83_FR_23878 83 FR 23778 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

83 FR 23778 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 100 (May 23, 2018)

Page Range23778-23780
FR Document2018-10921

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires installing a cut-out for the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) rail support junction profiles and inspecting splices, frame 5295, and related equipment for a crack. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on frame 5295 and on splices installed to prevent those cracks. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 100 (Wednesday, May 23, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 23, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23778-23780]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10921]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3883; Product Identifier 2014-SW-029-AD; Amendment 
39-19289; AD 2018-11-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires 
installing a cut-out for the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) rail 
support junction profiles and inspecting splices, frame 5295, and 
related equipment for a crack. This AD was prompted by reports of 
cracks on frame 5295 and on splices installed to prevent those cracks. 
The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 27, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of June 27, 2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; 
or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3883.

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-2015-
3883; 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 AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any 
incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On January 5, 2016, at 81 FR 191, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Model AS332L2 and Model 
EC225LP helicopters with an extended aluminum splice installed on frame 
5295. The NPRM proposed to require installing a cut-out for the LH and 
RH rail support junction profiles and inspecting splices, frame 5295, 
and related equipment for a crack. The proposed requirements were 
intended to detect a crack in frame 5295, which could lead to 
structural failure of the frame and loss of control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2014-0098-E, dated April 25, 2014, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Model AS332L2 
and EC225LP helicopters. EASA AD No. 2014-0098-E applies to helicopters 
with a frame 5295 that have been reinforced by installing aluminium 
splices on the RH and LH fuselage external skins. EASA advises of a 
report of a crack that initiated on a splice in an area hidden by the 
overlapping junction profile of the cabin sliding door rail support and 
then spread to the frame.
    EASA states that a crack in frame 5295, if not detected and 
corrected, could lead to loss of structural integrity of the helicopter 
frame and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. To address this 
condition, EASA issued AD No. 2014-0098-E to require repetitive 
inspections of the splices for a crack, as well as cutting out the rail 
support junction profiles to provide a convenient access to identify 
cracks in a splice.
    Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service 
has changed its organizational structure. The new structure replaces 
product directorates with functional divisions. We have revised some of 
the office titles and nomenclature throughout this Final rule to 
reflect the new organizational changes. Additional information about 
the new structure can be found in the Notice published on July 25, 2017 
(82 FR 34564).

Comments

    After our NPRM was published, we received comments from a commenter 
who raised three issues.

Request

    The commenter requested that we revise the applicability of the AD 
to exempt helicopters that are ``post mod 07 26493 or RDAS 332-1284-
13.''
    We partially agree. Modification (MOD) 0726493 or repair design 
approval sheet (RDAS) 332-1284-13 specify installing a stainless steel 
doubler to reduce stress in the splice and frame, thereby eliminating 
the unsafe condition. We disagree with exempting ``post mod'' 
helicopters, however, as the stainless steel doubler could be removed 
(subjecting the helicopter again to the unsafe condition) and the 
helicopter would still be in a ``post mod'' configuration. Instead, we 
have changed the applicability to exempt helicopters with the steel 
splice kit installed that pertains to MOD 0726493.
    The commenter requested that we revise the compliance time of the 
AD to include the flow charts from the Airbus Helicopters service 
information. The commenter states that this information would explain 
the steps involved to operators to eliminate the unsafe condition. The 
commenter also requested that we clarify the compliance times as 
discussed in the preamble of the NPRM, because they appear different 
from those in the service information and the EASA AD.
    We disagree. The commenter is correct that the compliance times in 
our AD are different, in some measure, to those in the EASA AD. But the 
compliance times in the AD are clear as written. The requested change 
is unnecessary.

[[Page 23779]]

    The commenter requested that we withdraw the AD because all 
helicopters in the U.S. fleet have either installed the cut-out or are 
scheduled for installation of the cut-out.
    We disagree. The FAA has determined that an unsafe condition 
exists. AD action is required to mandate corrective action for this 
unsafe condition. In addition, if additional helicopters are imported 
into the United States, AD action is necessary to require that those 
helicopters accomplish the corrective actions before operating in this 
country.

