83 FR 8743 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 41 (March 1, 2018)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 41 (March 1, 2018)
| Page Range | 8743-8745 | |
| FR Document | 2018-03928 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 41 (Thursday, March 1, 2018)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 8743-8745] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-03928] ======================================================================== Rules and Regulations Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. ======================================================================== Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 8743]] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2016-5019; Product Identifier 2015-SW-079-AD; Amendment 39-19210; AD 2018-05-01] 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 AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the sliding cabin plug door (sliding door). This AD was prompted by the failure of the sliding door's jettison mechanism due to corrosion. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition in these products. DATES: This AD is effective April 5, 2018. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of April 5, 2018. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-5019. 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-2016- 5019; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; email david.hatfield@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On March 3, 2017, at 82 FR 12424, 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 AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters with a date of manufacture on or before July 14, 2014, and with a sliding door with Airbus Helicopters modification AL25612 or 0725870 installed; and Model EC225LP helicopters with a date of manufacture on or before July 14, 2014. The NPRM proposed to require visually inspecting for and removing any sealing compound from the sliding doors and any corrosion from all visible bracket surfaces, measuring corrosion depth and performing a jettisoning test if there is corrosion, and measuring the clearance between the bracket and stainless steel pipe to ensure a minimum clearance. For Model EC225LP helicopters and Model AS332-series helicopters with modification AL25612, the NPRM also proposed inspecting for drain obstruction. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent corrosion damage, which can hinder jettisoning the door during an emergency, jeopardizing the safe evacuation of occupants. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2015-0156, dated July 29, 2015, and corrected July 30, 2015, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for the Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters manufactured before July 14, 2014, and equipped with sliding doors modified in accordance with Airbus Helicopters modification (MOD) AL25612 or 0725870. EASA AD No. 2015- 0156 also applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters manufactured before July 14, 2014, and equipped with sliding doors. EASA advises that the sliding door's emergency jettisoning mechanism failed during a scheduled inspection because of significant corrosion damage caused by water accumulation from a plastic-rubber compound that obstructed the water drain of the jettison mechanism system. According to EASA, this condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to jamming of the jettisoning mechanism, possibly preventing the jettisoning of the door during an emergency and jeopardizing the safe evacuation of occupants. To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD No. 2015-0156 requires a one-time inspection of the left hand and right hand sliding doors for corrosion. Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service has changed its organization structure. The new structure replaces product directorates with functional divisions. We have revised some of the office titles and nomenclature throughout this Final rule to reflect the new organizational changes. Additional information about the new structure can be found in the Notice published on July 25, 2017 (82 FR 34564). Comments After our NPRM was published, we received comments from two commenters. Request Both commenters requested that we require replacement of the entire door jettisoning system. In support of this request, the commenters stated that only replacing corroded parts and not the entire system does not eliminate the danger of the parts corroding again. [[Page 8744]] We disagree. The AD does not only require the replacement of corroded parts. It also requires removing any sealing compound, measuring any corrosion and testing the door jettisoning mechanism, ensuring the clearance between the bracket and stainless steel pipe, and ensuring there is no obstruction of the drain on the roller well bracket. We determined that the combination of these actions reduces the risk of the corrosion recurring to an acceptable level and is therefore sufficient to correct the unsafe condition. 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, reviewed the relevant information, considered the comments received, and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires compliance within various times, depending on the helicopter model and modifications. This AD requires compliance within 30 days. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332- 53.01.86, Revision 1, dated June 29, 2015 (ASB AS332-53.01.86), for Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters and military model AS332B, B1, F1, M, and M1 helicopters; and Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-53A048, Revision 0, dated August 18, 2014 (ASB EC225-53A048), for Model EC225LP helicopters. ASB AS332-53.01.86 and ASB EC225-53A048 specify checking areas of the emergency jettisoning system of the sliding doors for the absence of sealing compound, for corrosion on the visible surfaces of the bracket, for the absence of interference between the stainless steel pipe and the aluminum bracket, and for non-obstruction of the drain. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 24 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect that visually inspecting for corrosion requires 1 work-hour and no parts for a total cost of $85 per helicopter, and $2,040 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing corroded parts requires 8 work- hours and parts cost $500 for a total cost of $1,180 per helicopter. Replacing the door jettisoning system requires 16 work-hours and parts cost $4,500 for a total cost of $5,860 per helicopter. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): 2018-05-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-19210; Docket No. FAA- 2016-5019; Product Identifier 2015-SW-079-AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to the following Airbus Helicopters, certificated in any category: (1) Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters with a date of manufacture on or before July 14, 2014, and with a sliding cabin plug door (sliding door) with Airbus Helicopters modification AL25612 or 0725870 installed; and (2) Model EC225LP helicopters with a date of manufacture on or before July 14, 2014. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion of a jettisoning mechanism which, if not detected and corrected, could result in failure of a sliding door to jettison, preventing occupants from exiting the helicopter during an emergency. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective April 5, 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 30 days: (1) Visually inspect the left-hand and right-hand sliding doors for sealing compound as shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-53.01.86, Revision 1, dated June 29, 2015 (ASB AS332-53.01.86), or Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-53A048, Revision 0, dated August 18, 2014 (ASB EC225-53A048), as applicable for your model helicopter. Remove any sealing compound. [[Page 8745]] (2) Inspect all visible bracket surfaces for corrosion. If there is any corrosion, remove the corrosion and measure the corrosion depth. (i) If the measured corrosion depth is less than 0.5 mm, perform a jettisoning test. If the door passes the test, apply corrosion protectant. If the door does not pass the test, replace the jettisoning system before further flight. (ii) If the measured corrosion depth is 0.5 mm or more, perform a jettisoning test. If the door passes the test, apply corrosion protectant, perform a jettisoning test at intervals not to exceed two months for not more than six months, and replace the jettisoning system within six months. If the door does not pass the test, replace the jettisoning system before further flight. (3) Measure the clearance between the bracket and stainless steel pipe. If the clearance is less than 3 mm, remove the lockwire from the union and loosen the unions of the air vent pipe. Position the support and the air vent pipe to ensure a minimum clearance of 3 mm. Tighten the support and unions of the pipe and safety the union using lockwire. (4) For Model EC225LP helicopters and Model AS332-series helicopters with modification AL25612, inspect for drain obstruction by compressing the middle rail roller well piston and injecting distilled water through the roller well to determine if the water drains. If the drain is obstructed, remove the sealing compound and adhesive from the gutter in the bracket area. Remove the drain from the gutter and unclog the drain and gutter using a spatula or brush. Clean the gutter on the bracket side and the drain. Apply adhesive to the gutter and then slide in the drain. Allow the adhesive to dry, and then apply sealing compound. (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: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; email 9-ASW-FTW-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) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0156, dated July 29, 2015, and corrected July 30, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2016-5019. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5220, Emergency Exits. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332- 53.01.86, Revision 1, dated June 29, 2015. (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-53A048, Revision 0, dated August 18, 2014. (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N- 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 21, 2018. Scott A. Horn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018-03928 Filed 2-28-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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Rules and Regulations Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 41
Thursday, March 1, 2018
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER Examining the AD Docket emergency, jeopardizing the safe
contains regulatory documents having general
You may examine the AD docket on evacuation of occupants.
applicability and legal effect, most of which The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
are keyed to and codified in the Code of the internet at http://
www.regulations.gov by searching for 2015–0156, dated July 29, 2015, and
Federal Regulations, which is published under corrected July 30, 2015, issued by
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
5019; or in person at Docket Operations EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday the Member States of the European
the Superintendent of Documents. through Friday, except Federal holidays. Union, to correct an unsafe condition
The AD docket contains this AD, the for the Airbus Helicopters Model
European Aviation Safety Agency AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (EASA) AD, any incorporated-by- and AS332L2 helicopters manufactured
reference service information, the before July 14, 2014, and equipped with
Federal Aviation Administration sliding doors modified in accordance
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The with Airbus Helicopters modification
14 CFR Part 39 (MOD) AL25612 or 0725870. EASA AD
street address for Docket Operations
[Docket No. FAA–2016–5019; Product (phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S. No. 2015–0156 also applies to Airbus
Identifier 2015–SW–079–AD; Amendment Department of Transportation, Docket Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters
39–19210; AD 2018–05–01] Operations, M–30, West Building manufactured before July 14, 2014, and
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 equipped with sliding doors.
RIN 2120–AA64 EASA advises that the sliding door’s
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus emergency jettisoning mechanism failed
20590.
