80_FR_40074 80 FR 39941 - Airworthiness Directives; Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) Helicopters

80 FR 39941 - Airworthiness Directives; Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 133 (July 13, 2015)

Page Range39941-39943
FR Document2015-16939

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Kaman Model K-1200 helicopters with certain main rotor blades (MRB) installed. This AD requires inspecting each MRB for a crack or damage. This AD was prompted by a report that a crack was found on an MRB during a tear-down inspection. The actions are intended to detect a crack in the MRB, which could lead to failure of the MRB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 133 (Monday, July 13, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 133 (Monday, July 13, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39941-39943]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-16939]



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                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 133 / Monday, July 13, 2015 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 39941]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0758; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-062-AD; 
Amendment 39-18202; AD 2015-14-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Kaman 
Model K-1200 helicopters with certain main rotor blades (MRB) 
installed. This AD requires inspecting each MRB for a crack or damage. 
This AD was prompted by a report that a crack was found on an MRB 
during a tear-down inspection. The actions are intended to detect a 
crack in the MRB, which could lead to failure of the MRB and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective August 17, 2015.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Kaman 
Aerospace Corporation, Old Windsor Rd., P.O. Box 2, Bloomfield, 
Connecticut 06002-0002; telephone (860) 242-4461; fax (860) 243-7047; 
or at http://www.kamanaero.com. You may review a copy of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 
76137.

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 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: Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 
01803; telephone (781) 238-7763; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On October 3, 2014, at 79 FR 59697, 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 Kaman Model K-1200 
helicopters with certain part-numbered MRBs installed. The NPRM 
proposed to require performing repetitive X-Ray and visual inspections 
of each wooden MRB for a crack, wood split, void, or delamination at 
intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours time-in-service (TIS). If there is 
a crack, wood split, void, or delamination, the NPRM proposed to 
require repairing or replacing the MRB before further flight. The NPRM 
also proposed accomplishing the required inspections and repairs by a 
method approved by the Manager of the Boston Aircraft Certification 
Office.
    The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks found in the MRB spar 
during X-ray and teardown inspections with the MRB removed from the 
helicopter. The proposed requirements were intended to detect a crack 
in the MRB, which could lead to failure of the MRB and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter.
    Since we issued the NPRM, we discovered a typographical error in 
paragraph (a) of this AD, where we incorrectly stated the design 
approval holder's name as Kaman Aerospace Incorporated instead of Kaman 
Aerospace Corporation, as specified by the current FAA type 
certificate. We have corrected this error.

Comments

    After our NPRM (79 FR 59697, October 3, 2014), was published, we 
received comments from one commenter.

Request

    Kaman suggested, without explanation, clarifying the description of 
the cost to replace an MRB set in the Cost of Compliance section by 
adding the word ``non-repairable'' before ``MRB set.''
    We disagree. Operators may elect to replace a repairable MRB set 
instead of having the MRBs repaired. The ability to repair a MRB set 
does not change the cost of replacement.
    Kaman also suggested, without explanation, changing the compliance 
time in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD to state, ``When the MRB reaches 
3,000 hours TIS and before it reaches 3,050 hours TIS . . .''
    We disagree. This AD requires an initial inspection before 3,000 
hours TIS but allows an additional 50 hours TIS for any MRBs that have 
already accumulated 3,000 hours TIS as of the effective date of this 
AD. The suggested language would change two requirements. First, it 
would allow the additional 50 hours TIS for all affected helicopters 
and is inconsistent with Kaman's service information. Second, it would 
prohibit blades to be inspected before they accumulate 3,000 hours.

