83 FR 37764 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Helicopters
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 149 (August 2, 2018)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 149 (August 2, 2018)
| Page Range | 37764-37766 | |
| FR Document | 2018-16495 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 149 (Thursday, August 2, 2018)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 37764-37766] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-16495] ======================================================================== Proposed Rules Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. ======================================================================== Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 149 / Thursday, August 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules [[Page 37764]] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2017-0052; Product Identifier 2016-SW-081-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2015-04- 04 for Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Bell) Model 412 and 412EP helicopters. AD 2015-04-04 requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) and installing a placard to limit flights to visual flight rules (VFR) and prohibiting night operations because of failing inverters. This proposed AD would require replacing the inverters with a new inverter. The actions in this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 1, 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-2017- 0052; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; telephone (817) 280-3391; fax (817) 280-6466; or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. 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: Tim Beauregard, Aviation Safety Engineer, DSCO Branch, AIR-7J0, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-4357; email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion We issued AD 2015-04-04, Amendment 39-18106 (80 FR 9594, February 24, 2015), for Bell Model 412 and 412EP helicopters with an inverter part number (P/N) 412-375-079-101 or 412-375-079-103 with a serial number 29145 or higher. AD 2015-04-04 was prompted by numerous failures of inverters. The failure of one inverter can result in smoke in the cockpit, making landing at night and during instrument meteorological conditions difficult. If two inverters fail, then the pilot will lose primary flight and navigation displays, autopilot, and alternate current powered engine and transmission indicators. To address this condition, Bell issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 412-13-156, dated April 25, 2013, which specifies inspecting inverter part number (P/N) 412-375-079-101 and either repairing it or replacing it with inverter P/N 412-375-079-103 to prevent failure. Because the specific cause of the inverter failures had not been verified, and since inverter failures continued after Bell issued the ASB, we determined the actions specified in the ASB did not correct the unsafe condition. Therefore, AD 2015-04-04 requires revising the RFM and installing a placard in full view of the pilot to limit flights to VFR only and prohibit night operations. Actions Since AD 2015-04-04 Was Issued Since we issued AD 2015-04-04, Bell determined the root causes of the failures were an external connector that caused a short circuit inside inverter P/N 412-375-079-101 and components chafing because of variations in the assembly process and packaging tolerances for inverter P/N 412-375-079-103. Bell introduced an improved inverter, P/N 412-375-079-105, and retrofit kits to replace inverter P/N 412-375-079- 101 or 412-375-079-103 on helicopters with serial numbers 33001 or higher. These replacements and repairs correct the unsafe condition by providing 250 voltage amperes (VA) of total power instead of 500 VA, thereby reducing the input power to the inverter. [[Page 37765]] FAA's Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type designs. Related Service Information We reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 412-15-164, dated March 13, 2015 (ASB 412-15-164), which specifies an alternate means of compliance (AMOC) approved by the FAA for AD 2015-04-04 (80 FR 9594, February 24, 2015). Instead of the flight limitations mandated by AD 2015-04-04, ASB 412-15-164 limits allow operation under instrument flight rules (IFR) and night operations with two pilots. We also reviewed Bell ASB 412-16-171, dated March 22, 2016 (ASB 412-16-171), which specifies replacing certain serial-numbered inverters P/N 412-375-079-101 and 412-375-079-103 with inverter P/N 412-375-079-105 as a direct replacement or with a retrofit kit. Bell specifies that completing the actions specified by the ASB constitute terminating action for Bell ASB 412-15-164. Lastly, we reviewed Bell Service Instruction for Inverter Retrofit Kit BHT-412-SI-93, dated February 15, 2016, which provides instructions for installing retrofit kit P/N 412-704-058-103. Proposed AD Requirements The proposed AD would require, within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), replacing the inverter with inverter P/N 412-375-079-105 and, for some helicopters, installing retrofit kit P/N 412-704-058-103. After accomplishing the previous actions, the proposed AD would allow removing the placard and Rotorcraft Flight Manual limitations that prohibit night operations and restrict flights to visual flight rules. After the effective date of this AD, this proposed AD would prohibit installing an inverter P/N 412-375-079-101 or 412-375-079-103 on any helicopter. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information Bell ASB 412-16-171 requires compliance no later than January 1, 2017, while this proposed AD would require compliance within 25 hours TIS. Bell ASB 412-16-171 makes an electrical load analysis a determining factor for corrective actions. This proposed AD would make no such requirement. Bell ASB 412-16-171 provides instructions for helicopters with serial numbers 36649, 36658, 36659, 36673, 36681 through 36684, 36686, 36688, 36690, 36692, 36694, and 36696 through 36704, and this proposed AD would not. Bell has notified us of errors in the S/Ns listed for Part B of ASB 412-16-171. Accordingly, this proposed AD would only be applicable to those serial-numbered helicopters subject to the unsafe condition. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 73 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect that installing a new inverter or retrofit kit would require about 3 work-hours and a parts cost of $15,749, for a total cost of $16,004 per helicopter and $1,168,292 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) 2015-04-04, Amendment 39-18106 (80 FR 9594, February 24, 2015), and adding the following new AD: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2017-0052; Product Identifier 2016-SW-081-AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model 412 and 412EP helicopters with a serial number (S/N) 33001 through 33213, 34001 through 34036, 36001 through 36648, 36650 through 36657, 36660 through 36672, 36674 through 36680, 36685, 36687, 36689, 36691, 36693, 36695, and 37002 through 37012, certificated in any category, with a static inverter (inverter) part number (P/N) 412-375-079-101 or 412-375-079-103 installed. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as the failure of an inverter under instrument meteorological conditions or night flight. This condition could result in smoke in the cockpit, increased pilot workload due to the loss of primary flight and navigation displays, alternating current powered engine and transmission indicators, and autopilot, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2015-04-04, Amendment 39-18106 (80 FR 9594, February 24, 2015). (d) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by October 1, 2018. (e) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the [[Page 37766]] specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (f) Required Actions (1) Within 25 hours time-in-service: (i) For helicopters with a S/N 33001 through 33213, 34001 through 34036, and 36001 through 36086, replace the inverter with inverter P/N 412-375-079-105. (ii) For helicopters with a S/N 36087 through 36648, 36650 through 36657, 36660 through 36672, 36674 through 36680, 36685, 36687, 36689, 36691, 36693, 36695, and 37002 through 37012, install retrofit kit P/N 412-704-058-103 and replace the inverter with inverter P/N 412-375-079-105. (2) After accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, you may remove the placard and Rotorcraft Flight Manual limitations, required by AD 2015-04-04, prohibiting night operations and restricting flights to visual flight rules. (3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an inverter P/N 412-375-079-101 or 412-375-079-103 on any helicopter. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, DSCO, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Tim Beauregard, Aviation Safety Engineer, DSCO Branch, AIR-7J0, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5190; 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 Bell Alert Service Bulletin 412-15-164, dated March 13, 2015, and Bell Alert Service Bulletin 412-16-171, dated March 22, 2016, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; telephone (817) 280-3391; fax (817) 280-6466; or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may review this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2422, AC Inverter. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 19, 2018. Scott A. Horn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018-16495 Filed 8-1-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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Proposed Rules Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 149
Thursday, August 2, 2018
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER www.regulations.gov by searching for proposal in light of the comments we
contains notices to the public of the proposed and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– receive.
issuance of rules and regulations. The 0052; or in person at Docket Operations
purpose of these notices is to give interested between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday Discussion
persons an opportunity to participate in the through Friday, except Federal holidays.
rule making prior to the adoption of the final We issued AD 2015–04–04,
The AD docket contains this proposed Amendment 39–18106 (80 FR 9594,
rules.
AD, the economic evaluation, any February 24, 2015), for Bell Model 412
comments received and other and 412EP helicopters with an inverter
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION information. The street address for part number (P/N) 412–375–079–101 or
Docket Operations (telephone 800–647– 412–375–079–103 with a serial number
Federal Aviation Administration 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 29145 or higher. AD 2015–04–04 was
Comments will be available in the AD
prompted by numerous failures of
14 CFR Part 39 docket shortly after receipt.
inverters. The failure of one inverter can
For service information identified in
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0052; Product result in smoke in the cockpit, making
this proposed rule, contact Bell
Identifier 2016–SW–081–AD] landing at night and during instrument
Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482,
meteorological conditions difficult. If
RIN 2120–AA64 Fort Worth, TX 76101; telephone (817)
two inverters fail, then the pilot will
280–3391; fax (817) 280–6466; or at
Airworthiness Directives; Bell lose primary flight and navigation
http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.
Helicopter Textron Inc. Helicopters displays, autopilot, and alternate
You may review service information at
current powered engine and
AGENCY: Federal Aviation the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
transmission indicators.
Administration (FAA), DOT. Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX To address this condition, Bell issued
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
76177. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 412–13–
(NPRM). 156, dated April 25, 2013, which
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim
SUMMARY: We propose to supersede specifies inspecting inverter part
Beauregard, Aviation Safety Engineer,
airworthiness directive (AD) 2015–04– number (P/N) 412–375–079–101 and
DSCO Branch, AIR–7J0, FAA, 10101
04 for Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Bell) either repairing it or replacing it with
Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177;
Model 412 and 412EP helicopters. AD inverter P/N 412–375–079–103 to
telephone (817) 222–4357; email
2015–04–04 requires revising the prevent failure. Because the specific
timothy.beauregard@faa.gov.
Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) and cause of the inverter failures had not
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
installing a placard to limit flights to been verified, and since inverter failures
visual flight rules (VFR) and prohibiting Comments Invited continued after Bell issued the ASB, we
night operations because of failing We invite you to participate in this determined the actions specified in the
inverters. This proposed AD would rulemaking by submitting written ASB did not correct the unsafe
require replacing the inverters with a comments, data, or views. We also condition. Therefore, AD 2015–04–04
new inverter. The actions in this invite comments relating to the requires revising the RFM and installing
proposed AD are intended to correct an economic, environmental, energy, or a placard in full view of the pilot to
unsafe condition on these products. federalism impacts that might result limit flights to VFR only and prohibit
DATES: We must receive comments on from adopting the proposals in this night operations.
this proposed AD by October 1, 2018. document. The most helpful comments Actions Since AD 2015–04–04 Was
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by reference a specific portion of the Issued
any of the following methods: proposal, explain the reason for any
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to recommended change, and include Since we issued AD 2015–04–04, Bell
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the supporting data. To ensure the docket determined the root causes of the
online instructions for sending your does not contain duplicate comments, failures were an external connector that
comments electronically. commenters should send only one copy caused a short circuit inside inverter
• Fax: 202–493–2251. of written comments, or if comments are P/N 412–375–079–101 and components
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. filed electronically, commenters should chafing because of variations in the
Department of Transportation, Docket submit only one time. assembly process and packaging
Operations, M–30, West Building We will file in the docket all tolerances for inverter P/N 412–375–
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 comments that we receive, as well as a 079–103. Bell introduced an improved
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC report summarizing each substantive inverter, P/N 412–375–079–105, and
20590–0001. public contact with FAA personnel retrofit kits to replace inverter P/N 412–
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the concerning this proposed rulemaking. 375–079–101 or 412–375–079–103 on
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 Before acting on this proposal, we will helicopters with serial numbers 33001
p.m., Monday through Friday, except consider all comments we receive on or or higher. These replacements and
Federal holidays. before the closing date for comments. repairs correct the unsafe condition by
We will consider comments filed after providing 250 voltage amperes (VA) of
Examining the AD Docket the comment period has closed if it is total power instead of 500 VA, thereby
You may examine the AD docket on possible to do so without incurring reducing the input power to the
the internet at http:// expense or delay. We may change this inverter.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 149 / Thursday, August 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules 37765
FAA’s Determination with serial numbers 36649, 36658, 4. Will not have a significant
We are proposing this AD because we 36659, 36673, 36681 through 36684, economic impact, positive or negative,
evaluated all the relevant information 36686, 36688, 36690, 36692, 36694, and on a substantial number of small entities
and determined the unsafe condition 36696 through 36704, and this proposed under the criteria of the Regulatory
described previously is likely to exist or AD would not. Bell has notified us of Flexibility Act.
develop in other products of these same errors in the S/Ns listed for Part B of We prepared an economic evaluation
type designs. ASB 412–16–171. Accordingly, this of the estimated costs to comply with
proposed AD would only be applicable this proposed AD and placed it in the
Related Service Information to those serial-numbered helicopters AD docket.
We reviewed Bell Alert Service subject to the unsafe condition. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Bulletin (ASB) 412–15–164, dated Costs of Compliance
March 13, 2015 (ASB 412–15–164), Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
which specifies an alternate means of We estimate that this proposed AD safety, Incorporation by reference,
compliance (AMOC) approved by the would affect 73 helicopters of U.S. Safety.
FAA for AD 2015–04–04 (80 FR 9594, Registry and that labor costs average $85 The Proposed Amendment
February 24, 2015). Instead of the flight per work-hour. Based on these
estimates, we expect that installing a Accordingly, under the authority
limitations mandated by AD 2015–04–
new inverter or retrofit kit would delegated to me by the Administrator,
04, ASB 412–15–164 limits allow
require about 3 work-hours and a parts the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
operation under instrument flight rules
cost of $15,749, for a total cost of 39 as follows:
(IFR) and night operations with two
pilots. $16,004 per helicopter and $1,168,292
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
We also reviewed Bell ASB 412–16– for the U.S. fleet.
DIRECTIVES
171, dated March 22, 2016 (ASB 412–
Authority for This Rulemaking
16–171), which specifies replacing ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
certain serial-numbered inverters P/N Title 49 of the United States Code continues to read as follows:
412–375–079–101 and 412–375–079– specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
103 with inverter P/N 412–375–079–105
as a direct replacement or with a retrofit section 106, describes the authority of § 39.13 [Amended]
kit. Bell specifies that completing the the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
actions specified by the ASB constitute Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
terminating action for Bell ASB 412–15– detail the scope of the Agency’s 2015–04–04, Amendment 39–18106 (80
164. authority. FR 9594, February 24, 2015), and adding
Lastly, we reviewed Bell Service We are issuing this rulemaking under the following new AD:
Instruction for Inverter Retrofit Kit the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.: Docket No.
BHT–412–SI–93, dated February 15, FAA–2017–0052; Product Identifier
2016, which provides instructions for General requirements.’’ Under that 2016–SW–081–AD.
installing retrofit kit P/N 412–704–058– section, Congress charges the FAA with
103. promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in (a) Applicability
air commerce by prescribing regulations This AD applies to Model 412 and 412EP
Proposed AD Requirements for practices, methods, and procedures helicopters with a serial number (S/N) 33001
The proposed AD would require, the Administrator finds necessary for through 33213, 34001 through 34036, 36001
within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), safety in air commerce. This regulation through 36648, 36650 through 36657, 36660
through 36672, 36674 through 36680, 36685,
replacing the inverter with inverter P/N is within the scope of that authority 36687, 36689, 36691, 36693, 36695, and
412–375–079–105 and, for some because it addresses an unsafe condition 37002 through 37012, certificated in any
helicopters, installing retrofit kit P/N that is likely to exist or develop on category, with a static inverter (inverter) part
412–704–058–103. products identified in this rulemaking number (P/N) 412–375–079–101 or 412–375–
After accomplishing the previous action. 079–103 installed.
actions, the proposed AD would allow (b) Unsafe Condition
removing the placard and Rotorcraft Regulatory Findings
Flight Manual limitations that prohibit We determined that this proposed AD This AD defines the unsafe condition as
the failure of an inverter under instrument
night operations and restrict flights to would not have federalism implications meteorological conditions or night flight.
visual flight rules. under Executive Order 13132. This This condition could result in smoke in the
After the effective date of this AD, this proposed AD would not have a cockpit, increased pilot workload due to the
proposed AD would prohibit installing substantial direct effect on the States, on loss of primary flight and navigation
an inverter P/N 412–375–079–101 or the relationship between the national displays, alternating current powered engine
412–375–079–103 on any helicopter. Government and the States, or on the and transmission indicators, and autopilot,
distribution of power and and subsequent loss of control of the
Differences Between This Proposed AD helicopter.
and the Service Information responsibilities among the various
levels of government. (c) Affected ADs
Bell ASB 412–16–171 requires For the reasons discussed, I certify This AD replaces AD 2015–04–04,
compliance no later than January 1, this proposed regulation: Amendment 39–18106 (80 FR 9594, February
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
2017, while this proposed AD would 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory 24, 2015).
require compliance within 25 hours TIS. action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (d) Comments Due Date
Bell ASB 412–16–171 makes an 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
electrical load analysis a determining DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures We must receive comments by October 1,
2018.
factor for corrective actions. This (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
proposed AD would make no such 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in (e) Compliance
requirement. Bell ASB 412–16–171 Alaska to the extent that it justifies You are responsible for performing each
provides instructions for helicopters making a regulatory distinction; and action required by this AD within the
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![37766 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 149 / Thursday, August 2, 2018 / Proposed Rules
specified compliance time unless it has DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 0637; or in person at Docket Operations
already been accomplished prior to that time. between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
(f) Required Actions Federal Aviation Administration through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, the
(1) Within 25 hours time-in-service:
14 CFR Part 39 regulatory evaluation, any comments
(i) For helicopters with a S/N 33001
through 33213, 34001 through 34036, and [Docket No. FAA–2018–0637; Product received, and other information. The
36001 through 36086, replace the inverter Identifier 2018–NM–091–AD] street address for Docket Operations
with inverter P/N 412–375–079–105. (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
RIN 2120–AA64 ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
(ii) For helicopters with a S/N 36087
through 36648, 36650 through 36657, 36660 available in the AD docket shortly after
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
through 36672, 36674 through 36680, 36685, receipt.
36687, 36689, 36691, 36693, 36695, and Airplanes
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
37002 through 37012, install retrofit kit P/N AGENCY: Federal Aviation Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer,
412–704–058–103 and replace the inverter Administration (FAA), DOT. International Section, Transport
with inverter P/N 412–375–079–105.
(2) After accomplishing the actions ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, you (NPRM). 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
may remove the placard and Rotorcraft Flight telephone and fax 206–231–3218.
Manual limitations, required by AD 2015– SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
04–04, prohibiting night operations and airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
restricting flights to visual flight rules. Airbus SAS Model A350–941 airplanes. Comments Invited
(3) After the effective date of this AD, do This proposed AD was prompted by We invite you to send any written
not install an inverter P/N 412–375–079–101 leakage of shrouded pipe T-boxes in the relevant data, views, or arguments about
or 412–375–079–103 on any helicopter. potable water system. This proposed AD this proposal. Send your comments to
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance would require replacement of the an address listed under the ADDRESSES
(AMOCs) affected potable water T-boxes and section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
clamps with new parts. We are 2018–0637; Product Identifier 2018–
(1) The Manager, DSCO, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
proposing this AD to address the unsafe NM–091–AD’’ at the beginning of your
proposal to: Tim Beauregard, Aviation Safety condition on these products. comments. We specifically invite
Engineer, DSCO Branch, AIR–7J0, FAA, DATES: We must receive comments on comments on the overall regulatory,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX this proposed AD by September 17, economic, environmental, and energy
76177; telephone 817–222–5190; email 9– 2018. aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
ASW–190–COS@faa.gov. all comments received by the closing
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
date and may amend this NPRM
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under using the procedures found in 14 CFR
because of those comments.
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
We will post all comments we
you notify your principal inspector, or methods:
receive, without change, to http://
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
www.regulations.gov, including any
the local flight standards district office or http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
personal information you provide. We
certificate holding district office before instructions for submitting comments.
will also post a report summarizing each
operating any aircraft complying with this • Fax: 202–493–2251.
substantive verbal contact we receive
AD through an AMOC. • Mail: U.S. Department of
about this NPRM.
(h) Additional Information Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room Discussion
Bell Alert Service Bulletin 412–15–164,
dated March 13, 2015, and Bell Alert Service
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, The European Aviation Safety Agency
Bulletin 412–16–171, dated March 22, 2016, Washington, DC 20590. (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
which are not incorporated by reference, • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail for the Member States of the European
contain additional information about the address above between 9 a.m. and 5 Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
subject of this AD. For service information p.m., Monday through Friday, except Directive 2018–0111R1, dated May 30,
identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Federal holidays. 2018 (referred to after this as the
Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX For service information identified in Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
76101; telephone (817) 280–3391; fax (817) this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS,
280–6466; or at http://www.bellcustomer.
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
Airworthiness Office—EAL, Rond-Point an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
com/files/. You may review this service Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac
information at the FAA, Office of the SAS Model A350–941 airplanes. The
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 MCAI states:
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101
96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, During a pressure test on the A350 Final
TX 76177.
continued-airworthiness.a350@
Assembly Line (FAL), leakage was observed
airbus.com; internet http:// on the potable water system shrouded pipes,
(i) Subject www.airbus.com. You may view this due to a crack failure on the T-Boxes.
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) service information at the FAA, Leakage of a primary pipe may cause water
Code: 2422, AC Inverter. Transport Standards Branch, 2200 ingress into the avionics bay. Additionally,
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For during another pressure proof test on the
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 19, information on the availability of this A350 FAL, loss of torque was detected on the
2018. material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. clamps used to attach the shrouded pipes on
Scott A. Horn, the T-Boxes.
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Examining the AD Docket This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to loss of systems/equipment located inside
Compliance and Airworthiness Division, You may examine the AD docket on the avionics bay, possibly resulting in an
Aircraft Certification Service. the internet at http:// unsafe condition.
[FR Doc. 2018–16495 Filed 8–1–18; 8:45 am] www.regulations.gov by searching for Prompted by these findings, Airbus
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– developed improved potable water T-Boxes
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:26 Aug 01, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\02AUP1.SGM 02AUP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_37913/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2018-08-02 01:29:26
Document Modified: 2018-08-02 01:29:26
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 1, 2018. | |
| Contact | Tim Beauregard, Aviation Safety Engineer, DSCO Branch, AIR-7J0, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-4357; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 37764 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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