83_FR_21284 83 FR 21194 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

83 FR 21194 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 90 (May 9, 2018)

Page Range21194-21196
FR Document2018-09742

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA- 365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the aft fuselage outer skin. This proposed AD is prompted by several reports of aft fuselage outer skin disbonding. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 90 (Wednesday, May 9, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 9, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21194-21196]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-09742]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0384; Product Identifier 2017-SW-061-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-
365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters. This proposed AD would require 
repetitive inspections of the aft fuselage outer skin. This proposed AD 
is prompted by several reports of aft fuselage outer skin disbonding. 
The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 9, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0384; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the 
economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at 
http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You may review the referenced service information at 
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 21195]]

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2017-0165, dated September 5, 
2017 (EASA AD 2017-0165), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters Model SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, SA 366 G1, EC 155 B 
and EC 155 B1 helicopters. EASA advises of several reports of aft 
fuselage (baggage compartment area) outer skin disbonding found during 
a 600-hour inspection. EASA advises that most of the reports of 
disbonding occurred on Model EC 155 helicopters and may occur in the 
same area on Model AS 365, SA 365, and SA 366 helicopters due to design 
similarity. According to EASA, the cause of the disbonding has not yet 
been determined and the investigation is continuing. Airbus Helicopters 
states possible causes that are being considered include exhaust gas 
heat from the exhaust pipes and environmental conditions. EASA states 
that this condition, if not detected and corrected, could reduce the 
structural integrity of the aft fuselage, possibly affecting safe 
flight and landing.
    To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD 2017-0165 requires a 
repetitive tap inspection of the aft fuselage outer skin for 
disbonding, a repetitive visual inspection of the aft fuselage outer 
skin for distortion, wrinkling, and corrosion, and contacting Airbus 
Helicopters if there is any disbonding.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known 
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
AS365-05.00.77 for Model AS365 N, N1, N2, and N3 and non-FAA-
certificated Model AS365 F, Fs, Fi, K, and K2 helicopters; ASB No. 
SA366-05.48 for Model SA366 G1 and non-FAA-certificated Model SA366 GA 
helicopters; and ASB No. EC155-05A033 for Model EC155 B and B1 
helicopters, all Revision 0 and all dated July 21, 2017. This service 
information specifies repetitive tap and visual inspections between aft 
fuselage outer skin frames X4630 and X6630 and defines the allowable 
limit of disbonding for this area. If there is distortion, wrinkling, 
or corrosion, this service information specifies performing a tap 
inspection. If there is disbonding within the allowable limit, this 
service information specifies reporting the inspection results to 
Airbus Helicopters and performing the recurring tap inspection at a 
shorter compliance time interval. If there is disbonding that exceeds 
the allowable limit, this service information specifies contacting 
Airbus Helicopters for repair before further flight.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 110 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), a tap inspection of the aft fuselage outer skin for disbonding. 
If there is no disbonding, repeating the tap inspection at intervals 
not to exceed 660 hours TIS would be required. If there is disbonding, 
either repeating the tap inspections at intervals not to exceed 110 
hours TIS or repairing or replacing the panel before further flight and 
then tap inspecting the panel at intervals not to exceed 660 hours TIS 
would be required. This proposed AD would also require, within 220 
hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, 
cleaning the aft fuselage outer skin and visually inspecting for 
distortion, wrinkling, and corrosion. If there is any distortion, 
wrinkling, or corrosion, tap inspecting the area for disbonding would 
be required before further flight.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    If there is disbonding within the allowable limit, the EASA AD 
specifies reporting the inspection results to Airbus Helicopters, 
whereas this proposed AD would not. If there is disbonding that exceeds 
the allowable limit, the EASA AD specifies contacting Airbus 
Helicopters for approved skin panel repair or replacement instructions, 
whereas this proposed AD would require repairing or replacing the panel 
instead.

Interim Action

    We consider this proposed AD to be an interim action. If final 
action is later identified, we might consider further rulemaking then.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 46 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per 
work-hour.
    Tap inspecting the aft fuselage outer skin would take about 3 work-
hours for an estimated cost of $255 per helicopter and $11,730 for the 
U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Visually inspecting the aft fuselage 
outer skin would take about 0.3 work-hour for an estimated cost of $26 
per helicopter and $1,196 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. 
Repairing a panel would take about 5 work-hours and parts would cost 
about $500 for an estimated cost of $925. Replacing a panel would take 
about 10 work-hours and parts would cost about $20,000 for an estimated 
cost of $20,850.

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,

[[Page 21196]]

Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that 
section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil 
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, 
methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in 
air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority 
because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or 
develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2018-0384; Product Identifier 
2017-SW-061-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, 
SA-365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as disbonding of the aft 
fuselage outer skin. This condition could result in loss of aft 
fuselage structural integrity and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 9, 2018.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS), tap inspect the aft 
fuselage outer skin for disbonding between frames X4630 and X6630 in 
the areas depicted in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. AS365-05.00.77, ASB No. SA366-05.48, or ASB No. 
EC155-05A033, all Revision 0 and dated July 21, 2017 (ASB AS365-
05.00.77, ASB SA366-05.48, or ASB EC155-05A033), as applicable for 
your model helicopter. Examples of acceptable and unacceptable 
disbonding areas are depicted in Figure 2 of ASB AS365-05.00.77, ASB 
SA366-05.48, and ASB EC155-05A033, as applicable for your model 
helicopter.
    (i) If there is no disbonding, repeat the tap inspection at 
intervals not to exceed 660 hours TIS.
    (ii) If there is disbonding within one square-shaped area 
measuring 3.94 in. x 3.94 in. (10 cm x 10 cm) that does not cross 
two skin panels, repeat the tap inspection at intervals not to 
exceed 110 hours TIS.
    (iii) If there is disbonding that exceeds one square-shaped area 
measuring 3.94 in. x 3.94 in. (10 cm x 10 cm) or crosses two skin 
panels, before further flight, repair or replace the panel. 
Thereafter, tap inspect the panel at intervals not to exceed 660 
hours TIS.
    (2) Within 220 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 110 hours TIS, clean the aft fuselage outer skin and using a 
light, visually inspect for distortion, wrinkling, and corrosion 
between frames X4630 and X6630 as depicted in Figure 1 of ASB AS365-
05.00.77, ASB SA366-05.48, or ASB EC155-05A033, as applicable for 
your model helicopter. If there is any distortion, wrinkling, or 
corrosion, before further flight, tap inspect the area for 
disbonding by following the inspection instructions in paragraph 
(e)(1) of this AD.

(f) 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: 
Matt Fuller, Senior 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.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0165, dated September 5, 2017. You may 
view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 
the AD Docket.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5302, Rotorcraft 
tail boom.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 26, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division,Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-09742 Filed 5-8-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                               21194                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2018 / Proposed Rules




                                               (i) No Alternative Actions and Intervals                  (2) For more information about this AD,             ADDRESSES:   You may send comments by
                                                  After the maintenance or inspection                  contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace                any of the following methods:
                                               program, as applicable, has been revised as             Engineer, International Section, Transport              • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
                                               required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD,          Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th               http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                               no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or           Street, Des Moines, WA 980198; telephone
                                                                                                       and fax 206–231–3220.
                                                                                                                                                             online instructions for sending your
                                               intervals may be used unless the actions or                                                                   comments electronically.
                                                                                                         (3) For service information identified in
                                               intervals are approved as an alternative
                                                                                                       this AD, contact ATR–GIE Avions de                      • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                               method of compliance (AMOC) in
                                                                                                       Transport Régional, 1 Allée Pierre Nadot,             • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
                                               accordance with the procedures specified in
                                                                                                       31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33            Department of Transportation, Docket
                                               paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
                                                                                                       (0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18;         Operations, M–30, West Building
                                               (j) Terminating Action for Certain ADs                  email continued.airworthiness@atr-                    Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                                  Accomplishing the actions required by this           aircraft.com; http://www.atr-aircraft.com.            New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
                                               AD terminates all requirements of AD 2000–              You may view this service information at the          20590–0001.
                                                                                                       FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
                                               17–09, AD 2008–04–19 R1, and AD 2015–26–                                                                        • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
                                               09 for ATR–GIE Avions de Transport                      South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA. For
                                                                                                       information on the availability of this               ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
                                               Régional Model ATR42–200, –300, and –320                                                                     p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                               airplanes only.                                         material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
                                                                                                                                                             Federal holidays.
                                                                                                         Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
                                               (k) Other FAA AD Provisions                             April 27, 2018.                                       Examining the AD Docket
                                                  The following provisions also apply to this          Michael Kaszycki,
                                               AD:                                                                                                              You may examine the AD docket on
                                                                                                       Acting Director, System Oversight Division,           the internet at http://
                                                  (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                                                                       Aircraft Certification Service.                       www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                               (AMOCs): The Manager, International
                                               Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,               [FR Doc. 2018–09746 Filed 5–8–18; 8:45 am]            and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
                                               has the authority to approve AMOCs for this             BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                0384; or in person at Docket Operations
                                               AD, if requested using the procedures found                                                                   between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
                                               in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR                                                                    through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                                               39.19, send your request to your principal              DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          The AD docket contains this proposed
                                               inspector or local Flight Standards District
                                               Office, as appropriate. If sending information          Federal Aviation Administration                       AD, the European Aviation Safety
                                               directly to the International Section, send it                                                                Agency (EASA) AD, the economic
                                               to the attention of the person identified in            14 CFR Part 39                                        evaluation, any comments received, and
                                               paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Information may                                                                  other information. The street address for
                                               be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-                          [Docket No. FAA–2018–0384; Product                    Docket Operations (telephone 800–647–
                                               REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any                      Identifier 2017–SW–061–AD]                            5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
                                               approved AMOC, notify your appropriate                  RIN 2120–AA64                                         Comments will be available in the AD
                                               principal inspector, or lacking a principal                                                                   docket shortly after receipt.
                                               inspector, the manager of the local flight              Airworthiness Directives; Airbus                         For service information identified in
                                               standards district office/certificate holding
                                               district office.
                                                                                                       Helicopters                                           this proposed rule, contact Airbus
                                                  (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any                                                                   Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,
                                                                                                       AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                               requirement in this AD to obtain corrective                                                                   Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
                                                                                                       Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                               actions from a manufacturer, the action must                                                                  (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax
                                                                                                       ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                               be accomplished using a method approved                                                                       (972) 641–3775; or at http://
                                               by the Manager, International Section,                  (NPRM).                                               www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/
                                               Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the                                                                       en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You
                                                                                                       SUMMARY:    We propose to adopt a new
                                               European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or                                                                    may review the referenced service
                                               ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Régional’s
                                                                                                       airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
                                                                                                       Helicopters Model AS–365N2, AS 365                    information at the FAA, Office of the
                                               EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
                                               If approved by the DOA, the approval must               N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365N1, and                   Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
                                               include the DOA-authorized signature.                   SA–366G1 helicopters. This proposed                   10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,
                                                                                                       AD would require repetitive inspections               Fort Worth, TX 76177.
                                               (l) Related Information
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                       of the aft fuselage outer skin. This                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
                                                  (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing                    proposed AD is prompted by several                    Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
                                               Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA                   reports of aft fuselage outer skin                    Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
                                               Airworthiness Directive 2017–0221R1, dated                                                                    Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
                                                                                                       disbonding. The actions of this
                                               December 15, 2017, for related information.
                                               This MCAI may be found in the AD docket                 proposed AD are intended to address an                Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
                                               on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov           unsafe condition on these products.                   telephone (817) 222–5110; email
                                               by searching for and locating Docket No.                DATES: We must receive comments on                    matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         EP09MY18.018</GPH>




                                               FAA–2018–0391.                                          this proposed AD by July 9, 2018.                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:



                                          VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:09 May 08, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00007   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\09MYP1.SGM   09MYP1


                                                                       Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                              21195

                                               Comments Invited                                        fuselage outer skin for distortion,                   tap inspecting the panel at intervals not
                                                  We invite you to participate in this                 wrinkling, and corrosion, and                         to exceed 660 hours TIS would be
                                               rulemaking by submitting written                        contacting Airbus Helicopters if there is             required. This proposed AD would also
                                               comments, data, or views. We also                       any disbonding.                                       require, within 220 hours TIS and
                                               invite comments relating to the                         FAA’s Determination                                   thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110
                                               economic, environmental, energy, or                                                                           hours TIS, cleaning the aft fuselage
                                                                                                         These helicopters have been approved                outer skin and visually inspecting for
                                               federalism impacts that might result                    by the aviation authority of France and
                                               from adopting the proposals in this                                                                           distortion, wrinkling, and corrosion. If
                                                                                                       are approved for operation in the United              there is any distortion, wrinkling, or
                                               document. The most helpful comments                     States. Pursuant to our bilateral
                                               reference a specific portion of the                                                                           corrosion, tap inspecting the area for
                                                                                                       agreement with France, EASA, its                      disbonding would be required before
                                               proposal, explain the reason for any                    technical representative, has notified us
                                               recommended change, and include                                                                               further flight.
                                                                                                       of the unsafe condition described in its
                                               supporting data. To ensure the docket                   AD. We are proposing this AD because                  Differences Between This Proposed AD
                                               does not contain duplicate comments,                    we evaluated all known relevant                       and the EASA AD
                                               commenters should send only one copy                    information and determined that an                       If there is disbonding within the
                                               of written comments, or if comments are                 unsafe condition is likely to exist or                allowable limit, the EASA AD specifies
                                               filed electronically, commenters should                 develop on other products of the same                 reporting the inspection results to
                                               submit only one time.                                   type design.                                          Airbus Helicopters, whereas this
                                                  We will file in the docket all
                                                                                                       Related Service Information Under 1                   proposed AD would not. If there is
                                               comments that we receive, as well as a
                                                                                                       CFR Part 51                                           disbonding that exceeds the allowable
                                               report summarizing each substantive
                                                                                                                                                             limit, the EASA AD specifies contacting
                                               public contact with FAA personnel                          We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert               Airbus Helicopters for approved skin
                                               concerning this proposed rulemaking.                    Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS365–                     panel repair or replacement
                                               Before acting on this proposal, we will                 05.00.77 for Model AS365 N, N1, N2,                   instructions, whereas this proposed AD
                                               consider all comments we receive on or                  and N3 and non-FAA-certificated Model                 would require repairing or replacing the
                                               before the closing date for comments.                   AS365 F, Fs, Fi, K, and K2 helicopters;               panel instead.
                                               We will consider comments filed after                   ASB No. SA366–05.48 for Model SA366
                                               the comment period has closed if it is                  G1 and non-FAA-certificated Model                     Interim Action
                                               possible to do so without incurring                     SA366 GA helicopters; and ASB No.                       We consider this proposed AD to be
                                               expense or delay. We may change this                    EC155–05A033 for Model EC155 B and                    an interim action. If final action is later
                                               proposal in light of the comments we                    B1 helicopters, all Revision 0 and all                identified, we might consider further
                                               receive.                                                dated July 21, 2017. This service                     rulemaking then.
                                               Discussion                                              information specifies repetitive tap and
                                                                                                       visual inspections between aft fuselage               Costs of Compliance
                                                  EASA, which is the Technical Agent                   outer skin frames X4630 and X6630 and                    We estimate that this proposed AD
                                               for the Member States of the European                   defines the allowable limit of                        would affect 46 helicopters of U.S.
                                               Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2017–                     disbonding for this area. If there is                 Registry. We estimate that operators
                                               0165, dated September 5, 2017 (EASA                     distortion, wrinkling, or corrosion, this             may incur the following costs in order
                                               AD 2017–0165), to correct an unsafe                     service information specifies performing              to comply with this AD. Labor costs are
                                               condition for Airbus Helicopters Model                  a tap inspection. If there is disbonding              estimated at $85 per work-hour.
                                               SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, SA                     within the allowable limit, this service                 Tap inspecting the aft fuselage outer
                                               366 G1, EC 155 B and EC 155 B1                          information specifies reporting the                   skin would take about 3 work-hours for
                                               helicopters. EASA advises of several                    inspection results to Airbus Helicopters              an estimated cost of $255 per helicopter
                                               reports of aft fuselage (baggage                        and performing the recurring tap                      and $11,730 for the U.S. fleet per
                                               compartment area) outer skin                            inspection at a shorter compliance time               inspection cycle. Visually inspecting the
                                               disbonding found during a 600-hour                      interval. If there is disbonding that                 aft fuselage outer skin would take about
                                               inspection. EASA advises that most of                   exceeds the allowable limit, this service             0.3 work-hour for an estimated cost of
                                               the reports of disbonding occurred on                   information specifies contacting Airbus               $26 per helicopter and $1,196 for the
                                               Model EC 155 helicopters and may                        Helicopters for repair before further                 U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
                                               occur in the same area on Model AS                      flight.                                               Repairing a panel would take about 5
                                               365, SA 365, and SA 366 helicopters                        This service information is reasonably             work-hours and parts would cost about
                                               due to design similarity. According to                  available because the interested parties              $500 for an estimated cost of $925.
                                               EASA, the cause of the disbonding has                   have access to it through their normal                Replacing a panel would take about 10
                                               not yet been determined and the                         course of business or by the means                    work-hours and parts would cost about
                                               investigation is continuing. Airbus                     identified in the ADDRESSES section.                  $20,000 for an estimated cost of
                                               Helicopters states possible causes that                                                                       $20,850.
                                               are being considered include exhaust                    Proposed AD Requirements
                                               gas heat from the exhaust pipes and                        This proposed AD would require,                    Authority for This Rulemaking
                                               environmental conditions. EASA states                   within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS),                 Title 49 of the United States Code
                                               that this condition, if not detected and                a tap inspection of the aft fuselage outer            specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
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                                               corrected, could reduce the structural                  skin for disbonding. If there is no                   rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                               integrity of the aft fuselage, possibly                 disbonding, repeating the tap inspection              section 106, describes the authority of
                                               affecting safe flight and landing.                      at intervals not to exceed 660 hours TIS              the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
                                                  To address this unsafe condition,                    would be required. If there is                        Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
                                               EASA AD 2017–0165 requires a                            disbonding, either repeating the tap                  detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                               repetitive tap inspection of the aft                    inspections at intervals not to exceed                authority.
                                               fuselage outer skin for disbonding, a                   110 hours TIS or repairing or replacing                 We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                               repetitive visual inspection of the aft                 the panel before further flight and then              the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,


