83_FR_48552 83 FR 48366 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

83 FR 48366 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 186 (September 25, 2018)

Page Range48366-48368
FR Document2018-20487

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. This AD requires measuring a vibration level in the tail rotor (T/R) drive. This AD was prompted by reports of bearing degradation. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these helicopters.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 186 (Tuesday, September 25, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 186 (Tuesday, September 25, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48366-48368]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20487]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0438; Product Identifier 2017-SW-062-AD; Amendment 
39-19410; AD 2018-19-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N 
helicopters. This AD requires measuring a vibration level in the tail 
rotor (T/R) drive. This AD was prompted by reports of bearing 
degradation. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe 
condition on these helicopters.

DATES: This AD is effective October 30, 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.

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-
0438; or in person at Docket Operations

[[Page 48367]]

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, 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: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On May 17, 2018, at 83 FR 22886, 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 
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. The NPRM 
proposed to require measuring the T/R drive vibration level without 
balancing, cleaning the fan, and repeating the vibration level 
measurement. If the difference between the two amplitude values is 
greater than 0.75 inch per second (ips), the NPRM proposed to require 
replacing each T/R fan bearing. The proposed requirements were intended 
to prevent degradation of the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooler fan bearing 
(bearing), which could result in loss of MGB and engine oil cooling 
function, loss of the rear transmission, and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2017-0159, dated August 25, 2017, 
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 AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N 
helicopters. EASA advises of two occurrences on Model AS355 military 
helicopters in which the MGB bearing installed on the T/R drive shaft 
experienced significant degradation. EASA states that while 
investigation has not determined the cause of the failures, this 
condition may also occur on other Model AS355 helicopters due to design 
commonality. According to EASA, this condition, if not detected and 
corrected, could result in loss of MGB and engine oil cooling function, 
loss of the rear transmission, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter. To address this unsafe condition and as an interim measure, 
the EASA AD requires two vibration level measurements of the forward 
portion of the tail rotor drive line, one before and one after cleaning 
the MGB oil cooler fan, and replacing the bearings if excessive level 
or level trends are detected. The EASA AD also specifies that after the 
effective date of the AD, only those MGB oil cooler fan assembly 
bearings that are new or that have passed the vibration level 
measurements may be installed.

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 the same type 
design and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD requirements as proposed.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be an interim action. The manufacturer is 
currently developing a terminating action for the unsafe condition 
described in this AD. If a terminating action is identified, we may 
consider further rulemaking then.

Related Service Information

    Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. AS355-
05.00.77, Revision 0, dated July 3, 2017, which contains procedures for 
checking the condition of the fan assembly bearings by measuring the 
vibration levels of the first section of the T/R drive.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 104 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, measuring the 
vibration levels requires about 5 work-hours, for a cost of $425 per 
helicopter and $44,200 for the U.S. fleet. If required, replacing both 
fan assembly bearings requires about 8 work-hours, and required parts 
cost $1,064, for a cost of $1,744 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:


[[Page 48368]]


    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):

2018-19-10 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-19410; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0438; Product Identifier 2017-SW-062-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, 
AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters, certificated in any 
category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as degradation of a main 
gearbox (MGB) oil cooler fan assembly bearing. This condition could 
result in loss of MGB and engine oil cooling function, loss of the 
rear transmission, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 30, 2018.

(d) Compliance

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

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Within 165 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (i) Measure the tail rotor (T/R) drive vibration level without 
balancing the T/R drive, and record the amplitude value.
    (ii) Clean the oil cooler fan.
    (iii) Measure the T/R drive vibration level without balancing 
the T/R drive, and record the amplitude value.
    (iv) Calculate the difference between the two amplitude values. 
If the difference is greater than 0.75 inch per second (ips), before 
further flight, replace each oil cooler fan assembly bearing.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an oil 
cooler fan assembly bearing with more than 0 hours TIS unless the 
requirements of this AD have been accomplished.

(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: 
Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy 
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.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS355-
05.00.77, Revision 0, dated July 3, 2017, which is not incorporated 
by reference, contains additional information about the subject of 
this AD. For 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. You may review a copy of the service information at 
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0159, dated August 25, 2017. You 
may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FAA-2018-0438.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6510, Tail Rotor 
Driveshaft.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 12, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20487 Filed 9-24-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                             48366            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 25, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                             describes the unsafe condition as cracking              Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking          www.regulations.gov by searching for and
                                             found in the wing rear spar web at the wing             a PI, your local FSDO.                                locating Docket No. FAA–2017–0867.
                                             station (WS) where the flap outboard hinge                 (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any             (5) You may view this service information
                                             is attached. We are issuing this AD to detect           requirement in this AD to obtain corrective           that is incorporated by reference at the
                                             and correct cracks in the wing rear spars and           actions from a manufacturer, the action must          National Archives and Records
                                             the flap/aileron hinge arm support brackets.            be accomplished using a method approved               Administration (NARA). For information on
                                             This condition, if not corrected, could result          by the Manager, New York ACO Branch,                  the availability of this material at NARA, call
                                             in structural failure with consequent loss of           FAA; or Transport Canada; or Viking Air               202–741–6030, or go to: http://
                                             control of the airplane.                                Limited’s Transport Canada DOA. If                    www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
                                                                                                     approved by the DOA, the approval must                locations.html.
                                             (f) Actions and Compliance
                                                                                                     include the DOA-authorized signature.
                                                Unless already done, do the actions in                                                                       Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
                                                                                                        (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal
                                             paragraphs (f)(1) through (5) of this AD:                                                                     September 7, 2018
                                                                                                     agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a
                                                (1) Within 400 hours time-in-service (TIS)           person is not required to respond to, nor             Melvin J. Johnson,
                                             after October 30, 2018 (the effective date of           shall a person be subject to a penalty for            Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy
                                             this AD) or within 6 months after October 30,           failure to comply with a collection of                Director, Policy and Innovation Division,
                                             2018 (the effective date of this AD),                   information subject to the requirements of            AIR–601.
                                             whichever occurs first, visually inspect the            the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that               [FR Doc. 2018–20802 Filed 9–24–18; 8:45 am]
                                             left-hand and right-hand wing rear spar and             collection of information displays a currently        BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                             flap/aileron hinge arm support brackets by              valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
                                             following the Accomplishment Instructions               Control Number for this information
                                             of Viking DHC–2 Beaver Service Bulletin                 collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for
                                             Number: V2/0009, Revision A, dated                                                                            DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                     this collection of information is estimated to
                                             February 10, 2017 (SB V2/0009, Revision A).             be approximately 1 hour per response,
                                                (2) For airplanes with an agricultural                                                                     Federal Aviation Administration
                                                                                                     including the time for reviewing instructions,
                                             configuration installed (SOO Mod 2/984),                searching existing data sources, gathering
                                             within 400 hours TIS after October 30, 2018             and maintaining the data needed, completing           14 CFR Part 39
                                             (the effective date of this AD) or within 6             and reviewing the collection of information.          [Docket No. FAA–2018–0438; Product
                                             months after October 30, 2018 (the effective            All responses to this collection of                   Identifier 2017–SW–062–AD; Amendment
                                             date of this AD), whichever occurs first,               information are mandatory. Send comments              39–19410; AD 2018–19–10]
                                             inspect the exterior store support arm bracket          regarding this burden estimate or any other
                                             at WS 101.24 by following the                           aspect of this collection of information,             RIN 2120–AA64
                                             Accomplishment Instructions of SB V2/0009,              including suggestions for reducing this
                                             Revision A.                                             burden to: Information Collection Clearance           Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
                                                (3) If any discrepancies are found during            Officer, Federal Aviation Administration,             Helicopters
                                             the inspections required in paragraphs (f)(1)           10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
                                             and (2) of this AD, before further flight, repair       76177–1524.                                           AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                             or replace using a method approved by the                                                                     Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                             Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA;                      (h) Related Information
                                                                                                                                                           ACTION: Final rule.
                                             Transport Canada; or Viking Air Limited’s                 Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD
                                             Transport Canada Design Organization                    Number CF–2017–17, dated May 18, 2017,                SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new
                                             Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,                 for related information. You may examine the          airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
                                             the approval must include the DOA-                      MCAI on the internet at https://                      Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F,
                                             authorized signature.                                   www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-
                                                (4) Within 30 days after completing the              2017-0867-0002.
                                                                                                                                                           AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N
                                             inspections required in paragraphs (f)(1) and                                                                 helicopters. This AD requires measuring
                                             (2) of this AD, using the Operator Reply Form           (i) Material Incorporated by Reference                a vibration level in the tail rotor (T/R)
                                             on page 7 of SB V2/0009, Revision A, report                (1) The Director of the Federal Register           drive. This AD was prompted by reports
                                             the inspection results to Viking Air Limited            approved the incorporation by reference               of bearing degradation. The actions of
                                             at the address specified in paragraph (i)(3) of         (IBR) of the service information listed in this       this AD are intended to prevent an
                                             this AD.                                                paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR             unsafe condition on these helicopters.
                                                (5) As of October 30, 2018 (the effective            part 51.
                                                                                                        (2) You must use this service information          DATES: This AD is effective October 30,
                                             date of this AD), do not install a wing on any
                                             airplane affected by this AD unless it has              as applicable to do the actions required by           2018.
                                             been inspected as specified in paragraphs               this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.          ADDRESSES: For service information
                                             (f)(1) of this AD and paragraph (f)(2) of this             (i) Viking DHC–2 Beaver Service Bulletin           identified in this final rule, contact
                                             AD, if applicable, and is found free of any             Number: V2/0009, Revision A, dated                    Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum
                                             discrepancies.                                          February 10, 2017.                                    Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
                                                                                                        (ii) Reserved.
                                             (g) Other FAA AD Provisions                                                                                   telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
                                                                                                        (3) For Viking DHC–2 Beaver service
                                                The following provisions also apply to this          information identified in this AD, contact            0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at http://
                                             AD:                                                     Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959            www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/
                                                (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance                De Havilland Way, Sidney, British Columbia,           en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You
                                             (AMOCs): The Manager, New York ACO                      Canada, V8L 5V5; telephone: (North                    may review the referenced service
                                             Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve               America) (800) 663–8444; fax: (250) 656–              information at the FAA, Office of the
                                             AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the               0673; email: technical.support@                       Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
                                             procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send                  vikingair.com; internet: http://                      10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
                                             information to ATTN: Aziz Ahmed,                        www.vikingair.com/support/service-                    Fort Worth, TX 76177.
                                             Aerospace Engineer, FAA, New York ACO                   Bulletins.
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                                             Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,                    (4) You may view this service information          Examining the AD Docket
                                             Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516)              at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division,
                                             228–7329; fax: (516) 794–5531; email:                   901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For            You may examine the AD docket on
                                             aziz.ahmed@faa.gov. Before using any                    information on the availability of this               the internet at http://
                                             approved AMOC on any airplane to which                  material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. In          www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                             the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate               addition, you can access this service                 and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
                                             principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight              information on the internet at http://                0438; or in person at Docket Operations


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:30 Sep 24, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00006   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\25SER1.SGM   25SER1


                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 25, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                       48367

                                             between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                       control of the helicopter. To address this            Authority for This Rulemaking
                                             through Friday, except Federal holidays.                unsafe condition and as an interim                       Title 49 of the United States Code
                                             The AD docket contains this AD, the                     measure, the EASA AD requires two                     specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                             European Aviation Safety Agency                         vibration level measurements of the                   rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                             (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation,                     forward portion of the tail rotor drive               section 106, describes the authority of
                                             any comments received, and other                        line, one before and one after cleaning               the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
                                             information. The street address for                     the MGB oil cooler fan, and replacing                 Aviation Programs, describes in more
                                             Docket Operations (phone: 800–647–                      the bearings if excessive level or level              detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                             5527) is U.S. Department of                             trends are detected. The EASA AD also                 authority.
                                             Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                   specifies that after the effective date of               We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                             30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                    the AD, only those MGB oil cooler fan                 the authority described in Subtitle VII,
                                             W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,                     assembly bearings that are new or that                Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                             Washington, DC 20590.                                   have passed the vibration level                       ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao                    measurements may be installed.                        section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                             Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer,                   Comments                                              promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                             Regulations and Policy Section,                                                                               air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                             Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,                         We gave the public the opportunity to               for practices, methods, and procedures
                                             10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX                    participate in developing this AD, but                the Administrator finds necessary for
                                             76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email                  we did not receive any comments on the                safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                             rao.edupuganti@faa.gov.                                 NPRM.                                                 is within the scope of that authority
                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              FAA’s Determination                                   because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                                                                                                                                           that is likely to exist or develop on
                                             Discussion                                                These helicopters have been approved                helicopters identified in this rulemaking
                                                                                                     by the aviation authority of France and               action.
                                                On May 17, 2018, at 83 FR 22886, the
                                                                                                     are approved for operation in the United
                                             Federal Register published our notice of                                                                      Regulatory Findings
                                                                                                     States. Pursuant to our bilateral
                                             proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which
                                                                                                     agreement with France, EASA, its                        This AD will not have federalism
                                             proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by
                                                                                                     technical representative, has notified us             implications under Executive Order
                                             adding an AD that would apply to
                                                                                                     of the unsafe condition described in the              13132. This AD will not have a
                                             Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E,
                                                                                                     EASA AD. We are issuing this AD                       substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                             AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and
                                                                                                     because we evaluated all information                  the relationship between the national
                                             AS355N helicopters. The NPRM
                                                                                                     provided by EASA and determined the                   government and the States, or on the
                                             proposed to require measuring the T/R
                                                                                                     unsafe condition exists and is likely to              distribution of power and
                                             drive vibration level without balancing,
                                                                                                     exist or develop on other helicopters of              responsibilities among the various
                                             cleaning the fan, and repeating the
                                                                                                     the same type design and that air safety              levels of government.
                                             vibration level measurement. If the                                                                             For the reasons discussed above, I
                                                                                                     and the public interest require adopting
                                             difference between the two amplitude                                                                          certify that this AD:
                                                                                                     the AD requirements as proposed.
                                             values is greater than 0.75 inch per                                                                            (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                             second (ips), the NPRM proposed to                      Interim Action                                        action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
                                             require replacing each T/R fan bearing.                    We consider this AD to be an interim                 (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
                                             The proposed requirements were                          action. The manufacturer is currently                 DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                             intended to prevent degradation of the                  developing a terminating action for the               (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
                                             main gearbox (MGB) oil cooler fan                       unsafe condition described in this AD.                  (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
                                             bearing (bearing), which could result in                If a terminating action is identified, we             in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
                                             loss of MGB and engine oil cooling                      may consider further rulemaking then.                 making a regulatory distinction; and
                                             function, loss of the rear transmission,                                                                        (4) Will not have a significant
                                             and subsequent loss of control of the                   Related Service Information                           economic impact, positive or negative,
                                             helicopter.                                                Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert                on a substantial number of small entities
                                                The NPRM was prompted by AD No.                      Service Bulletin No. AS355–05.00.77,                  under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                             2017–0159, dated August 25, 2017,                       Revision 0, dated July 3, 2017, which                 Flexibility Act.
                                             issued by EASA, which is the Technical                  contains procedures for checking the                    We prepared an economic evaluation
                                             Agent for the Member States of the                      condition of the fan assembly bearings                of the estimated costs to comply with
                                             European Union, to correct an unsafe                    by measuring the vibration levels of the              this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
                                             condition for Airbus Helicopters Model                  first section of the T/R drive.                       List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                             AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
                                             and AS355N helicopters. EASA advises                    Costs of Compliance                                     Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                             of two occurrences on Model AS355                         We estimate that this AD affects 104                safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                             military helicopters in which the MGB                   helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate             Safety.
                                             bearing installed on the T/R drive shaft                that operators may incur the following                Adoption of the Amendment
                                             experienced significant degradation.                    costs in order to comply with this AD.
                                                                                                                                                             Accordingly, under the authority
                                             EASA states that while investigation has                  At an average labor rate of $85 per
                                                                                                                                                           delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                             not determined the cause of the failures,               work-hour, measuring the vibration
                                                                                                                                                           the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
                                             this condition may also occur on other                  levels requires about 5 work-hours, for
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                                                                                                                                                           follows:
                                             Model AS355 helicopters due to design                   a cost of $425 per helicopter and
                                             commonality. According to EASA, this                    $44,200 for the U.S. fleet. If required,              PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                             condition, if not detected and corrected,               replacing both fan assembly bearings                  DIRECTIVES
                                             could result in loss of MGB and engine                  requires about 8 work-hours, and
                                             oil cooling function, loss of the rear                  required parts cost $1,064, for a cost of             ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                             transmission, and subsequent loss of                    $1,744 per helicopter.                                continues to read as follows:


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                                             48368            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 25, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                                 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          (g) Additional Information                            DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                             § 39.13   [Amended]                                       (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
                                                                                                     Bulletin No. AS355–05.00.77, Revision 0,              Federal Aviation Administration
                                             ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   dated July 3, 2017, which is not incorporated
                                             the following new airworthiness                         by reference, contains additional information         14 CFR Part 97
                                             directive (AD):                                         about the subject of this AD. For service
                                                                                                                                                           [Docket No. 31213; Amdt. No. 3817]
                                             2018–19–10 Airbus Helicopters:                          information identified in this AD, contact
                                                 Amendment 39–19410; Docket No.                      Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive,               Standard Instrument Approach
                                                 FAA–2018–0438; Product Identifier                   Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972)
                                                 2017–SW–062–AD.                                                                                           Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums
                                                                                                     641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–            and Obstacle Departure Procedures;
                                             (a) Applicability                                       3775; or at http://www.helicopters.airbus.            Miscellaneous Amendments
                                               This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters                 com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_
                                             Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,                 73.html. You may review a copy of the                 AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                             and AS355N helicopters, certificated in any             service information at the FAA, Office of the         Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                             category.                                               Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101             ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                     Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth,
                                             (b) Unsafe Condition
                                                                                                     TX 76177.                                             SUMMARY:    This rule establishes, amends,
                                                This AD defines the unsafe condition as                (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in          suspends, or removes Standard
                                             degradation of a main gearbox (MGB) oil                 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD             Instrument Approach Procedures
                                             cooler fan assembly bearing. This condition
                                                                                                     No. 2017–0159, dated August 25, 2017. You             (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff
                                             could result in loss of MGB and engine oil
                                             cooling function, loss of the rear                      may view the EASA AD on the internet at               Minimums and Obstacle Departure
                                             transmission, and subsequent loss of control            http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.              Procedures (ODPs) for operations at
                                             of the helicopter.                                      FAA–2018–0438.                                        certain airports. These regulatory
                                             (c) Effective Date                                      (h) Subject                                           actions are needed because of the
                                                                                                                                                           adoption of new or revised criteria, or
                                                This AD becomes effective October 30,                  Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)             because of changes occurring in the
                                             2018.                                                   Code: 6510, Tail Rotor Driveshaft.
                                                                                                                                                           National Airspace System, such as the
                                             (d) Compliance                                            Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September           commissioning of new navigational
                                               You are responsible for performing each               12, 2018.                                             facilities, adding new obstacles, or
                                             action required by this AD within the                   Scott A. Horn,                                        changing air traffic requirements. These
                                             specified compliance time unless it has                                                                       changes are designed to provide safe
                                                                                                     Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
                                             already been accomplished prior to that time.                                                                 and efficient use of the navigable
                                                                                                     Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
                                             (e) Required Actions                                    Aircraft Certification Service.                       airspace and to promote safe flight
                                                (1) Within 165 hours time-in-service (TIS):          [FR Doc. 2018–20487 Filed 9–24–18; 8:45 am]           operations under instrument flight rules
                                                (i) Measure the tail rotor (T/R) drive                                                                     at the affected airports.
                                                                                                     BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                             vibration level without balancing the T/R                                                                     DATES: This rule is effective September
                                             drive, and record the amplitude value.                                                                        25, 2018. The compliance date for each
                                                (ii) Clean the oil cooler fan.                                                                             SIAP, associated Takeoff Minimums,
                                                (iii) Measure the T/R drive vibration level          DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                                                                           and ODP is specified in the amendatory
                                             without balancing the T/R drive, and record
                                             the amplitude value.                                    Federal Aviation Administration                       provisions.
                                                (iv) Calculate the difference between the                                                                     The incorporation by reference of
                                             two amplitude values. If the difference is              14 CFR Part 91                                        certain publications listed in the
                                             greater than 0.75 inch per second (ips), before                                                               regulations is approved by the Director
                                             further flight, replace each oil cooler fan                                                                   of the Federal Register as of September
                                                                                                     [Docket No.: FAA–2018–0838; Amdt. No.
                                             assembly bearing.                                                                                             25, 2018.
                                                (2) After the effective date of this AD, do          91–352]
                                                                                                                                                           ADDRESSES: Availability of matters
                                             not install an oil cooler fan assembly bearing
                                             with more than 0 hours TIS unless the                   RIN 2120–AL34
                                                                                                                                                           incorporated by reference in the
                                             requirements of this AD have been                                                                             amendment is as follows:
                                             accomplished.                                           Amendment of the Prohibition Against                  For Examination
                                             (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance                   Certain Flights in the Pyongyang Flight
                                                                                                                                                             1. U.S. Department of Transportation,
                                             (AMOCs)                                                 Information Region (FIR) (ZKKP)
                                                                                                                                                           Docket Ops-M30, 1200 New Jersey
                                                (1) The Manager, Safety Management                                                                         Avenue SE, West Bldg., Ground Floor,
                                             Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
                                                                                                     Correction
                                                                                                                                                           Washington, DC 20590–0001.
                                             may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your                   In rule document 2018–20173
                                             proposal to: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety                                                                    2. The FAA Air Traffic Organization
                                             Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section,               appearing on pages 47059–47065 in the                 Service Area in which the affected
                                             Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101                 issue of September 18, 2018, make the                 airport is located;
                                             Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;                   following correction:                                   3. The office of Aeronautical
                                             telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW-                     On page 47061, in the second column,               Navigation Products, 6500 South
                                             FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                                                                                    MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK
                                                (2) For operations conducted under a 14
                                                                                                     in the third line, ‘‘September 18, 2010’’
                                                                                                     should read ‘‘September 18, 2020’’.                   73169 or,
                                             CFR part 119 operating certificate or under                                                                     4. The National Archives and Records
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES




                                             14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that              [FR Doc. C1–2018–20173 Filed 9–24–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                           Administration (NARA). For
                                             you notify your principal inspector, or
                                             lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
                                                                                                     BILLING CODE 1301–00–D                                information on the availability of this
                                             the local flight standards district office or                                                                 material at NARA, call 202–741–6030,
                                             certificate holding district office, before                                                                   or go to: http://www.archives.gov/
                                             operating any aircraft complying with this                                                                    federal_register/code_of_federal_
                                             AD through an AMOC.                                                                                           regulations/ibr_locations.html.


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Document Created: 2018-09-25 00:21:51
Document Modified: 2018-09-25 00:21:51
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective October 30, 2018.
ContactRao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222- 5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 48366 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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