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 
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by EASA, reviewed the relevant information, 
considered the comments received, and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these 
same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed with the change described 
previously and with a revision to the estimated costs of complying with 
this AD. These changes are consistent with the intent of the proposals 
in the NPRM and will not increase the economic burden on any operator 
nor increase the scope of the AD.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires contacting Airbus Helicopters if there is a 
crack in the affected parts. This AD makes no such requirement.
    The EASA AD sets various timelines for repairing affected parts if 
a crack exists. This AD requires repairing affected parts before 
further flight if a crack exists.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
EC225-05A038 for Model EC225LP helicopters and ASB No. AS332-05.00.97 
for Model AS332L2 helicopters. The ASBs, both Revision 0 and both dated 
April 15, 2014, report cracks were found in the splice and frame 5295 
on a Model AS332L2 helicopter during a major inspection. The splice had 
been added in compliance with MOD 0726517. Had an optional rail support 
cut-out been accomplished on the aircraft to allow for a visual check 
of the splice for frame 5295, it would have revealed the crack in the 
splice, prompting its repair and consequently limiting the damage to 
frame 5295. As a result, the ASBs call for the rail support cut-out on 
the RH and LH side of the frame as well as periodic visual inspections 
of frame 5295 and related equipment.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    We reviewed Eurocopter Helicopters (now Airbus Helicopters) Service 
Bulletin (SB) No. 53-003, Revision 4, for Model EC225LP helicopters and 
SB No. 53.01.52, Revision 5, for Model AS332L2 helicopters, both dated 
July 23, 2010. The SBs specify procedures to reinforce frame 5295 by 
installing a new titanium plate underneath the fitting and a new 
widened aluminum splice below the upper corner of the door. We also 
reviewed Airbus Helicopters SB No. 05-019, Revision 4, dated September 
22, 2014, for Model EC225LP helicopters, which proposes that you cut 
out the junction profiles to perform periodic visual inspections.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 4 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We 
estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD. Labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
    Installing the cut-outs on frame 5295 requires 40 work-hours for a 
labor cost of $3,400. Parts cost $5,000 for total cost per helicopter 
of $8,400 and $33,600 for the U.S. fleet.
    Inspecting helicopter frame 5295 requires 2 work-hours for a labor 
cost of $170 per helicopter. No parts are needed for a total U.S. fleet 
cost of $680 per inspection cycle.
    Repairing a splice requires 40 work-hours and a parts cost of 
$5,000 for a total cost of $8,400 per helicopter.

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 helicopters identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2018-11-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-19289; Docket No. FAA-
2015-3883; Product Identifier 2014-SW-029-AD.

[[Page 23780]]

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model AS332L2 and Model EC225LP helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with an extended aluminum splice 
installed on frame 5295, except helicopters with steel splice kit 
part number 332A08-2649-3072 installed.

    Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD: Helicopters with 
Modification (MOD) 0726517 have an extended aluminum splice 
installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack on helicopter 
frame 5295. This condition could result in structural failure of the 
frame and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective June 27, 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) Before a splice reaches 1,700 hours time-in-service (TIS), 
within 50 hours TIS, or before the helicopter reaches 11,950 hours 
TIS, whichever occurs later, do the following:
    (i) Install the rail support cut-out and identify the right-hand 
and left-hand junction profile in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2, of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. EC225-05A038, Revision 0, dated April 15, 2014 
(ASB EC225-05A038), or ASB No. AS332-05.00.97, Revision 0, dated 
April 15, 2014 (ASB AS332-05.00.97), whichever is applicable to your 
helicopter.
    (ii) Inspect each splice for a crack in the area depicted as 
Area Y in Figure 3 of ASB EC225-05A038 or ASB AS332-05.00.97, 
whichever is applicable to your helicopter. If a crack exists, 
repair or replace the splice before further flight.
    (2) Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, inspect 
each splice for a crack in the area depicted as Area Y in Figure 3 
of ASB EC225-05A038 or ASB AS332-05.00.97. If a crack exists, repair 
or replace the splice before further flight.

(f) Credit for Actions Previously Completed

    Installing rail support cut-outs in accordance with MOD 0728090 
or Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No. 05-019, Revision 4, dated 
September 22, 2014, before the effective date of this AD is 
considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions 
specified in paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

(h) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin (SB) No. 05-019, 
Revision 4, dated September 22, 2014, and Eurocopter Helicopters 
(now Airbus Helicopters) SB No. 53-003, Revision 4, and SB No. 
53.01.52, Revision 5, both dated July 23, 2010, which are not 
incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the 
subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax 
(972) 641-3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You 
may view the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2014-0098-E, dated April 25, 2014. You 
may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FAA-2015-3883.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5310, Fuselage 
Main, Structure.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-05A038, 
Revision 0, dated April 15, 2014.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-
05.00.97, Revision 0, dated April 15, 2014.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, 
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; 
fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 16, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-10921 Filed 5-22-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                             23778            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                             Administration (NARA). For information on               Examining the AD Docket                               of the helicopter frame and subsequent
                                             the availability of this material at NARA, call                                                               loss of control of the helicopter. To
                                             202–741–6030, or go to: http://                            You may examine the AD docket on
                                                                                                     the internet at http://                               address this condition, EASA issued AD
                                             www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-                                                                    No. 2014–0098–E to require repetitive
                                             locations.html.                                         www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                                                                     and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                     inspections of the splices for a crack, as
                                               Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May                                                                    well as cutting out the rail support
                                             11, 2018.                                               3883; or in person at Docket Operations
                                                                                                     between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                     junction profiles to provide a
                                             Michael Kaszycki,                                                                                             convenient access to identify cracks in
                                                                                                     through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                                             Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
                                                                                                     The AD docket contains this AD, the                   a splice.
                                             Aircraft Certification Service.                                                                                  Since the NPRM was issued, the
                                                                                                     European Aviation Safety Agency
                                             [FR Doc. 2018–10920 Filed 5–22–18; 8:45 am]                                                                   FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service has
                                                                                                     (EASA) AD, any incorporated-by-
                                             BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                                                                        changed its organizational structure.
                                                                                                     reference service information, the
                                                                                                                                                           The new structure replaces product
                                                                                                     economic evaluation, any comments
                                                                                                                                                           directorates with functional divisions.
                                                                                                     received, and other information. The
                                             DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                                                                                  We have revised some of the office titles
                                                                                                     street address for Docket Operations
                                                                                                                                                           and nomenclature throughout this Final
                                             Federal Aviation Administration                         (phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S.
                                                                                                                                                           rule to reflect the new organizational
                                                                                                     Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                                                                                                                           changes. Additional information about
                                             14 CFR Part 39                                          Operations, M–30, West Building
                                                                                                                                                           the new structure can be found in the
                                                                                                     Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                                                                                                                                           Notice published on July 25, 2017 (82
                                             [Docket No. FAA–2015–3883; Product                      New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
                                                                                                                                                           FR 34564).
                                             Identifier 2014–SW–029–AD; Amendment                    20590.
                                             39–19289; AD 2018–11–01]                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary                 Comments
                                                                                                     Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer,                        After our NPRM was published, we
                                             RIN 2120–AA64                                           Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft              received comments from a commenter
                                                                                                     Standards Branch, FAA, 10101                          who raised three issues.
                                             Airworthiness Directives; Airbus                        Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
                                             Helicopters                                             telephone (817) 222–5110; email                       Request
                                             AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                               gary.b.roach@faa.gov.                                    The commenter requested that we
                                             Administration (FAA), DOT.                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            revise the applicability of the AD to
                                             ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                                                                           exempt helicopters that are ‘‘post mod
                                                                                                     Discussion                                            07 26493 or RDAS 332–1284–13.’’
                                             SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new                           On January 5, 2016, at 81 FR 191, the                 We partially agree. Modification
                                             airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus                 Federal Register published our notice of              (MOD) 0726493 or repair design
                                             Helicopters Model AS332L2 and                           proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which                     approval sheet (RDAS) 332–1284–13
                                             EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires                   proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by                   specify installing a stainless steel
                                             installing a cut-out for the left-hand                  adding an AD that would apply to                      doubler to reduce stress in the splice
                                             (LH) and right-hand (RH) rail support                   Model AS332L2 and Model EC225LP                       and frame, thereby eliminating the
                                             junction profiles and inspecting splices,               helicopters with an extended aluminum                 unsafe condition. We disagree with
                                             frame 5295, and related equipment for                   splice installed on frame 5295. The                   exempting ‘‘post mod’’ helicopters,
                                             a crack. This AD was prompted by                        NPRM proposed to require installing a                 however, as the stainless steel doubler
                                             reports of cracks on frame 5295 and on                  cut-out for the LH and RH rail support                could be removed (subjecting the
                                             splices installed to prevent those cracks.              junction profiles and inspecting splices,             helicopter again to the unsafe condition)
                                             The actions of this AD are intended to                  frame 5295, and related equipment for                 and the helicopter would still be in a
                                             prevent an unsafe condition on these                    a crack. The proposed requirements                    ‘‘post mod’’ configuration. Instead, we
                                             products.                                               were intended to detect a crack in frame              have changed the applicability to
                                                                                                     5295, which could lead to structural                  exempt helicopters with the steel splice
                                             DATES:  This AD is effective June 27,                   failure of the frame and loss of control              kit installed that pertains to MOD
                                             2018.                                                   of the helicopter.                                    0726493.
                                                The Director of the Federal Register                    The NPRM was prompted by AD No.                       The commenter requested that we
                                             approved the incorporation by reference                 2014–0098–E, dated April 25, 2014,                    revise the compliance time of the AD to
                                             of certain documents listed in this AD                  issued by EASA, which is the Technical                include the flow charts from the Airbus
                                             as of June 27, 2018.                                    Agent for the Member States of the                    Helicopters service information. The
                                             ADDRESSES: For service information                      European Union, to correct an unsafe                  commenter states that this information
                                             identified in this final rule, contact                  condition for Model AS332L2 and                       would explain the steps involved to
                                             Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N Forum                  EC225LP helicopters. EASA AD No.                      operators to eliminate the unsafe
                                             Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;                         2014–0098–E applies to helicopters                    condition. The commenter also
                                             telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–                  with a frame 5295 that have been                      requested that we clarify the compliance
                                             0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at http://                 reinforced by installing aluminium                    times as discussed in the preamble of
                                             www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.                      splices on the RH and LH fuselage                     the NPRM, because they appear
                                             You may review the referenced service                   external skins. EASA advises of a report              different from those in the service
                                             information at the FAA, Office of the                   of a crack that initiated on a splice in              information and the EASA AD.
                                             Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,                                                                              We disagree. The commenter is
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES




                                                                                                     an area hidden by the overlapping
                                             10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,                      junction profile of the cabin sliding door            correct that the compliance times in our
                                             Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also                        rail support and then spread to the                   AD are different, in some measure, to
                                             available on the internet at http://                    frame.                                                those in the EASA AD. But the
                                             www.regulations.gov by searching for                       EASA states that a crack in frame                  compliance times in the AD are clear as
                                             and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                       5295, if not detected and corrected,                  written. The requested change is
                                             3883.                                                   could lead to loss of structural integrity            unnecessary.


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:18 May 22, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00004   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\23MYR1.SGM   23MYR1


                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                              23779

                                               The commenter requested that we                       accomplished on the aircraft to allow for             ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
                                             withdraw the AD because all helicopters                 a visual check of the splice for frame                section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                             in the U.S. fleet have either installed the             5295, it would have revealed the crack                promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                             cut-out or are scheduled for installation               in the splice, prompting its repair and               air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                             of the cut-out.                                         consequently limiting the damage to                   for practices, methods, and procedures
                                               We disagree. The FAA has                              frame 5295. As a result, the ASBs call                the Administrator finds necessary for
                                             determined that an unsafe condition                     for the rail support cut-out on the RH                safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                             exists. AD action is required to mandate                and LH side of the frame as well as                   is within the scope of that authority
                                             corrective action for this unsafe                       periodic visual inspections of frame                  because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                             condition. In addition, if additional                   5295 and related equipment.                           that is likely to exist or develop on
                                             helicopters are imported into the United                   This service information is reasonably             helicopters identified in this rulemaking
                                             States, AD action is necessary to require               available because the interested parties              action.
                                             that those helicopters accomplish the                   have access to it through their normal
                                             corrective actions before operating in                  course of business or by the means                    Regulatory Findings
                                             this country.                                           identified in the ADDRESSES section.                    This AD will not have federalism
                                             FAA’s Determination                                                                                           implications under Executive Order
                                                                                                     Other Related Service Information
                                                                                                                                                           13132. This AD will not have a
                                               These helicopters have been approved                     We reviewed Eurocopter Helicopters                 substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                             by the aviation authority of France and                 (now Airbus Helicopters) Service                      the relationship between the national
                                             are approved for operation in the United                Bulletin (SB) No. 53–003, Revision 4, for             government and the States, or on the
                                             States. Pursuant to our bilateral                       Model EC225LP helicopters and SB No.                  distribution of power and
                                             agreement with France, EASA, its                        53.01.52, Revision 5, for Model                       responsibilities among the various
                                             technical representative, has notified us               AS332L2 helicopters, both dated July                  levels of government.
                                             of the unsafe condition described in the                23, 2010. The SBs specify procedures to                 For the reasons discussed above, I
                                             EASA AD. We are issuing this AD                         reinforce frame 5295 by installing a new              certify that this AD:
                                             because we evaluated all information                    titanium plate underneath the fitting                   (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                             provided by EASA, reviewed the                          and a new widened aluminum splice                     action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
                                             relevant information, considered the                    below the upper corner of the door. We                  (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
                                             comments received, and determined the                   also reviewed Airbus Helicopters SB                   DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                             unsafe condition exists and is likely to                No. 05–019, Revision 4, dated                         (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
                                             exist or develop on other helicopters of                September 22, 2014, for Model EC225LP                   (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
                                             these same type designs and that air                    helicopters, which proposes that you                  in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
                                             safety and the public interest require                  cut out the junction profiles to perform              making a regulatory distinction; and
                                             adopting the AD requirements as                         periodic visual inspections.
                                             proposed with the change described                                                                              (4) Will not have a significant
                                             previously and with a revision to the                   Costs of Compliance                                   economic impact, positive or negative,
                                             estimated costs of complying with this                    We estimate that this AD affects 4                  on a substantial number of small entities
                                             AD. These changes are consistent with                   helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate             under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                             the intent of the proposals in the NPRM                 that operators may incur the following                Flexibility Act.
                                             and will not increase the economic                      costs in order to comply with this AD.                  We prepared an economic evaluation
                                             burden on any operator nor increase the                 Labor costs average $85 a work-hour.                  of the estimated costs to comply with
                                             scope of the AD.                                        Based on these estimates, we expect the               this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
                                                                                                     following costs:                                      List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                             Differences Between This AD and the                       Installing the cut-outs on frame 5295
                                             EASA AD                                                 requires 40 work-hours for a labor cost                 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                The EASA AD requires contacting                      of $3,400. Parts cost $5,000 for total cost           safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                             Airbus Helicopters if there is a crack in               per helicopter of $8,400 and $33,600 for              Safety.
                                             the affected parts. This AD makes no                    the U.S. fleet.                                       Adoption of the Amendment
                                             such requirement.                                         Inspecting helicopter frame 5295
                                                The EASA AD sets various timelines                   requires 2 work-hours for a labor cost of               Accordingly, under the authority
                                             for repairing affected parts if a crack                 $170 per helicopter. No parts are needed              delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                             exists. This AD requires repairing                      for a total U.S. fleet cost of $680 per               the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
                                             affected parts before further flight if a               inspection cycle.                                     follows:
                                             crack exists.                                             Repairing a splice requires 40 work-
                                                                                                     hours and a parts cost of $5,000 for a                PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                             Related Service Information Under 1                                                                           DIRECTIVES
                                                                                                     total cost of $8,400 per helicopter.
                                             CFR Part 51
                                               We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert                  Authority for This Rulemaking                         ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                             Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC225–                         Title 49 of the United States Code                  continues to read as follows:
                                             05A038 for Model EC225LP helicopters                    specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                             and ASB No. AS332–05.00.97 for Model                    rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                                                                                                                           § 39.13    [Amended]
                                             AS332L2 helicopters. The ASBs, both                     section 106, describes the authority of
                                             Revision 0 and both dated April 15,                                                                             2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES




                                                                                                     the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:                  ■
                                             2014, report cracks were found in the                   Aviation Programs, describes in more                  the following new airworthiness
                                             splice and frame 5295 on a Model                        detail the scope of the Agency’s                      directive (AD):
                                             AS332L2 helicopter during a major                       authority.                                            2018–11–01 Airbus Helicopters:
                                             inspection. The splice had been added                     We are issuing this rulemaking under                    Amendment 39–19289; Docket No.
                                             in compliance with MOD 0726517. Had                     the authority described in Subtitle VII,                  FAA–2015–3883; Product Identifier
                                             an optional rail support cut-out been                   Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                       2014–SW–029–AD.



                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:18 May 22, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00005   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\23MYR1.SGM    23MYR1


                                             23780            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                             (a) Applicability                                       telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW-                www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
                                               This AD applies to Model AS332L2 and                  FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                            locations.html.
                                             Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in                 (2) For operations conducted under a 14              Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 16,
                                             any category, with an extended aluminum                 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under           2018.
                                             splice installed on frame 5295, except                  14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
                                                                                                     you notify your principal inspector, or               Scott A. Horn,
                                             helicopters with steel splice kit part number
                                             332A08–2649–3072 installed.                             lacking a principal inspector, the manager of         Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
                                                                                                     the local flight standards district office or         Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
                                               Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD:                                                                         Aircraft Certification Service.
                                             Helicopters with Modification (MOD)                     certificate holding district office, before
                                             0726517 have an extended aluminum splice                operating any aircraft complying with this            [FR Doc. 2018–10921 Filed 5–22–18; 8:45 am]
                                             installed.                                              AD through an AMOC.                                   BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                     (h) Additional Information
                                             (b) Unsafe Condition
                                                                                                        (1) Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin
                                               This AD defines the unsafe condition as a                                                                   DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                     (SB) No. 05–019, Revision 4, dated
                                             crack on helicopter frame 5295. This
                                                                                                     September 22, 2014, and Eurocopter
                                             condition could result in structural failure of                                                               Federal Aviation Administration
                                                                                                     Helicopters (now Airbus Helicopters) SB No.
                                             the frame and subsequent loss of control of
                                                                                                     53–003, Revision 4, and SB No. 53.01.52,
                                             the helicopter.                                                                                               14 CFR Part 39
                                                                                                     Revision 5, both dated July 23, 2010, which
                                             (c) Effective Date                                      are not incorporated by reference, contain            [Docket No. FAA–2018–0188; Product
                                                This AD becomes effective June 27, 2018.             additional information about the subject of           Identifier 2018–CE–002–AD; Amendment
                                                                                                     this AD. For service information identified in        39–19285; AD 2018–10–10]
                                             (d) Compliance                                          this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc.,
                                               You are responsible for performing each               2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX                RIN 2120–AA64
                                             action required by this AD within the                   75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800)
                                             specified compliance time unless it has                 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at http://           Airworthiness Directives; Diamond
                                             already been accomplished prior to that time.           www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You                Aircraft Industries GmbH Airplanes
                                                                                                     may view the referenced service information
                                             (e) Required Actions                                    at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,           AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                (1) Before a splice reaches 1,700 hours              Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,               Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                             time-in-service (TIS), within 50 hours TIS, or          Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.                    ACTION: Final rule; request for comments
                                             before the helicopter reaches 11,950 hours                 (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
                                             TIS, whichever occurs later, do the following:          European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD             SUMMARY:   We are superseding
                                                (i) Install the rail support cut-out and             No. 2014–0098–E, dated April 25, 2014. You            Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–01–
                                             identify the right-hand and left-hand junction          may view the EASA AD on the internet at               12, AD 2017–11–08, and AD 2017–15–
                                             profile in accordance with the                          http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
                                                                                                                                                           09 for certain Diamond Aircraft
                                             Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph                  FAA–2015–3883.
                                             3.B.2, of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service                                                                    Industries GmbH Model DA 42
                                                                                                     (i) Subject                                           airplanes. This AD results from
                                             Bulletin (ASB) No. EC225–05A038, Revision
                                             0, dated April 15, 2014 (ASB EC225–                        Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)            mandatory continuing airworthiness
                                             05A038), or ASB No. AS332–05.00.97,                     Code: 5310, Fuselage Main, Structure.                 information (MCAI) issued by the
                                             Revision 0, dated April 15, 2014 (ASB                   (j) Material Incorporated by Reference                aviation authority of another country to
                                             AS332–05.00.97), whichever is applicable to                                                                   identify and address an unsafe
                                             your helicopter.                                           (1) The Director of the Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                           condition on an aviation product. The
                                                (ii) Inspect each splice for a crack in the          approved the incorporation by reference of
                                                                                                     the service information listed in this                MCAI describes the unsafe condition as
                                             area depicted as Area Y in Figure 3 of ASB
                                                                                                     paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR             uncommanded engine shutdown during
                                             EC225–05A038 or ASB AS332–05.00.97,
                                             whichever is applicable to your helicopter. If          part 51.                                              flight due to failure of the propeller-
                                             a crack exists, repair or replace the splice               (2) You must use this service information          regulating valve caused by hot exhaust
                                             before further flight.                                  as applicable to do the actions required by           gases coming from fractured engine
                                                (2) Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110        this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.           exhaust pipes. We are issuing this AD
                                             hours TIS, inspect each splice for a crack in              (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service               to require actions to address the unsafe
                                             the area depicted as Area Y in Figure 3 of              Bulletin No. EC225–05A038, Revision 0,                condition on these products.
                                             ASB EC225–05A038 or ASB AS332–05.00.97.                 dated April 15, 2014.
                                                                                                        (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service              DATES: This AD is effective June 12,
                                             If a crack exists, repair or replace the splice
                                             before further flight.                                  Bulletin No. AS332–05.00.97, Revision 0,              2018.
                                                                                                     dated April 15, 2014.                                    The Director of the Federal Register
                                             (f) Credit for Actions Previously Completed                (3) For Airbus Helicopters service                 approved the incorporation by reference
                                                Installing rail support cut-outs in                  information identified in this AD, contact            of certain publications listed in this AD
                                             accordance with MOD 0728090 or Airbus                   Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum               as of June 12, 2018.
                                             Helicopters Service Bulletin No. 05–019,                Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone                The Director of the Federal Register
                                             Revision 4, dated September 22, 2014, before            (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972)
                                                                                                                                                           approved the incorporation by reference
                                             the effective date of this AD is considered             641–3775; or at http://
                                                                                                     www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.                    of certain other publications listed in
                                             acceptable for compliance with the
                                             corresponding actions specified in paragraph               (4) You may view this service information          this AD as of May 31, 2017 (82 FR
                                             (e)(1)(i) of this AD.                                   at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,           24843, May 31, 2017) and August 1,
                                                                                                     Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,               2017 (82 FR 35630, August 1, 2017).
                                             (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance                   Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For                   We must receive comments on this
                                             (AMOCs)                                                 information on the availability of this               AD by July 9, 2018.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES




                                                (1) The Manager, Safety Management                   material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
                                                                                                                                                           ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
                                             Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,                 (5) You may view this service information
                                             may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your                that is incorporated by reference at the              any of the following methods:
                                             proposal to: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety                National Archives and Records                            • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                             Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section,                 Administration (NARA). For information on             http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                             Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101                 the availability of this material at NARA, call       instructions for submitting comments.
                                             Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;                   (202) 741–6030, or go to: http://                        • Fax: (202) 493–2251.


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:18 May 22, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00006   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\23MYR1.SGM   23MYR1



Document Created: 2018-05-22 23:48:45
Document Modified: 2018-05-22 23:48:45
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective June 27, 2018.
ContactGary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 23778 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR