast Guard
                                                 The Proposed Amendment                                  1, of EC225–05A040. If there is any
                                                                                                         corrosion, remove the corrosion. If there is
                                                   Accordingly, under the authority                      any pitting, replace the attachment pin. Do           33 CFR Part 165
                                                 delegated to me by the Administrator,                   not sand the attachment pin to remove a
                                                                                                                                                               [Docket Number USCG–2017–0331]
                                                 the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part                   corrosion pit.
                                                 39 as follows:                                             (iii) Using a 10X or higher power                  RIN 1625–AA00
                                                                                                         magnifying glass, inspect the inside and
                                                 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   outside of the attachment pin for a crack in          Safety Zone; Thunder on the Outer
                                                 DIRECTIVES                                              the areas depicted as ‘‘Area A’’ and ‘‘Area B’’
                                                                                                                                                               Harbor; Buffalo Outer Harbor, Buffalo,
                                                                                                         in Figure 1 of AS332–05.00.99 or EC225–
                                                                                                         05A040, as applicable to your model                   NY
                                                 ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                                                                         helicopter. Pay particular attention to the           AGENCY:   Coast Guard, DHS.
                                                 continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                         chamfer in ‘‘Area A.’’ If there is a crack,
                                                     Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          remove the attachment pin from service.               ACTION:   Notice of proposed rulemaking.
                                                                                                            (2) Thereafter, for Model AS332L2
                                                 § 39.13   [Amended]                                     helicopters, at intervals not to exceed 825           SUMMARY:   The Coast Guard proposes to
                                                 ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   hours TIS or 26 months, whichever occurs              establish a temporary safety zone for
                                                 the following new airworthiness                         first; and for Model EC225LP helicopters, at          certain waters of the Buffalo Outer
                                                 directive (AD):                                         intervals not to exceed 1,320 hours TIS or 26         Harbor during the Thunder on the Outer
                                                                                                         months, whichever occurs first; perform the           Harbor boat races. This proposed
                                                 Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2017–                actions specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this
                                                   0419; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–077–
                                                                                                                                                               rulemaking would prohibit persons and
                                                                                                         AD. Corrosion may be removed from an
                                                   AD.                                                   attachment pin as specified in paragraph              vessels from being in the safety zone
                                                                                                         (e)(1)(ii) of this AD a maximum of four times.        unless authorized by the Captain of the
                                                 (a) Applicability                                                                                             Port Buffalo or a designated
                                                                                                         If there is a fifth occurrence of corrosion on
                                                    This AD applies to the following                     an attachment pin, before further flight,             representative. We invite your
                                                 helicopters, certificated in any category:              remove the attachment pin from service.               comments on this proposed rulemaking.
                                                    (1) Model AS332L2 helicopters with a                    (3) Do not install an attachment pin P/N
                                                                                                                                                               DATES: Comments and related material
                                                 main rotor (M/R) blade attachment pin                   332A31–2123–00, P/N 332A31–2115–20, or
                                                 (attachment pin) part number (P/N) 332A31–              P/N 332A31–3204–20 on any helicopter                  must be received by the Coast Guard on
                                                 2123–00 or P/N 332A31–2115–20 installed;                unless you have complied with the actions in          or before June 16, 2017.
                                                 and                                                     paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.                          ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
                                                    (2) Model EC225LP helicopters with an                                                                      identified by docket number USCG–
                                                                                                         (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                 attachment pin P/N 332A31–3204–20                                                                             2017–0331 using the Federal
                                                                                                         (AMOCs)
                                                 installed.                                                                                                    eRulemaking Portal at http://
                                                                                                            (1) The Manager, Safety Management
                                                 (b) Unsafe Condition                                    Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this                www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public
                                                   This AD defines the unsafe condition as               AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield,            Participation and Request for
                                                 corrosion or a crack in an attachment pin.              Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management           Comments’’ portion of the
                                                 This condition could result in loss of an M/            Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
                                                 R blade and subsequent loss of control of the           Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;                 further instructions on submitting
                                                 helicopter.                                             telephone (817) 222–5116; email 9-ASW-                comments.
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                         FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
                                                 (c) Comments Due Date                                      (2) For operations conducted under a 14            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:   If
                                                    We must receive comments by July 10,                 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under           you have questions about this proposed
                                                 2017.                                                   14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that            rulemaking, call or email LT Michael
                                                                                                         you notify your principal inspector, or               Collet, Chief of Waterways Management,
                                                 (d) Compliance                                          lacking a principal inspector, the manager of         U.S. Coast Guard Sector Buffalo;
                                                   You are responsible for performing each               the local flight standards district office or
                                                 action required by this AD within the                   certificate holding district office before
                                                                                                                                                               telephone 716–843–9343, email
                                                 specified compliance time unless it has                 operating any aircraft complying with this            SectorBuffaloMarineSafety@uscg.mil.
                                                 already been accomplished prior to that time.           AD through an AMOC.                                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:



                                            VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:38 May 10, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00007   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\11MYP1.SGM   11MYP1



Document Created: 2017-05-11 00:14:52
Document Modified: 2017-05-11 00:14:52
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 10, 2017.
ContactDavid Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; email [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 21956 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR