83 FR 22883 - Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 96 (May 17, 2018)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 96 (May 17, 2018)
| Page Range | 22883-22886 | |
| FR Document | 2018-10495 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 96 (Thursday, May 17, 2018)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 22883-22886] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-10495] ======================================================================== Proposed Rules Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. ======================================================================== Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 96 / Thursday, May 17, 2018 / Proposed Rules [[Page 22883]] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2018-0439; Product Identifier 2016-SW-074-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2017-14- 03 for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. AD 2017-14-03 requires an inspection and reduces the retirement lives of certain landing gear components. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2017-14-03, reduce the retirement lives of additional landing gear components, and require repeating the inspection. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 16, 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- 0439; 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 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 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email: [email protected]. You may review 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: Dorie Resnik, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7693; email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion We issued AD 2017-14-03, Amendment 39-18947 (82 FR 34838, July 27, 2017), for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. AD 2017-14-03 was prompted by Sikorsky's updated fatigue analysis of the nose and main landing gear, which revealed that certain components require a reduced service life. Therefore, AD 2017-14-03 requires reducing the retirement lives of main landing gear (MLG) wheel axle part number (P/N) 2392-2334-001, MLG and nose landing gear (NLG) threaded hinge pin P/N 2392-2311-003, NLG cylinder P/N 2392-4006-005, NLG hinge pin P/N 2392-4312-003, and landing gear actuator rod end P/N 2392-0876-901. AD 2017-14-03 also requires a one-time visual and ultrasonic inspection of NLG airframe fitting assembly P/N 92209-01101-041 once it has accumulated 31,600 landing cycles. Those actions are intended to detect and prevent cracks or failure of any landing gear component, which could result in damage and loss of control of the helicopter. When we issued AD 2017-14-03, we determined it would be an interim action. Because Sikorsky's updated airworthiness limitations schedule included a repetitive inspection of the NLG airframe fitting assemblies P/N 92209-01101-041 every 1,989 landing cycles, we determined that the planned compliance time for these inspections would allow enough time to provide notice and opportunity for prior public comment on the merits of the repetitive inspection. Also, the reduced retirement lives for MLG cylinder P/N 2392-2006-005, MLG pin outboard P/N 2392-2312-003, MLG bulkhead left-hand side (LHS) P/N 92201-08111-105, -107, and -109, and MLG bulkhead right-hand side (RHS) P/N 92201-08111-106, -108, and - 110 were not included in AD 2017-14-03. We determined the age of the existing Model S-92A fleet would also allow enough time to provide notice and opportunity for public comment on the merits of the reduced life limits. This proposed AD would require these inspections and reduced life limits. [[Page 22884]] FAA's Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Ultrasonic Inspection Technique No. UT 5077, Revision 0, dated July 25, 2014 (UT 5077). UT 5077 contains the inspection method, equipment and materials, calibration, and inspection procedure for performing an ultrasonic inspection of nose gear actuator fitting P/N 92209-01101-101. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Other Related Service Information We also reviewed Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 92-32-004, Basic Issue, dated January 30, 2015 (ASB). The ASB describes procedures for conducting a visual inspection of the NLG airframe fitting assembly and an ultrasonic inspection by following the procedures in UT 5077. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require removing the following components from service: Any MLG wheel axle P/N 2392-2334-001 that has 22,300 or more landing cycles. Any MLG or NLG threaded hinge pin P/N 2392-2311-003 that has 26,100 or more landing cycles. Any NLG cylinder P/N 2392-4006-005 that has 26,300 or more landing cycles. Any NLG hinge pin P/N 2392-4312-003 that has 26,700 or more landing cycles. Any landing gear actuator rod end P/N 2392-0876-901 that has 41,700 or more landing cycles. Any MLG cylinder P/N 2392-2006-005 that has 76,300 or more landing cycles. Any MLG pin outboard P/N 2392-2312-003 that has 50,300 or more landing cycles. Any MLG bulkhead LHS P/N 92201-08111-105, -107, and -109 that has 58,400 or more landing cycles. Any MLG bulkhead RHS P/N 92201-08111-106, -108, and -110 that has 58,400 or more landing cycles. For helicopters that have 31,600 or more landing cycles and an NLG airframe fitting assembly P/N 92209-01101-041 installed, this proposed AD would also require, before further flight and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 1,989 landing cycles: Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspecting each bushing and all visible surfaces of mating lug fittings adjacent to each bushing for fretting, corrosion, wear, and scratches. Replacing the NLG airframe fitting assembly before further flight if there is fretting, corrosion, wear, or a scratch more than 0.0005 inch deep. Ultrasonic inspecting the NLG actuator fitting and replacing the NLG actuator fitting before further flight if there are any anomalies. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 80 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: Replacing a wheel axle P/N 2392-2334-001 would require 2 work-hours and required parts cost $22,000, for a cost per helicopter of $22,170. Replacing a MLG or NLG threaded hinge pin P/N 2392-2311- 003 would require 1 work-hour and required parts cost $3,800, for a cost per helicopter of $3,885. Replacing a NLG cylinder P/N 2392-4006-005 would require 1 work-hour and required parts cost $27,200, for a cost per helicopter of $27,285. Replacing a NLG hinge pin P/N 2392-4312-003 would require 1 work-hour and required parts cost $4,400, for a cost per helicopter of $4,485. Replacing a landing gear actuator rod end P/N 2392-0876- 901 would require 1 work-hour and required parts cost $900, for a cost per helicopter of $985. Replacing a MLG cylinder P/N 2392-2006-005 would require 2 work-hours and required parts cost $33,100, for a cost per helicopter of $33,270. Replacing a MLG pin outboard P/N 2392-2312-003 would require 1 work-hour and required parts cost $4,300, for a cost per helicopter of $4,385. Replacing a MLG bulkhead LHS P/N 92201-08111-105, -107, and -109 would require 70 work-hours and required parts would cost $12,550, for a cost per helicopter of $18,500. Replacing a MLG bulkhead RHS P/N 92201-08111-106, -108, and -110 would require 70 work-hours and required parts would cost $12,550, for a cost per helicopter of $18,500. Inspecting the NLG airframe fitting assembly P/N 92209- 01101-041 would require 8 work-hours, and required parts cost is minimal, for a cost of $680 per helicopter and $54,400 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle. If required, replacing a NLG actuator fitting P/N 92209- 01101-101 would require 70 work-hours, and required parts cost $10,000, for a cost per helicopter of $15,950. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. [[Page 22885]] The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-14-03, Amendment 39-18947 (82 FR 34838, July 27, 2017) and adding the following new AD: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky): Docket No. FAA-2018-0439; Product Identifier 2017-SW-074-AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as fatigue failure of the landing gear. This condition could result in failure of the landing gear and subsequent damage to and loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2017-14-03, Amendment 39-18947 (82 FR 34838, July 27, 2017). (d) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by July 16, 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, remove from service any part that has accumulated the number of landing cycles listed in Table 1 to paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. Thereafter, remove from service any part before accumulating the number of landing cycles listed in Table 1 to paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. For purposes of this AD, a landing cycle is counted anytime the helicopter lifts off into the air and then lands again regardless of the duration of the landing and regardless of whether the engine is shut down. If the number of landing cycles in unknown, multiply the number of hours time-in- service by 4.5 to determine the number of landing cycles. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP17MY18.007 (2) For helicopters with 31,600 or more landing cycles and an NLG airframe fitting assembly P/N 92209-01101-041 installed, before further flight and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,989 landing cycles: (i) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect each bushing (P/N 92209-01101-102 and P/N 92209-01101-103) and all visible surfaces of mating lug fittings adjacent to each bushing for fretting, corrosion, wear, and scratches. If there is fretting, corrosion, wear, or a scratch more than 0.0005 inch deep, replace the NLG airframe fitting assembly before further flight. (ii) Ultrasonic inspect each NLG actuator fitting P/N 92209- 01101-101 in accordance with Sikorsky Ultrasonic Inspection Technique No. UT 5077, Revision 0, dated July 25, 2014 (UT 5077), except you are not required to report to or contact Sikorsky. If there are any anomalies or suspect indications, replace the NLG actuator fitting before further flight. Note 1 to paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this AD: A copy of UT 5077 is attached to Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 92-32- 004, Basic Issue, dated January 30, 2015. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Dorie Resnik, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7693; 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 Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 92-32-004, Basic Issue, dated January 30, 2015, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service [[Page 22886]] information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email: [email protected]. You may review this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3200 Main Landing Gear and 3220 Nose Landing Gear. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 9, 2018. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018-10495 Filed 5-16-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![22883
Proposed Rules Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 96
Thursday, May 17, 2018
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER Examining the AD Docket before the closing date for comments.
contains notices to the public of the proposed We will consider comments filed after
You may examine the AD docket on
issuance of rules and regulations. The the comment period has closed if it is
purpose of these notices is to give interested the internet at http://
www.regulations.gov by searching for possible to do so without incurring
persons an opportunity to participate in the expense or delay. We may change this
rule making prior to the adoption of the final and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
rules. 0439; or in person at Docket Operations proposal in light of the comments we
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday receive.
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Discussion
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The AD docket contains this proposed
AD, the economic evaluation, any We issued AD 2017–14–03,
Federal Aviation Administration comments received and other Amendment 39–18947 (82 FR 34838,
information. The street address for July 27, 2017), for Sikorsky Model S–
14 CFR Part 39 Docket Operations (telephone 800–647– 92A helicopters. AD 2017–14–03 was
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. prompted by Sikorsky’s updated fatigue
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0439; Product Comments will be available in the AD analysis of the nose and main landing
Identifier 2016–SW–074–AD] docket shortly after receipt. gear, which revealed that certain
For service information identified in components require a reduced service
RIN 2120–AA64 this proposed rule, contact Sikorsky life. Therefore, AD 2017–14–03 requires
Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service reducing the retirement lives of main
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, landing gear (MLG) wheel axle part
Aircraft Corporation Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800- number (P/N) 2392–2334–001, MLG and
Winged-S or 203–416–4299; email: wcs_ nose landing gear (NLG) threaded hinge
AGENCY: Federal Aviation cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You pin P/N 2392–2311–003, NLG cylinder
Administration (FAA), DOT. may review service information at the P/N 2392–4006–005, NLG hinge pin P/
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, N 2392–4312–003, and landing gear
(NPRM). Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood actuator rod end P/N 2392–0876–901.
Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX AD 2017–14–03 also requires a one-time
SUMMARY: We propose to supersede 76177. visual and ultrasonic inspection of NLG
airworthiness directive (AD) 2017–14– FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: airframe fitting assembly P/N 92209–
03 for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Dorie Resnik, Aviation Safety Engineer, 01101–041 once it has accumulated
(Sikorsky) Model S–92A helicopters. AD Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and 31,600 landing cycles. Those actions are
2017–14–03 requires an inspection and Airworthiness Division, 1200 District intended to detect and prevent cracks or
reduces the retirement lives of certain Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts failure of any landing gear component,
landing gear components. This 01803; telephone (781) 238–7693; email which could result in damage and loss
proposed AD would retain the dorie.resnik@faa.gov. of control of the helicopter.
requirements of AD 2017–14–03, reduce SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
When we issued AD 2017–14–03, we
the retirement lives of additional determined it would be an interim
landing gear components, and require Comments Invited action. Because Sikorsky’s updated
repeating the inspection. The actions of We invite you to participate in this airworthiness limitations schedule
this proposed AD are intended to rulemaking by submitting written included a repetitive inspection of the
prevent an unsafe condition on these comments, data, or views. We also NLG airframe fitting assemblies P/N
products. invite comments relating to the 92209–01101–041 every 1,989 landing
DATES: We must receive comments on economic, environmental, energy, or cycles, we determined that the planned
this proposed AD by July 16, 2018. federalism impacts that might result compliance time for these inspections
from adopting the proposals in this would allow enough time to provide
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by notice and opportunity for prior public
document. The most helpful comments
any of the following methods: reference a specific portion of the comment on the merits of the repetitive
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to proposal, explain the reason for any inspection. Also, the reduced retirement
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the recommended change, and include lives for MLG cylinder P/N 2392–2006–
online instructions for sending your supporting data. To ensure the docket 005, MLG pin outboard P/N 2392–2312–
comments electronically. does not contain duplicate comments, 003, MLG bulkhead left-hand side (LHS)
• Fax: 202–493–2251. commenters should send only one copy P/N 92201–08111–105, –107, and –109,
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. of written comments, or if comments are and MLG bulkhead right-hand side
Department of Transportation, Docket filed electronically, commenters should (RHS) P/N 92201–08111–106, –108, and
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS
Operations, M–30, West Building submit only one time. –110 were not included in AD 2017–14–
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 We will file in the docket all 03. We determined the age of the
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC comments that we receive, as well as a existing Model S–92A fleet would also
20590–0001. report summarizing each substantive allow enough time to provide notice and
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the public contact with FAA personnel opportunity for public comment on the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 concerning this proposed rulemaking. merits of the reduced life limits. This
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Before acting on this proposal, we will proposed AD would require these
Federal holidays. consider all comments we receive on or inspections and reduced life limits.
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![22886 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 96 / Thursday, May 17, 2018 / Proposed Rules
information identified in this AD, contact p.m., Monday through Friday, except We will consider comments filed after
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Federal holidays. the comment period has closed if it is
Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, possible to do so without incurring
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800– Examining the AD Docket
expense or delay. We may change this
Winged–S or 203–416–4299; email: wcs_ You may examine the AD docket on
cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You may
proposal in light of the comments we
review this service information at the FAA,
the internet at http:// receive.
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– Discussion
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 0438; or in person at Docket Operations EASA, which is the Technical Agent
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday for the Member States of the European
(i) Subject
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2017–
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) The AD docket contains this proposed
Code: 3200 Main Landing Gear and 3220
0159, dated August 25, 2017, to correct
AD, the European Aviation Safety an unsafe condition for Airbus
Nose Landing Gear.
Agency (EASA) AD, the economic Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F,
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 9, evaluation, any comments received, and AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N
2018. other information. The street address for helicopters. EASA advises of two
Lance T. Gant, Docket Operations (telephone 800–647– occurrences on AS355 military
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. helicopters in which the main gearbox
Division, Aircraft Certification Service. Comments will be available in the AD (MGB) oil cooler fan bearing (bearing)
[FR Doc. 2018–10495 Filed 5–16–18; 8:45 am] docket shortly after receipt. installed on the TR drive shaft
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P For service information identified in experienced significant degradation.
this proposed rule, contact Airbus EASA states that while investigation has
Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, not determined the cause of the failures,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone this condition may also occur on other
(972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax AS355 helicopters due to design
Federal Aviation Administration (972) 641–3775; or at http:// commonality. According to EASA, this
www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/ condition, if not detected and corrected,
14 CFR Part 39 en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You could result in loss of MGB and engine
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0438; Product may review the referenced service oil cooling function, loss of the rear
Identifier 2017–SW–062–AD] information at the FAA, Office of the transmission, and subsequent loss of
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, control of the helicopter. To address this
RIN 2120–AA64
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, unsafe condition and as an interim
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Fort Worth, TX 76177. measure, the EASA AD requires two
Helicopters FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao vibration level measurements of the
Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, forward portion of the tail rotor drive
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Regulations and Policy Section, line, one before and one after cleaning
Administration (FAA), DOT. Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, the MGB oil cooler fan, and replacing
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX the bearings if excessive level or level
(NPRM). 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email trends are detected. The EASA AD also
rao.edupuganti@faa.gov. specifies that after the effective date of
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new the AD, only those MGB oil cooler fan
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus assembly bearings that are new or that
Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, Comments Invited have passed the vibration level
AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N We invite you to participate in this measurements may be installed.
helicopters. This proposed AD would rulemaking by submitting written
require measuring a vibration level in FAA’s Determination
comments, data, or views. We also
the tail rotor (T/R) drive. This proposed invite comments relating to the These helicopters have been approved
AD is prompted by reports of bearing economic, environmental, energy, or by the aviation authority of France and
degradation. The actions of this federalism impacts that might result are approved for operation in the United
proposed AD are intended to prevent an from adopting the proposals in this States. Pursuant to our bilateral
unsafe condition on these helicopters. document. The most helpful comments agreement with France, EASA, its
DATES: We must receive comments on reference a specific portion of the technical representative, has notified us
this proposed AD by July 16, 2018. proposal, explain the reason for any of the unsafe condition described in its
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by recommended change, and include AD. We are proposing this AD because
any of the following methods: supporting data. To ensure the docket we evaluated all known relevant
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to does not contain duplicate comments, information and determined that an
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the commenters should send only one copy unsafe condition is likely to exist or
online instructions for sending your of written comments, or if comments are develop on other products of the same
comments electronically. filed electronically, commenters should type design.
• Fax: 202–493–2251. submit only one time. Related Service Information
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS
We will file in the docket all
Department of Transportation, Docket comments that we receive, as well as a We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert
Operations, M–30, West Building report summarizing each substantive Service Bulletin No. AS355–05.00.77,
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 public contact with FAA personnel Revision 0, dated July 3, 2017, which
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC concerning this proposed rulemaking. contains procedures for checking the
20590–0001. Before acting on this proposal, we will condition of the fan assembly bearings
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the consider all comments we receive on or by measuring the vibration levels of the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 before the closing date for comments. first section of the T/R drive.
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Document Created: 2018-05-17 00:50:38
Document Modified: 2018-05-17 00:50:38
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 16, 2018. | |
| Contact | Dorie Resnik, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7693; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 22883 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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