83_FR_25521 83 FR 25415 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH)

83 FR 25415 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 106 (June 1, 2018)

Page Range25415-25417
FR Document2018-11447

We propose to revise Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-05-06 for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 and MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters. AD 2014-05-06 requires repetitive inspections of the flight-control bearings, replacing any loose bearings with airworthy flight-control bearings, and installing bushings and washers. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2014-05-06 but would remove the repetitive inspections. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 106 (Friday, June 1, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 106 (Friday, June 1, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25415-25417]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11447]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0555; Product Identifier 2010-SW-047-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to revise Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-05-06 
for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 and MBB-BK 117C-2 
helicopters. AD 2014-05-06 requires repetitive inspections of the 
flight-control bearings, replacing any loose bearings with airworthy 
flight-control bearings, and installing bushings and washers. This 
proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2014-05-06 but would 
remove the repetitive inspections. The actions of this proposed AD are 
intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 31, 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-2013-
0555; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the 
economic evaluation, any comments received and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at 
http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You may review service information at the FAA, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

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

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, issued EASA AD No. 2010-0058, dated March 30, 2010, for 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH) 
Model EC135, EC635, and MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters. EASA advises that 
during an inspection of an MBB-BK117 C-2, ``bearings were detected 
which had not been correctly fixed.'' EASA advises that this condition, 
if not detected and corrected, may cause the affected control lever to 
shift in the axial direction and contact the helicopter structure, 
possibly resulting in reduced helicopter control. As some bearings on 
the EC135 and MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopter are installed with the same 
procedure, they are equally affected by the possibility of the unsafe 
condition, EASA advises.
    As a result, we published AD 2014-05-06 (79 FR 13196, March 10, 
2014), which requires repetitively inspecting the flight-control 
bearings, replacing any loose bearings with an airworthy flight-control 
bearing, and installing bushings and washers.

Actions Since AD 2014-05-06 Was Issued

    Since we published AD 2014-05-06, EASA issued AD No. 2010-0058R1, 
dated April 7, 2017, to remove the repetitive inspections required by 
EASA AD No. 2010-0058. EASA advises that a review of data and feedback 
from in-service helicopters determined the Airbus Helicopters 
modification removes the need for repetitive inspections. We have made 
a similar determination and are issuing this proposed AD to remove the 
repetitive inspections required by AD 2014-05-06.

[[Page 25416]]

FAA's Determination

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

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Eurocopter issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) EC135-67A-019, 
Revision 3, dated December 16, 2009, for Model EC135-series 
helicopters, and ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-67A-010, Revision 3, dated February 
8, 2010, for Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters. This service information 
specifies a repetitive inspection of the affected bearings and 
retrofitting bushings on the levers to prevent movement of the 
bearings.
    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 Airbus Helicopters ASB EC135-67A-019 for Model EC135-
series helicopters and ASB MBB-BK117C-2-67A-010 for Model MBB-BK 117C-2 
helicopters, both Revision 4 and both dated April 3, 2017. This service 
information removes the repetitive inspections and retains the 
procedures for retrofitting the bushings on the levers to prevent 
movement of the bearings. Revision 3 of this service information is 
attached as an appendix to Revision 4.

Proposed AD Requirements

    For EC135 helicopters, this proposed AD would require within 100 
hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next annual inspection, whichever 
occurs first, modifying the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) guidance 
units and cyclic shaft by installing bushings and washers to prevent 
shifting in the axial direction.
    For MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters, this proposed AD would require 
within 100 hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs 
first, modifying the LH and RH guidance units and the lateral control 
lever by installing bushings and washers to prevent shifting of the 
bearings in the axial direction.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    Differences between this AD and the EASA AD are:
     The EASA AD is applicable to EC 635-series helicopters, 
whereas this proposed AD would not because these model helicopters have 
no U.S. type certificate.
     The EASA AD requires the modification within the next 12 
months after April 13, 2010. This proposed AD would require the 
modification within 100 hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, 
whichever occurs first.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 295 Model EC135-series helicopters 
and 117 Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor 
costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect 
the following costs:
     For EC135 helicopters, completing the required 
modification would require about 32 work-hours and parts would cost 
about $312, for a total cost of $3,032 per helicopter and $894,400 for 
the U.S. fleet.
     For MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters, completing the required 
modification would require about 32 work-hours and parts would cost 
about $396, for a total cost of $3,116 per helicopter and $364,572 for 
the U.S. fleet.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2014-05-06, Amendment 39-17779 (79 FR 13196, March 10, 2014), and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter 
Deutschland GmbH): Docket No. FAA-2013-0555; Product Identifier 
2010-SW-047-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Airbus Helicopters Deutschland 
GmbH (previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) helicopters, 
certificated in any category:
    (1) Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters, serial 
number (S/N) 0005 through 00829, with a tail rotor control lever, 
part number (P/N) L672M2802205 or L672M1012212; cyclic control 
lever, P/N L671M1005250; collective control lever assembly, P/N 
L671M2020108; or collective control plate, P/N L671M5040207; 
installed, and
    (2) Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters, S/N 9004 through 9310, with 
a tail rotor control lever assembly, P/N B672M1007101 or 
B672M1807101; tail rotor control lever, P/N

[[Page 25417]]

B672M1002202 or L672M2802205; or lateral control lever assembly, P/N 
B670M1008101, installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as incorrectly installed 
flight control bearings. This condition could cause the affected 
control lever to shift and contact the helicopter structure, 
resulting in reduced control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 31, 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) For Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters: 
Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next 
annual inspection, whichever occurs first, modify the left-hand (LH) 
and right-hand (RH) guidance units and the cyclic shaft by 
installing bushings and washers to prevent shifting of the bearings 
in the axial direction as follows:
    (i) Remove and disassemble the LH guidance unit and install a 
bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the bearing block and the lever 
of the LH guidance unit as depicted in Detail A of Figure 5 of 
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135-67A-019, Revision 3, dated 
December 16, 2009 (EC135 ASB).
    (ii) For helicopters without a yaw brake, remove and disassemble 
the RH guidance unit and install a bushing, P/N L672M1012260, 
between the bearing block and the lever as depicted in Detail B of 
Figure 5 of EC135 ASB.
    (iii) Remove and disassemble the cyclic shaft and install a 
washer, P/N L671M10055260, between the bearing block and the lever 
as depicted in Detail C of Figure 6 of EC135 ASB.
    (iv) Remove the collective control rod from the bellcrank and 
install a washer, P/N L221M1042208, on each side of the collective 
control rod and bellcrank as depicted in Detail D of Figure 6 of 
EC135 ASB.
    (2) For Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters: Within the next 100 
hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first, 
modify the LH and RH guidance units and the lateral control lever by 
installing bushings and washers to prevent shifting of the bearings 
in the axial direction as follows:
    (i) Remove and disassemble the RH guidance unit and install a 
bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the lever and the bracket as 
depicted in Detail B of Figure 4 of Eurocopter Alert Service 
Bulletin MBB BK117C-2-67A-010, Revision 3, dated February 8, 2010 
(BK117 ASB). Remove and disassemble the LH guidance unit and install 
a bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the lever and the bracket as 
depicted in Detail C of Figure 4 of BK117 ASB.
    (ii) Remove the lateral control lever and install new bushings 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 
3.C(9)(a) through 3.C(9)(g) of BK117 ASB.
    (iii) Identify the modified lever assembly by writing ``MBB 
BK117C-2-67A-010'' on the lever with permanent marking pen and 
protect with a single layer of lacquer (CM 421 or equivalent).
    (iv) Apply corrosion preventive paste (CM518 or equivalent) on 
the shank of the screws and install airworthy parts as depicted in 
Figure 5 of BK117 ASB.

(f) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-05-06, Amendment 39-17779 (79 FR 13196, 
March 10, 2014).

