82 FR 60292 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France)
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 243 (December 20, 2017)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 243 (December 20, 2017)
| Page Range | 60292-60295 | |
| FR Document | 2017-27274 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 243 (Wednesday, December 20, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 60292-60295] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-27274] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2017-0671; Product Identifier 2016-SW-072-AD; Amendment 39-19135; AD 2017-26-04] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France) AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-25-07 for Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2009-25-07 required amending the rotorcraft flight manual supplement (RFMS) and pre-flight checking the emergency flotation gear before each flight over water. Since we issued AD 2009-25-07, Airbus Helicopters developed a terminating action and identified an additional part- [[Page 60293]] numbered emergency floatation gear part with the unsafe condition. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2009-25-07, expands the applicability, and adds a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The actions of this AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these helicopters. DATES: This AD is effective January 24, 2018. 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/website/technical-expert/. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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- 0671; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 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 2009-25-07 (74 FR 65682, December 11, 2009) (2009- 25-07), and add a new AD. AD 2009-25-07 applied to Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2009-25-07 required amending the limitations section of RFMS to prohibit flight over water if the ``float arm'' pushbutton does not remain lit, conducting a pilot check to determine whether the ``float arm'' pushbutton remains lit before any flight over water, and placarding the ``float arm'' pushbutton as inoperative if the functional check is unsuccessful. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2017 (82 FR 32501). The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2016-0180, dated September 13, 2016 (AD 2016-0180), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Model EC120B helicopters. EASA advises that Airbus Helicopters has designed an improved latching pushbutton, which when installed becomes a terminating action for the repetitive functional checks of the float arm pushbuttons. EASA also states that lighting and ancillary control unit (LACU) part number (P/N) 040101BA is equipped with the same faulty pushbutton and must be included in the applicability. Accordingly, the NPRM proposed to retain the RFMS amendment and repetitive functional check requirements of AD 2009-25-07, add LACU P/N 040101BA to the applicability paragraph, require replacing the float arm pushbutton P/N 045004A111A with float arm pushbutton P/N 304-2500- 00 within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS), and prohibit installing float arm pushbutton P/N 045004A111A on any helicopter. Replacing the float arm pushbutton was also proposed as a terminating action for the repetitive functional checks prior to flight overwater. An owner/ operator (pilot) may perform the functional check required by this AD and must enter compliance with that paragraph into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may perform this check because it involves only a functional check to determine whether the emergency flotation gear has been armed and can be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This check is an exception to our standard maintenance regulations. The proposed requirements were intended to prohibit flight over water if a functional test indicates that the emergency flotation gear cannot be armed, which would preclude deployment of the floats in an emergency water ditching, resulting in subsequent damage to the helicopter and injury to occupants. Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service has changed its organization 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 We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM. 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 requires installing the LACU float arm pushbutton within 13 months; this AD requires the installation within 300 hours TIS. Related Service Information We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 04A007, Revision 1, dated June 30, 2016 (EASB), for Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. The EASB describes procedures for a pre- flight check of the float arm pushbutton while arming the emergency flotation gear and prohibits operators from flight over water if the float arm pushbutton fails. We also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC120-31A008, Revision 0, dated June 30, 2016 (ASB), for Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. The ASB describes procedures for replacing the float arm pushbutton with a new design pushbutton and for re-labeling the modified LACU with a new P/N label. Costs of Compliance We estimate this AD will affect 53 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, the cost of revising the limitations section of the RFMS and of the pre- flight functional check is negligible. Replacing the float arm pushbutton will require about 2 work-hours, and required parts cost about $311, for a cost per helicopter of $481 and a total cost of $25,493 to 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, [[Page 60294]] 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 helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings 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 it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-25-07, Amendment 39-16126 (74 FR 65682, December 11, 2009), and adding the following new AD: 2017-26-04 Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France): Amendment 39-19135; Docket No. FAA-2017-0671; Product Identifier 2016-SW-072-AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter France) Model EC120B helicopters, certificated in any category, with a Lighting and Ancillary Control Unit (LACU) part-number (P/N) 040101AB or 040101BA with a float arm pushbutton P/N 045004A111A installed. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a ``float arm'' pushbutton, which could result in inoperative floats being used in an emergency water ditching, causing damage to the helicopter or injury to occupants. (c) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 2009-25-07, Amendment 39-16126 (74 FR 65682, December 11, 2009). (d) Effective Date This AD becomes effective January 24, 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) Before further flight, amend the EC120B Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (RFMS) for the Aerazur emergency flotation gear, by inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the RFMS or by making pen and ink changes to that section to add the information in Figure 1 to paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: Figure 1 to Paragraph (f)(1)--Amendment to RFMS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arm the emergency flotation gear by pressing the LACU ``FLOAT ARM'' pushbutton. --If both lights of the pushbutton remain lit, flight over water is permitted. --If one or both lights of the pushbutton do not remain lit, FLIGHT OVER WATER IS PROHIBITED. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (2) Before each flight over water: (i) Perform a functional check to determine whether flight over water is permitted under the Limitations section in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. For purposes of this AD, ``flight over water'' means flight beyond the power-off gliding distance from shore. ``Shore'' is an area of land adjacent to the water and above the high water mark but does not include land area that is intermittently under water. The actions required by this paragraph may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. (ii) If the LACU fails the functional check required by paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this AD, place a placard over the ``float arm'' pushbutton that reads ``INOP.'' (3) Within 300 hours time-in-service, replace float arm pushbutton P/N 045004A111A with float arm pushbutton P/N 304-2500- 00. Installing float arm pushbutton P/N 304-2500-00 is terminating action for the functional check and placard required by paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD. (4) Do not install float arm pushbutton P/N 045004A111A on any helicopter. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (h) Additional Information (1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 04A007, Revision 1, dated June 30, 2016, and Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC120-31A008, Revision 0, dated June 30, 2016, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/technical-expert/. You may review a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office of [[Page 60295]] the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0180, dated September 13, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2017-0671. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2560 Emergency Equipment. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 12, 2017. Scott A. Horn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017-27274 Filed 12-19-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1752(5), 1755, 1756, for the region where a natural person (13) Office of Minority and Women
1757, 1758, 1759, 1761a, 1761b, 1766, 1767, credit union’s main office is located or Inclusion. * * * Specific duties of the
1782, 1784, 1786, 1787, 1789. Section 701.6 the director of the NCUA’s Office of Office include developing and
is also authorized by 15 U.S.C. 3717. Section
701.31 is also authorized by 15 U.S.C. 1601
Credit Union Resources and Expansion. implementing standards for: Equal
et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 1981 and 3601–3610. For corporate credit unions and natural employment opportunity and the racial,
Section 701.35 is also authorized by 42 person credit unions with $10 billion or ethnic, and gender diversity of the
U.S.C. 4311–4312. more in assets, Regional Director means workforce and senior management of
the director of the NCUA’s Office of the NCUA; increased participation of
Appendix B to Part 701 [Amended]
National Examinations and Supervision. minority-owned and women-owned
■ 2. In appendix B to part 701, remove * * * * * businesses in the programs and
the term ‘‘Office of Consumer Financial contracts of the NCUA, including
Protection and Access’’ wherever it PART 790—DESCRIPTION OF NCUA; standards for coordinating technical
appears and add in its place the term REQUEST FOR AGENCY ACTION assistance to such businesses; and
‘‘Office of Credit Union Resources and assessing the diversity policies and
Expansion’’. ■ 9. The authority citation for part 790 practices of credit unions regulated by
continues to read as follows: the NCUA. * * *
PART 705—COMMUNITY Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1766, 1789, 1795f. * * * * *
DEVELOPMENT REVOLVING LOAN (15) Office of Consumer Financial
FUND FOR CREDIT UNIONS ■ 10. In § 790.2, revise the second
sentence of paragraph (b)(6), paragraph Protection. (i) The Office of Consumer
■ 3. The authority citation for part 705 (b)(12), the third sentence of paragraph Financial Protection contains two
continues to read as follows: (b)(13), and paragraph (b)(15) to read as divisions:
follows: (A) The Division of Consumer
Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1756, 1757, 1766, Compliance Policy and Outreach; and
1782, 1784, 1785, 1786. § 790.2 Central and field office (B) The Division of Consumer Affairs;
■ 4. In § 705.5, in paragraph (d), remove organization. (ii) The Office provides consumer
the term ‘‘Office of Small Credit Union * * * * * financial services, including consumer
Initiatives’’ and add in its place the term (b) * * * education and complaint resolution;
‘‘Office of Credit Union Resources and (6) * * * The Executive Director establishes, consolidates, and
Expansion’’. translates the NCUA Board policy coordinates consumer financial
decisions into workable programs, protections within the agency; oversees
PART 708a—BANK CONVERSIONS delegates responsibility for these the agency’s fair lending examination
AND MERGERS programs to appropriate staff members, program; and acts as the central liaison
and coordinates the activities of the on consumer financial protection with
■ 5. The authority citation for part 708a
senior executive staff, which includes: other federal agencies.
continues to read as follows:
The General Counsel; the Regional * * * * *
Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1766, 1785(b), and Directors; and the Office Directors for
1785(c). [FR Doc. 2017–27411 Filed 12–19–17; 8:45 am]
the Asset Management and Assistance
BILLING CODE 7535–01–P
■ 6. In § 708a.101, revise the first Center, Chief Economist, Chief
sentence of the definition of ‘‘Regional Financial Officer, Chief Information
Director’’ to read as follows: Officer, Consumer Financial Protection,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
§ 708a.101 Definitions. Continuity and Security Management,
Credit Union Resources and Expansion, Federal Aviation Administration
* * * * * Examination and Insurance, Human
Regional Director means either the
Resources, Minority and Women 14 CFR Part 39
director for the NCUA Regional Office
Inclusion, National Examinations and
for the region where a natural person [Docket No. FAA–2017–0671; Product
Supervision, and Public and
credit union’s main office is located or Identifier 2016–SW–072–AD; Amendment
Congressional Affairs. * * *
the director of the NCUA’s Office of 39–19135; AD 2017–26–04]
Credit Union Resources and * * * * *
(12) Credit Union Resources and RIN 2120–AA64
Expansion. * * *
Expansion. This Office is responsible
* * * * * Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
for coordinating NCUA policy and
actions related to credit union Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter
PART 708b—MERGERS OF France)
FEDERALLY-INSURED CREDIT chartering and field of membership, low
UNIONS; VOLUNTARY TERMINATION income designation, and preserving AGENCY: Federal Aviation
OR CONVERSION OF INSURED credit unions run by minorities and/or Administration (FAA), DOT.
STATUS serving minorities. The Office
ACTION: Final rule.
administers the Community
■ 7. The authority citation for part 708b Development Revolving Loan Program SUMMARY: We are superseding
continues to read as follows: for Credit Unions (Program). This Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009–25–
Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1752(7), 1766, 1785, Program is funded from congressional 07 for Airbus Helicopters Model
1786, and 1789. appropriations and serves as a source of EC120B helicopters. AD 2009–25–07
financial support, in the form of
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■ 8. In § 708b.2, revise the definition of required amending the rotorcraft flight
technical assistance grants and loans to manual supplement (RFMS) and pre-
‘‘Regional Director’’ to read as follows:
low-income credit unions serving flight checking the emergency flotation
§ 708b.2 Definitions. predominantly low-income members. gear before each flight over water. Since
* * * * * The Program is governed by part 705 of we issued AD 2009–25–07, Airbus
Regional Director means either the subchapter A of this chapter. Helicopters developed a terminating
director for the NCUA Regional Office * * * * * action and identified an additional part-
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section 106, describes the authority of (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation (a) Applicability
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: in Alaska to the extent that it justifies This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Aviation Programs, describes in more making a regulatory distinction; and (previously Eurocopter France) Model
detail the scope of the Agency’s (4) Will not have a significant EC120B helicopters, certificated in any
authority. economic impact, positive or negative, category, with a Lighting and Ancillary
We are issuing this rulemaking under on a substantial number of small entities Control Unit (LACU) part-number (P/N)
the authority described in Subtitle VII, under the criteria of the Regulatory 040101AB or 040101BA with a float arm
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Flexibility Act. pushbutton P/N 045004A111A installed.
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that We prepared an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with (b) Unsafe Condition
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in this AD and placed it in the AD docket. This AD defines the unsafe condition as
failure of a ‘‘float arm’’ pushbutton, which
air commerce by prescribing regulations List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 could result in inoperative floats being used
for practices, methods, and procedures Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation in an emergency water ditching, causing
the Administrator finds necessary for safety, Incorporation by reference, damage to the helicopter or injury to
safety in air commerce. This regulation Safety. occupants.
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition Adoption of the Amendment (c) Affected ADs
that is likely to exist or develop on Accordingly, under the authority This AD supersedes AD 2009–25–07,
helicopters identified in this rulemaking delegated to me by the Administrator, Amendment 39–16126 (74 FR 65682,
action. the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as December 11, 2009).
Regulatory Findings follows: (d) Effective Date
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS This AD becomes effective January 24,
This AD will not have federalism
DIRECTIVES 2018.
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a (e) Compliance
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
substantial direct effect on the States, on You are responsible for performing each
continues to read as follows:
the relationship between the national action required by this AD within the
government and the States, or on the Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. specified compliance time unless it has
distribution of power and § 39.13 [Amended] already been accomplished prior to that time.
responsibilities among the various
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by (f) Required Actions
levels of government.
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) (1) Before further flight, amend the EC120B
For the reasons discussed above, I
2009–25–07, Amendment 39–16126 (74 Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (RFMS)
certify that this AD:
FR 65682, December 11, 2009), and for the Aerazur emergency flotation gear, by
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory adding the following new AD: inserting a copy of this AD into the
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; Limitations section of the RFMS or by
2017–26–04 Airbus Helicopters (Previously
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under Eurocopter France): Amendment 39– making pen and ink changes to that section
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures 19135; Docket No. FAA–2017–0671; to add the information in Figure 1 to
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); Product Identifier 2016–SW–072–AD. paragraph (f)(1) of this AD:
FIGURE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (f)(1)—AMENDMENT TO RFMS
Arm the emergency flotation gear by pressing the LACU ‘‘FLOAT ARM’’ pushbutton.
—If both lights of the pushbutton remain lit, flight over water is permitted.
—If one or both lights of the pushbutton do not remain lit, FLIGHT OVER WATER IS PROHIBITED.
(2) Before each flight over water: (3) Within 300 hours time-in-service, 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
(i) Perform a functional check to determine replace float arm pushbutton you notify your principal inspector, or
whether flight over water is permitted under P/N 045004A111A with float arm pushbutton lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the Limitations section in paragraph (f)(1) of P/N 304–2500–00. Installing float arm the local flight standards district office or
this AD. For purposes of this AD, ‘‘flight over pushbutton P/N 304–2500–00 is terminating certificate holding district office, before
water’’ means flight beyond the power-off action for the functional check and placard operating any aircraft complying with this
gliding distance from shore. ‘‘Shore’’ is an required by paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) AD through an AMOC.
area of land adjacent to the water and above of this AD.
(h) Additional Information
the high water mark but does not include (4) Do not install float arm pushbutton
P/N 045004A111A on any helicopter. (1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert
land area that is intermittently under water.
Service Bulletin No. 04A007, Revision 1,
The actions required by this paragraph may (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance dated June 30, 2016, and Airbus Helicopters
be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) (AMOCs) Alert Service Bulletin No. EC120–31A008,
holding at least a private pilot certificate, and (1) The Manager, Safety Management Revision 0, dated June 30, 2016, which are
must be entered into the aircraft records Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, not incorporated by reference, contain
showing compliance with this AD in may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your additional information about the subject of
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation Safety this AD. For service information identified in
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES
(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record Engineer, Safety Management Section, this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N.
must be maintained as required by 14 CFR Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323;
(ii) If the LACU fails the functional check telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW- fax (972) 641–3775; or at http://
required by paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this AD, FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. www.airbushelicopters.com/website/
place a placard over the ‘‘float arm’’ (2) For operations conducted under a 14 technical-expert/. You may review a copy of
pushbutton that reads ‘‘INOP.’’ CFR part 119 operating certificate or under the service information at the FAA, Office of
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the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Operations, M–30, West Building supporting data. To ensure the docket
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 does not contain duplicate comments,
Worth, TX 76177. New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC commenters should send only one copy
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in of written comments, or if comments are
20590–0001.
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2016–0180, dated September 13, 2016. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the filed electronically, commenters should
You may view the EASA AD on the internet ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 submit them only one time. We will file
at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. p.m., Monday through Friday, except in the docket all comments that we
FAA–2017–0671. Federal holidays. receive, as well as a report summarizing
each substantive public contact with
(i) Subject Examining the AD Docket FAA personnel concerning this
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) You may examine the AD docket on rulemaking during the comment period.
Code: 2560 Emergency Equipment. the internet at http:// We will consider all the comments we
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December www.regulations.gov by searching for receive and may conduct additional
12, 2017. and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– rulemaking based on those comments.