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                                               21196                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                               Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                     (a) Applicability                                       (2) For operations conducted under a 14
                                               General requirements.’’ Under that                        This AD applies to Model AS–365N2, AS               CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
                                               section, Congress charges the FAA with                  365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365N1, and               14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
                                               promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in              SA–366G1 helicopters, certificated in any             you notify your principal inspector, or
                                                                                                       category.                                             lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
                                               air commerce by prescribing regulations                                                                       the local flight standards district office or
                                               for practices, methods, and procedures                  (b) Unsafe Condition                                  certificate holding district office before
                                               the Administrator finds necessary for                      This AD defines the unsafe condition as            operating any aircraft complying with this
                                               safety in air commerce. This regulation                 disbonding of the aft fuselage outer skin. This       AD through an AMOC.
                                               is within the scope of that authority                   condition could result in loss of aft fuselage
                                                                                                                                                             (g) Additional Information
                                               because it addresses an unsafe condition                structural integrity and subsequent loss of
                                               that is likely to exist or develop on                   control of the helicopter.                               The subject of this AD is addressed in
                                               products identified in this rulemaking                                                                        European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
                                                                                                       (c) Comments Due Date                                 No. 2017–0165, dated September 5, 2017.
                                               action.
                                                                                                          We must receive comments by July 9, 2018.          You may view the EASA AD on the internet
                                               Regulatory Findings                                                                                           at http://www.regulations.gov in the AD
                                                                                                       (d) Compliance
                                                                                                                                                             Docket.
                                                 We determined that this proposed AD                     You are responsible for performing each
                                               would not have federalism implications                  action required by this AD within the                 (h) Subject
                                               under Executive Order 13132. This                       specified compliance time unless it has                 Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
                                               proposed AD would not have a                            already been accomplished prior to that time.         Code: 5302, Rotorcraft tail boom.
                                               substantial direct effect on the States, on             (e) Required Actions                                    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 26,
                                               the relationship between the national                                                                         2018.
                                                                                                          (1) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS),
                                               Government and the States, or on the                    tap inspect the aft fuselage outer skin for           Lance T. Gant,
                                               distribution of power and                               disbonding between frames X4630 and                   Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
                                               responsibilities among the various                      X6630 in the areas depicted in Figure 1 of            Division,Aircraft Certification Service.
                                               levels of government.                                   Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
                                                                                                                                                             [FR Doc. 2018–09742 Filed 5–8–18; 8:45 am]
                                                 For the reasons discussed, I certify                  (ASB) No. AS365–05.00.77, ASB No. SA366–
                                               this proposed regulation:                               05.48, or ASB No. EC155–05A033, all                   BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

                                                 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                  Revision 0 and dated July 21, 2017 (ASB
                                               action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                   AS365–05.00.77, ASB SA366–05.48, or ASB
                                                 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the            EC155–05A033), as applicable for your                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                               DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                  model helicopter. Examples of acceptable
                                                                                                       and unacceptable disbonding areas are                 Federal Aviation Administration
                                               (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
                                                                                                       depicted in Figure 2 of ASB AS365–05.00.77,
                                                 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in             ASB SA366–05.48, and ASB EC155–05A033,
                                               Alaska to the extent that it justifies                                                                        14 CFR Part 39
                                                                                                       as applicable for your model helicopter.
                                               making a regulatory distinction; and                       (i) If there is no disbonding, repeat the tap      [Docket No. FAA–2018–0395; Product
                                                 4. Will not have a significant                        inspection at intervals not to exceed 660             Identifier 2017–NM–136–AD]
                                               economic impact, positive or negative,                  hours TIS.
                                               on a substantial number of small entities                  (ii) If there is disbonding within one             RIN 2120–AA64
                                               under the criteria of the Regulatory                    square-shaped area measuring 3.94 in. x 3.94
                                                                                                       in. (10 cm x 10 cm) that does not cross two           Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
                                               Flexibility Act.
                                                 We prepared an economic evaluation                    skin panels, repeat the tap inspection at             Airplanes
                                               of the estimated costs to comply with                   intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS.
                                                                                                          (iii) If there is disbonding that exceeds one      AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                               this proposed AD and placed it in the                   square-shaped area measuring 3.94 in. x 3.94          Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                               AD docket.                                              in. (10 cm x 10 cm) or crosses two skin               ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                               List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                      panels, before further flight, repair or replace      (NPRM).
                                                                                                       the panel. Thereafter, tap inspect the panel
                                                 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                at intervals not to exceed 660 hours TIS.             SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new
                                               safety, Incorporation by reference,                        (2) Within 220 hours TIS, and thereafter at        airworthiness directive (AD) for all
                                               Safety.                                                 intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, clean
                                                                                                                                                             Airbus Model A330–200 Freighter series
                                                                                                       the aft fuselage outer skin and using a light,
                                               The Proposed Amendment                                  visually inspect for distortion, wrinkling, and       airplanes, Model A330–200 series
                                                                                                       corrosion between frames X4630 and X6630              airplanes, Model A330–300 series
                                                 Accordingly, under the authority
                                                                                                       as depicted in Figure 1 of ASB AS365–                 airplanes, Model A340–200 series
                                               delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                                                                                       05.00.77, ASB SA366–05.48, or ASB EC155–              airplanes, Model A340–300 series
                                               the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
                                                                                                       05A033, as applicable for your model                  airplanes, Model A340–500 series
                                               39 as follows:                                          helicopter. If there is any distortion,               airplanes, and Model A340–600 series
                                                                                                       wrinkling, or corrosion, before further flight,       airplanes. This proposed AD was
                                               PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   tap inspect the area for disbonding by
                                               DIRECTIVES                                                                                                    prompted by a report of deficient fatigue
                                                                                                       following the inspection instructions in
                                                                                                       paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.                          performance of high strength steel used
                                               ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                                                                       in forgings. Components made from the
                                               continues to read as follows:                           (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance                 affected high strength steel are installed
                                                                                                       (AMOCs)                                               on the main landing gear (MLG), nose
                                                   Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                          (1) The Manager, Safety Management                 landing gear (NLG), and center landing
                                               § 39.13   [Amended]                                     Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,            gear (CLG). This proposed AD would
                                               ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your              require identifying the part number and
                                                                                                       proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation
                                               the following new airworthiness                                                                               serial number of certain components
                                                                                                       Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,
                                               directive (AD):                                         Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101               installed on the MLG, NLG, and CLG;
                                               Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2018–                Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;                 replacing affected parts; identifying the
                                                   0384; Product Identifier 2017–SW–061–               telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW-                airplane’s weight variant; and
                                                   AD.                                                 FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                            determining the applicable life limit for


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Document Created: 2018-05-09 03:18:10
Document Modified: 2018-05-09 03:18:10
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 9, 2018.
ContactMatt Fuller, Senior 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 Citation83 FR 21194 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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