82 FR 31899 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 131 (July 11, 2017)

Page Range		31899-31901
FR Document		2017-14372
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. This AD requires replacing certain hydraulic pumps and is prompted by reports of broken screws that attach the cover of the hydraulic pump. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.
Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 131 (Tuesday, July 11, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 11, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31899-31901]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14372]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0060; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-090-AD; 
Amendment 39-18949; AD 2017-14-05]
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 SA330J helicopters. This AD requires replacing 
certain hydraulic pumps and is prompted by reports of broken screws 
that attach the cover of the hydraulic pump. The actions of this AD are 
intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 26, 2017.
    We must receive comments on this AD by September 11, 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-
0060; 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 
https://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub/FO/scripts/myFO_login.php. 
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. 2016-264-E, dated 
December 22, 2016, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. EASA advises of reports of broken 
screws that attach the cover of the hydraulic pump. A subsequent 
investigation identified a batch of screws delivered between July 1, 
2015, and November 1, 2016, that have intrinsic embrittlement and 
reduced mechanical properties. Hydrogen was introduced into this batch 
of screws during production, causing the screws to become brittle and 
lack sufficient strength. These screws were installed in a batch of 
hydraulic pumps, part number (P/N) FR65WEO2005-175A, identified by 
certain serial numbers, EASA advises.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the 
failure of a cover bolt and loss of fluid from the hydraulic pump, 
resulting in loss of the hydraulic system and subsequent loss of 
helicopter control. As a result, EASA AD No. 2016-264-E requires 
replacing the hydraulic pumps.

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 reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
SA330-29.12, Revision 0, dated December 22, 2016 (Airbus EASB), for 
Model SA330J helicopters and military model SA330L, SA330Jm, SA330S1, 
and SA330Sm helicopters. The Airbus EASB specifies removing Nexter 
Mechanics hydraulic pumps P/N FR65WEO2005-175A with certain serial 
numbers. If both the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) hydraulic pumps 
have an affected P/N and serial number, the Airbus EASB specifies 
replacing the RH hydraulic pump before further flight and the LH 
hydraulic pump within 110 flying hours or 6 months. If only one 
hydraulic pump has an affected P/N and serial number, the Airbus EASB 
specifies replacing it within 110 flying hours or 6 months. The Airbus 
EASB also specifies that, for 6 months after receipt of the Airbus 
EASB, before installing an affected hydraulic pump it must be 
``returned to conformity'' by complying with Nexter Mechanics Alert

[[Page 31900]]

Service Bulletin No. NM/INGE/16-140, Revision 0, dated December 22, 
2016 (Nexter ASB). After 6 months or 110 flying hours, whichever occurs 
first, the Airbus EASB states the affected hydraulic pumps are unfit 
for flight.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), removing 
the RH hydraulic pump if both hydraulic pumps are listed in the 
applicability section of this AD. This AD also prohibits installing an 
affected hydraulic pump on any helicopter.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires replacing the LH hydraulic pump with a 
serviceable part within 110 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever comes 
first, if both the LH and RH hydraulic pumps are affected parts. The 
EASA AD also requires, if only one hydraulic pump is an affected part, 
replacing it with a serviceable part within 110 hours TIS or 6 months, 
whichever comes first. This AD makes no such requirements. We are 
considering requiring those actions. However, the planned compliance 
time for those actions would allow enough time to provide notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment. The EASA AD allows a hydraulic 
pump to be installed if it has been repaired in accordance with the 
Nexter ASB, while this AD does not.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 24 helicopters and that labor 
costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect 
that replacing a hydraulic pump requires 2 work-hours and parts cost 
$2,500 for a total cost of $2,670 per helicopter and $64,080 for the 
U.S. fleet.

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, a very short time 
period based on the typical utilization rate of these helicopters in 
off-shore oil operations.
    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for 
prior public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and 
contrary to the public interest and that good cause exists to make this 
AD 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.

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):

2017-14-05 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-18949; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0060; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-090-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with a left-hand and a right-hand 
hydraulic pump part number FR65WEO2005-175A with a serial number 
4108, 4141, 4177, 4227, 4241, 4284, 4377, 4422, 4570, 4573, 4574, 
4641, 4649, 4668, 4766, 4802, 4821, 4831, 4837, 4888, 4896, 4946, 
4985, 5023, 5071, 5304, 5366, 5376, 5409, 5442, 5486, 5599, 5630, 
94075/01, or 94048/01 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a screw 
attaching the hydraulic pump cover. This condition could result in 
failure of a cover bolt and loss of fluid from the hydraulic pump, 
resulting in loss of the hydraulic system and subsequent loss of 
helicopter control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 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

    (1) Within 15 hours time-in-service, replace the right-hand 
hydraulic pump with an airworthy hydraulic pump that is not listed 
in paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
helicopter a hydraulic pump that is listed in paragraph (a) of this 
AD.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

[[Page 31901]]

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 (EASB) 
No. SA330-29.12, Revision 0, dated December 22, 2016, and Nexter 
Mechanics Alert Service Bulletin No. NM/INGE/16-140, Revision 0, 
dated December 22, 2016, 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) AD No. 2016-264-E, dated December 22, 2016. You 
may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2017-0060.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2913, Hydraulic 
Pump (Electric/Engine) Main.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 30, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-14372 Filed 7-10-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 131 / Tuesday, July 11, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 31899

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June Federal holidays. The AD docket 2016, to correct an unsafe condition for
29, 2017. contains this AD, the European Aviation Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J
Pat Mullen, Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the helicopters. EASA advises of reports of
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, economic evaluation, any comments broken screws that attach the cover of
Aircraft Certification Service. received, and other information. The the hydraulic pump. A subsequent
[FR Doc. 2017–14375 Filed 7–10–17; 8:45 am] street address for the Docket Operations investigation identified a batch of
BILLING CODE 4910–13–C Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in screws delivered between July 1, 2015,
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will and November 1, 2016, that have
be available in the AD docket shortly intrinsic embrittlement and reduced
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION after receipt. mechanical properties. Hydrogen was
For service information identified in introduced into this batch of screws
Federal Aviation Administration this final rule, contact Airbus during production, causing the screws
Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, to become brittle and lack sufficient
14 CFR Part 39 Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone strength. These screws were installed in
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0060; Directorate (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax a batch of hydraulic pumps, part
Identifier 2016–SW–090–AD; Amendment (972) 641–3775; or at https:// number (P/N) FR65WEO2005–175A,
39–18949; AD 2017–14–05] www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub/ identified by certain serial numbers,
FO/scripts/myFO_login.php. You may EASA advises.
RIN 2120–AA64 This condition, if not detected and
review the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the corrected, could lead to the failure of a
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, cover bolt and loss of fluid from the
