83_FR_48032 83 FR 47848 - Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

83 FR 47848 - Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 184 (September 21, 2018)

Page Range47848-47850
FR Document2018-20490

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson Helicopter) Model R66 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the oil tank outlet's fitting color. If the fitting is blue, this proposed AD would require replacing the tank with an oil tank that lacks a blue fitting. This proposed AD also would require determining the revision letter on the ink stamp, and installing an oil tank angle based on that determination. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of broken oil tank internal baffles. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 184 (Friday, September 21, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 184 (Friday, September 21, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47848-47850]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20490]


========================================================================
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. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 47848]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1236; Product Identifier 2017-SW-136-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson Helicopter) Model R66 
helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the oil tank 
outlet's fitting color. If the fitting is blue, this proposed AD would 
require replacing the tank with an oil tank that lacks a blue fitting. 
This proposed AD also would require determining the revision letter on 
the ink stamp, and installing an oil tank angle based on that 
determination. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of broken oil 
tank internal baffles. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to 
correct an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 20, 
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-
1236; 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 
Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; 
telephone (310) 539-0508; fax (310) 539-5198; or at http://www.robinsonheli.com/servelib.htm. 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: Danny Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5247; 
email danny.nguyen@faa.gov.

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 propose to adopt a new AD for Robinson Helicopters Model R66 
helicopters with serial numbers 0003 through 0789, 0791, 0794, and 
0796. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of broken oil tank 
internal baffles caused by vibration. A broken baffle inside the oil 
tank could block the oil return port, causing loss of oil pressure and 
oil flow to the engine. This situation could result in engine failure.
    This proposed AD consequently would require installing an angle to 
the oil tank outlet or replacing the oil tank, depending on the oil 
tank's outlet fitting color or the revision level of the ink stamp on 
the tank's top surface.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R66 Service Bulletin SB-
21A, Revision A, dated June 6, 2017, which specifies installing an 
angle in the tank outlet to prevent a failed baffle from blocking the 
outlet.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 100 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), visually inspecting the oil tank outlet fitting color to 
determine if it is blue. If the fitting is blue, before further flight, 
replace the tank with an oil tank that does not have a blue fitting 
would be required. The proposed AD would then require locating the 
G689-1 oil tank assembly identification ink stamp on

[[Page 47849]]

the top surface of the oil tank, and determining the revision letter. 
If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision letter F, G, 
H, or I, the proposed AD would require installing a G805-1 angle. If 
the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision letter J, you 
would be required to determine if there is a yellow dot near the ink 
stamp. A yellow dot indicates that the angle has been pre-installed and 
that no further action would be required by this proposed AD. If there 
is not a yellow dot near the ink stamp, installing a G805-1 angle would 
be required. If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision 
letter K, no further action would be required by this proposed AD.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Robinson Helicopters service information specifies performing the 
corrective actions within the next 100 hours TIS or by July 31, 2017, 
whichever comes first. This proposed AD would require the actions 
within 100 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 265 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
     The cost for identifying the oil tank assembly 
identification ink stamp and outlet fitting color would be minimal.
     Inserting a G805-1 angle would require 1 work-hour for a 
labor cost of $85. Parts would cost $17 for a total cost of $102 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:

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):

Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No. FAA-2017-1236; Product 
Identifier 2017-SW-136-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model 
R66 helicopters, serial numbers 0003 through 0789, 0791, 0794 and 
0796, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as broken baffle inside an 
oil tank. This condition could result in loss of oil pressure and 
oil flow to the engine, leading to engine failure and subsequent 
forced landing of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 20, 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 100 hours time-in-service:
    (1) Visually inspect the oil tank outlet fitting color to 
determine if it is blue. If the fitting is blue, before further 
flight, replace the tank with an oil tank that does not have a blue 
fitting.
    (2) Locate the G689-1 oil tank assembly identification ink stamp 
on the top surface of the oil tank, and determine the revision 
letter.
    (i) If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision 
letter F, G, H, or I unless previously installed, install a G805-1 
angle as follows:
    (A) Drain the engine oil and disconnect the F723-1 line assembly 
from the tank fitting at the firewall, using as reference Figure 1 
of Robinson Helicopter Company R66 Service Bulletin SB-21A, Revision 
A, dated June 6, 2017.
    (B) Pinch the flanges of G805-1 angle at the minimum required to 
enable insertion, and insert the angle in the oil tank outlet 
fitting until the angle snaps in place.
    (C) Connect the F723-1 line assembly to the tank fitting. 
Special torque nut to 675 in.-lb. Torque stripe the fitting.
    (ii) If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision 
letter J, determine if there is a yellow dot near the ink stamp. A 
yellow dot indicates that the angle has been pre-installed and that 
no further action is required by this AD. If there is not a yellow 
dot near the ink stamp, install a G805-1 angle by following the 
procedures in paragraphs (e)(2)(i)(A) through (e)(2)(i)(C) of this 
AD.
    (iii) If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision 
letter K, no further action is required by this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Danny Nguyen, Aerospace 
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; 
telephone (562) 627-5247; email 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-REQUESTS@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) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7910, Engine Oil 
Storage (Airframe Furnished).


[[Page 47850]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 11, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20490 Filed 9-20-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                 47848

                                                 Proposed Rules                                                                                                Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                               Vol. 83, No. 184

                                                                                                                                                               Friday, September 21, 2018



                                                 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    p.m., Monday through Friday, except                   concerning this proposed rulemaking.
                                                 contains notices to the public of the proposed          Federal holidays.                                     Before acting on this proposal, we will
                                                 issuance of rules and regulations. The                                                                        consider all comments we receive on or
                                                 purpose of these notices is to give interested          Examining the AD Docket
                                                                                                                                                               before the closing date for comments.
                                                 persons an opportunity to participate in the               You may examine the AD docket on                   We will consider comments filed after
                                                 rule making prior to the adoption of the final          the internet at http://
                                                 rules.
                                                                                                                                                               the comment period has closed if it is
                                                                                                         www.regulations.gov by searching for                  possible to do so without incurring
                                                                                                         and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–                     expense or delay. We may change this
                                                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            1236; or in person at Docket Operations               proposal in light of the comments we
                                                                                                         between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                     receive.
                                                 Federal Aviation Administration                         through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                                                                                                         The AD docket contains this proposed                  Discussion
                                                 14 CFR Part 39                                          AD, the economic evaluation, any                         We propose to adopt a new AD for
                                                                                                         comments received, and other                          Robinson Helicopters Model R66
                                                 [Docket No. FAA–2017–1236; Product                      information. The street address for                   helicopters with serial numbers 0003
                                                 Identifier 2017–SW–136–AD]                              Docket Operations (telephone 800–647–                 through 0789, 0791, 0794, and 0796.
                                                 RIN 2120–AA64                                           5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.                    This proposed AD is prompted by
                                                                                                         Comments will be available in the AD                  reports of broken oil tank internal
                                                 Airworthiness Directives; Robinson                      docket shortly after receipt.                         baffles caused by vibration. A broken
                                                 Helicopter Company Helicopters                             For service information identified in              baffle inside the oil tank could block the
                                                                                                         this proposed rule, contact Robinson                  oil return port, causing loss of oil
                                                 AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport                      pressure and oil flow to the engine. This
                                                 Administration (FAA), DOT.                              Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; telephone                  situation could result in engine failure.
                                                 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                   (310) 539–0508; fax (310) 539–5198; or                   This proposed AD consequently
                                                 (NPRM).                                                 at http://www.robinsonheli.com/                       would require installing an angle to the
                                                                                                         servelib.htm. You may review the                      oil tank outlet or replacing the oil tank,
                                                 SUMMARY:    We propose to adopt a new                   referenced service information at the                 depending on the oil tank’s outlet fitting
                                                 airworthiness directive (AD) for certain                FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,                  color or the revision level of the ink
                                                 Robinson Helicopter Company                             Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood                      stamp on the tank’s top surface.
                                                 (Robinson Helicopter) Model R66                         Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
                                                 helicopters. This proposed AD would                                                                           FAA’s Determination
                                                                                                         76177.
                                                 require inspecting the oil tank outlet’s                                                                        We are proposing this AD because we
                                                 fitting color. If the fitting is blue, this             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                                                                               evaluated all known relevant
                                                 proposed AD would require replacing                     Danny Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, Los                 information and determined that an
                                                 the tank with an oil tank that lacks a                  Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and                    unsafe condition exists and is likely to
                                                 blue fitting. This proposed AD also                     Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960                     exist or develop on other products of
                                                 would require determining the revision                  Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California                 these same type designs.
                                                 letter on the ink stamp, and installing an              90712; telephone (562) 627–5247; email
                                                 oil tank angle based on that                            danny.nguyen@faa.gov.                                 Related Service Information Under 1
                                                 determination. This proposed AD is                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            CFR Part 51
                                                 prompted by reports of broken oil tank                  Comments Invited                                        We reviewed Robinson Helicopter
                                                 internal baffles. The actions of this                                                                         Company R66 Service Bulletin SB–21A,
                                                 proposed AD are intended to correct an                     We invite you to participate in this               Revision A, dated June 6, 2017, which
                                                 unsafe condition on these products.                     rulemaking by submitting written                      specifies installing an angle in the tank
                                                                                                         comments, data, or views. We also                     outlet to prevent a failed baffle from
                                                 DATES: We must receive comments on
                                                                                                         invite comments relating to the                       blocking the outlet.
                                                 this proposed AD by November 20,
                                                                                                         economic, environmental, energy, or                     This service information is reasonably
                                                 2018.
                                                                                                         federalism impacts that might result                  available because the interested parties
                                                 ADDRESSES:   You may send comments by                   from adopting the proposals in this                   have access to it through their normal
                                                 any of the following methods:                           document. The most helpful comments                   course of business or by the means
                                                   • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to                   reference a specific portion of the                   identified in the ADDRESSES.
                                                 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                  proposal, explain the reason for any
                                                 online instructions for sending your                    recommended change, and include                       Proposed AD Requirements
                                                 comments electronically.                                supporting data. To ensure the docket                    This proposed AD would require,
                                                   • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                  does not contain duplicate comments,                  within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS),
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                   • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.                     commenters should send only one copy                  visually inspecting the oil tank outlet
                                                 Department of Transportation, Docket                    of written comments, or if comments are               fitting color to determine if it is blue. If
                                                 Operations, M–30, West Building                         filed electronically, commenters should               the fitting is blue, before further flight,
                                                 Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                        submit only one time.                                 replace the tank with an oil tank that
                                                 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC                       We will file in the docket all                     does not have a blue fitting would be
                                                 20590–0001.                                             comments that we receive, as well as a                required. The proposed AD would then
                                                   • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the                       report summarizing each substantive                   require locating the G689–1 oil tank
                                                 ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5                   public contact with FAA personnel                     assembly identification ink stamp on


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                                                                       Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                              47849

                                                 the top surface of the oil tank, and                    Regulatory Findings                                   (c) Comments Due Date
                                                 determining the revision letter. If the                   We determined that this proposed AD                    We must receive comments by November
                                                 identification ink stamp is followed by                 would not have federalism implications                20, 2018.
                                                 a revision letter F, G, H, or I, the                    under Executive Order 13132. This                     (d) Compliance
                                                 proposed AD would require installing a                  proposed AD would not have a                            You are responsible for performing each
                                                 G805–1 angle. If the identification ink                 substantial direct effect on the States, on           action required by this AD within the
                                                 stamp is followed by a revision letter J,               the relationship between the national                 specified compliance time unless it has
                                                 you would be required to determine if                   Government and the States, or on the                  already been accomplished prior to that time.
                                                 there is a yellow dot near the ink stamp.               distribution of power and                             (e) Required Actions
                                                 A yellow dot indicates that the angle                   responsibilities among the various
                                                 has been pre-installed and that no                                                                               Within 100 hours time-in-service:
                                                                                                         levels of government.                                    (1) Visually inspect the oil tank outlet
                                                 further action would be required by this                  For the reasons discussed, I certify                fitting color to determine if it is blue. If the
                                                 proposed AD. If there is not a yellow dot               this proposed regulation:                             fitting is blue, before further flight, replace
                                                 near the ink stamp, installing a G805–                    1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                the tank with an oil tank that does not have
                                                 1 angle would be required. If the                       action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                 a blue fitting.
                                                 identification ink stamp is followed by                   2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the             (2) Locate the G689–1 oil tank assembly
                                                 a revision letter K, no further action                                                                        identification ink stamp on the top surface of
                                                                                                         DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                the oil tank, and determine the revision
                                                 would be required by this proposed AD.                  (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                     letter.
                                                 Differences Between This Proposed AD                      3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in              (i) If the identification ink stamp is
                                                 and the Service Information                             Alaska to the extent that it justifies                followed by a revision letter F, G, H, or I
                                                                                                         making a regulatory distinction; and                  unless previously installed, install a G805–1
                                                   Robinson Helicopters service                            4. Will not have a significant                      angle as follows:
                                                 information specifies performing the                    economic impact, positive or negative,                   (A) Drain the engine oil and disconnect the
                                                 corrective actions within the next 100                  on a substantial number of small entities             F723–1 line assembly from the tank fitting at
                                                 hours TIS or by July 31, 2017,                                                                                the firewall, using as reference Figure 1 of
                                                                                                         under the criteria of the Regulatory                  Robinson Helicopter Company R66 Service
                                                 whichever comes first. This proposed                    Flexibility Act.                                      Bulletin SB–21A, Revision A, dated June 6,
                                                 AD would require the actions within                       We prepared an economic evaluation                  2017.
                                                 100 hours TIS.                                          of the estimated costs to comply with                    (B) Pinch the flanges of G805–1 angle at the
                                                 Costs of Compliance                                     this proposed AD and placed it in the                 minimum required to enable insertion, and
                                                                                                         AD docket.                                            insert the angle in the oil tank outlet fitting
                                                   We estimate that this proposed AD                                                                           until the angle snaps in place.
                                                                                                         List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                       (C) Connect the F723–1 line assembly to
                                                 would affect 265 helicopters of U.S.
                                                                                                           Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation              the tank fitting. Special torque nut to 675 in.-
                                                 Registry and that labor costs average $85                                                                     lb. Torque stripe the fitting.
                                                 a work-hour. Based on these estimates,                  safety, Incorporation by reference,                      (ii) If the identification ink stamp is
                                                 we expect the following costs:                          Safety.                                               followed by a revision letter J, determine if
                                                   • The cost for identifying the oil tank               The Proposed Amendment                                there is a yellow dot near the ink stamp. A
                                                 assembly identification ink stamp and                                                                         yellow dot indicates that the angle has been
                                                                                                           Accordingly, under the authority                    pre-installed and that no further action is
                                                 outlet fitting color would be minimal.
                                                                                                         delegated to me by the Administrator,                 required by this AD. If there is not a yellow
                                                   • Inserting a G805–1 angle would                      the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part                 dot near the ink stamp, install a G805–1
                                                 require 1 work-hour for a labor cost of                 39 as follows:                                        angle by following the procedures in
                                                 $85. Parts would cost $17 for a total cost                                                                    paragraphs (e)(2)(i)(A) through (e)(2)(i)(C) of
                                                 of $102 per helicopter.                                 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                 this AD.
                                                                                                         DIRECTIVES                                               (iii) If the identification ink stamp is
                                                 Authority for This Rulemaking                                                                                 followed by a revision letter K, no further
                                                                                                         ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39               action is required by this AD.
                                                    Title 49 of the United States Code
                                                 specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                  continues to read as follows:                         (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                                                                                                                               (AMOC)
                                                 rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                       Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                                 section 106, describes the authority of                                                                          (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
                                                                                                         § 39.13   [Amended]                                   FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send
                                                 the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
                                                                                                         ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                 your proposal to: Danny Nguyen, Aerospace
                                                 Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more                                                                        Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
                                                 detail the scope of the Agency’s                        the following new airworthiness
                                                                                                                                                               Compliance and Airworthiness Division,
                                                 authority.                                              directive (AD):                                       FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood,
                                                    We are issuing this rulemaking under                 Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No.               California 90712; telephone (562) 627–5247;
                                                 the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,                 FAA–2017–1236; Product Identifier                  email 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-REQUESTS@
                                                 Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                        2017–SW–136–AD.                                    faa.gov.
                                                                                                                                                                  (2) For operations conducted under a 14
                                                 General requirements.’’ Under that                      (a) Applicability                                     CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
                                                 section, Congress charges the FAA with                    This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter              14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
                                                 promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in              Company (Robinson) Model R66 helicopters,             you notify your principal inspector, or
                                                 air commerce by prescribing regulations                 serial numbers 0003 through 0789, 0791,               lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 for practices, methods, and procedures                  0794 and 0796, certificated in any category.          the local flight standards district office or
                                                 the Administrator finds necessary for                                                                         certificate holding district office before
                                                                                                         (b) Unsafe Condition
                                                 safety in air commerce. This regulation                                                                       operating any aircraft complying with this
                                                                                                            This AD defines the unsafe condition as            AD through an AMOC.
                                                 is within the scope of that authority                   broken baffle inside an oil tank. This
                                                 because it addresses an unsafe condition                condition could result in loss of oil pressure        (g) Subject
                                                 that is likely to exist or develop on                   and oil flow to the engine, leading to engine            Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
                                                 products identified in this rulemaking                  failure and subsequent forced landing of the          Code: 7910, Engine Oil Storage (Airframe
                                                 action.                                                 helicopter.                                           Furnished).



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                                                 47850                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                   Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September             96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email                         During embodiment of a frame (FR) 40 web
                                                 11, 2018.                                               airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;                   repair on an A330 aeroplane, and during keel
                                                 Scott A. Horn,                                          internet http://www.airbus.com. You                   beam replacement on an A340 aeroplane,
                                                                                                         may view this service information at the              cracks were found on both left hand (LH) and
                                                 Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
                                                                                                                                                               right hand (RH) sides on internal strap, butt
                                                 Compliance & Airworthiness Division,                    FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200                 strap, keel beam fitting, or forward fitting
                                                 Aircraft Certification Service.                         South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For                  FR40 flange.
                                                 [FR Doc. 2018–20490 Filed 9–20–18; 8:45 am]             information on the availability of this                  This condition, if not detected and
                                                 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                  material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.               corrected, could affect the structural integrity
                                                                                                                                                               of the centre fuselage of the aeroplane.
                                                                                                         Examining the AD Docket                                  Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued
                                                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                               You may examine the AD docket on                   SB A330–53–3215, providing inspection
                                                                                                         the internet at http://                               instructions, and EASA issued AD 2014–
                                                 Federal Aviation Administration                         www.regulations.gov by searching for                  0136 and, subsequently, AD 2017–0063
                                                                                                                                                               [which corresponds to FAA AD 2018–12–08,
                                                                                                         and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
                                                 14 CFR Part 39                                                                                                Amendment 39–19312 (83 FR 33821, July 18,
                                                                                                         0800; or in person at Docket Operations               2018)] to require repetitive special detailed
                                                 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0800; Product                      between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                     inspection (SDI), (rototest), of 10 fastener
                                                 Identifier 2018–NM–107–AD]                              through Friday, except Federal holidays.              holes located at the FR40 lower shell panel
                                                                                                         The AD docket contains this NPRM, the                 junction on both LH and RH sides and,
                                                 RIN 2120–AA64
                                                                                                         regulatory evaluation, any comments                   depending on findings, accomplishment of
                                                                                                         received, and other information. The                  applicable corrective action(s).
                                                 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS                                                                             After those ADs were issued, it has been
                                                 Airplanes                                               street address for Docket Operations
                                                                                                         (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the                       determined that A330 Freighter aeroplanes
                                                 AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                                                                      are also affected by this potential unsafe
                                                                                                         ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
                                                                                                                                                               condition. Consequently, Airbus published
                                                 Administration (FAA), DOT.                              available in the AD docket shortly after              SB [service bulletin] A330–53–3215 Revision
                                                 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                   receipt.                                              03 to expand the Effectivity of that SB to
                                                 (NPRM).                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      these aeroplanes.
                                                                                                         Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,                    For the reason described above, this AD
                                                 SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new                    International Section, Transport                      requires repetitive SDI (rototest) of 10
                                                 airworthiness directive (AD) for all                    Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South                     fastener holes located at the FR40 lower shell
                                                 Airbus SAS Model A330–223F and                                                                                panel junction on both LH and RH sides and,
                                                                                                         216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
                                                 Model A330–243F airplanes. This                                                                               depending on findings, accomplishment of
                                                                                                         telephone and fax 206–231–3229.                       applicable corrective action(s) [which
                                                 proposed AD was prompted by a report
                                                                                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            include oversizing, installing fasteners and
                                                 of cracking at fastener holes located at
                                                                                                                                                               repair; and accomplishment of applicable
                                                 a certain frame on the lower shell panel                Comments Invited                                      related investigative actions, which include a
                                                 junction. This proposed AD would                                                                              rototest inspection for cracking after
                                                                                                           We invite you to send any written
                                                 require repetitive special detailed                                                                           oversizing].
                                                                                                         relevant data, views, or arguments about
                                                 inspections (rototest) of certain fastener
                                                                                                         this proposal. Send your comments to                     The initial compliance time is 16,200
                                                 holes located at the lower shell junction
                                                                                                         an address listed under the ADDRESSES                 flight cycles or 48,800 flight hours,
                                                 of a certain frame on both left-hand (LH)
                                                                                                         section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–                    whichever occurs first since airplane
                                                 and right-hand (RH) sides, and
                                                                                                         2018–0800; Product Identifier 2018–                   first flight. The repetitive inspection
                                                 applicable related investigative and
                                                                                                         NM–107–AD’’ at the beginning of your                  interval is 13,700 flight cycles or 41,100
                                                 corrective actions. We are proposing
                                                                                                         comments. We specifically invite                      flight hours, whichever occurs first.
                                                 this AD to address the unsafe condition
                                                                                                         comments on the overall regulatory,                      You may examine the MCAI in the
                                                 on these products.
                                                                                                         economic, environmental, and energy                   AD docket on the internet at http://
                                                 DATES: We must receive comments on                      aspects of this NPRM. We will consider                www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                 this proposed AD by November 5, 2018.                   all comments received by the closing                  and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
                                                 ADDRESSES: You may send comments,                       date and may amend this NPRM                          0800.
                                                 using the procedures found in 14 CFR                    because of those comments.
                                                 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following                   We will post all comments we                       Related Service Information Under 1
                                                 methods:                                                receive, without change, to http://                   CFR Part 51
                                                   • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                   www.regulations.gov, including any                      Airbus SAS has issued Service
                                                 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                  personal information you provide. We                  Bulletin A330–53–3215, Revision 03,
                                                 instructions for submitting comments.                   will also post a report summarizing each              dated January 22, 2018. This service
                                                   • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                  substantive verbal contact we receive                 information describes procedures for
                                                   • Mail: U.S. Department of                            about this NPRM.                                      repetitive rototest inspections of certain
                                                 Transportation, Docket Operations,                                                                            fastener holes, and related investigative
                                                 M–30, West Building Ground Floor,                       Discussion
                                                                                                                                                               and corrective actions if necessary. This
                                                 Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey                             The European Aviation Safety Agency                 service information is reasonably
                                                 Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.                        (EASA), which is the Technical Agent                  available because the interested parties
                                                   • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail                      for the Member States of the European                 have access to it through their normal
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 address above between 9 a.m. and 5                      Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness                  course of business or by the means
                                                 p.m., Monday through Friday, except                     Directive 2018–0146, dated July 12,                   identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                 Federal holidays.                                       2018 (referred to after this as the
                                                   For service information identified in                 Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness                    FAA’s Determination
                                                 this NPRM, contact Airbus SAS,                          Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct               This product has been approved by
                                                 Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond                        an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS                the aviation authority of another
                                                 Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac                   Model A330–223F and Model A330–                       country, and is approved for operation
                                                 Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36                 243F airplanes. The MCAI states:                      in the United States. Pursuant to our


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Document Created: 2018-09-21 00:23:10
Document Modified: 2018-09-21 00:23:10
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 20, 2018.
ContactDanny Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5247; email [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 47848 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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