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

(h) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC135-67A-019, 
Revision 4, dated April 3, 2017, and Alert Service Bulletin MBB-
BK117C-2-67A-010, Revision 4, dated April 3, 2017, which are not 
incorporated by reference, contain additional information about this 
AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus 
Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 
(972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. 
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.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2010-0058R1, dated April 7, 2017. You 
may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
in the AD Docket.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6710, Main Rotor 
Control.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 11, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-11447 Filed 5-31-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 106 / Friday, June 1, 2018 / Proposed Rules 25415 Airworthiness Directive 2017–0206, dated • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to does not contain duplicate comments, October 12, 2017, for related information. http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the commenters should send only one copy This MCAI may be found in the AD docket online instructions for sending your of written comments, or if comments are on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. comments electronically. filed electronically, commenters should FAA–2018–0491. • Fax: 202–493–2251. submit only one time. (2) For more information about this AD, • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. We will file in the docket all contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, Department of Transportation, Docket comments that we receive, as well as a International Section, Transport Standards Operations, M–30, West Building report summarizing each substantive Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206– public contact with FAA personnel New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC concerning this proposed rulemaking. 231–3225. 20590–0001. (3) For service information identified in Before acting on this proposal, we will this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the consider all comments we receive on or Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 before the closing date for comments. Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; p.m., Monday through Friday, except We will consider comments filed after telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 Federal holidays. the comment period has closed if it is 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@ airbus.com; internet http://www.airbus.com. Examining the AD Docket possible to do so without incurring You may view this service information at the expense or delay. We may change this You may examine the AD docket on FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 proposal in light of the comments we the internet at http:// South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For receive. www.regulations.gov by searching for information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. and locating Docket No. FAA–2013– Discussion 0555; or in person at Docket Operations Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday EASA, which is the Technical Agent 21, 2018. for the Member States of the European through Friday, except Federal holidays. James Cashdollar, The AD docket contains this proposed Union, issued EASA AD No. 2010–0058, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, AD, the European Aviation Safety dated March 30, 2010, for Eurocopter Aircraft Certification Service. Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus Agency (EASA) AD, the economic [FR Doc. 2018–11680 Filed 5–31–18; 8:45 am] evaluation, any comments received and Helicopters Deutschland GmbH) Model BILLING CODE 4910–13–P other information. The street address for EC135, EC635, and MBB–BK 117C–2 Docket Operations (telephone 800–647– helicopters. EASA advises that during 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. an inspection of an MBB–BK117 C–2, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Comments will be available in the AD ‘‘bearings were detected which had not docket shortly after receipt. been correctly fixed.’’ EASA advises Federal Aviation Administration For service information identified in that this condition, if not detected and this proposed rule, contact Airbus corrected, may cause the affected 14 CFR Part 39 Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, control lever to shift in the axial [Docket No. FAA–2013–0555; Product Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone direction and contact the helicopter Identifier 2010–SW–047–AD] (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax structure, possibly resulting in reduced RIN 2120–AA64 (972) 641–3775; or at http:// helicopter control. As some bearings on www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/ the EC135 and MBB–BK 117C–2 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You helicopter are installed with the same Helicopters Deutschland GmbH may review service information at the procedure, they are equally affected by Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, the possibility of the unsafe condition, Deutschland GmbH) Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood EASA advises. AGENCY: Federal Aviation Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX As a result, we published AD 2014– Administration (FAA), DOT. 76177. 05–06 (79 FR 13196, March 10, 2014), ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt which requires repetitively inspecting (NPRM). Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, the flight-control bearings, replacing any Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft loose bearings with an airworthy flight- SUMMARY: We propose to revise Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 control bearing, and installing bushings Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014–05– Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; and washers. 06 for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH telephone (817) 222–5110; email Actions Since AD 2014–05–06 Was Model EC135 and MBB–BK 117C–2 matthew.fuller@faa.gov. Issued helicopters. AD 2014–05–06 requires SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: repetitive inspections of the flight- Since we published AD 2014–05–06, control bearings, replacing any loose Comments Invited EASA issued AD No. 2010–0058R1, bearings with airworthy flight-control We invite you to participate in this dated April 7, 2017, to remove the bearings, and installing bushings and rulemaking by submitting written repetitive inspections required by EASA washers. This proposed AD would comments, data, or views. We also AD No. 2010–0058. EASA advises that retain the requirements of AD 2014–05– invite comments relating to the a review of data and feedback from in- daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS 06 but would remove the repetitive economic, environmental, energy, or service helicopters determined the inspections. The actions of this federalism impacts that might result Airbus Helicopters modification proposed AD are intended to correct an from adopting the proposals in this removes the need for repetitive unsafe condition on these products. document. The most helpful comments inspections. We have made a similar DATES: We must receive comments on reference a specific portion of the determination and are issuing this this proposed AD by July 31, 2018. proposal, explain the reason for any proposed AD to remove the repetitive ADDRESSES: You may send comments by recommended change, and include inspections required by AD 2014–05– any of the following methods: supporting data. To ensure the docket 06. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:09 May 31, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\01JNP1.SGM 01JNP1

25416 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 106 / Friday, June 1, 2018 / Proposed Rules FAA’s Determination Differences Between This Proposed AD Government and the States, or on the These helicopters have been approved and the EASA AD distribution of power and by the aviation authority of Germany Differences between this AD and the responsibilities among the various and are approved for operation in the EASA AD are: levels of government. United States. Pursuant to our bilateral • The EASA AD is applicable to EC For the reasons discussed, I certify agreement with Germany, EASA, its 635-series helicopters, whereas this this proposed regulation: technical representative, has notified us proposed AD would not because these 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory of the unsafe condition described in its model helicopters have no U.S. type action’’ under Executive Order 12866; AD. We are proposing this AD because certificate. 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the we evaluated all known relevant • The EASA AD requires the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures information and determined that an modification within the next 12 months (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); unsafe condition is likely to exist or after April 13, 2010. This proposed AD 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in develop on other products of the same would require the modification within Alaska to the extent that it justifies type design. 100 hours TIS or at the next annual making a regulatory distinction; and inspection, whichever occurs first. 4. Will not have a significant Related Service Information Under 1 economic impact, positive or negative, CFR Part 51 Costs of Compliance on a substantial number of small entities Eurocopter issued Alert Service We estimate that this AD affects 295 under the criteria of the Regulatory Bulletin (ASB) EC135–67A–019, Model EC135-series helicopters and 117 Flexibility Act. Revision 3, dated December 16, 2009, Model MBB–BK 117C–2 helicopters of We prepared an economic evaluation for Model EC135-series helicopters, and U.S. Registry and that labor costs of the estimated costs to comply with ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–67A–010, average $85 per work-hour. Based on this proposed AD and placed it in the Revision 3, dated February 8, 2010, for these estimates, we expect the following AD docket. Model MBB–BK 117C–2 helicopters. costs: • For EC135 helicopters, completing List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 This service information specifies a repetitive inspection of the affected the required modification would require Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation bearings and retrofitting bushings on the about 32 work-hours and parts would safety, Incorporation by reference, levers to prevent movement of the cost about $312, for a total cost of Safety. bearings. $3,032 per helicopter and $894,400 for The Proposed Amendment This service information is reasonably the U.S. fleet. available because the interested parties • For MBB–BK 117C–2 helicopters, Accordingly, under the authority have access to it through their normal completing the required modification delegated to me by the Administrator, course of business or by the means would require about 32 work-hours and the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part identified in the ADDRESSES section. parts would cost about $396, for a total 39 as follows: cost of $3,116 per helicopter and Other Related Service Information $364,572 for the U.S. fleet. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS We reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB DIRECTIVES EC135–67A–019 for Model EC135-series Authority for This Rulemaking helicopters and ASB MBB–BK117C–2– Title 49 of the United States Code ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 67A–010 for Model MBB–BK 117C–2 specifies the FAA’s authority to issue continues to read as follows: helicopters, both Revision 4 and both rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. dated April 3, 2017. This service section 106, describes the authority of § 39.13 [Amended] information removes the repetitive the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: inspections and retains the procedures Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by for retrofitting the bushings on the detail the scope of the Agency’s removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) levers to prevent movement of the authority. 2014–05–06, Amendment 39–17779 (79 bearings. Revision 3 of this service We are issuing this rulemaking under FR 13196, March 10, 2014), and adding information is attached as an appendix the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, the following new AD: to Revision 4. Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH General requirements.’’ Under that (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland Proposed AD Requirements section, Congress charges the FAA with GmbH): Docket No. FAA–2013–0555; For EC135 helicopters, this proposed promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Product Identifier 2010–SW–047–AD. AD would require within 100 hours air commerce by prescribing regulations (a) Applicability time-in-service (TIS) or at the next for practices, methods, and procedures This AD applies to the following Airbus annual inspection, whichever occurs the Administrator finds necessary for Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (previously first, modifying the left-hand (LH) and safety in air commerce. This regulation Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) helicopters, right-hand (RH) guidance units and is within the scope of that authority certificated in any category: cyclic shaft by installing bushings and because it addresses an unsafe condition (1) Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and washers to prevent shifting in the axial that is likely to exist or develop on T2+ helicopters, serial number (S/N) 0005 direction. products identified in this rulemaking through 00829, with a tail rotor control lever, For MBB–BK 117C–2 helicopters, this action. part number (P/N) L672M2802205 or daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS proposed AD would require within 100 L672M1012212; cyclic control lever, P/N hours TIS or at the next annual Regulatory Findings L671M1005250; collective control lever inspection, whichever occurs first, We determined that this proposed AD assembly, P/N L671M2020108; or collective control plate, P/N L671M5040207; installed, modifying the LH and RH guidance would not have federalism implications and units and the lateral control lever by under Executive Order 13132. This (2) Model MBB–BK 117C–2 helicopters, S/ installing bushings and washers to proposed AD would not have a N 9004 through 9310, with a tail rotor control prevent shifting of the bearings in the substantial direct effect on the States, on lever assembly, P/N B672M1007101 or axial direction. the relationship between the national B672M1807101; tail rotor control lever, P/N VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:09 May 31, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\01JNP1.SGM 01JNP1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 106 / Friday, June 1, 2018 / Proposed Rules 25417 B672M1002202 or L672M2802205; or lateral Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION control lever assembly, P/N B670M1008101, 3.C(9)(a) through 3.C(9)(g) of BK117 ASB. installed. (iii) Identify the modified lever assembly Federal Aviation Administration by writing ‘‘MBB BK117C–2–67A–010’’ on (b) Unsafe Condition the lever with permanent marking pen and 14 CFR Part 39 This AD defines the unsafe condition as protect with a single layer of lacquer (CM 421 incorrectly installed flight control bearings. or equivalent). [Docket No. FAA–2018–0496; Product This condition could cause the affected (iv) Apply corrosion preventive paste Identifier 2018–NM–031–AD] control lever to shift and contact the (CM518 or equivalent) on the shank of the helicopter structure, resulting in reduced RIN 2120–AA64 screws and install airworthy parts as control of the helicopter. depicted in Figure 5 of BK117 ASB. Airworthiness Directives; Dassault (c) Comments Due Date Aviation Airplanes (f) Affected ADs We must receive comments by July 31, 2018. This AD replaces AD 2014–05–06, AGENCY: Federal Aviation Amendment 39–17779 (79 FR 13196, March Administration (FAA), DOT. (d) Compliance 10, 2014). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking You are responsible for performing each (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance action required by this AD within the (NPRM). (AMOCs) specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (1) The Manager, Safety Management SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, airworthiness directive (AD) for certain (e) Required Actions may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 (1) For Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This and T2+ helicopters: Within the next 100 Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, proposed AD was prompted by reports hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 of metallic debris found in the wing slat annual inspection, whichever occurs first, Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; piccolo tubes; investigation revealed modify the left-hand (LH) and right-hand telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW- that the debris originated from the flow (RH) guidance units and the cyclic shaft by FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. installing bushings and washers to prevent guide of the ball joint of the wing anti- (2) For operations conducted under a 14 ice valve. This proposed AD would shifting of the bearings in the axial direction CFR part 119 operating certificate or under as follows: require repetitive inspections for 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that (i) Remove and disassemble the LH