Helicopters
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, hydraulic pump, resulting in loss of the
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Fort Worth, TX 76177. hydraulic system and subsequent loss of
Administration (FAA), Department of FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
helicopter control. As a result, EASA
Transportation (DOT). Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, AD No. 2016–264–E requires replacing
ACTION: Final rule; request for Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft the hydraulic pumps.
comments. Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood FAA’s Determination
Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone These helicopters have been approved
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus by the aviation authority of France and
faa.gov. are approved for operation in the United
Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters.
This AD requires replacing certain SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: States. Pursuant to our bilateral
hydraulic pumps and is prompted by agreement with France, EASA, its
Comments Invited technical representative, has notified us
reports of broken screws that attach the
cover of the hydraulic pump. The This AD is a final rule that involves of the unsafe condition described in the
actions of this AD are intended to requirements affecting flight safety, and EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
prevent an unsafe condition on these we did not provide you with notice and because we evaluated all information
products. an opportunity to provide your provided by EASA and determined the
comments prior to it becoming effective. unsafe condition exists and is likely to
DATES: This AD becomes effective July However, we invite you to participate in exist or develop on other helicopters of
26, 2017. this rulemaking by submitting written these same type designs.
We must receive comments on this comments, data, or views. We also
AD by September 11, 2017. Related Service Information
invite comments relating to the
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by economic, environmental, energy, or We reviewed Airbus Helicopters
any of the following methods: federalism impacts that resulted from Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to adopting this AD. The most helpful SA330–29.12, Revision 0, dated
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the comments reference a specific portion of December 22, 2016 (Airbus EASB), for
online instructions for sending your the AD, explain the reason for any Model SA330J helicopters and military
comments electronically. recommended change, and include model SA330L, SA330Jm, SA330S1,
• Fax: 202–493–2251. supporting data. To ensure the docket and SA330Sm helicopters. The Airbus
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. does not contain duplicate comments, EASB specifies removing Nexter
Department of Transportation, Docket commenters should send only one copy Mechanics hydraulic pumps P/N
Operations, M–30, West Building of written comments, or if comments are FR65WEO2005–175A with certain serial
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 filed electronically, commenters should numbers. If both the right-hand (RH)
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, submit them only one time. We will file and left-hand (LH) hydraulic pumps
DC 20590–0001. in the docket all comments that we have an affected P/N and serial number,
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the receive, as well as a report summarizing the Airbus EASB specifies replacing the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 each substantive public contact with RH hydraulic pump before further flight
p.m., Monday through Friday, except FAA personnel concerning this and the LH hydraulic pump within 110
Federal holidays. rulemaking during the comment period. flying hours or 6 months. If only one
We will consider all the comments we hydraulic pump has an affected P/N and
Examining the AD Docket serial number, the Airbus EASB
receive and may conduct additional
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES

You may examine the AD docket on rulemaking based on those comments. specifies replacing it within 110 flying
the Internet at http:// hours or 6 months. The Airbus EASB
www.regulations.gov by searching for Discussion also specifies that, for 6 months after
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– EASA, which is the Technical Agent receipt of the Airbus EASB, before
0060; or in person at the Docket for the Member States of the European installing an affected hydraulic pump it
Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD must be ‘‘returned to conformity’’ by
p.m., Monday through Friday, except No. 2016–264–E, dated December 22, complying with Nexter Mechanics Alert

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31900 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 131 / Tuesday, July 11, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

Service Bulletin No. NM/INGE/16–140, before issuing this AD are impracticable PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
Revision 0, dated December 22, 2016 and contrary to the public interest and DIRECTIVES
(Nexter ASB). After 6 months or 110 that good cause exists to make this AD
flying hours, whichever occurs first, the effective in less than 30 days. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
Airbus EASB states the affected continues to read as follows:
Authority for This Rulemaking
hydraulic pumps are unfit for flight. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
AD Requirements Title 49 of the United States Code
§ 39.13 [Amended]
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
This AD requires, within 15 hours rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
time-in-service (TIS), removing the RH section 106, describes the authority of the following new airworthiness
hydraulic pump if both hydraulic the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: directive (AD):
pumps are listed in the applicability Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more 2017–14–05 Airbus Helicopters:
section of this AD. This AD also detail the scope of the Agency’s Amendment 39–18949; Docket No.
prohibits installing an affected authority. FAA–2017–0060; Directorate Identifier
hydraulic pump on any helicopter. 2016–SW–090–AD.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
Differences Between This AD and the the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, (a) Applicability
EASA AD Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
The EASA AD requires replacing the General requirements.’’ Under that Model SA330J helicopters, certificated in any
LH hydraulic pump with a serviceable section, Congress charges the FAA with category, with a left-hand and a right-hand
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in hydraulic pump part number
part within 110 hours TIS or 6 months,
air commerce by prescribing regulations FR65WEO2005–175A with a serial number
whichever comes first, if both the LH 4108, 4141, 4177, 4227, 4241, 4284, 4377,
and RH hydraulic pumps are affected for practices, methods, and procedures
4422, 4570, 4573, 4574, 4641, 4649, 4668,
parts. The EASA AD also requires, if the Administrator finds necessary for 4766, 4802, 4821, 4831, 4837, 4888, 4896,
only one hydraulic pump is an affected safety in air commerce. This regulation 4946, 4985, 5023, 5071, 5304, 5366, 5376,
part, replacing it with a serviceable part is within the scope of that authority 5409, 5442, 5486, 5599, 5630, 94075/01, or
within 110 hours TIS or 6 months, because it addresses an unsafe condition 94048/01 installed.
whichever comes first. This AD makes that is likely to exist or develop on
(b) Unsafe Condition
no such requirements. We are products identified in this rulemaking
action. This AD defines the unsafe condition as
considering requiring those actions. failure of a screw attaching the hydraulic
However, the planned compliance time Regulatory Findings pump cover. This condition could result in
for those actions would allow enough failure of a cover bolt and loss of fluid from
time to provide notice and opportunity We determined that this AD will not the hydraulic pump, resulting in loss of the
for prior public comment. The EASA have federalism implications under hydraulic system and subsequent loss of
AD allows a hydraulic pump to be Executive Order 13132. This AD will helicopter control.
installed if it has been repaired in not have a substantial direct effect on (c) Effective Date
accordance with the Nexter ASB, while the States, on the relationship between
This AD becomes effective July 26, 2017.
this AD does not. the national Government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and (d) Compliance
Costs of Compliance responsibilities among the various You are responsible for performing each
We estimate that this AD affects 24 levels of government. action required by this AD within the
helicopters and that labor costs average For the reasons discussed, I certify specified compliance time unless it has
$85 per work-hour. Based on these that this AD: already been accomplished prior to that time.
estimates, we expect that replacing a (e) Required Actions
hydraulic pump requires 2 work-hours 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (1) Within 15 hours time-in-service,
and parts cost $2,500 for a total cost of replace the right-hand hydraulic pump with
$2,670 per helicopter and $64,080 for 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under an airworthy hydraulic pump that is not
the U.S. fleet. DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures listed in paragraph (a) of this AD.
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (2) After the effective date of this AD, do
FAA’s Justification and Determination
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in not install on any helicopter a hydraulic
of the Effective Date pump that is listed in paragraph (a) of this
Alaska to the extent that it justifies
Providing an opportunity for public making a regulatory distinction; and AD.
comments prior to adopting these AD (f) Special Flight Permits
requirements would delay 4. Will not have a significant
implementing the safety actions needed economic impact, positive or negative, Special flight permits are prohibited.
to correct this known unsafe condition. on a substantial number of small entities (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
Therefore, we find that the risk to the under the criteria of the Regulatory (AMOCs)
flying public justifies waiving notice Flexibility Act.
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
and comment prior to the adoption of List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
this rule because the required corrective AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller,
actions must be accomplished within 15 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety
hours TIS, a very short time period safety, Incorporation by reference, Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES

based on the typical utilization rate of Safety.
76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-
these helicopters in off-shore oil Adoption of the Amendment ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
operations. (2) For operations conducted under a 14
Since an unsafe condition exists that Accordingly, under the authority CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
requires the immediate adoption of this delegated to me by the Administrator, 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
AD, we determined that notice and the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as you notify your principal inspector, or
opportunity for prior public comment follows: lacking a principal inspector, the manager of

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the local flight standards district office or shaft. The actions of this AD are 332A08–1391–00, or 332A08–1391–01
certificate holding district office, before intended to prevent an unsafe condition installed, where ‘‘XX’’ is any two
operating any aircraft complying with this on these products. alphanumeric characters. The NPRM
AD through an AMOC.
DATES: This AD is effective August 15, proposed to require repetitive
(h) Additional Information 2017. inspections of the IGB fairing. The
(1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert The Director of the Federal Register proposed requirements were intended to
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. SA330–29.12, approved the incorporation by reference prevent the detachment of the angle
Revision 0, dated December 22, 2016, and of certain documents listed in this AD section of an IGB and subsequent
Nexter Mechanics Alert Service Bulletin No. as of August 15, 2017. interference between an IGB fairing and
NM/INGE/16–140, Revision 0, dated tail rotor inclined drive shaft. This
ADDRESSES: For service information
December 22, 2016, which are not
identified in this final rule, contact condition could result in failure of a tail
incorporated by reference, contain additional
information about the subject of this AD. For Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum rotor drive shaft, loss of the tail rotor
service information identified in this AD, Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; drive, and subsequent loss of control of
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232– the helicopter.
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https:// The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
(972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub/ 2015–0092, dated May 26, 2015, issued
641–3775; or at http:// FO/scripts/myFO_login.php. You may by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You
review the referenced service for the Member States of the European
may review a copy of the service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, information at the FAA, Office of the Union, to correct an unsafe condition
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, for the Airbus Model AS332C,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2,
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also and EC225LP helicopters with certain
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD available on the Internet at http:// part-numbered IGB fairings installed.
No. 2016–264–E, dated December 22, 2016. www.regulations.gov by searching for EASA advises of occurrences involving
You may view the EASA AD on the Internet and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– separation of the angle section of the
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching
6693. IGB fairing from the IGB fairing gutter,
for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017–
0060. which caused interference with the tail
Examining the AD Docket rotor (T/R) inclined drive shaft. EASA
(i) Subject You may examine the AD docket on states that this condition, if not detected
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) the Internet at http:// and corrected, could lead to failure of
Code: 2913, Hydraulic Pump (Electric/ www.regulations.gov by searching for the T/R drive shaft, loss of the T/R
Engine) Main. and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– drive, and consequent reduced control
6693; or in person at the Docket of the helicopter. To address this
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 30,
2017.
Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 condition, EASA issued a series of ADs,
p.m., Monday through Friday, except including AD No. 2015–0092, to require
Scott A. Horn,
Federal holidays. The AD docket repetitive inspections of the IGB fairing
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, contains this AD, the European Aviation and its attachment supports and
Aircraft Certification Service.
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any installation of a new IGB fairing, P/N
[FR Doc. 2017–14372 Filed 7–10–17; 8:45 am]
incorporated-by-reference service 332A24–0322–00, as terminating action
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P information, the economic evaluation, for the inspections.
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the Comments
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Docket Operations Office (phone: 800– An individual commented that he
Federal Aviation Administration 647–5527) is U.S. Department of supports the NPRM.
Transportation, Docket Operations
Office, M–30, West Building Ground FAA’s Determination
14 CFR Part 39
Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey These helicopters have been approved
[Docket No. FAA–2016–6693; Directorate Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. by the aviation authority of France and
Identifier 2015–SW–033–AD; Amendment
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: are approved for operation in the United
39–18886; AD 2017–10–12]
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety States. Pursuant to our bilateral
RIN 2120–AA64 Engineer, Safety Management Group, agreement with France, EASA, its
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 technical representative, has notified us
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; of the unsafe condition described in the
Helicopters telephone (817) 222–5116; email EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
AGENCY: Federal Aviation david.hatfield@faa.gov. because we evaluated all information
Administration (FAA), DOT. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: provided by EASA and determined the
ACTION: Final rule.
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
Discussion exist or develop on other helicopters of
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new On January 5, 2017, at 82 FR 1260, the these same type designs and that air
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Federal Register published our notice of safety and the public interest require
Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which adopting the AD requirements as
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES

AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by proposed.
EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires adding an AD that would apply to
Differences Between This AD and the
repetitive inspections of the Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C,
EASA AD
intermediate gear box (IGB) fairing. This AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2,
AD was prompted by separation of the and EC225LP helicopters with an IGB The EASA AD requires replacing the
IGB fairing from the fairing gutter and fairing part number (P/N) 332A24– IGB fairing with the composite fairing
subsequent interference with the drive 0303–05XX, 332A24–0303–06XX, within 31 months. This AD requires this

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Document Created: 2018-11-14 10:21:37
Document Modified: 2018-11-14 10:21:37
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 July 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 31899
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
82 FR 31899 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 131 (July 11, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
