83_FR_44376 83 FR 44207 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Helicopters

83 FR 44207 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 169 (August 30, 2018)

Page Range44207-44209
FR Document2018-18735

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Bell) Model 212, Model 412, and Model 412EP helicopters. This AD requires replacing the emergency flotation system (EFS) tube assembly. This AD was prompted by a report of an EFS tube assembly failure. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 169 (Thursday, August 30, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 169 (Thursday, August 30, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44207-44209]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18735]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0036; Product Identifier 2017-SW-015-AD; Amendment 
39-19354; AD 2018-16-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell 
Helicopter Textron Inc. (Bell) Model 212, Model 412, and Model 412EP 
helicopters. This AD requires replacing the emergency flotation system 
(EFS) tube assembly. This AD was prompted by a report of an EFS tube 
assembly failure. The actions of this AD are intended to address an 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 4, 2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final 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 a copy of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0036; 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 economic evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S.

[[Page 44208]]

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: Rory Rieger, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
DSCO Branch, AIR-7J0, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone (817) 222-5193; email rory.rieger@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On January 26, 2018, at 83 FR 3630, 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 Bell Model 212, Model 
412, and Model 412EP helicopters with a certain EFS tube assembly 
installed. The NPRM proposed to require, within 300 hours time-in-
service (TIS), replacing any EFS tube assembly part number (P/N) 412-
073-820-101 with an unknown manufacture date or that was manufactured 
before July 28, 2016. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit installing on 
any helicopter an EFS tube assembly P/N 412-073-820-101 that was 
manufactured before July 28, 2016 or that has an unknown manufacture 
date.
    The NPRM was prompted by a report from Bell that an EFS tube 
assembly separated from the valve during a 2-year inflation test. A 
subsequent investigation found that excessive sleeve preset force 
during manufacturing caused cracks in the sleeve of the tube assembly, 
which may result in the EFS float failing to deploy. Bell determined 
that only those EFS tube assemblies with P/N 412-073-820-101 that were 
shipped prior to July 28, 2016, were subject to this manufacturing 
defect. Bell states that because this manufacturing defect is difficult 
to detect, affected EFS tube assemblies in service must be replaced. 
The affected parts were associated with a single Bell supplier that is 
no longer manufacturing the tube assembly.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of these same type designs and that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 212-11-143 for Bell 
Model 212 helicopters, and ASB 412-11-147 for Bell Model 412 and 412EP 
helicopters, both Revision C and dated December 22, 2016. Each ASB 
describes and illustrates procedures to replace the tube assembly 
within 600 flight hours or by March 31, 2017.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The service information requires compliance within 600 flight hours 
or by March 31, 2017; this AD requires compliance within 300 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 250 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry.
    We estimate that operators will incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, 
replacing a tube assembly will require about 6 work-hours and required 
parts will cost $4,902, for a total cost of $5,412 per helicopter and 
$1,353,000 for the U.S. fleet.
    According to Bell's service information, some of the costs of this 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Bell. 
Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.

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

    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):

2018-16-14 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.: Amendment 39-19354; Docket 
No. FAA-2018-0036; Product Identifier 2017-SW-015-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Model 212, Model 
412, and Model 412EP helicopters, certificated in any category, with 
an emergency flotation system (EFS) tube assembly part number (P/N) 
412-073-820-101 with a date of manufacture before July 28, 2016, or 
an unknown date of manufacture installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack on an EFS tube 
assembly. This condition could result in failure of the

[[Page 44209]]

emergency floats to inflate during an emergency water landing.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 4, 2018.

(d) Compliance

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

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Within 300 hours time-in-service:
    (i) Remove the EFS tube assembly from service.
    (ii) Lubricate the shoulder of the sleeves, threads, and seat of 
each mating fitting with anti-seize compound.
    (iii) Install an EFS tube assembly not listed in paragraph (a) 
of this AD.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an EFS 
tube assembly listed in paragraph (a) of this AD on any helicopter.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, DSCO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this 
AD. Send your proposal to: Rory Rieger, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
DSCO Branch, AIR-7J0, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 
76177; telephone (817) 222-5193; email rory.rieger@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletins 212-11-143 and 412-11-
147, both Revision C and dated December 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 a copy of information at 
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212 Emergency 
Flotation Section.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 3, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18735 Filed 8-29-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 169 / Thursday, August 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 44207 the effective date of this AD: Conduct the (3) The revision required by paragraph (j) 202–741–6030, or go to: http:// inspection within 72 months after the most of AD 2011–12–05. www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- recent inspection. (4) The revision required by paragraph (h) locations.html. (ii) For airplanes that have not been of AD 2013–22–03. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on inspected as specified in 28–AWL–22 as of (5) The revision required by paragraphs August 17, 2018. the effective date of this AD: Conduct the (n)(1) and (n)(2) of AD 2013–24–15. inspection within 12 months after the Michael Kaszycki, (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance Acting Director, System Oversight Division, effective date of this AD. (AMOCs) (6) For AWL No. 28–AWL–24, ‘‘Motor Aircraft Certification Service. Operated Valve Bonding Jumper (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, [FR Doc. 2018–18664 Filed 8–29–18; 8:45 am] Installation—Fault Current Protection’’: At FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs BILLING CODE 4910–13–P the applicable time specified in paragraph for this AD, if requested using the procedures (g)(6)(i) or (g)(6)(ii) of this AD. found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with (i) For airplanes that have been previously 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION inspected as specified in 28–AWL–24 as of District Office, as appropriate. If sending the effective date of this AD: Conduct the Federal Aviation Administration information directly to the manager of the inspection within 60 months after the most certification office, send it to the attention of recent inspection. the person identified in paragraph (l) of this 14 CFR Part 39 (ii) For airplanes that have not been AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM- inspected as specified in 28–AWL–24 as of [Docket No. FAA–2018–0036; Product Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. the effective date of this AD: Conduct the Identifier 2017–SW–015–AD; Amendment (2) Before using any approved AMOC, inspection within 12 months after the 39–19354; AD 2018–16–14] notify your appropriate principal inspector, effective date of this AD. or lacking a principal inspector, the manager RIN 2120–AA64 (h) Additional Acceptable Wire Types and of the local flight standards district office/ Sleeving certificate holding district office. Airworthiness Directives; Bell (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable As an option, when accomplishing the level of safety may be used for any repair, Helicopter Textron Inc., Helicopters actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, modification, or alteration required by this AGENCY: Federal Aviation the changes specified in paragraphs (h)(1) AD if it is approved by the Boeing Administration (FAA), DOT. and (h)(2) of this AD can be made to AWL Commercial Airplanes Organization No. 28–AWL–03. ACTION: Final rule. Designation Authorization (ODA) that has (1) Where AWL No. 28–AWL–03 identifies been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO wire types BMS 13–48, BMS 13–58, and BMS Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be SUMMARY: We are adopting a new 13–60, add the following acceptable wire approved, the repair method, modification airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell types: MIL–W–22759/16, SAE AS22759/16 deviation, or alteration deviation must meet Helicopter Textron Inc. (Bell) Model (M22759/16), MIL–W–22759/32, SAE the certification basis of the airplane, and the 212, Model 412, and Model 412EP AS22759/32 (M22759/32), MIL–W–22759/34, approval must specifically refer to this AD. SAE AS22759/34 (M22759/34), MIL–W– helicopters. This AD requires replacing 22759/41, SAE AS22759/41 (M22759/41), (l) Related Information the emergency flotation system (EFS) MIL–W–22759/86, SAE AS22759/86 tube assembly. This AD was prompted For more information about this AD, (M22759/86), MIL–W–22759/87, SAE contact Christopher Baker, Aerospace by a report of an EFS tube assembly AS22759/87 (M22759/87), MIL–W–22759/92 Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle failure. The actions of this AD are and SAE AS22759/92 (M22759/92); and ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des intended to address an unsafe condition MIL–C–27500 and NEMA WC 27500 cables Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231– on these products. constructed from these military or SAE 3552; email: christopher.r.baker@faa.gov. DATES: This AD is effective October 4, specification wire types identified above. (2) Where AWL No. 28–AWL–03 identifies (m) Material Incorporated by Reference 2018. TFE–2X Standard wall for wire sleeving, add (1) The Director of the Federal Register ADDRESSES: For service information the following acceptable sleeving materials: approved the incorporation by reference identified in this final rule, contact Bell Roundit 2000NX and Varglas Type HO, HP, (IBR) of the service information listed in this Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, or HM. paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Fort Worth, TX 76101; telephone (817) part 51. (i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and (2) You must use this service information 280–3391; fax (817) 280–6466; or at Critical Design Configuration Control http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. as applicable to do the actions required by Limitations (CDCCLs) this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. You may review a copy of the After the maintenance or inspection (i) Boeing 727–100/200 Airworthiness referenced service information at the program, as applicable, has been revised as Limitations (AWLs) D6–8766–AWL, Revision FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no December 2016. Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood alternative actions (e.g., inspections), (ii) Reserved. Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX intervals, and CDCCLs may be used unless (3) For service information identified in 76177. the actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are this AD, contact Boeing Commercial approved as an alternative method of Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Examining the AD Docket compliance (AMOC), in accordance with the Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; You may examine the AD docket on AD. telephone 562–797–1717; internet https:// the internet at http:// www.myboeingfleet.com. www.regulations.gov by searching for (j) Terminating Actions (4) You may view this service information and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– Accomplishment of the maintenance or at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 0036; or in person at Docket Operations inspection program revision required by 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the information on the availability of this through Friday, except Federal holidays. actions specified in paragraphs (j)(1) through material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (j)(5) of this AD. (5) You may view this service information The AD docket contains this AD, the (1) The revision required by paragraph (g) that is incorporated by reference at the economic evaluation, any comments of AD 2008–04–10 R1. National Archives and Records received, and other information. The (2) The revision required by paragraph (h) Administration (NARA). For information on street address for Docket Operations of AD 2009–05–03. the availability of this material at NARA, call (phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Aug 29, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30AUR1.SGM 30AUR1

44208 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 169 / Thursday, August 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations Department of Transportation, Docket adopting the AD requirements as Regulatory Findings Operations, M–30, West Building proposed. This AD will not have federalism Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 implications under Executive Order New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC Related Service Information 13132. This AD will not have a 20590. We reviewed Bell Alert Service substantial direct effect on the States, on FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rory Bulletin (ASB) 212–11–143 for Bell the relationship between the national Rieger, Aviation Safety Engineer, DSCO Model 212 helicopters, and ASB 412– government and the States, or on the Branch, AIR–7J0, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 11–147 for Bell Model 412 and 412EP distribution of power and Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone helicopters, both Revision C and dated responsibilities among the various (817) 222–5193; email rory.rieger@ December 22, 2016. Each ASB describes levels of government. faa.gov. and illustrates procedures to replace the For the reasons discussed above, I SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: tube assembly within 600 flight hours or certify that this AD: by March 31, 2017. (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory Discussion action’’ under Executive Order 12866; Differences Between This AD and the (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under On January 26, 2018, at 83 FR 3630, Service Information DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), The service information requires (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); which proposed to amend 14 CFR part compliance within 600 flight hours or (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation 39 by adding an AD that would apply by March 31, 2017; this AD requires in Alaska to the extent that it justifies to Bell Model 212, Model 412, and compliance within 300 hours TIS. making a regulatory distinction; and Model 412EP helicopters with a certain (4) Will not have a significant EFS tube assembly installed. The NPRM Costs of Compliance economic impact, positive or negative, proposed to require, within 300 hours on a substantial number of small entities We estimate that this AD will affect under the criteria of the Regulatory time-in-service (TIS), replacing any EFS 250 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Flexibility Act. tube assembly part number (P/N) 412– 073–820–101 with an unknown We estimate that operators will incur We prepared an economic evaluation manufacture date or that was the following costs in order to comply of the estimated costs to comply with manufactured before July 28, 2016. The with this AD. At an average labor rate this AD and placed it in the AD docket. NPRM also proposed to prohibit of $85 per hour, replacing a tube List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 installing on any helicopter an EFS tube assembly will require about 6 work- assembly P/N 412–073–820–101 that hours and required parts will cost Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation was manufactured before July 28, 2016 $4,902, for a total cost of $5,412 per safety, Incorporation by reference, or that has an unknown manufacture helicopter and $1,353,000 for the U.S. Safety. date. fleet. Adoption of the Amendment The NPRM was prompted by a report According to Bell’s service from Bell that an EFS tube assembly Accordingly, under the authority information, some of the costs of this delegated to me by the Administrator, separated from the valve during a 2-year AD may be covered under warranty, inflation test. A subsequent the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as thereby reducing the cost impact on follows: investigation found that excessive affected individuals. We do not control sleeve preset force during warranty coverage by Bell. Accordingly, PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS manufacturing caused cracks in the we have included all costs in our cost DIRECTIVES sleeve of the tube assembly, which may estimate. result in the EFS float failing to deploy. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 Bell determined that only those EFS Authority for This Rulemaking continues to read as follows: tube assemblies with P/N 412–073–820– Title 49 of the United States Code Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 101 that were shipped prior to July 28, specifies the FAA’s authority to issue 2016, were subject to this manufacturing § 39.13 [Amended] rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, defect. Bell states that because this section 106, describes the authority of ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding manufacturing defect is difficult to the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: the following new airworthiness detect, affected EFS tube assemblies in Aviation Programs, describes in more directive (AD): service must be replaced. The affected detail the scope of the Agency’s 2018–16–14 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.: parts were associated with a single Bell authority. Amendment 39–19354; Docket No. supplier that is no longer manufacturing We are issuing this rulemaking under FAA–2018–0036; Product Identifier the tube assembly. the authority described in Subtitle VII, 2017–SW–015–AD. Comments Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: (a) Applicability We gave the public the opportunity to ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron participate in developing this AD, but section, Congress charges the FAA with Inc. Model 212, Model 412, and Model 412EP we did not receive any comments on the promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in helicopters, certificated in any category, with NPRM. air commerce by prescribing regulations an emergency flotation system (EFS) tube for practices, methods, and procedures assembly part number (P/N) 412–073–820– FAA’s Determination the Administrator finds necessary for 101 with a date of manufacture before July amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES We have reviewed the relevant safety in air commerce. This regulation 28, 2016, or an unknown date of manufacture information and determined that an is within the scope of that authority installed. unsafe condition exists and is likely to because it addresses an unsafe condition (b) Unsafe Condition exist or develop on other products of that is likely to exist or develop on This AD defines the unsafe condition as a these same type designs and that air products identified in this rulemaking crack on an EFS tube assembly. This safety and the public interest require action. condition could result in failure of the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Aug 29, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30AUR1.SGM 30AUR1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 169 / Thursday, August 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 44209 emergency floats to inflate during an DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The AD docket contains this final rule, emergency water landing. the regulatory evaluation, any Federal Aviation Administration comments received, and other (c) Effective Date information. The address for Docket This AD becomes effective October 4, 2018. 14 CFR Part 39 Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is (d) Compliance [Docket No. FAA–2018–0300; Product Docket Operations, U.S. Department of You are responsible for performing each Identifier 2017–NM–134–AD; Amendment Transportation, Docket Operations, M– action required by this AD within the 39–19375; AD 2018–17–21] 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room specified compliance time unless it has W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, RIN 2120–AA64 already been accomplished prior to that time. Washington, DC 20590. Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: (e) Required Actions Airplanes Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, (1) Within 300 hours time-in-service: International Section, Transport (i) Remove the EFS tube assembly from AGENCY: Federal Aviation Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South service. Administration (FAA), Department of 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; (ii) Lubricate the shoulder of the sleeves, Transportation (DOT). telephone and fax 206–231–3223. threads, and seat of each mating fitting with ACTION: Final rule. anti-seize compound. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: (iii) Install an EFS tube assembly not listed SUMMARY: We are adopting a new Discussion in paragraph (a) of this AD. airworthiness directive (AD) for certain (2) After the effective date of this AD, do Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, and We issued a notice of proposed not install an EFS tube assembly listed in A320 series airplanes; and Model A321– rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR paragraph (a) of this AD on any helicopter. 111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, part 39 by adding an AD that would –232, –251N, –253N, and –271N apply to certain Airbus SAS Model (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes; airplanes. This AD was prompted by a (AMOCs) and Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, revision of an airworthiness limitations (1) The Manager, DSCO Branch, FAA, may document that specifies more restrictive –212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –253N, approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your maintenance requirements and and –271N airplanes. The NPRM proposal to: Rory Rieger, Aviation Safety airworthiness limitations. This AD published in the Federal Register on Engineer, DSCO Branch, AIR–7J0, FAA, requires revising the maintenance or April 27, 2018 (83 FR 18485). The 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX inspection program, as applicable, to NPRM was prompted by a revision of an 76177; telephone (817) 222–5193; email incorporate revised fuel airworthiness airworthiness limitations document that rory.rieger@faa.gov. limitations. We are issuing this AD to specifies more restrictive maintenance (2) For operations conducted under a 14 address the unsafe condition on these requirements and airworthiness CFR part 119 operating certificate or under limitations. The NPRM proposed to products. 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that require revising the maintenance or you notify your principal inspector, or DATES: This AD is effective October 4, inspection program, as applicable, to lacking a principal inspector, the manager of 2018. incorporate revised fuel airworthiness the local flight standards district office or The Director of the Federal Register limitations. certificate holding district office before approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD We are issuing this AD to address the operating any aircraft complying with this as of October 4, 2018. potential of ignition sources inside fuel AD through an AMOC. tanks, which, in combination with ADDRESSES: For service information (g) Additional Information flammable fuel vapors, could result in a identified in this final rule, contact fuel tank explosion and consequent loss Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletins Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office— 212–11–143 and 412–11–147, both Revision of the airplane. EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: C and dated December 22, 2016, which are 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; The European Aviation Safety Agency not incorporated by reference, contain telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 (EASA), which is the Technical Agent additional information about the subject of 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth- for the Member States of the European this AD. For service information identified in eas@airbus.com; internet http:// Union, has issued EASA AD 2017–0169, this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron, www.airbus.com. You may view this dated September 7, 2017 (referred to Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; after this as the Mandatory Continuing service information at the FAA, telephone (817) 280–3391; fax (817) 280– Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the 6466; or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/ Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition files/. You may review a copy of information for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. and A320 series airplanes; and Model Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching –213, –231, –232, –251N, –253N, and (h) Subject for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– –271N airplanes. The MCAI states: Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) 0300. The Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL) Code: 3212 Emergency Flotation Section. for Airbus A320 family aeroplanes, which are Examining the AD Docket approved by EASA, are currently defined and Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 3, published in the Airbus A318/A319/A320/ You may examine the AD docket on amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES 2018. A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section the internet at http:// Lance T. Gant, (ALS) Part 5 document. These instructions www.regulations.gov by searching for have been identified as mandatory for Director, Compliance & Airworthiness and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– continued airworthiness. Failure to Division, Aircraft Certification Service. 0300; or in person at Docket Operations accomplish these instructions could result in [FR Doc. 2018–18735 Filed 8–29–18; 8:45 am] between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of BILLING CODE 4910–13–P through Friday, except Federal holidays. the aeroplane. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Aug 29, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30AUR1.SGM 30AUR1


Document Created: 2018-08-30 01:21:59
Document Modified: 2018-08-30 01:21:59
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 October 4, 2018.
ContactRory Rieger, Aviation Safety Engineer, DSCO Branch, AIR-7J0, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5193; email [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 44207 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
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