[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 42 (Friday, March 2, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8927-8929]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03722]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 42 / Friday, March 2, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 8927]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0826; Product Identifier 2016-SW-084-AD; Amendment 
39-19204; AD 2018-01-12 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; correction.

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

SUMMARY: We are revising airworthiness directive (AD) 2018-01-12 for 
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 helicopters to correct an error. As 
published, AD 2018-01-12 referenced an incorrect monostable toggle 
switch part number (P/N) in the preamble and regulatory text. This 
document corrects the error. In all other respects, the original 
document remains the same.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 2, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of February 20, 
2018 (83 FR 2039, January 16, 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-2017-0826.

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-2017-
0826; 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 (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Schwab, 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

    AD 2018-01-12, Amendment 39-19153 (83 FR 2039, January 16, 2018) 
applied to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 helicopters with a dual 
hydraulic system installed. AD 2018-01-12 required revising the 
rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to perform the yaw load compensator 
check (ACCU TST switch) after rotor shut-down instead of during 
preflight procedures and to state that the yaw servo hydraulic switch 
(collective switch) must be in the ``ON'' (forward) position before 
taking off. AD 2018-01-12 also required modifying the yaw servo 
hydraulic switch and replacing the bistable ACCU TST button with a 
monostable button.
    We issued AD 2018-01-12 to prevent takeoff without hydraulic 
pressure in the tail rotor (T/R) hydraulic system, loss of T/R flight 
control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    As published, AD 2018-01-12 contained an incorrect P/N in the 
preamble and regulatory text. Specifically, the AD identified the 
Geneva Aviation P122 and P132 electrical console monostable toggle 
switch P/N as ``MS24658-16F.'' The correct P/N is ``MS24658-26F.''
    Accordingly, we have determined that it is appropriate to take 
action to revise AD 2018-01-12 to correct the Geneva Aviation P122 and 
P132 electrical console monostable toggle switch P/N. This correction 
will ensure that it will be possible for operators to comply with the 
AD by referencing the correct P/N for replacing the toggle switch.
    No other part of the preamble or regulatory information has been 
changed. The final rule is reprinted in its entirety for the 
convenience of affected operators.

Impact of the Correction

    Since this action corrects an obvious error in referencing the P/N 
for a replacement part, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes 
no additional burden on any person. Therefore, we find that notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin (SB) No. AS350-
67.00.64, Revision 0, dated February 25, 2015. This service information 
specifies procedures to install a timer relay and an additional 
indicator light on the caution and warning panel. This modification 
provides an ``OFF'' status indication of the yaw servo hydraulic switch 
by flashing a newly installed ``HYD2'' indicator light on the caution 
and warning panel. Airbus Helicopters identifies performance of this SB 
as modification 074622.
    We also reviewed Airbus Helicopters SB No. AS350-67.00.65, Revision 
0, dated August 25, 2016. This service information specifies procedures 
to replace the bistable push button ACCU TST switch with a monostable 
push button switch. Airbus Helicopters identifies performance of this 
SB as modification 074719.
    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 SB No. AS350-67.00.66, Revision 1, 
dated October 22, 2015. This service information specifies inserting 
specific pages of the SB into the rotorcraft flight manual. These pages 
revise the preflight and post-flight hydraulic checks by moving the T/R 
yaw load compensator check from preflight to post-flight.

[[Page 8928]]

These pages also revise terminology within the flight manuals for the 
different engine configurations.

FAA's Determination

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

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 86 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
    Revising an RFM takes about 0.5 work-hour for a cost of $43 per 
helicopter and $3,698 for the U.S. fleet. Installing a timer relay for 
the yaw servo hydraulic switch and an indicator light takes about 9 
work-hours and parts cost about $2,224. Replacing the ACCU TST button 
takes about 1 work-hour and parts cost about $2,244.
    Based on these figures, we estimate a total cost of $5,361 per 
helicopter and $461,046 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 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, 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 Correction

    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) 
2018-01-12, Amendment 39-19153 (83 FR 2039, January 16, 2018), and 
adding the following new AD:

2018-01-12 R1 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-19204; Docket No. 
FAA-2017-0826; Product Identifier 2016-SW-084-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model AS350B3 helicopters with a dual 
hydraulic system installed, certificated in any category.

    Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD:  The dual hydraulic system 
for Model AS350B3 helicopters is referred to as Airbus modification 
OP 3082 or OP 3346.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as lack of hydraulic 
pressure in a tail rotor (T/R) hydraulic system. This condition 
could result in loss of T/R flight control and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-01-12, Amendment 39-19153 (83 FR 2039, 
January 16, 2018).

(d) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 2, 2018.

(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, insert a copy of this AD into the 
rotorcraft flight manual, Section 4 Normal Operating Procedures, or 
make pen and ink changes to the preflight and post-flight procedures 
as follows:
    (i) Stop performing the yaw load compensator check (ACCU TST 
switch) during preflight procedures, and instead perform the yaw 
load compensator check during post-flight procedures after rotor 
shut-down.
    (ii) The yaw servo hydraulic switch (collective switch) must be 
in the ``ON'' (forward) position before takeoff.

    Note 2 to paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD:  The yaw servo 
hydraulic switch is also called the hydraulic pressure switch or 
hydraulic cut off switch in various Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft 
flight manuals.

    (2) Within 350 hours time-in-service:
    (i) Install a timer relay for the yaw servo hydraulic switch 
(collective switch) by following the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.B.2.b.1, 3.B.2.b.2, 3.B.2.b.3, 3.B.2.b.4, 3.B.2.b.5, or 
3.B.2.b.6, as applicable to the configuration of your helicopter, of 
Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin (SB) No. AS350-67.00.64, 
Revision 0, dated February 25, 2015 (AS350-67.00.64). If your 
helicopter has an automatic pilot system, also comply with paragraph 
3.B.2.b.7 of AS350-67.00.64.
    (ii) Install an indicator light on the caution and warning panel 
by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2.c.1 or 
3.B.2.c.2, as applicable to the configuration of your helicopter, of 
AS350-67.00.64.
    (iii) For helicopters with a Geneva Aviation P122 or P132 
electrical console installed, replace the ESN-11 HYD TEST (ACCU TST) 
switch with a monostable toggle switch part number MS24658-26F.
    (iv) For helicopters without a Geneva Aviation P122 or P132 
electrical console installed, replace the bistable ACCU TST button 
on the control panel with a monostable button as depicted in Figure 
1 or Figure 3, as applicable to the configuration of your 
helicopter, of Airbus Helicopters SB No. AS350-67.00.65, Revision 0, 
dated August 25, 2016.
    (3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a 
bistable ACCU TST button on any helicopter.

(g) Special Flight Permits

    A special flight permit may be issued for paragraph (f)(2) of 
this AD only.

[[Page 8929]]

(h) 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: 
George Schwab, 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.

(i) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters SB No. AS350-67.00.66, Revision 1, dated 
October 22, 2015, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 
additional information about the subject of this AD. For service 
information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 
N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or 
(800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. 
You may review a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0220, dated November 4, 2016. You 
may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2017-0826.

(j) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2910, Main 
Hydraulic System.

(k) 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 
February 20, 2018 (83 FR 2039, January 16, 2018).
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No. AS350-67.00.64, 
Revision 0, dated February 25, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Service Bulletin No. AS350-67.00.65, 
Revision 0, dated August 25, 2016.
    (4) 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.
    (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 February 16, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-03722 Filed 3-1-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