Helicopters during a scheduled inspection because
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
of significant corrosion damage caused
AGENCY: Federal Aviation David Hatfield, Aviation Safety by water accumulation from a plastic-
Administration (FAA), DOT. Engineer, Safety Management Section, rubber compound that obstructed the
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, water drain of the jettison mechanism
ACTION: Final rule.
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX system. According to EASA, this
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new 76177; telephone (817) 222–5116; email condition, if not detected and corrected,
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus david.hatfield@faa.gov. could lead to jamming of the jettisoning
Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mechanism, possibly preventing the
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and Discussion jettisoning of the door during an
EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires emergency and jeopardizing the safe
inspecting the sliding cabin plug door On March 3, 2017, at 82 FR 12424, the evacuation of occupants. To address this
(sliding door). This AD was prompted Federal Register published our notice of unsafe condition, EASA AD No. 2015–
by the failure of the sliding door’s proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which 0156 requires a one-time inspection of
jettison mechanism due to corrosion. proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by the left hand and right hand sliding
The actions of this AD are intended to adding an AD that would apply to doors for corrosion.
address an unsafe condition in these Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, Since the NPRM was issued, the
products. AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service has
AS332L2 helicopters with a date of changed its organization structure. The
DATES: This AD is effective April 5, manufacture on or before July 14, 2014, new structure replaces product
2018. and with a sliding door with Airbus
The Director of the Federal Register directorates with functional divisions.
Helicopters modification AL25612 or We have revised some of the office titles
approved the incorporation by reference 0725870 installed; and Model EC225LP
of certain documents listed in this AD and nomenclature throughout this Final
helicopters with a date of manufacture rule to reflect the new organizational
as of April 5, 2018. on or before July 14, 2014. changes. Additional information about
ADDRESSES: For service information The NPRM proposed to require the new structure can be found in the
identified in this final rule, contact visually inspecting for and removing Notice published on July 25, 2017 (82
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum any sealing compound from the sliding FR 34564).
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; doors and any corrosion from all visible
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232– bracket surfaces, measuring corrosion Comments
0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at http:// depth and performing a jettisoning test After our NPRM was published, we
www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/ if there is corrosion, and measuring the received comments from two
en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You clearance between the bracket and commenters.
may review the referenced service stainless steel pipe to ensure a
information at the FAA, Office of the minimum clearance. For Model Request
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, EC225LP helicopters and Model AS332- Both commenters requested that we
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, series helicopters with modification require replacement of the entire door
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also AL25612, the NPRM also proposed jettisoning system. In support of this
available on the internet at http:// inspecting for drain obstruction. The request, the commenters stated that only
www.regulations.gov by searching for proposed requirements were intended to replacing corroded parts and not the
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– prevent corrosion damage, which can entire system does not eliminate the
5019. hinder jettisoning the door during an danger of the parts corroding again.
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We disagree. The AD does not only course of business or by the means We prepared an economic evaluation
require the replacement of corroded identified in the ADDRESSES section. of the estimated costs to comply with
parts. It also requires removing any this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Costs of Compliance
sealing compound, measuring any
We estimate that this AD affects 24 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
corrosion and testing the door
jettisoning mechanism, ensuring the helicopters of U.S. Registry and that Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
clearance between the bracket and labor costs average $85 per work-hour. safety, Incorporation by reference,
stainless steel pipe, and ensuring there Based on these estimates, we expect that Safety.
is no obstruction of the drain on the visually inspecting for corrosion
roller well bracket. We determined that requires 1 work-hour and no parts for a Adoption of the Amendment
the combination of these actions total cost of $85 per helicopter, and Accordingly, under the authority
reduces the risk of the corrosion $2,040 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing delegated to me by the Administrator,
recurring to an acceptable level and is corroded parts requires 8 work-hours the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
therefore sufficient to correct the unsafe and parts cost $500 for a total cost of follows:
condition. $1,180 per helicopter. Replacing the
door jettisoning system requires 16 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
FAA’s Determination DIRECTIVES
work-hours and parts cost $4,500 for a
These helicopters have been approved total cost of $5,860 per helicopter.
by the aviation authority of France and ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
are approved for operation in the United Authority for This Rulemaking continues to read as follows:
States. Pursuant to our bilateral Title 49 of the United States Code Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
agreement with France, EASA, its specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
technical representative, has notified us rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, § 39.13 [Amended]
of the unsafe condition described in the section 106, describes the authority of ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
EASA AD. We are issuing this AD the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: the following new airworthiness
because we evaluated all information Aviation Programs, describes in more directive (AD):
provided by EASA, reviewed the detail the scope of the Agency’s
relevant information, considered the authority. 2018–05–01 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–19210; Docket No.
