82 FR 51175 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH)
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 212 (November 3, 2017)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 212 (November 3, 2017)
| Page Range | 51175-51177 | |
| FR Document | 2017-23201 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 212 (Friday, November 3, 2017)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 51175-51177] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-23201] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2017-1011; Product Identifier 2017-SW-004-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-16- 14 for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH) Model EC 135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters. AD 2013- 16-14 currently requires installing a washer in and modifying the main transmission filter housing upper part. Since we issued AD 2013-16-14, Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH has extended the overhaul interval for the main transmission and determined that other models may have the same unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2013-16-14, add models to the applicability, and revise the required compliance time for the modification. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 2, 2018. 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- 1011; 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/website/technical-expert/. You may review service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional [[Page 51176]] Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222- 5110; email rao.edupuganti@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion We issued AD 2013-16-14, Amendment 39-17552 (78 FR 54383, September 4, 2013) (AD 2013-16-14) for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH) Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters with a certain serial-numbered main transmission FS108 housing upper part (upper part), part number (P/N) 4649 301 034. AD 2013-16-14 requires installing a corrugated washer in the filter housing of the upper part and modifying each affected upper part by machining the oil filter bypass inlet. AD 2013-16-14 was prompted by AD No. 2010-0213, dated October 14, 2010, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD No. 2010-0213 to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC 135 and EC635 helicopters. EASA advised that a recent inspection on some upper parts for the main transmission FS108 revealed the bypass inlet in the oil filter area had not been manufactured in accordance with the applicable design specifications. EASA advised that this condition, if not detected and corrected, could adversely affect the oil-filter bypass function, which is essential for continued safe flight. The EASA AD required a temporary modification of the upper part by installing a corrugated washer, and then a ``rework'' of the oil filter area to bring the affected parts within the applicable design specifications. Actions Since AD 2013-16-14 Was Issued Since we issued AD 2013-16-14, EASA has issued AD 2017-0002, dated January 9, 2017 (AD 2017-0002), which superseded EASA AD 2010-0213. EASA advises that some affected upper parts have been re-identified with P/N 4649 301 067 or P/N 4649 301 088 without changing the serial number. EASA further advises that Airbus Helicopters has extended the compliance time to retrofit the housing to 5,150 hours to coincide with the extended interval between transmission overhauls. Accordingly, AD 2017-002 continues to require installing a corrugated washer in the upper part and modifying the upper part at the next overhaul; expands the applicability to include Model EC135P3, Model EC135T3, P/N 4649 301 067, and P/N 4649 301 088; extends the compliance time for machining the upper part; and makes minor editorial changes for clarity. FAA's Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Germany, 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 the same type design. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) EC135- 63A-017, Revision 2, dated December 5, 2016 (ASB EC135-63A-017), for Model EC135 T1, T2, T2+, T3, P1, P2, P2+, P3, and 635 T1, T2+, T3, P2+, and P3 helicopters. This service information specifies removing the oil filter element and installing a corrugated washer. ASB EC135-63A-017 also specifies reworking the affected upper part at the next repair or overhaul of the main transmission, no later than 5,150 flight hours after receipt of the service bulletin. EASA classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD 2017-0002 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters. We also reviewed ZF Luftfahrttechnik GmbH Service Instruction No. EC135FS108-1659-1009, dated September 14, 2010, which specifies procedures for repairing the main transmission upper housing, and includes dimensions and tolerances for machining the upper part. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Other Related Service Information We reviewed Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135-63A-017, Revision 0, dated October 11, 2010, for Model EC135 T1, T2, T2+, P1, P2, P2+, and 635 T1, T2+, and P2+ helicopters. This service information specifies the same Accomplishment Instructions as ASB EC135-63A-017, Revision 2, except with a shorter compliance time to rework the affected upper part. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2013-16-14 for installing a corrugated washer and modifying the upper part. This proposed AD would add Airbus Helicopters Deutschland Model EC135P3 and Model EC135T3 helicopters to the applicability requirements, add upper parts P/N 4649 301 067 and P/N 4649 301 088 to the applicability, revise the compliance time for installing a corrugated washer to within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, whichever occurs earlier, and extend the compliance time for machining the upper part to 5,150 hours TIS. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 236 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Based on an average labor rate of $85 per work hour, we estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this proposed AD. Installing the corrugated washer would require about .5 work hour, and required parts would cost about $10, for a cost per helicopter of about $53, and a cost to the U.S. operator fleet of $12,508. Machining the housing upper part would require about 5 work-hours and required parts would cost about [[Page 51177]] $73, for a cost per helicopter of $498, and a total cost to U.S. operators of $117,528. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of this proposed AD to be $130,036 for the U.S. operator fleet or $551 per helicopter. According to Airbus Helicopters' service information some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected persons. We do not control warranty coverage by Airbus Helicopters. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-16-14, Amendment 39-17552 (78 FR 54383, September 4, 2013), and adding the following new AD: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH): Docket No. FAA-2017-1011; Product Identifier 2017-SW-004-AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, P3, T1, T2, T2+, and T3 helicopters with a main transmission FS108 housing upper part, part number (P/N) 4649 301 034, 4649 301 067, or 4649 301 088 and a serial number listed in Table 1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC135-63A-017, Revision 2, dated December 5, 2016 (ASB EC135-63A-017), certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as an improperly manufactured bypass inlet in the oil filter area. This condition could adversely affect the oil-filter bypass function, resulting in failure of the main transmission and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 2013-16-14, Amendment 39-17552 (78 FR 54383, September 4, 2013). (d) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by January 2, 2018. (e) 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. (f) Required Actions (1) Within 3 months, remove the oil filter element and install a corrugated washer, P/N 0630100377, in the middle of the filter housing of the housing upper part as depicted in Figure 2 of ASB EC135-63A-017. (2) Within 5,150 hours time-in-service or at the next main transmission repair or overhaul, whichever occurs first, machine the main transmission housing upper part in accordance with Annex A of ZF Luftfahrttechnik GmbH Service Instruction No. EC135FS108-1659- 1009, dated September 14, 2010. (3) Do not install a main transmission upper part, P/N 4649 301 034, 4649 301 067, or 4649 301 088, on any helicopter unless it has been modified as required by paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(2) of this AD. (g) Credit for Previous Actions Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the procedures specified in Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135-63A-017, Revision 0, dated October 11, 2010, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (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. (i) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135-63A-017, Revision 0, dated October 11, 2010, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 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/website/technical-expert/. 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. 2017-0002, dated January 9, 2017. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. (j) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320 Main Rotor Gearbox. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 16, 2017. James A. Grigg, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017-23201 Filed 11-2-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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PSUs having P/N 10–1571–(series) with a of the local flight standards district office/ SUMMARY: We propose to supersede
serial number below 1000, are referred to as certificate holding district office. Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013–16–
affected PSUs in paragraphs (j) through (l) of (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 14 for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
this AD. 2005–12–16 are approved as AMOCs for the
(now Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
corresponding provisions of this AD.
(j) New Inspections (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the GmbH) Model EC 135 P1, P2, P2+, T1,
Within 24 months after the effective date effective date of this AD, for any requirement T2, and T2+ helicopters. AD 2013–16–
of this AD: Do the actions required by in this AD to obtain corrective actions from 14 currently requires installing a washer
paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD. a manufacturer, the action must be in and modifying the main transmission
(1) Do a general visual inspection of the accomplished using a method approved by filter housing upper part. Since we
panel of each affected PSU for incorrect the Manager, International Section, Transport issued AD 2013–16–14, Airbus
application of the sealant, in accordance with Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Helicopters Deutschland GmbH has
the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Fokker extended the overhaul interval for the
Service Bulletin SBF100–25–097, dated Services B.V.’s Design Organization Approval main transmission and determined that
December 30, 2003; and, as applicable, (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
other models may have the same unsafe
Grimes Aerospace Service Bulletin 10–1178–
condition. This proposed AD would
33–0040, dated October 15, 1993 (for PSUs (n) Related Information
having P/N 10–1178–(series)); Revision 1,
retain the requirements of AD 2013–16–
dated March 25, 1996 (for PSUs having P/N (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing 14, add models to the applicability, and
10–1178–(series)); and Grimes Aerospace Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA revise the required compliance time for
Service Bulletin 10–1571–33–0041, dated Airworthiness Directive 2017–0043, dated the modification. The actions of this
October 15, 1993 (for PSUs having P/N 10– March 6, 2017, for related information. This proposed AD are intended to correct an
1571–(series)). MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the unsafe condition on these products.
(2) Do a general visual inspection of the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
DATES: We must receive comments on
electrical connectors of each affected PSU searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–
2017–0906. this proposed AD by January 2, 2018.
panel for discrepancies; i.e., uninstalled
gaskets, inability to properly lock the (2) For more information about this AD, ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
connectors, and incorrectly applied sealant contact Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, any of the following methods:
on the connectors; in accordance with the International Section, Transport Standards • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
Service Bulletin SBF100–25–128, dated July 98055–4056; telephone 425–227–1137; fax online instructions for sending your
21, 2016. 425–227–1149. comments electronically.
(3) For service information identified in • Fax: 202–493–2251.
(k) Corrective Actions this AD, contact Fokker Services B.V., • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
If, during any inspection required by Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357,
Department of Transportation, Docket
paragraph (j) of this AD, any discrepancy is 2130 EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands;
telephone +31 (0)88–6280–350; fax +31 Operations, M–30, West Building
found, before further flight, restore the
(0)88–6280–111; email technicalservices@ Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
sealing of the affected PSU panels and
accomplish all applicable corrective actions fokker.com; Internet http:// New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
to correct the PSU panel interface, in www.myfokkerfleet.com. You may view this DC 20590–0001.
accordance with the Accomplishment service information at the FAA, Transport • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
SBF100–25–128, dated July 21, 2016. Do all Renton, WA. For information on the p.m., Monday through Friday, except
applicable corrective actions before further availability of this material at the FAA, call Federal holidays.
flight. 425–227–1221.
Examining the AD Docket
(l) Parts Installation Limitation Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
11, 2017. You may examine the AD docket on
As of the effective date of this AD, an the Internet at http://
affected PSU panel may be installed on any Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, www.regulations.gov by searching for
airplane, provided that, before further flight
after installation, it has been inspected in Aircraft Certification Service. and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
accordance with paragraph (j) of this AD and [FR Doc. 2017–22558 Filed 11–2–17; 8:45 am]
1011; or in person at the Docket
all applicable corrective actions have been Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
done in accordance with paragraph (k) of this p.m., Monday through Friday, except
AD. Federal holidays. The AD docket
(m) Other FAA AD Provisions DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION contains this proposed AD, the
European Aviation Safety Agency
The following provisions also apply to this (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation,
AD:
Federal Aviation Administration
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
any comments received and other
(AMOCs): The Manager, International 14 CFR Part 39 information. The street address for the
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, Docket Operations Office (telephone
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1011; Product
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this Identifier 2017–SW–004–AD]
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
AD, if requested using the procedures found section. Comments will be available in
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR RIN 2120–AA64 the AD docket shortly after receipt.
39.19, send your request to your principal For service information identified in
inspector or local Flight Standards District Airworthiness Directives; Airbus this proposed rule, contact Airbus
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
Office, as appropriate. If sending information Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Type Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,
directly to the International Section, send it Certificate Previously Held by Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
to the attention of the person identified in Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH)
paragraph (n)(2) of this AD. Information may
(972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax
be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC- AGENCY: Federal Aviation (972) 641–3775; or at http://
REQUESTS@faa.gov. Administration (FAA), DOT. www.airbushelicopters.com/website/
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
technical-expert/.
notify your appropriate principal inspector, You may review service information
(NPRM).
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager at the FAA, Office of the Regional
VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:06 Nov 02, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\03NOP1.SGM 03NOP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_51387/page/1.svg)
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$73, for a cost per helicopter of $498, this proposed AD and placed it in the overhaul, whichever occurs first, machine
and a total cost to U.S. operators of AD docket. the main transmission housing upper part in
$117,528. Based on these figures, we accordance with Annex A of ZF
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Luftfahrttechnik GmbH Service Instruction
estimate the total cost of this proposed
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation No. EC135FS108–1659–1009, dated
AD to be $130,036 for the U.S. operator September 14, 2010.
fleet or $551 per helicopter. safety, Incorporation by reference,
(3) Do not install a main transmission
According to Airbus Helicopters’ Safety. upper part, P/N 4649 301 034, 4649 301 067,
service information some of the costs of The Proposed Amendment or 4649 301 088, on any helicopter unless it
this proposed AD may be covered under has been modified as required by paragraphs
Accordingly, under the authority (f)(1) through (f)(2) of this AD.
warranty, thereby reducing the cost
delegated to me by the Administrator,
impact on affected persons. We do not (g) Credit for Previous Actions
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
control warranty coverage by Airbus Actions accomplished before the effective
39 as follows:
Helicopters. Accordingly, we have date of this AD in accordance with the
included all costs in our cost estimate. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS procedures specified in Eurocopter Alert
DIRECTIVES Service Bulletin EC135–63A–017, Revision 0,
Authority for This Rulemaking
dated October 11, 2010, are considered
Title 49 of the United States Code ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 acceptable for compliance with the
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue continues to read as follows: corresponding actions specified in paragraph
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, (f) of this AD.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
section 106, describes the authority of (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: § 39.13 [Amended] (AMOCs)
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by (1) The Manager, Safety Management
detail the scope of the Agency’s removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) Section, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
authority. 2013–16–14, Amendment 39–17552 (78 AD. Send your proposal to: Rao Edupuganti,
We are issuing this rulemaking under FR 54383, September 4, 2013), and Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, adding the following new AD: Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-
General requirements.’’ Under that (Type Certificate Previously Held by ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
section, Congress charges the FAA with Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH): Docket (2) For operations conducted under a 14
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in No. FAA–2017–1011; Product Identifier CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
air commerce by prescribing regulations 2017–SW–004–AD. 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
for practices, methods, and procedures (a) Applicability you notify your principal inspector, or
the Administrator finds necessary for This AD applies to Model EC135 P1, P2,
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
safety in air commerce. This regulation P2+, P3, T1, T2, T2+, and T3 helicopters with the local flight standards district office or
is within the scope of that authority a main transmission FS108 housing upper certificate holding district office before
because it addresses an unsafe condition part, part number (P/N) 4649 301 034, 4649 operating any aircraft complying with this
301 067, or 4649 301 088 and a serial number AD through an AMOC.
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking listed in Table 1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert (i) Additional Information
action. Service Bulletin EC135–63A–017, Revision 2,
dated December 5, 2016 (ASB EC135–63A– (1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin
017), certificated in any category. EC135–63A–017, Revision 0, dated October
Regulatory Findings
11, 2010, which is not incorporated by
We determined that this proposed AD (b) Unsafe Condition reference, contains additional information
would not have federalism implications This AD defines the unsafe condition as an about the subject of this AD. For service
under Executive Order 13132. This improperly manufactured bypass inlet in the information identified in this AD, contact
proposed AD would not have a oil filter area. This condition could adversely Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,
affect the oil-filter bypass function, resulting Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972)
substantial direct effect on the States, on 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–
in failure of the main transmission and
the relationship between the national subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. 3775; or at http://
Government and the States, or on the www.airbushelicopters.com/website/
distribution of power and (c) Affected ADs technical-expert/. You may review a copy of
responsibilities among the various This AD supersedes AD 2013–16–14, the service information at the FAA, Office of
levels of government. Amendment 39–17552 (78 FR 54383, the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
For the reasons discussed, I certify September 4, 2013). 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort
this proposed regulation: Worth, TX 76177.
(d) Comments Due Date
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory We must receive comments by January 2, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2018. No. 2017–0002, dated January 9, 2017. You
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the may view the EASA AD on the Internet at
(e) Compliance
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the (j) Subject
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in specified compliance time unless it has
Alaska to the extent that it justifies Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
already been accomplished prior to that time. Code: 6320 Main Rotor Gearbox.
making a regulatory distinction; and
(f) Required Actions Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 16,
4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative, (1) Within 3 months, remove the oil filter 2017.
on a substantial number of small entities element and install a corrugated washer, P/ James A. Grigg,
N 0630100377, in the middle of the filter
under the criteria of the Regulatory housing of the housing upper part as
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Flexibility Act. Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
depicted in Figure 2 of ASB EC135–63A–017.
We prepared an economic evaluation (2) Within 5,150 hours time-in-service or at [FR Doc. 2017–23201 Filed 11–2–17; 8:45 am]
of the estimated costs to comply with the next main transmission repair or BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:06 Nov 02, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\03NOP1.SGM 03NOP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_51387/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2018-10-25 10:21:53
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 10:21:53
| 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 | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 2, 2018. | |
| Contact | Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222- 5110; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 51175 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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