Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 11, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31901-31903]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14232]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6693; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-033-AD; 
Amendment 39-18886; AD 2017-10-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and 
EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the 
intermediate gear box (IGB) fairing. This AD was prompted by separation 
of the IGB fairing from the fairing gutter and subsequent interference 
with the drive shaft. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 15, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of August 15, 2017.

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 https://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub/FO/scripts/myFO_login.php. 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-2016-6693.

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-
6693; or in person at the Docket Operations Office 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 
the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, 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 Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On January 5, 2017, at 82 FR 1260, 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, AS332L2, and EC225LP 
helicopters with an IGB fairing part number (P/N) 332A24-0303-05XX, 
332A24-0303-06XX, 332A08-1391-00, or 332A08-1391-01 installed, where 
``XX'' is any two alphanumeric characters. The NPRM proposed to require 
repetitive inspections of the IGB fairing. The proposed requirements 
were intended to prevent the detachment of the angle section of an IGB 
and subsequent interference between an IGB fairing and tail rotor 
inclined drive shaft. This condition could result in failure of a tail 
rotor drive shaft, loss of the tail rotor drive, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2015-0092, dated May 26, 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 Model 
AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters with 
certain part-numbered IGB fairings installed. EASA advises of 
occurrences involving separation of the angle section of the IGB 
fairing from the IGB fairing gutter, which caused interference with the 
tail rotor (T/R) inclined drive shaft. EASA states that this condition, 
if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the T/R drive 
shaft, loss of the T/R drive, and consequent reduced control of the 
helicopter. To address this condition, EASA issued a series of ADs, 
including AD No. 2015-0092, to require repetitive inspections of the 
IGB fairing and its attachment supports and installation of a new IGB 
fairing, P/N 332A24-0322-00, as terminating action for the inspections.

Comments

    An individual commented that he supports the NPRM.

FAA's Determination

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

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires replacing the IGB fairing with the composite 
fairing within 31 months. This AD requires this

[[Page 31902]]

replacement within 150 hours time-in-service.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 
(EASB), Revision 5, dated March 9, 2015, which is one document with 
three different identification numbers. EASB No. 53.01.47 is for Model 
AS332C, C1, L, L1, L2, and military model B, B1, M, M1, and F1 
helicopters. EASB No. 53.00.48 is for military Model AS532-series 
helicopters. EASB No. 53A001 is for Model EC225 LP and the military 
Model EC725AP helicopter. EASB Nos. 53.01.47 and 53A001 are 
incorporated by reference in this AD. EASB No. 53.00.48 is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.
    This service information specifies repetitive inspections of the 
IGB fairing, attachment supports, and fairing gutter. This service 
information also advises that IGB fairing P/Ns 332A24-0303-05XX, 
332A24-0303-06XX, 332A08-1391-00, and 332A08-1391-01 are unfit for 
flight beginning December 1, 2017, and that these fairings should be 
replaced with a new composite fairing P/N 332A24-0322-00.
    We also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No. AS332-
53.01.78, Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015, for FAA type-certificated 
Model AS332C, C1, L, L1, and L2 helicopters and military Model AS332B, 
B1, F1, M, and M1 helicopters, and Airbus Helicopter Service Bulletin 
No. EC225-53-041, Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015, for the Model 
EC225LP helicopter. The service information specifies replacing each 
IGB fairing with a newly designed fairing. Airbus Helicopters 
identifies replacement of the IGB fairing under these service 
instructions as Modification 0726819.
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 53.01.47, Revision 4, for 
Model AS332C, C1, L, L1, L2, and military model B, B1, M, M1, and F1 
helicopters and EASB No. 53A001, Revision 4, for Model EC225 LP and the 
military Model EC725AP helicopters. Both EASBs are part of one document 
that is dated September 27, 2011. The EASBs introduce periodic 
maintenance on the fairings and on the fairing's attachment angles.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 11 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect the following costs:
    <bullet> Visually inspecting each IGB fairing and the left- and 
right-hand attachment supports for a crack require a 0.5 work-hour for 
a total cost of $43 per helicopter and $473 for the U.S. fleet, per 
inspection cycle.
    <bullet> Replacing the IGB fairing requires 2 work hours and parts 
cost $2,600, for a total cost of $2,770 per helicopter and $30,470 for 
the U.S. fleet.
    <bullet> Replacing the attachment supports requires 2 work hours, 
and parts cost $1,100 for a total cost of $1,270 per helicopter.
    <bullet> Visually inspecting for a crack in the fairing gutter 
requires 0.5 work hour for a total cost of about $43 per helicopter.
    <bullet> Inspecting for interference and separation of the fairing 
gutter requires 0.5 work hour for a total cost of $43 per helicopter.
    <bullet> Replacing the inclined drive shaft tube requires 2 work 
hours, and parts cost $18,399, for a total cost of $18,569 per 
helicopter.
    <bullet> Replacing a hydraulic pipe requires 2 work hours, and 
parts cost $1,322, for a total cost of $1,492 per helicopter.
    <bullet> Repairing the flight control assembly requires 2 work 
hours, and parts cost $484, for a total cost of $654 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):

2017-10-12 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-18886; Docket No. FAA-
2016-6693; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-033-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, 
AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters with an intermediate gear box (IGB) 
fairing part number (P/N) 332A24-0303-05XX, 332A24-0303-06XX, 
332A08-1391-00, or 332A08-1391-01 installed, where ``XX'' is any two 
alphanumeric characters, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as detachment of the angle 
section of an IGB and subsequent interference between an IGB fairing 
and tail rotor inclined drive shaft. This condition could result in 
failure of a tail rotor drive shaft, loss of the tail rotor drive,

[[Page 31903]]

and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective August 15, 2017.

(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 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, visually inspect the IGB 
fairing and the left- and right-hand attachment supports for a crack 
as shown in Figure 2 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service 
Bulletin (EASB) No. 53.01.47, Revision 5, dated March 9, 2015 (EASB 
No. 53.01.47) or EASB No. 53A001, Revision 5, dated March 9, 2015 
(EASB No. 53A001), as appropriate for your model helicopter.
    (i) If there is a crack in an attachment support, replace the 
attachment support.
    (ii) If there is a crack in the fairing, replace the IGB fairing 
with IGB fairing P/N 332A24-0322-00 in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2, of Airbus Helicopters 
Service Bulletin No. AS332-53.01.78, Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015 
(SB No. AS332-53.01.78) or Service Bulletin No. EC225-53-041, 
Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015 (SB No. EC225-53-041), as 
appropriate for your model helicopter.
    (2) For helicopters with IGB fairing P/N 332A24-0303-05XX or P/N 
332A24-0303-06XX, within 15 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 15 hours TIS, visually inspect for a crack in the 
fairing gutter as shown in Figure 1 of EASB No. 53.01.47 or EASB No. 
53A001. If there is a crack in the fairing gutter:
    (i) Inspect for interference and separation of the fairing 
gutter. If there is any interference between the gutter and the tail 
rotor inclined drive shaft tube, replace the tail rotor inclined 
drive shaft tube. If there is any interference between the gutter 
and a hydraulic pipe, repair or replace the hydraulic pipe. If there 
is any interference between the gutter and the flight controls, 
repair the flight controls in accordance with FAA-approved 
procedures. If there is any separation of the gutter, remove the 
gutter.
    (ii) Replace the IGB fairing with IGB fairing P/N 332A24-0322-00 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2, 
of SB No. AS332-53.01.78 or SB No. EC225-53-041.
    (3) Within 150 hours TIS, replace the IGB fairing P/N 332A24-
0303-05XX, 332A24-0303-06XX, 332A08-1391-00, or 332A08-1391-01 with 
IGB fairing P/N 332A24-0322-00 in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2, of SB No. AS332-53.01.78 or SB No. 
EC225-53-041.
    (4) Replacing the IGB fairing with IGB fairing P/N 332A24-0322-
00 is terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by 
this AD.
    (5) Do not install an IGB fairing P/N 332A24-0303-05XX, P/N 
332A24-0303-06XX, P/N 332A08-1391-00, or P/N 332A08-1391-01 on any 
helicopter.

(f) Credit for Actions Previously Completed

    Compliance with Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service 
Bulletin (EASB) No. 53.01.47, and EASB No. 53A001, both Revision 4, 
and both dated September 27, 2011, before the effective date of this 
AD is considered acceptable for compliance with the initial 
inspections specified in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD, 
but does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections required by 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: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; 
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.

(h) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0092, dated May 26, 2015. You may view the 
EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. 
FAA-2016-6693.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5350 Aerodynamic 
Fairings.

(j) 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 Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
53.01.47, Revision 5, dated March 9, 2015.

    Note 1 to paragraphs (j)(2)(i) and (ii): Airbus Helicopters 
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 53.01.47 and No. 53A001, both 
Revision 5, and both dated March 9, 2015, are co-published as one 
document along with Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service 
Bulletin No. 53.00.48, Revision 5, dated March 9, 2015, which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
53A001, Revision 5, dated March 9, 2015.
    (iii) Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No. AS332-53.01.78, 
Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015.
    (iv) Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No. EC225-53-041, 
Revision 0, dated March 9, 2015.
    (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 https://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub/FO/scripts/myFO_login.php.
    (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 May 5, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-14232 Filed 7-10-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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