Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 242 (Tuesday, December 18, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64734-64736]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-27137]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0555; Product Identifier 2010-SW-047-AD; Amendment 
39-19529; AD 2014-05-06 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter Deutschland 
GmbH)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are revising Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-05-06 for 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 and MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters. 
AD 2014-05-06 required repetitive inspections of the flight-control 
bearings, replacing any loose bearings with airworthy flight-control 
bearings, and installing bushings and washers. This new AD retains the 
requirements of AD 2014-05-06 but removes the repetitive inspections. 
The actions of this AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 22, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 14, 
2014 (79 FR 13196, March 10, 2014).

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 view this 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-2013-0555.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2013-0555; 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 information, the 
economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is Docket 
Operations, 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: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to remove AD 2014-05-06, Amendment 39-17779 (79 FR 13196, March 
10, 2014) (AD 2014-05-06) and add a new AD. AD 2014-05-06 applied to 
certain Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 and MBB-BK 117C-2 
helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 1, 
2018 (83 FR 25415). AD 2014-05-06 required repetitive inspections of 
the flight-control bearings, replacing any loose bearings with 
airworthy flight-control bearings, and installing bushings and washers. 
The NPRM proposed to retain the requirements of AD 2014-05-06 but 
remove the repetitive inspection requirements.
    AD 2014-05-06 was prompted by AD No. 2010-0058, dated March 30, 
2010 (EASA AD 2010-0058), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent 
for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe 
condition for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus Helicopters 
Deutschland GmbH) Model EC135, EC635, and MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters. 
EASA advises that during an inspection of an MBB-BK117 C-2, ``bearings 
were detected which had not been correctly fixed.'' EASA advises that 
this condition, if not detected and corrected, may cause the affected 
control lever to shift in the axial direction and contact the 
helicopter structure, possibly resulting in reduced helicopter control. 
As some bearings on the EC135 and MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopter are 
installed with the same procedure, they are equally affected by the 
possibility of the unsafe condition, EASA advises.
    Since we published AD 2014-05-06, EASA issued AD No. 2010-0058R1, 
dated April 7, 2017, to remove the repetitive inspections required by 
EASA AD 2010-0058. EASA advises that a review of data and feedback from 
in-service helicopters determined the Airbus Helicopters modification 
removes the need for repetitive inspections. We have made a similar 
determination and are issuing this AD to remove the repetitive 
inspections previously required by AD 2014-05-06.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM.

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

[[Page 64735]]

agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical representative, has 
notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We have 
reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 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

    Differences between this AD and the EASA AD are:
    <bullet> The EASA AD is applicable to EC 635-series helicopters, 
whereas this AD is not because these model helicopters have no U.S. 
type certificate.
    <bullet> The EASA AD requires the modification within the next 12 
months after April 13, 2010. This AD requires the modification within 
100 hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Eurocopter issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) EC135-67A-019, 
Revision 3, dated December 16, 2009, for Model EC135-series 
helicopters, and ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-67A-010, Revision 3, dated February 
8, 2010, for Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters. This service information 
specifies a repetitive inspection of the affected bearings and 
retrofitting bushings on the levers to prevent movement of the 
bearings.
    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 ASB EC135-67A-019 for Model EC135-
series helicopters and ASB MBB-BK117C-2-67A-010 for Model MBB-BK 117C-2 
helicopters, both Revision 4 and both dated April 3, 2017. This service 
information removes the repetitive inspections and retains the 
procedures for retrofitting the bushings on the levers to prevent 
movement of the bearings. Revision 3 of this service information is 
attached as an appendix to Revision 4.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 295 Model EC135-series helicopters 
and 117 Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor 
costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect 
the following costs:
    <bullet> For EC135 helicopters, completing the required 
modification requires about 32 work-hours and parts cost about $312, 
for a total cost of $3,032 per helicopter and $894,440 for the U.S. 
fleet.
    <bullet> For MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters, completing the required 
modification requires about 32 work-hours and parts cost about $396, 
for a total cost of $3,116 per helicopter and $364,572 for the U.S. 
fleet.

