Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GbmH) (Airbus Helicopters) Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 162 (Thursday, August 21, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49445-49449]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-19525]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0034; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-006-AD; 
Amendment 39-17948; AD 2014-16-24]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GbmH) (Airbus Helicopters) 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-10-53 for 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) (now Airbus Helicopters) Model 
EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, and EC135T2+ helicopters. 
AD 2012-10-53 required, before further flight and at specified 
intervals, checking and inspecting the upper and lower main rotor hub 
(MRH) shaft flanges for a crack, and inspecting the lower hub-shaft 
flange bolt attachment areas for a crack. Since we issued AD 2012-10-
53, it has been determined that it is safe to increase the visual 
inspection intervals of the MRH shaft flanges from 10 hours time-in-
service (TIS) to 50 hours TIS and remove the inspection of the lower 
MRH shaft flange bolt attachment areas. This new AD continues to 
require checking and inspecting the upper and lower MRH shaft flanges 
for a crack. These actions are intended to detect a crack on the MRH 
shaft flange, which if not corrected, could result in failure of the 
MRH and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective September 25, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
25, 2014.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 
75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; 
or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137.

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-2014-
0034; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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 information, the economic evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 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: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On May 18, 2012, we issued Emergency AD 2012-10-53, which 
superseded Emergency AD 2012-10-51. Emergency AD 2012-10-53 was 
published in the Federal Register as a Final rule; request for comments 
on November 20, 2012, at 77 FR 69558. AD 2012-10-53 required a 
repetitive pilot check of the lower MRH shaft flange for a crack, a 
repetitive inspection of the upper and lower MRH shaft flanges and bolt 
attachment areas for a crack, and replacing the MRH shaft if there is a 
crack. AD 2012-10-53 was prompted by three reported incidents of 
cracking on the lower hub-shaft flanges of EC135 model helicopters.
    After we issued AD 2012-10-53, Eurocopter revised Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. EC135-62A-029, now at Revision 7, dated October 22, 
2012, which contains the procedures for the repetitive pilot checks and 
inspections. The inspection interval for the visual inspection of the 
MRH shaft flanges was increased to 50 flight hours based on results 
from full scale component testing. The note regarding the preflight 
check states that the time between two preflight checks must not exceed 
6 flight hours, and clarifies that one flight may comprise of multiple 
take-offs and landings and a flight starts when the helicopter takes 
off and ends when the helicopter is on the ground with the engines shut 
off. Eurocopter also removed the visual inspection of

[[Page 49446]]

the blade bolt attachment areas from the ASB.
    EASA also revised its AD, now at EASA AD 2012-0085R5, dated October 
30, 2012, to correct this unsafe condition. EASA advises that based on 
results of the further full scale component testing, it has been 
determined that the interval for the repetitive visual inspections of 
the upper and lower hub shaft flanges can be extended to 50 flight 
hours. EASA AD No. 2012-0085R5 also references ECD ASB No. EC135-62A-
029, Revision 7, dated October 22, 2012, for related information. EASA 
considers AD 2012-0085R5 to be interim AD action and further AD action 
may follow.
    On January 16, 2014, we issued a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2012-10-53. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on January 31, 2014 (79 FR 5325). The 
NPRM proposed to continue to require the repetitive visual pilot check 
and inspection of the upper and lower MRH shaft flanges, as well as the 
replacement requirements of AD 2012-10-53. An owner/operator (pilot) 
may perform the required visual check and must enter compliance with 
the applicable paragraph of the AD into the helicopter maintenance 
records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 
91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may perform this check because it involves 
only looking at the visible area of the MRH shaft flanges and can be 
performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This check is an 
exception to our standard maintenance regulations. Further, the NPRM 
proposed to increase the repetitive visual inspection interval for MRH 
shafts with 400 hours or more TIS from 10 hours TIS to 50 hours TIS. 
Any alternative method of compliance (AMOC) previously approved in 
accordance with AD 2012-10-53 would continue to be considered approved 
as an AMOC for the corresponding requirements in this AD.
    Since we issued the NPRM, Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH changed its 
name to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH. This AD reflects that 
change and updates the contact information to obtain service 
documentation.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (79 FR 5325, 
January 31, 2014).

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the EASA ADs. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same 
type designs and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed except for the name change 
previously described and a minor editorial change to meet current 
publishing requirements. The reference to ``the applicability of this 
AD'' in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD has been changed to reference 
``paragraph (a) of this AD.'' These changes are consistent with the 
intent of the proposals in the NPRM (79 FR 5325, January 31, 2014) and 
will not increase the economic burden on any operator.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    EASA considers its AD action to be an interim action; we do not 
consider this AD to be an interim AD action because the requirements 
for the applicable part-numbered MRH shafts are not expected to change. 
The EASA AD requires you to report the findings and send the removed 
MRH to ECD (now Airbus Helicopters), while this AD does not. The EASA 
AD requires the initial visual check within 3 days, while this AD 
requires the initial visual check before further flight. The EASA AD 
does not specify affected MRH shaft part numbers; this AD does because 
the FAA anticipates Airbus Helicopters will produce new part-numbered 
MRH shafts without the same unsafe condition.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Eurocopter ASB No. EC135-62A-029, Revision 7, dated 
October 22, 2012, which describes procedures for preflight checking the 
visible area of the upper and lower MRH shaft flanges and performing a 
repetitive visual inspection of the upper and lower MRH shaft for 
cracks. EASA classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD No. 2012-
0085R5 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 244 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate inspecting the MRH shaft flanges requires 2.5 work-hours at 
an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, for a total cost per 
helicopter of $212 and a total cost to U.S. operators of $51,728 per 
inspection cycle. Replacing an MRH shaft requires about 8 work-hours 
and required parts cost $55,715, for a total cost per helicopter of 
$56,395.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that 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.

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:

[[Page 49447]]

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2012-10-53 (77 FR 69558, November 20, 2012), and adding the following 
new AD:

2014-16-24 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Helicopters: Amendment 39-17948; Docket 
No. FAA-2014-0034; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-006-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, 
EC135T2, and EC135T2+ helicopters, with a main rotor hub (MRH) 
shaft, part number (P/N) L623M1006101, L623M1206101, L623M1006102, 
L623M1206102, L623M1006103, or L623M1206103 installed, certificated 
in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in the MRH shaft 
flange, which could result in failure of the MRH and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2012-10-53, Amendment 39-17254 (77 FR 
69558, November 20, 2012).

(d) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective September 25, 2014.

(e) 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.

(f) Required Actions

    (1) Before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 6 hours time-in-service (TIS), check the MRH shaft lower 
flange and the visible area of the MRH shaft upper flange for a 
crack. Figures 1 and 2 to Paragraph (f)(1) of this AD are examples 
of cracks that have been discovered in the MRH shaft lower flange. 
The actions required by this paragraph may be performed by the 
owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate, 
and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance 
with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1) through (4) and 
14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 
14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

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    (2) For MRH shafts with 400 or more hours TIS, within 50 hours 
TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS:
    (i) Remove the rotor-hub cap.
    (ii) Clean the upper and lower MRH shaft flange as depicted in 
Figure 2 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. EC135-62A-029, 
Revision 7, dated October 22, 2012, and visually inspect for a 
crack.
    (3) If there is a crack in the upper or lower MRH shaft flange, 
before further flight, replace that MRH shaft with an airworthy MRH 
shaft. Replacing the MRH shaft with an MRH shaft having a P/N listed 
in paragraph (a) of this AD does not constitute terminating action 
for the requirements of this AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Gary Roach,

[[Page 49449]]

Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; 
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.
    (3) Any AMOC approved previously in accordance with AD No. 2012-
10-53, Amendment 39-17254 (77 FR 69558, November 20, 2012), is 
approved as an AMOC for the corresponding requirements in paragraph 
(f) of this AD.

(h) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2012-0085R5, dated October 30, 2012. You may 
view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 
Docket No. FAA-2014-0034.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6220, Main Rotor 
Head.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. EC135-62A-029, 
Revision 7, dated October 22, 2012, excluding Figure 1.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, Texas 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; 
fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 8, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-19525 Filed 8-20-14; 8:45 am]
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