AD NUMBER: 2018-07-01

PRODUCT: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH) Model EC 135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-16-14 for the aircraft listed above, AD 2013-16-14 required installing a washer in and modifying the main transmission filter housing upper part. Since issuing AD 2013-16-14, Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH has extended the overhaul interval for the main transmission and determined that other models may have the same unsafe condition. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2013-16- 14, adds models to the applicability, and revises the required compliance time for the modification.

DATES: This AD is effective May 3, 2018.

COST: The FAA estimates  that this AD will affect 236 helicopters of U.S. Registry. At an average labor rate of $85 per work hour, the FAA estimates that operators will incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Installing the corrugated washer requires about .5 work hour, and required parts cost about $10, for a cost per helicopter of about $53, and a cost to the U.S. operator fleet of $12,508. Machining the housing upper part requires about 5 work hours and required parts cost about $73, for a cost per helicopter of $498, and a total cost to U.S. operators of $117,528. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the total cost of this AD to be $130,036 for the U.S. operator fleet or $551 per helicopter.

According to Airbus Helicopters' service information some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected persons. The FAA does not control warranty coverage by Airbus Helicopters. Accordingly, the agency has included all costs in our cost estimate.

FMI: AD