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:

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) 
2014-05-06, Amendment 39-17779 (79 FR 13196, March 10, 2014), and 
adding the following new AD:

2014-05-06 R1 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH): Amendment 39-19529; 
Docket No. FAA-2013-0555; Product Identifier 2010-SW-047-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Airbus Helicopters Deutschland 
GmbH (Type Certificate previously held by Eurocopter Deutschland 
GmbH) helicopters, certificated in any category:
    (1) Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters, serial 
number (S/N) 0005 through 00829, with a tail rotor control lever, 
part number (P/N) L672M2802205 or L672M1012212; cyclic control 
lever, P/N L671M1005250; collective control lever assembly, P/N 
L671M2020108; or collective control plate, P/N L671M5040207; 
installed, and
    (2) Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters, S/N 9004 through 9310, with 
a tail rotor control lever assembly, P/N B672M1007101 or 
B672M1807101; tail rotor control lever, P/N B672M1002202 or 
L672M2802205; or lateral control lever assembly, P/N B670M1008101, 
installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as incorrectly installed 
flight control bearings. This condition could cause the affected 
control lever to shift and contact the helicopter structure, 
resulting in reduced control of the helicopter.

 (c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective January 22, 2019.

(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.

[[Page 64736]]

(e) Required Actions

    (1) For Model EC135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters: 
Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next 
annual inspection, whichever occurs first, modify the left-hand (LH) 
and right-hand (RH) guidance units and the cyclic shaft by 
installing bushings and washers to prevent shifting of the bearings 
in the axial direction as follows:
    (i) Remove and disassemble the LH guidance unit and install a 
bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the bearing block and the lever 
of the LH guidance unit as depicted in Detail A of Figure 5 of 
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135-67A-019, Revision 3, dated 
December 16, 2009 (EC135 ASB).
    (ii) For helicopters without a yaw brake, remove and disassemble 
the RH guidance unit and install a bushing, P/N L672M1012260, 
between the bearing block and the lever as depicted in Detail B of 
Figure 5 of EC135 ASB.
    (iii) Remove and disassemble the cyclic shaft and install a 
washer, P/N L671M1005260, between the bearing block and the lever as 
depicted in Detail C of Figure 6 of EC135 ASB.
    (iv) Remove the collective control rod from the bellcrank and 
install a washer, P/N L221M1042208, on each side of the collective 
control rod and bellcrank as depicted in Detail D of Figure 6 of 
EC135 ASB.
    (2) For Model MBB-BK 117C-2 helicopters: Within the next 100 
hours TIS or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first, 
modify the LH and RH guidance units and the lateral control lever by 
installing bushings and washers to prevent shifting of the bearings 
in the axial direction as follows:
    (i) Remove and disassemble the RH guidance unit and install a 
bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the lever and the bracket as 
depicted in Detail B of Figure 4 of Eurocopter Alert Service 
Bulletin MBB BK117 C-2-67A-010, Revision 3, dated February 8, 2010 
(BK117 ASB). Remove and disassemble the LH guidance unit and install 
a bushing, P/N L672M1012260, between the lever and the bracket as 
depicted in Detail C of Figure 4 of BK117 ASB.
    (ii) Remove the lateral control lever and install new bushings 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 
3.C(9)(a) through 3.C(9)(g) of BK117 ASB.
    (iii) Identify the modified lever assembly by writing ``MBB 
BK117 C-2-67A-010'' on the lever with permanent marking pen and 
protect with a single layer of lacquer (CM 421 or equivalent).
    (iv) Apply corrosion preventive paste (CM518 or equivalent) on 
the shank of the screws and install airworthy parts as depicted in 
Figure 5 of BK117 ASB.

(f) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-05-06, Amendment 39-17779 (79 FR 13196, 
March 10, 2014).

(g) 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: 
Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management 
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.

(h) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin EC135-67A-019 and 
Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117C-2-67A-010, both Revision 4 and 
both dated April 3, 2017, which are not incorporated by reference, 
contain additional information about 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 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. 2010-0058R1, dated April 7, 2017. You 
may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FAA-2013-0555.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6710, Main Rotor 
Control.

(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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 14, 2014 (79 FR 13196, March 10, 2014).
    (i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135-67A-019, Revision 3, 
dated December 16, 2009.
    (ii) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB BK117 C-2-67A-010, 
Revision 3, dated February 8, 2010.
    (4) For Eurocopter 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.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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 December 6, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-27137 Filed 12-17-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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