Scott A. Horn, 1191; or in person at the Docket
Discussion
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, p.m., Monday through Friday, except We are adopting a new AD for
Aircraft Certification Service. Federal holidays. The AD docket Enstrom Model F–28, F–28A, F–28C, F–
[FR Doc. 2017–27274 Filed 12–19–17; 8:45 am] contains this AD, any incorporated-by- 28C–2, F–28C–2R, F–28F, F–28F–R,
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P reference service information, the TH–28, 280, 280C, 280F, 280FX, 480,
economic evaluation, any comments and 480B helicopters with a rod end
received, and other information. The bearing assembly (bearing assembly)
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION street address for the Docket Operations part number (P/N) 01–824–08E–011,
Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in 09455–01–824–08E–011, ECD091–1,
Federal Aviation Administration the ADDRESSES section. Comments will ASMK8T, M81935/1–08K,
be available in the AD docket shortly MS21242S8K, or MTK8 installed. We
14 CFR Part 39 after receipt. received a report of an accident
For service information identified in involving an Enstrom Model 480B
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1191; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–046–AD; Amendment this final rule, contact Enstrom helicopter in which one of the main
39–19134; AD 2017–26–03] Helicopter Corporation, 2209 22nd rotor (M/R) blades departed in-flight.
Street, Menominee, MI; telephone (906) The preliminary investigation indicated
RIN 2120–AA64 that failure of a rod end bearing
863–1200; fax (906) 863–6821; or at
www.enstromhelicopter.com. You may assembly of one of the M/R hydraulic
Airworthiness Directives; The Enstrom damper assemblies may have caused the
Helicopter Corporation Helicopters review the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the M/R blade to depart from the helicopter.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Based on a partially visible marking, the
Administration (FAA), DOT. 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, FAA believes the failed part is assembly
ACTION: Final rule; request for Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also P/N ECD091–1, vendor P/N 09455–01–
comments. available on the internet at http:// 824–08E–011. Analysis of the failed
www.regulations.gov by searching for assembly revealed corrosion in the root
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– of the threaded portion of the rod end.
airworthiness directive (AD) for the 1191. Enstrom identified a potential failure
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation mode whereby failure of the rod end
(Enstrom) Model F–28, F–28A, F–28C, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: bearing assembly may result in the loss
F–28C–2, F–28C–2R, F–28F, F–28F–R, Manzoor Javed, Senior Aerospace of the M/R blade. Because there is no
TH–28, 280, 280C, 280F, 280FX, 480, Engineer, Chicago ACO Branch, indication of a specific manufacturing
and 480B helicopters. This AD requires Compliance and Airworthiness or design issue that would limit the
inspecting certain rod end bearing Division, Aircraft Certification Service, potential for this corrosion to have
assemblies. This AD is prompted by an FAA, 2300 East Devon Ave., Des occurred on other similarly-designed
accident. The actions of this AD are Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294– rod ends, the FAA determined it
intended to prevent an unsafe condition 8112; email manzoor.javed@faa.gov. necessary to require an inspection of all
on these helicopters. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: approved rod end P/Ns.
DATES: This AD becomes effective Accordingly, this AD requires, within
Comments Invited 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), a one-time
January 4, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register This AD is a final rule that involves inspection of the bearing assemblies for
approved the incorporation by reference requirements affecting flight safety, and corrosion on the threaded portion of the
of certain documents listed in this AD we did not provide you with notice and rod end. If there is any corrosion, this
as of January 4, 2018. an opportunity to provide your AD requires replacing the bearing
We must receive comments on this comments prior to it becoming effective. assembly before further flight. This AD
AD by February 20, 2018. However, we invite you to participate in also requires reporting information
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by this rulemaking by submitting written about the inspection to the FAA within
any of the following methods: comments, data, or views. We also 10 days.
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to invite comments relating to the The actions specified by this AD are
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the economic, environmental, energy, or intended to detect corrosion in the
online instructions for sending your federalism impacts that resulted from bearing assembly to prevent failure of
comments electronically. adopting this AD. The most helpful the rod end, loss of an M/R blade, and
• Fax: 202–493–2251. comments reference a specific portion of subsequent loss of control of the
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. the AD, explain the reason for any helicopter. Additional inspections at
Department of Transportation, Docket recommended change, and include longer intervals may also be necessary.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Dec 19, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20DER1.SGM 20DER1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_60535/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2018-10-25 10:55:30
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 10:55:30
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This AD is effective January 24, 2018. | |
| Contact | George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 60292 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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