you notify your principal inspector, or metallic debris and damage of the flow guidance unit and install a bushing, P/N guide of the ball joint of the wing anti- lacking a principal inspector, the manager of L672M1012260, between the bearing block ice valve, and related investigative and and the lever of the LH guidance unit as the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before corrective actions if necessary. We are depicted in Detail A of Figure 5 of Eurocopter operating any aircraft complying with this proposing this AD to address the unsafe Alert Service Bulletin EC135–67A–019, Revision 3, dated December 16, 2009 (EC135 AD through an AMOC. condition on these products. ASB). (h) Additional Information DATES: We must receive comments on (ii) For helicopters without a yaw brake, this proposed AD by July 16, 2018. remove and disassemble the RH guidance (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC135–67A–019, Revision 4, dated ADDRESSES: You may send comments, unit and install a bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the bearing block April 3, 2017, and Alert Service Bulletin using the procedures found in 14 CFR and the lever as depicted in Detail B of MBB–BK117C–2–67A–010, Revision 4, dated 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following Figure 5 of EC135 ASB. April 3, 2017, which are not incorporated by methods: (iii) Remove and disassemble the cyclic reference, contain additional information • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to shaft and install a washer, P/N about this AD. For service information http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the L671M10055260, between the bearing block identified in this AD, contact Airbus instructions for submitting comments. and the lever as depicted in Detail C of Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand • Fax: 202–493–2251. Figure 6 of EC135 ASB. Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 • Mail: U.S. Department of (iv) Remove the collective control rod from or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at Transportation, Docket Operations, M– the bellcrank and install a washer, P/N http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/ L221M1042208, on each side of the collective 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You may control rod and bellcrank as depicted in review service information at the FAA, Office W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Detail D of Figure 6 of EC135 ASB. of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Washington, DC 20590. (2) For Model MBB–BK 117C–2 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail helicopters: Within the next 100 hours TIS or Worth, TX 76177. address above between 9 a.m. and 5 at the next annual inspection, whichever (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in p.m., Monday through Friday, except occurs first, modify the LH and RH guidance European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD Federal holidays. units and the lateral control lever by No. 2010–0058R1, dated April 7, 2017. You For service information identified in installing bushings and washers to prevent may view the EASA AD on the internet at this NPRM, contact Dassault Falcon Jet shifting of the bearings in the axial direction http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. as follows: (i) Remove and disassemble the RH (i) Subject Box 2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606; guidance unit and install a bushing, P/N telephone 201–440–6700; internet Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) L672M1012260, between the lever and the Code: 6710, Main Rotor Control. http://www.dassaultfalcon.com. You bracket as depicted in Detail B of Figure 4 of may view this service information at the daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 11, FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 BK117C–2–67A–010, Revision 3, dated 2018. South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For February 8, 2010 (BK117 ASB). Remove and Scott A. Horn, disassemble the LH guidance unit and install information on the availability of this Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. a bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the Compliance & Airworthiness Division, lever and the bracket as depicted in Detail C Examining the AD Docket Aircraft Certification Service. of Figure 4 of BK117 ASB. (ii) Remove the lateral control lever and [FR Doc. 2018–11447 Filed 5–31–18; 8:45 am] You may examine the AD docket on install new bushings in accordance with the BILLING CODE 4910–13–P the internet at http:// VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:09 May 31, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\01JNP1.SGM 01JNP1


Document Created: 2018-06-01 01:29:54
Document Modified: 2018-06-01 01:29:54
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 31, 2018.
ContactMatt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 25415 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR