82_FR_51551 82 FR 51338 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France)

82 FR 51338 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 213 (November 6, 2017)

Page Range51338-51340
FR Document2017-23193

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-15-03 for Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1 helicopters. AD 2013-15-03 required inspecting the hydraulic pump drive pulley bearing (bearing) for leaks, rust, overheating, and condition. This new AD adds a requirement to grease the bearing and inspect for bronze particles in the grease, and changes the inspection and inspection intervals of the bearing until it is replaced with an improved bearing. This AD was prompted by additional reports of hydraulic pump drive belt failure caused by bearing seizures. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 213 (Monday, November 6, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 213 (Monday, November 6, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51338-51340]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23193]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-4031; Product Identifier 2014-SW-072-AD; Amendment 
39-19085; AD 2017-22-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Eurocopter France)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-15-03 for 
Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, 
AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1 helicopters. AD 2013-15-03 required 
inspecting the hydraulic pump drive pulley bearing (bearing) for leaks, 
rust, overheating, and condition. This new AD adds a requirement to 
grease the bearing and inspect for bronze particles in the grease, and 
changes the inspection and inspection intervals of the bearing until it 
is replaced with an improved bearing. This AD was prompted by 
additional reports of hydraulic pump drive belt failure caused by 
bearing seizures. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 11, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 11, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; 
or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
4031.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2015-4031; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility 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, any incorporated-by-
reference information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-
647-5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Barbini, Manager, Safety 
Management Section, Policy and Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to remove AD 2013-15-03, Amendment 39-17519 (78 FR 44422, July 
24, 2013) and add a new AD. AD 2013-15-03 applied to Eurocopter France 
(now Airbus Helicopters) Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, 
AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1 helicopters with a single 
hydraulic system and a hydraulic pump drive installed. AD 2013-15-03 
required repetitively inspecting the bearing for leaks, rust, 
overheating, and condition. AD 2013-15-03 was prompted by six reports 
of hydraulic pump drive belt failure caused by bearing seizures. AD 
2013-15-03 also was prompted by AD No. 2013-0044-E, dated February 27, 
2013, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union. EASA advised that hydraulic pump drive 
belt failures caused by seizure of the bearing, for helicopters with a 
single hydraulic system, could lead to loss of hydraulic servo 
assistance and an increase in pilot workload to the point that the 
helicopter needs to land as soon as possible.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2016 (81 FR 
25622). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2013-0284-E, dated 
December 2, 2013, which supersedes

[[Page 51339]]

EASA AD No. 2013-0044-E. EASA AD No. 2013-0284-E advises that the 
hydraulic pump drive failure was caused by accidental indentation of 
the raceways from incorrect fitting of the bearing. Airbus Helicopters 
then introduced a new bearing, part number (P/N) 704A33651269, to 
replace bearing P/N 704A33651243. This replacement corrects the unsafe 
condition as it has a reduced pre-loading value, which significantly 
improves its reliability. EASA revised AD No. 2013-0284-E with AD No. 
2013-0284R1, dated July 25, 2014, to exclude helicopters that had 
replaced the bearing with bearing P/N 704A33651269. EASA then 
superseded AD No. 2013-0284R1 with EASA AD No. 2014-0233, dated October 
23, 2014, to retain the inspections and require replacement of bearing 
P/N 704A33651243 with bearing P/N 704A33651269. Installation of the new 
bearing constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
    As a result, the NPRM proposed to retain the inspection 
requirements in AD 2013-15-03, add a requirement to grease the bearing 
and inspect for bronze particles in the grease, and change the 
inspection and inspection intervals of the bearing until it is replaced 
with the improved bearing.
    Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service 
has changed its organizational structure. The new structure replaces 
product directorates with functional divisions. We have revised some of 
the office titles and nomenclature throughout this Final rule to 
reflect the new organizational changes. Additional information about 
the new structure can be found in the Notice published on July 25, 2017 
(82 FR 34564).

Comments

    After our NPRM was published, we received a comment from Airbus 
Helicopters.