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information, considered the comments 
received, and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs and 
that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD 
requirements as proposed with minor editorial change described 
previously. This change is consistent with the intent of the proposals 
in the NPRM (79 FR 59697, October 3, 2014) and will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Kaman Maintenance Manual 04-00-00, Continued 
Airworthiness, Revision 31, dated August 1, 2013, which establishes the 
airworthiness limitations for the Model K-1200 helicopter. The 
airworthiness

[[Page 39942]]

limitations establish an MRB life limit of 8,000 hours TIS and also 
establish a recurring 1,000 hour Rotor Blade Spar Inspection for each 
MRB with 3,000 or more hours TIS.
    We also reviewed Kaman Maintenance Manual 05-20-06, 1,000 Hour 
Rotor Blade Spar Inspection, Revision 31, dated August 1, 2013, which 
specifies returning each MRB to Kaman every 1,000 hours for inspection 
after the MRB accumulates 3,000 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 11 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in 
order to comply with this AD. At an average labor cost of $85 per work-
hour, inspecting each matched pair of main rotor blades requires about 
160 work-hours and required parts cost about $2,000, for a cost per MRB 
set of $15,600 and a cost per helicopter of $31,200 per inspection 
cycle. If required, repairing a cracked MRB requires about 335 work-
hours and required parts cost about $15,000, for a cost per MRB of 
$43,475. Replacing an MRB set requires about 4 work-hours, and required 
parts cost about $495,000, for a cost per helicopter of $495,340.

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

    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):

2015-14-04 Kaman Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-18202; Docket 
No. FAA-2014-0758; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-062-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) Model K-
1200 helicopters with a main rotor blade (MRB) part number K911001-
009, K911001-010, K911001-109, or K911001-110 installed, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in an MRB, which 
could lead to failure of the MRB and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective August 17, 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) Before the MRB reaches 3,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 
within 50 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at 
intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours TIS:
    (i) X-Ray inspect each MRB between station (STA) 30 and 289 for 
a crack, a wood split, a void, and delamination.
    (ii) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect each 
spar plank between STA 33 and STA 78 for a wood split or a crack, 
and inspect each spar plank to plank glueline for a void or 
delamination.
    (2) If there is a crack, wood split, void, or delamination 
within maximum repair damage limits in an MRB, before further 
flight, repair the MRB. If there is a crack, wood split, void, or 
delamination exceeding maximum repair damage limits in an MRB, 
before further flight, replace the MRB with an airworthy MRB.
    (3) Each inspection and repair procedure required for compliance 
with Paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD must be accomplished by 
a method approved by the Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO). For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, 
Boston ACO, as required by this AD, the Manager's approval letter 
must specifically refer to this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Nicholas Faust, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7763; 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.

(g) Additional Information

    Kaman Aerospace Corporation Maintenance Manual 04-00-00, 
Continued Airworthiness, Revision 31, dated August 1, 2013, and 
Kaman Aerospace Corporation Maintenance Manual 05-20-06, 1,000 Hour 
Rotor Blade Spar Inspection, Revision 31, dated August 1, 2013, 
which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional 
information about the subject of this AD. For service information 
identified in this AD, contact Kaman Aerospace Corporation, Old 
Windsor Rd., P.O. Box 2, Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002-0002; 
telephone (860) 242-4461; fax (860) 243-7047; or at http://www.kamanaero.com. You may review a copy of this service information 
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210, Main Rotor 
MRB.


[[Page 39943]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 29, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-16939 Filed 7-10-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                                                                                                                                               39941

                                              Rules and Regulations                                                                                          Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                             Vol. 80, No. 133