comments received, and determined the We are issuing this rulemaking under
FAA–2016–5019; Product Identifier
unsafe condition exists and is likely to the authority described in Subtitle VII, 2015–SW–079–AD.
exist or develop on other helicopters of Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
these same type designs and that air ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that (a) Applicability
safety and the public interest require section, Congress charges the FAA with This AD applies to the following Airbus
adopting the AD requirements as promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Helicopters, certificated in any category:
proposed. air commerce by prescribing regulations (1) Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L,
for practices, methods, and procedures AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters with a
Differences Between This AD and the date of manufacture on or before July 14,
the Administrator finds necessary for
EASA AD 2014, and with a sliding cabin plug door
safety in air commerce. This regulation (sliding door) with Airbus Helicopters
The EASA AD requires compliance is within the scope of that authority modification AL25612 or 0725870 installed;
within various times, depending on the because it addresses an unsafe condition and
helicopter model and modifications. that is likely to exist or develop on (2) Model EC225LP helicopters with a date
This AD requires compliance within 30 helicopters identified in this rulemaking of manufacture on or before July 14, 2014.
days. action. (b) Unsafe Condition
Related Service Information Under 1 Regulatory Findings This AD defines the unsafe condition as
CFR Part 51 corrosion of a jettisoning mechanism which,
This AD will not have federalism
We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert if not detected and corrected, could result in
implications under Executive Order failure of a sliding door to jettison,
Service Bulletin No. AS332–53.01.86, 13132. This AD will not have a preventing occupants from exiting the
Revision 1, dated June 29, 2015 (ASB substantial direct effect on the States, on helicopter during an emergency.
AS332–53.01.86), for Model AS332C, the relationship between the national
AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and government and the States, or on the (c) Effective Date
AS332L2 helicopters and military distribution of power and This AD becomes effective April 5, 2018.
model AS332B, B1, F1, M, and M1 responsibilities among the various (d) Compliance
helicopters; and Alert Service Bulletin levels of government.
No. EC225–53A048, Revision 0, dated You are responsible for performing each
For the reasons discussed above, I action required by this AD within the
August 18, 2014 (ASB EC225–53A048), certify that this AD: specified compliance time unless it has
for Model EC225LP helicopters. ASB (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory already been accomplished prior to that time.
AS332–53.01.86 and ASB EC225– action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
53A048 specify checking areas of the (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under (e) Required Actions
emergency jettisoning system of the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures Within 30 days:
sliding doors for the absence of sealing (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (1) Visually inspect the left-hand and right-
compound, for corrosion on the visible (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation hand sliding doors for sealing compound as
surfaces of the bracket, for the absence in Alaska to the extent that it justifies shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332–53.01.86,
of interference between the stainless making a regulatory distinction; and
Revision 1, dated June 29, 2015 (ASB AS332–
steel pipe and the aluminum bracket, (4) Will not have a significant 53.01.86), or Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
and for non-obstruction of the drain. economic impact, positive or negative, Bulletin No. EC225–53A048, Revision 0,
This service information is reasonably on a substantial number of small entities dated August 18, 2014 (ASB EC225–53A048),
available because the interested parties under the criteria of the Regulatory as applicable for your model helicopter.
have access to it through their normal Flexibility Act. Remove any sealing compound.
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(2) Inspect all visible bracket surfaces for (i) Material Incorporated by Reference design. The actions of this AD are
corrosion. If there is any corrosion, remove (1) The Director of the Federal Register intended to detect and correct an unsafe
the corrosion and measure the corrosion approved the incorporation by reference of condition on these products.
depth. the service information listed in this
(i) If the measured corrosion depth is less DATES: This AD is effective April 5,
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
than 0.5 mm, perform a jettisoning test. If the 2018.
part 51.
door passes the test, apply corrosion (2) You must use this service information
The Director of the Federal Register
protectant. If the door does not pass the test, as applicable to do the actions required by approved the incorporation by reference
replace the jettisoning system before further this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. of a certain document listed in this AD
flight. (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service as of April 5, 2018.
(ii) If the measured corrosion depth is 0.5 Bulletin No. AS332–53.01.86, Revision 1, ADDRESSES: For service information
mm or more, perform a jettisoning test. If the dated June 29, 2015.
door passes the test, apply corrosion identified in this final rule, contact
(ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Leonardo S.p.A., Matteo Ragazzi, Head
protectant, perform a jettisoning test at Bulletin No. EC225–53A048, Revision 0,
intervals not to exceed two months for not dated August 18, 2014.
of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520,
more than six months, and replace the (3) For Airbus Helicopters service 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy;
jettisoning system within six months. If the information identified in this AD, contact telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39–
door does not pass the test, replace the Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, 0331–229046; or at http://
jettisoning system before further flight. Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins.
(3) Measure the clearance between the 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–
bracket and stainless steel pipe. If the You may review the referenced service
3775; or at http:// information at the FAA, Office of the
clearance is less than 3 mm, remove the www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/
lockwire from the union and loosen the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
Technical-Support_73.html.
unions of the air vent pipe. Position the (4) You may view this service information
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,
support and the air vent pipe to ensure a at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also
minimum clearance of 3 mm. Tighten the available on the internet at http://
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy,
support and unions of the pipe and safety the www.regulations.gov by searching for
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
union using lockwire. and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
information on the availability of this
(4) For Model EC225LP helicopters and
Model AS332-series helicopters with
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. 0103.
(5) You may view this service information
modification AL25612, inspect for drain Examining the AD Docket
that is incorporated by reference at the
obstruction by compressing the middle rail
National Archives and Records You may examine the AD docket on
roller well piston and injecting distilled
Administration (NARA). For information on the internet at http://
water through the roller well to determine if
the availability of this material at NARA, call www.regulations.gov by searching for
the water drains. If the drain is obstructed,
remove the sealing compound and adhesive (202) 741–6030, or go to: http://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
from the gutter in the bracket area. Remove 0103; or in person at Docket Operations
the drain from the gutter and unclog the locations.html.
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
drain and gutter using a spatula or brush. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Clean the gutter on the bracket side and the 21, 2018.
drain. Apply adhesive to the gutter and then The AD docket contains this AD, the
Scott A. Horn, European Aviation Safety Agency
slide in the drain. Allow the adhesive to dry,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, (EASA) AD, any incorporated-by-
and then apply sealing compound.
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, reference service information, the
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance Aircraft Certification Service.
(AMOCs)
economic evaluation, any comments
[FR Doc. 2018–03928 Filed 2–28–18; 8:45 am]
received, and other information. The
(1) The Manager, Safety Management BILLING CODE 4910–13–P street address for Docket Operations
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your (phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S.
proposal to: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Department of Transportation, Docket
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Operations Office, M–30, West Building
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Federal Aviation Administration Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
telephone (817) 222–5116; email 9–ASW- 20590.
FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. 14 CFR Part 39
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0103; Product
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
Identifier 2016–SW–086–AD; Amendment
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
39–19207; AD 2018–04–11]
you notify your principal inspector, or Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of RIN 2120–AA64 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177;
the local flight standards district office or telephone (817) 222–5110; email
certificate holding district office, before Airworthiness Directives; Agusta matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
operating any aircraft complying with this S.p.A. Helicopters SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
AD through an AMOC.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Discussion
(g) Additional Information Administration (FAA), DOT.
The subject of this AD is addressed in ACTION: Final rule. On September 22, 2017, at 82 FR
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 44363, the Federal Register published
No. 2015–0156, dated July 29, 2015, and SUMMARY: We are adopting a new our notice of proposed rulemaking
corrected July 30, 2015. You may view the airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
EASA AD on the internet at http:// S.p.A. Model AB139 and Model AW139 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– helicopters. This AD requires inspecting would apply to Agusta S.p.A. Model
2016–5019.
the thickness of the tail gearbox (TGB) AB139 and Model AW139 helicopters.
(h) Subject central housing (housing). This AD was The NPRM proposed to require
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) prompted by reports that the housing inspecting the thickness of the TGB
Code: 5220, Emergency Exits. thickness does not conform to its type housing and replacing the TGB before
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:58 Feb 28, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\01MRR1.SGM 01MRR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_8784/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2018-02-28 23:57:42
Document Modified: 2018-02-28 23:57:42
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This AD is effective April 5, 2018. | |
| Contact | David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 8743 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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