83 FR 45364 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 174 (September 7, 2018)

Page Range		45364-45366
FR Document		2018-19430

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. This proposed AD would require replacing the retaining ring and inspecting the hoist cable hook assembly (hook). This proposed AD is prompted by a report that a hook detached from the hoist cable. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 174 (Friday, September 7, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 174 (Friday, September 7, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45364-45366]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19430]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0336; Product Identifier 2017-SW-130-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model EC135P1, 
EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 
helicopters. This proposed AD would require replacing the retaining 
ring and inspecting the hoist cable hook assembly (hook). This proposed 
AD is prompted by a report that a hook detached from the hoist cable. 
The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent an unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 6, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0336; 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 the referenced 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: David Hatfield, 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.

[[Page 45365]]

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, has issued EASA AD No. 2017-0199, dated October 11, 
2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model 
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, 
EC135T3, EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1, EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters. 
EASA advises of a report of a hook separating from the hoist cable. 
According to EASA, an investigation determined that failure of the 
internal retaining ring combined with a permanent compression set of 
the elastomeric energy absorber caused the separation. EASA states that 
this condition, if not corrected, could lead to the detachment of an 
external load or person from the hoist, possibly resulting in personal 
injury or injury to persons on the ground.
    The EASA AD consequently requires repetitive inspections of the 
hook assembly and replacement of the retaining ring. Depending on the 
findings of the inspection, the EASA AD also requires replacement of 
the elastomeric energy absorber. According to the manufacturer of the 
hook, the retaining ring can corrode in a salt-laden environment. 
Therefore, replacement of the retaining ring is required with each 
inspection. EASA considers its AD an interim measure and states that 
further AD action may follow.

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

    We reviewed Goodrich Service Bulletin No. 44301-10-17, Revision 4, 
dated July 26, 2017. The Goodrich Service Bulletin is attached as an 
appendix to Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB EC135-
85A-069, Revision 0, dated August 2, 2017. This service information 
specifies an initial and repetitive inspections of the hook assembly 
and replacement of the retaining ring. If the inspections of 
elastomeric energy absorber detect a permanent compression set, this 
service information also specifies replacing the elastomeric energy 
absorber.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 90 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 180 hours TIS, 
replacing the retaining ring and inspecting the elastometric energy 
absorber for a permanent compression set, and if necessary, replacing 
the elastometric energy absorber before the next hoist operation.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires corrective actions in terms of months in 
service. This proposed AD would require compliance within 90 hours TIS 
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 180 hours TIS. The EASA AD 
applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1, 
EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters. This proposed AD would not because 
these model helicopters have no FAA type certificate.

Interim Action

    We consider this proposed AD to be an interim action. The design 
approval holder is currently developing a modification that will 
address the unsafe condition identified in this proposed AD. Once this 
modification is developed, approved, and available, we might consider 
additional rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 278 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Inspecting the hoist cable hook assembly and replacing the 
retaining ring would require 0.5 work-hour and parts would be minimal 
for a cost of $43 per helicopter and $11,954 for the U.S. fleet per 
inspection cycle.
     Replacing an elastomeric energy absorber would require 0.5 
work-hour and parts would cost $2,152 for a cost of $2,195 per 
helicopter.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

[[Page 45366]]

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):

Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-
2018-0336; Product Identifier 2017-SW-130-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and 
EC135T3 helicopters, certificated in any category, with an external 
mounted hoist (hoist) part number (P/N) and hook assembly (hook) P/N 
shown in Table 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07SE18.006

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as detachment of a hook 
from a hoist cable resulting in in-flight failure of the hoist, 
which could result in injury to persons being lifted.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 6, 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

    Within 90 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 180 hours TIS:
    (1) Inspect the hook and determine whether the elastometric 
energy absorber has taken a permanent compression set by following 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.A and 2.B, of Goodrich 
Service Bulletin No. 44301-10-17, Revision 4, dated July 26, 2017 
(SB 44301-10-17). If the elastometric energy absorber has taken a 
permanent compression set, replace the elastometric energy absorber 
before the next hoist operation.
    (2) Replace the retaining ring by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 2.D through 2.K, of SB 44301-10-17.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be permitted provided the hoist is 
not used.