                                                                                                                                                             Monday, July 13, 2015



                                              This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                     a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through                       Comments
                                              contains regulatory documents having general             Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
                                              applicability and legal effect, most of which
                                                                                                                                                               After our NPRM (79 FR 59697,
                                                                                                       docket contains this AD, the economic                 October 3, 2014), was published, we
                                              are keyed to and codified in the Code of                 evaluation, any comments received, and
                                              Federal Regulations, which is published under                                                                  received comments from one
                                                                                                       other information. The street address for             commenter.
                                              50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
                                                                                                       the Docket Operations Office (phone:
                                              The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by               800–647–5527) is U.S. Department of                   Request
                                              the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of               Transportation, Docket Operations                        Kaman suggested, without
                                              new books are listed in the first FEDERAL                Office, M–30, West Building Ground                    explanation, clarifying the description
                                              REGISTER issue of each week.                             Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey                  of the cost to replace an MRB set in the
                                                                                                       Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.                     Cost of Compliance section by adding
                                                                                                       FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      the word ‘‘non-repairable’’ before ‘‘MRB
                                              DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                       Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety                       set.’’
                                              Federal Aviation Administration                          Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification                  We disagree. Operators may elect to
                                                                                                       Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate,               replace a repairable MRB set instead of
                                              14 CFR Part 39                                           12 New England Executive Park,                        having the MRBs repaired. The ability to
                                                                                                       Burlington, Massachusetts 01803;                      repair a MRB set does not change the
                                              [Docket No. FAA–2014–0758; Directorate                   telephone (781) 238–7763; email                       cost of replacement.
                                              Identifier 2013–SW–062–AD; Amendment                     nicholas.faust@faa.gov.                                  Kaman also suggested, without
                                              39–18202; AD 2015–14–04]                                                                                       explanation, changing the compliance
                                                                                                       SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                              RIN 2120–AA64                                                                                                  time in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD to
                                                                                                       Discussion                                            state, ‘‘When the MRB reaches 3,000
                                              Airworthiness Directives; Kaman                                                                                hours TIS and before it reaches 3,050
                                              Aerospace Corporation (Kaman)                              On October 3, 2014, at 79 FR 59697,
                                                                                                                                                             hours TIS . . .’’
                                              Helicopters                                              the Federal Register published our
                                                                                                                                                                We disagree. This AD requires an
                                                                                                       notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM),
                                                                                                                                                             initial inspection before 3,000 hours TIS
                                              AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                which proposed to amend 14 CFR part
                                                                                                                                                             but allows an additional 50 hours TIS
                                              Administration (FAA), DOT.                               39 by adding an AD that would apply
                                                                                                                                                             for any MRBs that have already
                                              ACTION: Final rule.                                      to Kaman Model K–1200 helicopters
                                                                                                                                                             accumulated 3,000 hours TIS as of the
                                                                                                       with certain part-numbered MRBs
                                                                                                                                                             effective date of this AD. The suggested
                                              SUMMARY:    We are adopting a new                        installed. The NPRM proposed to
                                                                                                                                                             language would change two
                                              airworthiness directive (AD) for Kaman                   require performing repetitive X-Ray and
                                                                                                                                                             requirements. First, it would allow the
                                              Model K–1200 helicopters with certain                    visual inspections of each wooden MRB
                                                                                                                                                             additional 50 hours TIS for all affected
                                              main rotor blades (MRB) installed. This                  for a crack, wood split, void, or
                                                                                                                                                             helicopters and is inconsistent with
                                              AD requires inspecting each MRB for a                    delamination at intervals not exceeding
                                                                                                                                                             Kaman’s service information. Second, it
                                              crack or damage. This AD was prompted                    1,000 hours time-in-service (TIS). If
                                                                                                                                                             would prohibit blades to be inspected
                                              by a report that a crack was found on                    there is a crack, wood split, void, or
                                                                                                                                                             before they accumulate 3,000 hours.
                                              an MRB during a tear-down inspection.                    delamination, the NPRM proposed to
                                              The actions are intended to detect a                     require repairing or replacing the MRB                FAA’s Determination
                                              crack in the MRB, which could lead to                    before further flight. The NPRM also                    We have reviewed the relevant
                                              failure of the MRB and subsequent loss                   proposed accomplishing the required                   information, considered the comments
                                              of control of the helicopter.                            inspections and repairs by a method                   received, and determined that an unsafe
                                              DATES: This AD is effective August 17,                   approved by the Manager of the Boston                 condition exists and is likely to exist or
                                              2015.                                                    Aircraft Certification Office.                        develop on other products of these same
                                              ADDRESSES: For service information                         The NPRM was prompted by reports                    type designs and that air safety and the
                                              identified in this AD, contact Kaman                     of cracks found in the MRB spar during                public interest require adopting the AD
                                              Aerospace Corporation, Old Windsor                       X-ray and teardown inspections with                   requirements as proposed with minor
                                              Rd., P.O. Box 2, Bloomfield,                             the MRB removed from the helicopter.                  editorial change described previously.
                                              Connecticut 06002–0002; telephone                        The proposed requirements were                        This change is consistent with the intent
                                              (860) 242–4461; fax (860) 243–7047; or                   intended to detect a crack in the MRB,                of the proposals in the NPRM (79 FR
                                              at http://www.kamanaero.com. You may                     which could lead to failure of the MRB                59697, October 3, 2014) and will not
                                              review a copy of the referenced service                  and subsequent loss of control of the                 increase the economic burden on any
                                              information at the FAA, Office of the                    helicopter.                                           operator nor increase the scope of the
                                              Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,                        Since we issued the NPRM, we                        AD.
                                              2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort                       discovered a typographical error in
                                                                                                                                                             Related Service Information
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                              Worth, Texas 76137.                                      paragraph (a) of this AD, where we
                                                                                                       incorrectly stated the design approval                  We reviewed Kaman Maintenance
                                              Examining the AD Docket                                  holder’s name as Kaman Aerospace                      Manual 04–00–00, Continued
                                                You may examine the AD docket on                       Incorporated instead of Kaman                         Airworthiness, Revision 31, dated
                                              the Internet at http://                                  Aerospace Corporation, as specified by                August 1, 2013, which establishes the
                                              www.regulations.gov or in person at the                  the current FAA type certificate. We                  airworthiness limitations for the Model
                                              Docket Operations Office between 9                       have corrected this error.                            K–1200 helicopter. The airworthiness


                                         VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:02 Jul 10, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00001   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\13JYR1.SGM   13JYR1


                                              39942               Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 133 / Monday, July 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                              limitations establish an MRB life limit                    For the reasons discussed above, I                   whichever occurs later, and thereafter at
                                              of 8,000 hours TIS and also establish a                  certify that this AD:                                  intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours TIS:
                                              recurring 1,000 hour Rotor Blade Spar                      (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                   (i) X-Ray inspect each MRB between
                                              Inspection for each MRB with 3,000 or                    action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                  station (STA) 30 and 289 for a crack, a wood
                                              more hours TIS.                                            (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under              split, a void, and delamination.
                                                 We also reviewed Kaman                                DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                    (ii) Using a 10X or higher power
                                              Maintenance Manual 05–20–06, 1,000                       (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                      magnifying glass, inspect each spar plank
                                              Hour Rotor Blade Spar Inspection,                          (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation              between STA 33 and STA 78 for a wood split
                                              Revision 31, dated August 1, 2013,                       in Alaska to the extent that it justifies              or a crack, and inspect each spar plank to
                                                                                                       making a regulatory distinction; and                   plank glueline for a void or delamination.
                                              which specifies returning each MRB to
                                                                                                         (4) Will not have a significant                         (2) If there is a crack, wood split, void, or
                                              Kaman every 1,000 hours for inspection                                                                          delamination within maximum repair
                                              after the MRB accumulates 3,000 hours                    economic impact, positive or negative,
                                                                                                                                                              damage limits in an MRB, before further
                                              TIS.                                                     on a substantial number of small entities
                                                                                                                                                              flight, repair the MRB. If there is a crack,
                                                                                                       under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                              Costs of Compliance                                                                                             wood split, void, or delamination exceeding
                                                                                                       Flexibility Act.                                       maximum repair damage limits in an MRB,
                                                We estimate that this AD will affect                     We prepared an economic evaluation                   before further flight, replace the MRB with an
                                              11 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We                      of the estimated costs to comply with                  airworthy MRB.
                                              estimate that operators may incur the                    this AD and placed it in the AD docket.                   (3) Each inspection and repair procedure
                                              following costs in order to comply with                  List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                     required for compliance with Paragraphs
                                              this AD. At an average labor cost of $85                                                                        (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD must be
                                              per work-hour, inspecting each matched                     Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation               accomplished by a method approved by the
                                              pair of main rotor blades requires about                 safety, Incorporation by reference,                    Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office
                                              160 work-hours and required parts cost                   Safety.                                                (ACO). For a repair method to be approved
                                              about $2,000, for a cost per MRB set of                  Adoption of the Amendment                              by the Manager, Boston ACO, as required by
                                              $15,600 and a cost per helicopter of                                                                            this AD, the Manager’s approval letter must
                                                                                                         Accordingly, under the authority                     specifically refer to this AD.
                                              $31,200 per inspection cycle. If
                                                                                                       delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                              required, repairing a cracked MRB                                                                               (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                                                                       the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
                                              requires about 335 work-hours and                                                                               (AMOCs)
                                                                                                       follows:
                                              required parts cost about $15,000, for a                                                                          (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft
                                              cost per MRB of $43,475. Replacing an                    PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                  Certification Office, FAA, may approve
                                              MRB set requires about 4 work-hours,                     DIRECTIVES                                             AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to:
                                              and required parts cost about $495,000,                                                                         Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety Engineer,
                                              for a cost per helicopter of $495,340.                   ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine &
                                                                                                       continues to read as follows:                          Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
                                              Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                                                                            Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.        Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts
                                                 Title 49 of the United States Code                                                                           01803; telephone (781) 238–7763; email
                                              specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                   § 39.13    [Amended]                                   nicholas.faust@faa.gov.
                                              rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                    ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                    (2) For operations conducted under a 14
                                              section 106, describes the authority of                                                                         CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
                                                                                                       the following new airworthiness
                                              the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:                                                                            14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
                                                                                                       directive (AD):                                        you notify your principal inspector, or
                                              Aviation Programs, describes in more
                                              detail the scope of the Agency’s                         2015–14–04 Kaman Aerospace                             lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
                                                                                                           Corporation: Amendment 39–18202;                   the local flight standards district office or
                                              authority.                                                   Docket No. FAA–2014–0758; Directorate
                                                 We are issuing this rulemaking under                                                                         certificate holding district office before
                                                                                                           Identifier 2013–SW–062–AD.                         operating any aircraft complying with this
                                              the authority described in Subtitle VII,
                                                                                                       (a) Applicability                                      AD through an AMOC.
                                              Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                              ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                       This AD applies to Kaman Aerospace                   (g) Additional Information
                                              section, Congress charges the FAA with                   Corporation (Kaman) Model K–1200
                                                                                                                                                                Kaman Aerospace Corporation
                                              promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in               helicopters with a main rotor blade (MRB)
                                                                                                                                                              Maintenance Manual 04–00–00, Continued
                                              air commerce by prescribing regulations                  part number K911001–009, K911001–010,
                                                                                                       K911001–109, or K911001–110 installed,                 Airworthiness, Revision 31, dated August 1,
                                              for practices, methods, and procedures                   certificated in any category.                          2013, and Kaman Aerospace Corporation
                                              the Administrator finds necessary for                                                                           Maintenance Manual 05–20–06, 1,000 Hour
                                              safety in air commerce. This regulation                  (b) Unsafe Condition                                   Rotor Blade Spar Inspection, Revision 31,
                                              is within the scope of that authority                      This AD defines the unsafe condition as a            dated August 1, 2013, which are not
                                              because it addresses an unsafe condition                 crack in an MRB, which could lead to failure           incorporated by reference, contain additional
                                              that is likely to exist or develop on                    of the MRB and subsequent loss of control of           information about the subject of this AD. For
                                              products identified in this rulemaking                   the helicopter.                                        service information identified in this AD,
                                              action.                                                  (c) Effective Date                                     contact Kaman Aerospace Corporation, Old
                                                                                                                                                              Windsor Rd., P.O. Box 2, Bloomfield,
                                              Regulatory Findings                                         This AD becomes effective August 17,                Connecticut 06002–0002; telephone (860)
                                                                                                       2015.                                                  242–4461; fax (860) 243–7047; or at http://
                                                This AD will not have federalism
                                              implications under Executive Order                       (d) Compliance                                         www.kamanaero.com. You may review a
                                                                                                                                                              copy of this service information at the FAA,
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                              13132. This AD will not have a                             You are responsible for performing each
                                                                                                       action required by this AD within the                  Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
                                              substantial direct effect on the States, on                                                                     Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort
                                              the relationship between the national                    specified compliance time unless it has
                                                                                                       already been accomplished prior to that time.          Worth, Texas 76137.
                                              government and the States, or on the
                                              distribution of power and                                (e) Required Actions                                   (h) Subject
                                              responsibilities among the various                          (1) Before the MRB reaches 3,000 hours                Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
                                              levels of government.                                    time-in-service (TIS) or within 50 hours TIS,          Code: 6210, Main Rotor MRB.



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                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 133 / Monday, July 13, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                          39943

                                                Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 29,               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      with 14 CFR 21.41, the Operating
                                              2015.                                                    Steven C. Fox, Senior Aerospace                       Limitations are part of the airplane type
                                              Lance T. Gant,                                           Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S,                  certificate and, therefore, can be
                                              Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft                   FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification                   modified only by changing that
                                              Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.             Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,                   certificate; that is, by obtaining an
                                              [FR Doc. 2015–16939 Filed 7–10–15; 8:45 am]              Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–                    amended or supplemental type
                                              BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                   917–6425; fax: 425–917–6590; email:                   certificate. Revisions to the AFM are
                                                                                                       steven.fox@faa.gov.                                   approved as AFM supplements, and the
                                                                                                       SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            approval is based on a finding that, with
                                              DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                                                                                   the AFM revisions, the airplane
                                                                                                       Discussion
                                                                                                                                                             continues to meet the applicable
                                              Federal Aviation Administration                             The FAA issued a notice of proposed                airworthiness standards. Operators are
                                                                                                       rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR                     required to comply with the Operating
                                              14 CFR Part 39                                           part 39 by adding an AD that would                    Limitations by 14 CFR 91.9(a).
                                              [Docket No. FAA–2014–0780; Directorate                   apply to The Boeing Company Model                        The FAA has become aware that some
                                              Identifier 2014–NM–168–AD; Amendment                     747 airplanes equipped with an                        operators, both domestic and foreign,
                                              39–18207; AD 2015–14–09]                                 MDSCD. The NPRM published in the                      are not loading these containers in the
                                              RIN 2120–AA64
                                                                                                       Federal Register on December 1, 2014                  center of the airplane, but rather in the
                                                                                                       (79 FR 71037). The NPRM was                           standard left and right pallet positions.
                                              Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing                     prompted by recent testing, which                     When loaded in this manner, the 8-foot,
                                              Company Airplanes                                        indicates that intermodal containers,                 6-inch, height of the intermodal
                                                                                                       when loaded as cargo, under certain                   container interferes with the fuselage, so
                                              AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                flight-load conditions, can shift and
                                              Administration (FAA), DOT.                                                                                     some operators have been transporting
                                                                                                       impact the adjacent fuselage frames. The              these intermodal containers shifted
                                              ACTION: Final rule.                                      NPRM proposed to require revising the                 inboard, off of the FAA-approved TSO
                                                                                                       AFM to incorporate limitations for                    pallets, and attached to the pallet only
                                              SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new                         carrying certain payloads. We are
                                              airworthiness directive (AD) for The                                                                           with a net and/or straps. This method of
                                                                                                       issuing this AD to prevent intermodal                 transport is referred to as the ‘‘offset
                                              Boeing Company Model 747 airplanes                       containers loaded in the offset method
                                              equipped with a main deck side cargo                                                                           method.’’ The practice of offsetting the
                                                                                                       from shifting during flight gust loads                intermodal containers results in the
                                              door (MDSCD). This AD was prompted                       and damaging fuselage frames, which
                                              by recent testing that indicates that                                                                          certified pallet-net combination having
                                                                                                       could lead to the structural failure of the           slack in the net by the amount of the
                                              intermodal containers, when loaded as                    aft fuselage in flight and subsequent in-
