83 FR 46384 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 178 (September 13, 2018)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters with a lower strobe light installed. This AD requires installing a cable mount, inspecting the lower strobe light wiring harness, and re-routing the wiring harness. This AD was prompted by reports of interference between the lower strobe light wiring harness and the helicopter structure. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these helicopters.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 178 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46384-46386]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19432]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0418; Product Identifier 2017-SW-016-AD; Amendment 
39-19390; AD 2018-18-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS-365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters with a lower 
strobe light installed. This AD requires installing a cable mount, 
inspecting the lower strobe light wiring harness, and re-routing the 
wiring harness. This AD was prompted by reports of interference between 
the lower strobe light wiring harness and the helicopter structure. The 
actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these 
helicopters.

DATES: This AD is effective October 18, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 18, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final 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. It is also available 
on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0418.

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-
0418; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any 
incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Schwab, 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:

Discussion

    On May 11, 2018, at 83 FR 21964, 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 Airbus Helicopters Model 
AS-365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters with a lower strobe light installed.
    The NPRM proposed to require installing a cable mount on the 
helicopter structure and inspecting the lower strobe light electrical 
harness and the electrical harness between the cut-off connector and 
Frame 2000 for torn spiral tape and for any chafing on the harness 
cables. If the spiral tape is torn, the NPRM proposed to require 
replacing the spiral tape. If there is any chafing on the cable, the 
NPRM proposed to require replacing the harness. The proposed 
requirements were intended to prevent interference between the lower 
strobe light electrical harness wiring and the helicopter structure, 
which could result in chafing of an electrical harness adjacent to the 
inboard fuel tank vapor space, a fuel tank fire, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2016-0258, dated December 16, 2016, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS 365 N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters with certain 
serial numbers and configurations. EASA advises of in-production 
helicopters with lower strobe light wiring harnesses that were 
interfering with either the helicopter structure or the adjacent fuel 
tank support. EASA further states that an investigation determined that 
the electrical harnesses of these lower strobe lights were manufactured 
with additional length to facilitate removal and installation of the 
lower strobe light assembly. However, the additional length of wiring 
in the harness was not properly secured to the helicopter structure. 
According to EASA, this could result in chafing of the harness on the 
helicopter structure, creating an ignition source adjacent to the 
inboard fuel tank vapor space, and result in a fuel tank fire.
    To address this unsafe condition, the EASA AD requires installing a 
cable mount, inspecting the lower strobe light electrical harness for 
damage, and re-routing the electrical harness.

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

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same 
type designs and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

[[Page 46385]]

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD limits the applicability to helicopters with a lower 
strobe light installed and with certain serial numbers or that are in a 
configuration based upon a modification, service information, or 
engineering drawings. This AD applies to all Model AS-365N2 and AS 365 
N3 helicopters with a lower strobe light installed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-
05.00.73, Revision 1, dated December 12, 2016, which specifies 
procedures for inspecting the lower strobe light electrical harness for 
interference and chafing with the helicopter structure and also 
specifies procedures for installing a cable mount to secure the 
electrical harness. These procedures correspond to Airbus Helicopters 
modification (MOD) 365P084778.00.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 30 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD.
    At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, installing a cable 
mount and inspecting the strobe light wiring harnesses requires about 1 
work-hour, and required parts cost about $50, for a cost of $135 per 
helicopter and a total cost of $4,050 to all U.S. operators.
    If required, replacing torn spiral tape requires about 1 work-hour, 
and required parts cost $45, for a cost of $130 per helicopter.
    If required, replacing a chafed wiring harness between the cut-off 
connector and Frame 2000 requires about 3 work-hours, and required 
parts cost $90, for a cost of $345 per helicopter.
    If required, replacing a chafed lower strobe light wiring harness 
requires about 3 work-hours, and required parts cost $154, for a cost 
of $409 per helicopter.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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

Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

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

2018-18-11 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-19390; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0418; Product Identifier 2017-SW-016-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS-365N2 and AS 365 
N3 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a lower strobe 
light installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as interference between the 
lower strobe light electrical harness wiring and the helicopter 
structure. This condition could result in chafing of an electrical 
harness adjacent to the inboard fuel tank vapor space, a fuel tank 
fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 18, 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 50 hours time-in-service:
    (1) Install cable mount part number (P/N) ASMS-A to the 
helicopter structure as depicted in Figure 1, Detail A and Detail C, 
of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-05.00.73, 
Revision 1, dated December 12, 2016 (ASB AS365-05.00.73).
    (2) Inspect the lower strobe light harness and the harness 
between the cut-off connector and Frame 2000 for tears in the spiral 
tape and for chafing of the harness wires. If there is a tear in the 
spiral tape, before further flight, replace the spiral tape. If 
there is any chafing, before further flight, replace the chafed 
harness.
    (3) Route the lower strobe light harness and the harness between 
the cut-off connector and Frame 2000 and secure as depicted in 
Figure 1, Detail A and Section B-B, of ASB AS365-05.00.73.

    Note 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD: Airbus Helicopters 
identifies the actions in ASB AS365-05.00.73 as Modification 
365P084778.00.

(f) 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: 
George Schwab, 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.

[[Page 46386]]

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0258, dated December 30, 2016. You may 
view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0418.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3340, Lights.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS365-
05.00.73, Revision 1, dated December 12, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax 
(972) 641-3775; or at http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 28, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19432 Filed 9-12-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P