(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: 
David Hatfield, 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

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0199, dated October 11, 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: 2500, Cabin 
Equipment/Furnishings.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 23, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19430 Filed 9-6-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

45364 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 174 / Friday, September 7, 2018 / Proposed Rules

(h) Required Actions Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 1357, p.m., Monday through Friday, except
For Group 1 airplanes, within 24 months 2130 EL Hoofddorp, the Netherlands; Federal holidays.
after the effective date of this AD, modify the telephone +31 (0)88–6280–350; fax +31
airplane by replacing each affected part with (0)88–6280–111; email technicalservices@ Examining the AD Docket
a restrictor check valve that has a filter fokker.com; internet http://
www.myfokkerfleet.com. You may view this
You may examine the AD docket on
screen, P/N CKLX0517200B or P/N the internet at http://
CKLX0520100B, as applicable, in accordance service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des www.regulations.gov by searching for
with the accomplishment instructions of
Fokker Service Bulletin F100/70 SBF100–32– Moines, WA. For information on the and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
163, Revision 1, dated February 21, 2018. availability of this material at the FAA, call 0336; or in person at Docket Operations
206–231–3195. between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
Do not install an affected part on any August 23, 2018. The AD docket contains this proposed
airplane, as required by paragraph (i)(1) or James Cashdollar, AD, the European Aviation Safety
(i)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Agency (EASA) AD, the economic
(1) For Group 1 airplanes: After
modification of the airplane as required by Aircraft Certification Service. evaluation, any comments received, and
paragraph (h) of this AD. [FR Doc. 2018–19297 Filed 9–6–18; 8:45 am] other information. The street address for
(2) For Group 2 airplanes: From the BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Docket Operations (telephone 800–647–
effective date of this AD. 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
(j) Terminating Actions for AD 2010–22–05 Comments will be available in the AD
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION docket shortly after receipt.
Accomplishing the actions required by
For service information identified in
paragraph (h) of this AD terminates all
Federal Aviation Administration this proposed rule, contact Airbus
requirements of AD 2010–22–05.
Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions 14 CFR Part 39 Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–
The following provisions also apply to this [Docket No. FAA–2018–0336; Product 0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–
AD: Identifier 2017–SW–130–AD] 3775; or at http://www.helicopters.
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-
(AMOCs): The Manager, International RIN 2120–AA64
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,
Support_73.html. You may review the
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this Airworthiness Directives; Airbus referenced service information at the
AD, if requested using the procedures found Helicopters Deutschland GmbH FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR Helicopters Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
39.19, send your request to your principal Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
inspector or local Flight Standards District AGENCY: Federal Aviation 76177.
Office, as appropriate. If sending information Administration (FAA), DOT.
directly to the International Section, send it FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
to the attention of the person identified in David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Information may
(NPRM). Engineer, Safety Management Section,
be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC- SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
principal inspector, or lacking a principal Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus
Helicopters) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, david.hatfield@faa.gov.
inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
district office. EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3
Comments Invited
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any helicopters. This proposed AD would
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective require replacing the retaining ring and We invite you to participate in this
actions from a manufacturer, the action must inspecting the hoist cable hook rulemaking by submitting written
be accomplished using a method approved assembly (hook). This proposed AD is comments, data, or views. We also
by the Manager, International Section, invite comments relating to the
prompted by a report that a hook
Transport Standards Branch, FAA, FAA; or
detached from the hoist cable. The economic, environmental, energy, or
the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Fokker Services B.V.’s EASA actions of this proposed AD are federalism impacts that might result
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If intended to prevent an unsafe condition from adopting the proposals in this
approved by the DOA, the approval must on these products. document. The most helpful comments
include the DOA-authorized signature. DATES: We must receive comments on reference a specific portion of the
(l) Related Information this proposed AD by November 6, 2018. proposal, explain the reason for any
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by recommended change, and include
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing supporting data. To ensure the docket
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA any of the following methods:
Airworthiness Directive 2018–0077, dated • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to does not contain duplicate comments,
April 6, 2018, for related information. This http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the commenters should send only one copy
MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the online instructions for sending your of written comments, or if comments are
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by comments electronically. filed electronically, commenters should
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA– • Fax: 202–493–2251. submit only one time.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS

2018–0767. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. We will file in the docket all
(2) For more information about this AD, Department of Transportation, Docket comments that we receive, as well as a
contact Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, report summarizing each substantive
Operations, M–30, West Building
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 public contact with FAA personnel
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206– New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC concerning this proposed rulemaking.
231–3226. 20590–0001. Before acting on this proposal, we will
(3) For service information identified in • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the consider all comments we receive on or
this AD, contact Fokker Services B.V., ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 before the closing date for comments.

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 174 / Friday, September 7, 2018 / Proposed Rules 45365

We will consider comments filed after 069, Revision 0, dated August 2, 2017. Authority for This Rulemaking
the comment period has closed if it is This service information specifies an
possible to do so without incurring initial and repetitive inspections of the Title 49 of the United States Code
expense or delay. We may change this hook assembly and replacement of the specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
proposal in light of the comments we retaining ring. If the inspections of rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
receive. elastomeric energy absorber detect a section 106, describes the authority of
permanent compression set, this service the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Discussion Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
information also specifies replacing the
EASA, which is the Technical Agent elastomeric energy absorber. detail the scope of the Agency’s
for the Member States of the European authority.
This service information is reasonably
Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2017– We are issuing this rulemaking under
available because the interested parties
0199, dated October 11, 2017, to correct the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
have access to it through their normal
an unsafe condition for Airbus Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
course of business or by the means
Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135P2, General requirements.’’ Under that
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, section, Congress charges the FAA with
EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, Proposed AD Requirements promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1, air commerce by prescribing regulations
EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters. This proposed AD would require, for practices, methods, and procedures
EASA advises of a report of a hook within 90 hours time-in-service (TIS) the Administrator finds necessary for
separating from the hoist cable. and thereafter at intervals not to exceed safety in air commerce. This regulation
According to EASA, an investigation 180 hours TIS, replacing the retaining is within the scope of that authority
determined that failure of the internal ring and inspecting the elastometric because it addresses an unsafe condition
retaining ring combined with a energy absorber for a permanent that is likely to exist or develop on
permanent compression set of the compression set, and if necessary, products identified in this rulemaking
elastomeric energy absorber caused the replacing the elastometric energy action.
separation. EASA states that this absorber before the next hoist operation.
condition, if not corrected, could lead to Regulatory Findings
Differences Between This Proposed AD
the detachment of an external load or and the EASA AD We determined that this proposed AD
person from the hoist, possibly resulting would not have federalism implications
in personal injury or injury to persons The EASA AD requires corrective under Executive Order 13132. This
on the ground. actions in terms of months in service. proposed AD would not have a
The EASA AD consequently requires This proposed AD would require substantial direct effect on the States, on
repetitive inspections of the hook compliance within 90 hours TIS and the relationship between the national
assembly and replacement of the thereafter at intervals not to exceed 180 Government and the States, or on the
retaining ring. Depending on the hours TIS. The EASA AD applies to distribution of power and
findings of the inspection, the EASA AD Airbus Helicopters Model EC635P2+, responsibilities among the various
also requires replacement of the EC635P3, EC635T1, EC635T2+, and levels of government.
elastomeric energy absorber. According EC635T3 helicopters. This proposed AD
would not because these model For the reasons discussed, I certify
to the manufacturer of the hook, the
helicopters have no FAA type this proposed regulation:
retaining ring can corrode in a salt-laden
environment. Therefore, replacement of certificate. 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
the retaining ring is required with each action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
Interim Action
inspection. EASA considers its AD an 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
interim measure and states that further We consider this proposed AD to be DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
AD action may follow. an interim action. The design approval (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
holder is currently developing a 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
FAA’s Determination
modification that will address the Alaska to the extent that it justifies
These helicopters have been approved unsafe condition identified in this making a regulatory distinction; and
by the aviation authority of Germany proposed AD. Once this modification is 4. Will not have a significant
and are approved for operation in the developed, approved, and available, we economic impact, positive or negative,
United States. Pursuant to our bilateral might consider additional rulemaking. on a substantial number of small entities
agreement with Germany, EASA, its under the criteria of the Regulatory
technical representative, has notified us Costs of Compliance
Flexibility Act.
of the unsafe condition described in its We estimate that this proposed AD
AD. We are proposing this AD because We prepared an economic evaluation
would affect 278 helicopters of U.S. of the estimated costs to comply with
we evaluated all known relevant Registry and that labor costs average $85
information and determined that an this proposed AD and placed it in the
per work-hour. Based on these AD docket.
unsafe condition is likely to exist or estimates, we expect the following costs:
develop on other products of the same List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
type design. • Inspecting the hoist cable hook
assembly and replacing the retaining Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS

Related Service Information Under ring would require 0.5 work-hour and safety, Incorporation by reference,
1 CFR Part 51 parts would be minimal for a cost of $43 Safety.
We reviewed Goodrich Service per helicopter and $11,954 for the U.S.
fleet per inspection cycle. The Proposed Amendment
Bulletin No. 44301–10–17, Revision 4,
dated July 26, 2017. The Goodrich • Replacing an elastomeric energy Accordingly, under the authority
Service Bulletin is attached as an absorber would require 0.5 work-hour delegated to me by the Administrator,
appendix to Airbus Helicopters Alert and parts would cost $2,152 for a cost the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
Service Bulletin No. ASB EC135–85A– of $2,195 per helicopter. 39 as follows:

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Document Created: 2018-09-07 00:15:32
Document Modified: 2018-09-07 00:15:32

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 November 6, 2018.
Contact		David Hatfield, 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 Citation		83 FR 45364
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

83 FR 45364 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 174 (September 7, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration