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[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 188 (Tuesday, September 29, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58351-58354]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-24256]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0503; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-032-AD 
Amendment 39-18276; AD 2015-19-14]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(formerly Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) (Airbus Helicopters) 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 BO-105A, BO-105C,

[[Page 58352]]

and BO-105S helicopters. This AD requires inspections to detect oil 
contamination in the main gearbox (MGB). This AD was prompted by 
initial findings from an accident investigation of a Model BO-105 
helicopter, which indicated deterioration of the MGB caused by a 
contaminated oil supply. The actions of this AD are intended to detect 
oil contamination in the MGB, which could result in MGB deterioration, 
MGB failure, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective November 3, 2015.

ADDRESSES: 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.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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-2012-
0503; 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 proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office 
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed 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.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
    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, Texas 76177.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 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 EASA AD, 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: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email matthew.fuller@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On May 11, 2012, at 77 FR 27659, the Federal Register published our 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to add an AD that would apply to Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH 
(now Airbus Helicopters) Model BO-105A, BO-105C, and BO-105S 
helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the MGB oil filter 
and MGB magnetic plug and, if the MGB oil filter or magnetic plug 
contained metallic fuzz, cleaning the magnetic plug, flushing the main 
transmission, changing the oil, and performing a ground run. If there 
was a chip in the MGB oil filter or MGB magnetic plug, the NPRM 
proposed replacing the main transmission with an airworthy main 
transmission and cleaning the oil cooler and oil lines. The NPRM 
proposed repeating the MGB magnetic plug inspection every 10 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) and repeating the MGB oil filter inspection every 
100 hours TIS.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2011-0091, dated May 18, 2011, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Model BO105 A, 
BO105 C, BO105 D, and BO105S helicopters. EASA AD No. 2011-0091 
requires an inspection of the MGB magnetic plug every 10 flight hours 
and an inspection of the Mann oil filter every 100 flight hours.

Actions Since NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the NPRM, EASA superseded AD No. 2011-0091 and 
issued AD No. 2014-0230, dated October 21, 2014, to provide different 
inspection intervals if an improved Purolator oil filter is installed. 
After reviewing the EASA AD, we have determined that the actions should 
address installation of a Purolator oil filter and that the AD should 
only apply if a certain part-numbered Mann or Purolator oil filter is 
installed. The AD also increases the inspection interval if a Purolator 
oil filter is installed.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM. The 
following presents the one comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to the comment.

Request

    The commenter, Timberland Logging, requested that the wording be 
clarified so that the AD would require an inspection of the magnetic 
plug only and not the chip detector. The commenter noted that the term 
``magnetic plug/chip detector'' in the NPRM implies that the 10-hour 
inspection applies to both the magnetic plug and the chip detector. The 
commenter stated that the chip detector will activate a warning light 
on the pilot's caution panel with any accumulation of fuzz or chips.
    We agree that the wording ``magnetic plug/chip detector'' is 
confusing; therefore, we have revised the wording to remove ``chip 
detector'' and only refer to the ``magnetic plug.''

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 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 except for the changes 
previously described. These changes are consistent with the intent of 
the proposals in the NPRM, and will not increase the economic burden on 
any operator nor increase the scope of this AD.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Model BO105D helicopters; this AD does not 
because this model is not type

[[Page 58353]]

certificated in the U.S. The EASA AD allows for a grace period between 
checking the magnetic plug by +10 hours TIS. This AD does not allow the 
grace period.

Related Service Information

    Airbus Helicopters issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB 
B0105-10-125, Revision 3, dated May 27, 2014 (ASB BO105-10-125), to 
specify repetitive inspections of the magnetic plug and oil filter with 
different inspection intervals based upon what type of oil filter is 
installed. Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) Service Bulletin B0105-
10-126, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2013 (ASB B0105-10-126), introduces 
an improved oil filter, Purolator part number (P/N) 1740001-13. 
Eurocopter states that Mann oil filter P/N 6140063321 will not be 
available in the future and will be replaced by a new oil filter 
provided by Purolator. Installation of the Purolator oil filter 
increases the inspection interval of the magnetic plug from 10 flight 
hours to 50 flight hours and increases the inspection interval of the 
oil filter from 100 flight hours to 600 flight hours.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 68 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. 
We estimate 2 work hours to inspect the oil filter and chip detector at 
an estimated $170 per helicopter and $11,560 for the fleet per 
inspection cycle. We estimate 40 hours to replace a transmission with a 
required parts cost of $225,000 for a total cost of $228,400.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 proposed 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):

2015-19-14 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (formerly 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Helicopters: Amendment 39-18276; Docket 
No. FAA-2012-0503; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-032-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model BO-105A, BO-105C, and BO-105S 
helicopters with a Mann oil filter part number (P/N) 6140063321 or a 
Purolator oil filter P/N 1740001-13, installed, certificated in any 
category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as deterioration of the 
main gearbox (MGB) caused by oil contamination. This condition could 
result in MGB failure and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective November 3, 2015.

(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 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next MGB 
magnetic plug or chip detector inspection, whichever occurs first, 
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS if a Mann 
oil filter is installed or 600 hours TIS if a Purolator oil filter 
is installed, clean and inspect the MGB oil filter for chips and the 
MGB magnetic plug for fine particles (metallic fuzz) or chips. A 
``chip'' is a solid piece of metal but not metallic fuzz.
    (i) If there are no chips on the MGB oil filter or on the 
magnetic plug, and the metallic fuzz covers less than 25% of the 
magnetic plug, clean the magnetic plug.
    (ii) If there are no chips on the MBG oil filter or on the 
magnetic plug, but the metallic fuzz covers 25% or more of the 
magnetic plug, flush the main transmission, change the oil, perform 
a ground run for 15 minutes at the flight-idle power setting, and 
then re-inspect the MGB oil filter and magnetic plug for a chip and 
the quantity of metallic fuzz on the metallic plug.
    (iii) If there is a chip on the MGB oil filter or on the 
magnetic plug, or, after complying with paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this 
AD, metallic fuzz covers 25% or more of the magnetic plug, replace 
the main transmission with an airworthy main transmission and clean 
the oil cooler and oil lines.
    (2) At intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS if a Mann oil filter 
is installed and 50 hours TIS if a Purolator oil filter, inspect the 
magnetic plug for a chip or metallic fuzz in accordance with the 
requirements of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
    (3) If a Purolator oil filter has been installed on a 
helicopter, do not install a Mann oil filter on that helicopter.

(f) Special Flight Permit

    A special flight permit will be permitted for up to 10 hours TIS 
for the purpose of operating the aircraft to a maintenance facility 
only.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 
222-5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under

[[Page 58354]]

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 No. ASB BO105-10-
125, Revision 3, dated May 27, 2014, and Eurocopter Service Bulletin 
B0105-10-126, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2013, which are not 
incorporated by reference, contain 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.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.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, Texas 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2014-0230, dated October 21, 2014. You may 
view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2012-0503.

 (i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320 Main Gear 
Box.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 17, 2015.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-24256 Filed 9-28-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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