Request

    Airbus Helicopters requested that we revise the Applicability 
section of the AD to eliminate confusion. Specifically, Airbus 
Helicopters requested we change the AD to apply to helicopters with 
``Single Hydraulics pre mod 079568 with Hydraulic pump drive assembly 
part number 350A35-0132-00 with bearing part number 704A33651243 
installed.''
    We do not agree. Airbus Helicopters' request does not make the 
Applicability section clearer because the unsafe condition lies with 
the bearing, which is also installed in hydraulic pump drive assembly 
part number 350A35-0132-00 V. Leaving the original Applicability 
language makes this point clear.

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350BB 
helicopters, and this AD does not because the Model AS350BB has no FAA-
issued type certificate. This AD applies to Model AS350D1 and AS350C 
helicopters, while the EASA AD does not.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB No. AS350-63.00.24, Revision 0, 
dated October 21, 2014 (ASB), for Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350BB, 
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, and military Model AS350L1 
helicopters with a single hydraulic system and a hydraulic pump drive 
assembly P/N 350A35-0132-00. The ASB calls for mandatory replacement of 
bearing P/N 704A33651243 with bearing P/N 704A33651269 and introduces a 
preventative maintenance operation for bearing P/N 704A33651243 until 
it is replaced.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 729 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 per work hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Greasing and visually inspecting the bearing requires 1.5 
work hours and no parts are needed. We estimate a total cost of $128 
per helicopter and $93,312 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
     Inspecting and manually rotating the bearing requires 2 
work hours, and no parts are needed. We estimate a total cost of $170 
per helicopter and $123,930 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
     Replacing the bearing requires 2 work hours and $1,571 for 
parts, for a total cost of $1,741 per helicopter and $1,269,189 for the 
U.S. fleet.
     Replacing the hydraulic pump drive assembly requires 2 
work hours and $8,543 for parts, for a total cost of $8,713 per 
helicopter and $6,351,777 for the U.S. fleet.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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 above, 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 a regulatory distinction is required, 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:

[[Page 51340]]

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) 
2013-15-03, Amendment 39-17519 (78 FR 44422, July 24, 2013), and adding 
the following new AD:

2017-22-05 Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France): 
Amendment 39-19085; Docket No. FAA-2015-4031; Product Identifier 
2014-SW-072-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, 
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1 helicopters 
with a hydraulic pump drive bearing (bearing) part number (P/N) 
704A33651243 installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as the seizure of the 
bearing. This condition could result in hydraulic pump drive belt 
failure, loss of hydraulic servo assistance, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2013-15-03, Amendment 39-17519 (78 FR 
44422, July 24, 2013).

(d) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 11, 2017.

(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) For each bearing with less than 115 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), before accumulating 150 hours TIS, and for each bearing with 
115 or more hours TIS, within 50 hours TIS, and for all helicopters 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS:
    (i) Grease each bearing in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.b., of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin No. AS350-63.00.24, Revision 0, dated October 21, 
2014 (ASB).
    (ii) Perform a test ground run. Inspect all grease that comes 
out of the bearing during the ground run and all grease around the 
bearing for bronze particles.
    (iii) If there are any bronze particles in the grease, before 
further flight, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 704A33651269. 
This constitutes terminating action for the inspections in this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this AD: Hydraulic pump drive 
assembly P/N 350A35-0132-01 is fitted with bearing P/N 704A33651269.

    (2) Within 600 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 600 hours TIS:
    (i) Visually inspect the bearing for bronze particles in the 
grease. If there are any bronze particles in the grease, before 
further flight, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 704A33651269. 
This constitutes terminating action for the inspections in this AD.
    (ii) Manually rotate the bearing and inspect for a friction 
point, brinelling, and a noise from the bearing. If there is a hard 
point, any brinelling, or any noise from the bearing, before further 
flight, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 704A33651269.
    (3) Replacing bearing P/N 704A33651243 with bearing P/N 
704A33651269, or replacing hydraulic pump drive assembly P/N 350A35-
0132-00 with hydraulic pump drive assembly P/N 350A35-0132-01, 
constitutes terminating action for the inspections required by this 
AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Stephen Barbini, Manager, 
Safety Management Section, Policy and Innovation Division, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(h) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2014-0233, dated October 23, 2014. You may view 
the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2015-4031.

(i) Subject

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

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS350-
63.00.24, Revision 0, dated October 21, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, contact 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 17, 2017.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-23193 Filed 11-3-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                             51338            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 213 / Monday, November 6, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                             paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Information may              Issued in Renton, Washington, on October            and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
                                             be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-                          19, 2017.                                             4031.
                                             REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any                      Jeffrey E. Duven,
                                             approved AMOC, notify your appropriate                                                                        Examining the AD Docket
                                                                                                     Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
                                             principal inspector, or lacking a principal             Certification Service.                                   You may examine the AD docket on
                                             inspector, the manager of the local flight                                                                    the Internet at http://
                                                                                                     [FR Doc. 2017–23346 Filed 11–3–17; 8:45 am]
                                             standards district office/certificate holding                                                                 www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
                                                                                                     BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                             district office.
                                                                                                                                                           FAA–2015–4031; or in person at the
                                               (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
                                                                                                                                                           Docket Management Facility between 9
                                             requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
                                             actions from a manufacturer, the action must            DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
                                             be accomplished using a method approved                                                                       Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
                                                                                                     Federal Aviation Administration                       docket contains this AD, the European
                                             by the Manager, New York ACO Branch,
                                             FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation                                                                       Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
                                             (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design               14 CFR Part 39                                        incorporated-by-reference information,
                                             Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by             [Docket No. FAA–2015–4031; Product                    the economic evaluation, any comments
                                             the DAO, the approval must include the                  Identifier 2014–SW–072–AD; Amendment                  received, and other information. The
                                             DAO-authorized signature.                               39–19085; AD 2017–22–05]                              address for the Docket Office (phone:
                                             (l) Related Information
                                                                                                                                                           800–647–5527) is Document
                                                                                                     RIN 2120–AA64
                                                                                                                                                           Management Facility, U.S. Department
                                                (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing                                                                          of Transportation, Docket Operations,
                                             Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian               Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
                                                                                                     Helicopters (Type Certificate                         M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
                                             Airworthiness Directive CF–2016–22, dated
                                                                                                     Previously Held by Eurocopter France)                 Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
                                             June 24, 2016, for related information. This
                                             MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the
                                                                                                                                                           Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
                                                                                                     AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                             Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
                                             searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–
                                                                                                     Administration (FAA), DOT.                            Stephen Barbini, Manager, Safety
                                             2017–0562.                                              ACTION: Final rule.                                   Management Section, Policy and
                                                (2) For more information about this AD,                                                                    Innovation Division, FAA, 10101
                                             contact Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer,                 SUMMARY:   We are superseding                         Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
                                             Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section,                Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013–15–                 telephone (817) 222–5110; email
                                             FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart                  03 for Eurocopter France Model                        stephen.barbini@faa.gov.
                                             Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;                  AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1,
                                                                                                     AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D,                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                             telephone 516–228–7329; fax 516–794–5531.
                                                (3) Service information identified in this           and AS350D1 helicopters. AD 2013–15–                  Discussion
                                             AD that is not incorporated by reference is             03 required inspecting the hydraulic
                                                                                                                                                             We issued a notice of proposed
                                             available at the addresses specified in                 pump drive pulley bearing (bearing) for
                                             paragraphs (m)(3) and (m)(4) of this AD.                                                                      rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
                                                                                                     leaks, rust, overheating, and condition.
                                                                                                                                                           part 39 to remove AD 2013–15–03,
                                             (m) Material Incorporated by Reference                  This new AD adds a requirement to
                                                                                                                                                           Amendment 39–17519 (78 FR 44422,
                                                                                                     grease the bearing and inspect for
                                                (1) The Director of the Federal Register                                                                   July 24, 2013) and add a new AD. AD
                                                                                                     bronze particles in the grease, and
                                             approved the incorporation by reference                                                                       2013–15–03 applied to Eurocopter
                                             (IBR) of the service information listed in this
                                                                                                     changes the inspection and inspection
                                                                                                                                                           France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model
                                             paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR               intervals of the bearing until it is
                                                                                                                                                           AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1,
                                             part 51.                                                replaced with an improved bearing.
                                                                                                                                                           AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D,
                                                (2) You must use this service information            This AD was prompted by additional
                                                                                                                                                           and AS350D1 helicopters with a single
                                             as applicable to do the actions required by             reports of hydraulic pump drive belt
                                                                                                                                                           hydraulic system and a hydraulic pump
                                             this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.            failure caused by bearing seizures. The
                                                                                                                                                           drive installed. AD 2013–15–03
                                                (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA–27–            actions of this AD are intended to
                                                                                                                                                           required repetitively inspecting the
                                             072, Revision A, dated October 26, 2016.                prevent an unsafe condition on these
                                                                                                                                                           bearing for leaks, rust, overheating, and
                                                (ii) Reserved.                                       products.
                                                (3) For service information identified in                                                                  condition. AD 2013–15–03 was
                                                                                                     DATES:  This AD is effective December                 prompted by six reports of hydraulic
                                             this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Côte-
                                             Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9,
                                                                                                     11, 2017.                                             pump drive belt failure caused by
                                             Canada; Widebody Customer Response                         The Director of the Federal Register               bearing seizures. AD 2013–15–03 also
                                             Center North America toll-free telephone 1–             approved the incorporation by reference               was prompted by AD No. 2013–0044–E,
                                             866–538–1247 or direct-dial telephone 1–                of a certain publication listed in this AD            dated February 27, 2013, issued by
                                             514–855–2999; fax 514–855–7401; email                   as of December 11, 2017.                              EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
                                             ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; Internet http://            ADDRESSES: For service information                    the Member States of the European
                                             www.bombardier.com.                                     identified in this final rule, contact                Union. EASA advised that hydraulic
                                                (4) You may view this service information            Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum                     pump drive belt failures caused by
                                             at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,                 Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;                       seizure of the bearing, for helicopters
                                             1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For                   telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–                with a single hydraulic system, could
                                             information on the availability of this                 0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at http://               lead to loss of hydraulic servo assistance
                                             material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
                                                                                                     www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.                    and an increase in pilot workload to the
Pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES




                                                (5) You may view this service information
                                             that is incorporated by reference at the
                                                                                                     You may view this referenced service                  point that the helicopter needs to land
                                             National Archives and Records                           information at the FAA, Office of the                 as soon as possible.
                                             Administration (NARA). For information on               Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,                     The NPRM published in the Federal
                                             the availability of this material at NARA, call         10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,                    Register on April 29, 2016 (81 FR
                                             202–741–6030, or go to: http://                         Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also                      25622). The NPRM was prompted by
                                             www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-              available on the Internet at http://                  EASA AD No. 2013–0284–E, dated
                                             locations.html.                                         www.regulations.gov by searching for                  December 2, 2013, which supersedes


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   14:44 Nov 03, 2017   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00006   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\06NOR1.SGM   06NOR1


                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 213 / Monday, November 6, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                         51339

                                             EASA AD No. 2013–0044–E. EASA AD                        V. Leaving the original Applicability                 $8,543 for parts, for a total cost of
                                             No. 2013–0284–E advises that the                        language makes this point clear.                      $8,713 per helicopter and $6,351,777 for
                                             hydraulic pump drive failure was                                                                              the U.S. fleet.
                                                                                                     FAA’s Determination
                                             caused by accidental indentation of the
                                             raceways from incorrect fitting of the                    We have reviewed the relevant                       Authority for This Rulemaking
                                             bearing. Airbus Helicopters then                        information and determined that an
                                                                                                                                                              Title 49 of the United States Code
                                             introduced a new bearing, part number                   unsafe condition exists and is likely to
                                                                                                                                                           specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                             (P/N) 704A33651269, to replace bearing                  exist or develop on other helicopters of
                                                                                                                                                           rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                             P/N 704A33651243. This replacement                      these same type designs and that air
                                                                                                                                                           Section 106, describes the authority of
                                             corrects the unsafe condition as it has a               safety and the public interest require
                                                                                                                                                           the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
                                             reduced pre-loading value, which                        adopting the AD requirements as
                                                                                                                                                           Aviation Programs, describes in more
                                             significantly improves its reliability.                 proposed.
                                                                                                                                                           detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                             EASA revised AD No. 2013–0284–E                         Differences Between This AD and the                   authority.
                                             with AD No. 2013–0284R1, dated July                     EASA AD
                                             25, 2014, to exclude helicopters that had                                                                        We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                             replaced the bearing with bearing P/N                     The EASA AD applies to Airbus                       the authority described in Subtitle VII,
                                             704A33651269. EASA then superseded                      Helicopters Model AS350BB                             Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701,
                                             AD No. 2013–0284R1 with EASA AD                         helicopters, and this AD does not                     ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
                                             No. 2014–0233, dated October 23, 2014,                  because the Model AS350BB has no                      section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                             to retain the inspections and require                   FAA-issued type certificate. This AD                  promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                             replacement of bearing P/N                              applies to Model AS350D1 and AS350C                   air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                             704A33651243 with bearing P/N                           helicopters, while the EASA AD does                   for practices, methods, and procedures
                                             704A33651269. Installation of the new                   not.                                                  the Administrator finds necessary for
                                             bearing constitutes terminating action                                                                        safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                                                                                     Related Service Information Under 1
                                             for the repetitive inspections.                                                                               is within the scope of that authority
                                                                                                     CFR Part 51
                                               As a result, the NPRM proposed to                                                                           because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                                                                                       We reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB                  that is likely to exist or develop on
                                             retain the inspection requirements in
                                                                                                     No. AS350–63.00.24, Revision 0, dated                 products identified in this rulemaking
                                             AD 2013–15–03, add a requirement to
                                                                                                     October 21, 2014 (ASB), for Model                     action.
                                             grease the bearing and inspect for
                                                                                                     AS350B, AS350BA, AS350BB,
                                             bronze particles in the grease, and                                                                           Regulatory Findings
                                                                                                     AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D,
                                             change the inspection and inspection
                                                                                                     and military Model AS350L1
                                             intervals of the bearing until it is                                                                            We have determined that this AD will
                                                                                                     helicopters with a single hydraulic
                                             replaced with the improved bearing.                                                                           not have federalism implications under
                                                                                                     system and a hydraulic pump drive
                                               Since the NPRM was issued, the                                                                              Executive Order 13132. This AD will
                                                                                                     assembly P/N 350A35–0132–00. The
                                             FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service has                                                                      not have a substantial direct effect on
                                                                                                     ASB calls for mandatory replacement of
                                             changed its organizational structure.                                                                         the States, on the relationship between
                                                                                                     bearing P/N 704A33651243 with bearing
                                             The new structure replaces product                                                                            the national government and the States,
                                                                                                     P/N 704A33651269 and introduces a
                                             directorates with functional divisions.                                                                       or on the distribution of power and
                                                                                                     preventative maintenance operation for
                                             We have revised some of the office titles                                                                     responsibilities among the various
                                                                                                     bearing P/N 704A33651243 until it is
                                             and nomenclature throughout this Final                                                                        levels of government.
                                                                                                     replaced.
                                             rule to reflect the new organizational                    This service information is reasonably                For the reasons discussed above, I
                                             changes. Additional information about                   available because the interested parties              certify that this AD:
                                             the new structure can be found in the                   have access to it through their normal                  (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                             Notice published on July 25, 2017 (82                   course of business or by the means                    action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
                                             FR 34564).                                              identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                                                                                                                             (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
                                             Comments                                                Costs of Compliance                                   DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                               After our NPRM was published, we                        We estimate that this AD affects 729                (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
                                             received a comment from Airbus                          helicopters of U.S. Registry and that                   (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
                                             Helicopters.                                            labor costs average $85 per work hour.                in Alaska to the extent that a regulatory
                                             Request                                                 Based on these estimates, we expect the               distinction is required, and
                                                                                                     following costs:                                        (4) Will not have a significant
                                                Airbus Helicopters requested that we                   • Greasing and visually inspecting                  economic impact, positive or negative,
                                             revise the Applicability section of the                 the bearing requires 1.5 work hours and               on a substantial number of small entities
                                             AD to eliminate confusion. Specifically,                no parts are needed. We estimate a total              under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                             Airbus Helicopters requested we change                  cost of $128 per helicopter and $93,312               Flexibility Act.
                                             the AD to apply to helicopters with                     for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
                                             ‘‘Single Hydraulics pre mod 079568                        • Inspecting and manually rotating                  List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                             with Hydraulic pump drive assembly                      the bearing requires 2 work hours, and
                                             part number 350A35–0132–00 with                         no parts are needed. We estimate a total                Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                             bearing part number 704A33651243                        cost of $170 per helicopter and $123,930              safety, Incorporation by reference,
Pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES




                                             installed.’’                                            for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.              Safety.
                                                We do not agree. Airbus Helicopters’                   • Replacing the bearing requires 2                  Adoption of the Amendment
                                             request does not make the Applicability                 work hours and $1,571 for parts, for a
                                             section clearer because the unsafe                      total cost of $1,741 per helicopter and                 Accordingly, under the authority
                                             condition lies with the bearing, which is               $1,269,189 for the U.S. fleet.                        delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                             also installed in hydraulic pump drive                    • Replacing the hydraulic pump drive                the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
                                             assembly part number 350A35–0132–00                     assembly requires 2 work hours and                    follows:


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                                             51340            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 213 / Monday, November 6, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                             PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   350A35–0132–01 is fitted with bearing P/N                (4) You may view this service information
                                             DIRECTIVES                                              704A33651269.                                         at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
                                                                                                        (2) Within 600 hours TIS and thereafter at         Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
                                             ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS:                Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
                                                                                                        (i) Visually inspect the bearing for bronze        information on the availability of this
                                             continues to read as follows:                                                                                 material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
                                                                                                     particles in the grease. If there are any bronze
                                                 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          particles in the grease, before further flight,          (5) You may view this service information
                                                                                                     replace the bearing with bearing P/N                  that is incorporated by reference at the
                                             § 39.13   [Amended]                                     704A33651269. This constitutes terminating            National Archives and Records
                                             ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by                          action for the inspections in this AD.                Administration (NARA). For information on
                                                                                                        (ii) Manually rotate the bearing and inspect       the availability of this material at NARA, call
                                             removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
                                                                                                     for a friction point, brinelling, and a noise         (202) 741–6030, or go to: http://
                                             2013–15–03, Amendment 39–17519 (78                      from the bearing. If there is a hard point, any       www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
                                             FR 44422, July 24, 2013), and adding the                brinelling, or any noise from the bearing,            locations.html.
                                             following new AD:                                       before further flight, replace the bearing with
                                                                                                                                                             Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 17,
                                             2017–22–05 Airbus Helicopters (Previously               bearing P/N 704A33651269.
                                                                                                                                                           2017.
                                                 Eurocopter France): Amendment 39–                      (3) Replacing bearing P/N 704A33651243
                                                                                                     with bearing P/N 704A33651269, or                     James A. Grigg,
                                                 19085; Docket No. FAA–2015–4031;
                                                 Product Identifier 2014–SW–072–AD.                  replacing hydraulic pump drive assembly               Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
                                                                                                     P/N 350A35–0132–00 with hydraulic pump                Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                             (a) Applicability                                       drive assembly P/N 350A35–0132–01,                    [FR Doc. 2017–23193 Filed 11–3–17; 8:45 am]
                                               This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters                 constitutes terminating action for the
                                                                                                                                                           BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                             Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1,                         inspections required by this AD.
                                             AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, and                   (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                             AS350D1 helicopters with a hydraulic pump               (AMOCs)                                               DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                             drive bearing (bearing) part number (P/N)
                                                                                                        (1) The Manager, Safety Management
                                             704A33651243 installed, certificated in any                                                                   Federal Aviation Administration
                                                                                                     Section, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
                                             category.
                                                                                                     AD. Send your proposal to: Stephen Barbini,
                                             (b) Unsafe Condition                                    Manager, Safety Management Section, Policy            14 CFR Part 39
                                                This AD defines the unsafe condition as              and Innovation Division, FAA, 10101
                                                                                                     Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;                 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0777; Product
                                             the seizure of the bearing. This condition                                                                    Identifier 2017–NM–050–AD; Amendment
                                             could result in hydraulic pump drive belt               telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW-
                                                                                                     FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                            39–19089; AD 2017–22–09]
                                             failure, loss of hydraulic servo assistance,
                                                                                                        (2) For operations conducted under a 14            RIN 2120–AA64
                                             and subsequent loss of control of the
                                                                                                     CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
                                             helicopter.
                                                                                                     14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
                                                                                                                                                           Airworthiness Directives; Saab AB,
                                             (c) Affected ADs                                        you notify your principal inspector, or
                                                                                                     lacking a principal inspector, the manager of         Saab Aeronautics (Formerly Known as
                                                This AD supersedes AD 2013–15–03,                                                                          Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems)
                                             Amendment 39–17519 (78 FR 44422, July 24,               the local flight standards district office or
                                                                                                     certificate holding district office, before           Airplanes
                                             2013).
                                                                                                     operating any aircraft complying with this
                                             (d) Effective Date                                      AD through an AMOC.                                   AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                                                                                                                           Administration (FAA), Department of
                                               This AD becomes effective December 11,                (h) Additional Information
                                             2017.
                                                                                                                                                           Transportation (DOT).
                                                                                                       The subject of this AD is addressed in              ACTION: Final rule.
                                             (e) Compliance                                          European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
                                                You are responsible for performing each              No. 2014–0233, dated October 23, 2014. You            SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new
                                             action required by this AD within the                   may view the EASA AD on the Internet at               airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
                                             specified compliance time unless it has                 http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
                                                                                                     FAA–2015–4031.
                                                                                                                                                           Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics Model
                                             already been accomplished prior to that time.                                                                 SAAB 340B airplanes. This AD was
                                             (f) Required Actions                                    (i) Subject                                           prompted by reports of natural stall
                                                (1) For each bearing with less than 115                 Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)            events in icing conditions, without prior
                                                                                                     Code: 2913, Hydraulic Pump (Electric/                 stall warnings. This AD requires
                                             hours time-in-service (TIS), before
                                                                                                     Engine), Main.                                        modifying the stall warning system,
                                             accumulating 150 hours TIS, and for each
                                             bearing with 115 or more hours TIS, within              (j) Material Incorporated by Reference                installing new stall warning computers,
                                             50 hours TIS, and for all helicopters                      (1) The Director of the Federal Register           and activating the stall warning system.
                                             thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours         approved the incorporation by reference of            We are issuing this AD to address the
                                             TIS:                                                    the service information listed in this                unsafe condition on these products.
                                                (i) Grease each bearing in accordance with           paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR             DATES: This AD is effective December
                                             the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph              part 51.
                                             3.B.2.b., of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service                                                                 11, 2017.
                                                                                                        (2) You must use this service information            The Director of the Federal Register
                                             Bulletin No. AS350–63.00.24, Revision 0,                as applicable to do the actions required by
                                             dated October 21, 2014 (ASB).                           this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.           approved the incorporation by reference
                                                (ii) Perform a test ground run. Inspect all             (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service               of certain publications listed in this AD
                                             grease that comes out of the bearing during             Bulletin No. AS350–63.00.24, Revision 0,              as of December 11, 2017.
                                             the ground run and all grease around the                dated October 21, 2014.                               ADDRESSES: For service information
Pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES




                                             bearing for bronze particles.                              (ii) Reserved.
                                                (iii) If there are any bronze particles in the
                                                                                                                                                           identified in this final rule, contact Saab
                                                                                                        (3) For Airbus Helicopters service                 AB, Saab Aeronautics, SE–581 88,
                                             grease, before further flight, replace the              information identified in this AD, contact
                                             bearing with bearing P/N 704A33651269.                  contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum
                                                                                                                                                           Linköping, Sweden; telephone +46 13
                                             This constitutes terminating action for the             Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone             18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email
                                             inspections in this AD.                                 (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972)           saab340techsupport@saabgroup.com;
                                                Note 1 to paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this AD:          641–3775; or at http://                               Internet http://www.saabgroup.com.
                                             Hydraulic pump drive assembly P/N                       www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.                    You may view this referenced service


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Document Created: 2017-11-07 10:30:56
Document Modified: 2017-11-07 10:30:56
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective December 11, 2017.
ContactStephen Barbini, Manager, Safety Management Section, Policy and Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 51338 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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