                                              cargo, under certain flight-load                                                                               offset. FAA observations have found the
                                                                                                       flight breakup of the airplane.
                                              conditions, can shift and impact the                                                                           offset for intermodal containers is as
                                              adjacent fuselage frames. This AD                        Background                                            much as 9 inches, with the
                                              requires revising the airplane flight                       Intermodal containers are common in                corresponding 9 inches of slack in the
                                              manual (AFM) to incorporate                              the cargo shipping industry and                       TSO pallet net.
                                              limitations for carrying certain                         transported by ships, trains, and trucks.                Although additional cargo straps have
                                              payloads. We are issuing this AD to                      The focus of this final rule is an                    been used to restrain the intermodal
                                              prevent intermodal containers loaded in                  intermodal container that is nominally                containers to the pallets, the FAA
                                              the offset method from shifting during                   20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet               determined that these straps are not
                                              flight gust loads and damaging fuselage                  tall. This nominally sized intermodal                 effective, and the intermodal container
                                              frames, which could lead to the                          container includes the dimensions of an               can shift in flight. In 2013, a U.S. cargo
                                              structural failure of the aft fuselage in                International Organization for                        operator requested permission from the
                                              flight and subsequent in-flight breakup                  Standardization (ISO) container ISO                   FAA to carry intermodal containers on
                                              of the airplane.                                         668–1CC. Because the intermodal                       Boeing Model 747 airplanes using the
                                              DATES: This AD is effective August 17,                   containers themselves do not meet the                 offset method—similar to procedures
                                              2015.                                                    requirements of FAA Technical                         used by other U.S. and non-U.S. air
                                                                                                       Standard Order TSO–C90D, ‘‘Cargo                      carriers. Based on the FAA’s review of
                                              Examining the AD Docket                                  Pallets, Nets and Containers (Unit Load               the offset method, it denied the
                                                You may examine the AD docket on                       Devices),’’ the lower surface on these                operator’s request.
                                              the Internet at http://                                  intermodal containers is incompatible                 Industry Testing of the Offset Method
                                              www.regulations.gov by searching for                     with most airplane cargo-loading
                                              and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–                        systems (CLSs). These intermodal                        In March 2014, some U.S. cargo
                                              0780; or in person at the Docket                         containers, however, can be                           operators and Boeing conducted a series
                                              Management Facility between 9 a.m.                       concentrically loaded on an FAA-                      of full-scale tests, witnessed by the
                                              and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                       approved TSO–C90D pallet with a                       FAA, to demonstrate that carrying
                                              except Federal holidays. The AD docket                   certified net combination and loaded in               intermodal containers by the offset
                                              contains this AD, the regulatory                         the center of the airplane, restrained by             method could be shown safe and
                                              evaluation, any comments received, and                   the CLS or a series of straps connected               compliant to the applicable regulations.
                                              other information. The address for the                   to the aircraft structure in accordance               The test procedures were developed by
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                              Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is                   with the airplane’s FAA-approved                      engineers from Boeing and some U.S.
                                              Docket Management Facility, U.S.                         Weight and Balance Manual (WBM)                       cargo operators, and were intended to
                                              Department of Transportation, Docket                     procedures for cargo that is not a Unit               show compliance for flight loads on
                                              Operations, M–30, West Building                          Load Device (ULD).                                    Model 747 airplanes only. The results
                                              Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                            The WBM is part of the Operating                   produced CLS failures and excessive
                                              New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                       Limitations section of the Airplane                   deflections. The preliminary test results
                                              DC 20590.                                                Flight Manual (AFM). In accordance                    confirmed the FAA’s safety concerns.


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Document Created: 2018-02-23 09:17:35
Document Modified: 2018-02-23 09:17:35
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective August 17, 2015.
ContactNicholas Faust, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7763; email [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 39941 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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