81_FR_27144 81 FR 27057 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

81 FR 27057 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 87 (May 5, 2016)

Page Range27057-27059
FR Document2016-10285

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117A-3, MBB-BK 117A-4, MBB-BK 117B-1, MBB-BK 117B-2, and MBB-BK 117C-1 helicopters. This proposed AD would require removing adhesive seals from the exterior and interior door jettisoning system on the left and right sliding doors. This proposed AD is prompted by reports that the adhesive seal prevented the doors from jettisoning properly. The proposed actions are intended to remove the adhesive seal to allow the doors to jettison properly so occupants can exit the helicopter during an emergency.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 5, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 87 (Thursday, May 5, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27057-27059]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-10285]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3941; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-052-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 
117A-3, MBB-BK 117A-4, MBB-BK 117B-1, MBB-BK 117B-2, and MBB-BK 117C-1 
helicopters. This proposed AD would require removing adhesive seals 
from the exterior and interior door jettisoning system on the left and 
right sliding doors. This proposed AD is prompted by reports that the 
adhesive seal prevented the doors from jettisoning properly. The 
proposed actions are intended to remove the adhesive seal to allow the 
doors to jettison properly so occupants can exit the helicopter during 
an emergency.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 5, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     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-2015-
3941; 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,

[[Page 27058]]

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 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.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, TX 
76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the aviation authority for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015-0163, dated August 6, 2015, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model MBB-BK 
117A-3, MBB-BK 117A-4, MBB-BK 117B-1, MBB-BK 117B-2, and MBB-BK 117C-1 
helicopters. EASA advises that difficulties were reported regarding the 
jettisoning of doors. The malfunction was caused by the adhesive seal, 
which hampered the free movement of the inner handle. According to 
EASA, a subsequent investigation showed that the adhesive seal has 
mechanical and physical properties that do not meet relevant 
certification requirements. EASA states that this condition, if not 
detected and corrected, could lead to a malfunction of the door's 
jettisoning mechanism, reducing or preventing the evacuation of the 
helicopter during an emergency, possibly resulting in injury to 
occupants. To address this condition, the EASA AD requires inspecting 
the exterior and interior door jettisoning system on the left and right 
sliding doors for adhesive seal part number (P/N) 117-800201.01 and 
removing any adhesive seals that are installed.

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 
its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known 
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117-
20A-114, Revision 1, dated July 30, 2015 (ASB) for Model MBB-BK 117A-3, 
MBB-BK 117A-4, MBB-BK 117B-1, MBB-BK 117B-2, and MBB-BK 117C-1 
helicopters. The ASB reports that the proper functioning of the sliding 
door jettison system is hampered by an adhesive seal. The seal was not 
manufactured correctly, and therefore did not perform as the test seal 
did during door jettisoning tests. The ASB calls for removing any 
adhesive seals on the exterior and interior door jettison system and 
discarding any adhesive seals that have not yet been installed.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 25 hours time-in-service, 
removing the adhesive seal from the interior and exterior of each door. 
This proposed AD would also prohibit installing adhesive seal P/N 117-
800201.01 on any helicopter sliding door.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires removing adhesive seal, P/N 117-800201.01, 
within 30 days. The proposed AD would require removing the adhesive 
seal within 25 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 69 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs would average $85 per work-hour. 
Based on these estimates, we expect that removing the adhesive seals 
would require a half work-hour for a labor cost of about $43 per 
helicopter. No parts would be needed, so the cost for the U.S. fleet 
would total $2,967.

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);

[[Page 27059]]

    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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2015-3941; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-052-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus 
Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117A-3, MBB-BK 117A-4, MBB-BK 117B-1, MBB-
BK 117B-2, and MBB-BK 117C-1 helicopters with an adhesive seal part 
number (P/N) 117-800201.01 installed on an exterior or interior 
sliding door, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition the presence of sealant on 
a sliding door (door). This condition could result in the door 
failing to jettison, preventing helicopter occupants from exiting 
the helicopter during an emergency.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 5, 2016.

(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 25 hours time-in-service, remove adhesive seal P/N 
117-800201.01 from the interior and exterior of each door. The areas 
where the seal is installed are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 of 
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117-20A-114, 
Revision 1, dated July 30, 2015.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install adhesive 
seal P/N 117-800201.01 on any helicopter sliding door.

(f) 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, 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.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0163, dated August 6, 2015. You may view 
the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in the AD 
Docket.

 (h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5220, Emergency 
Exits.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 19, 2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-10285 Filed 5-4-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 87 / Thursday, May 5, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                           27057

                                                  (i) Visually inspect the exposed areas of the        are no edge voids and no cracks, refinish the         DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                               lower grip pad and upper and lower grip                 sanded area.
                                               plates of each M/R blade for a crack and any              (viii) If any parent material is removed            Federal Aviation Administration
                                               corrosion.                                              during any sanding or trimming in
                                                  (ii) On the upper and lower exposed                  paragraphs (f)(2)(vi) or (f)(2)(vii) of this AD,
                                               surfaces of each M/R blade from blade
                                                                                                                                                             14 CFR Part 39
                                                                                                       repair the M/R blade if the damage is within
                                               stations 24.5 to 35 for the chord width,                                                                      [Docket No. FAA–2015–3941; Directorate
                                               visually inspect each layered doubler and               maximum repair damage limits, or replace
                                                                                                                                                             Identifier 2015–SW–052–AD]
                                               blade skin for a crack and any corrosion. Pay           the M/R blade with an airworthy M/R blade.
                                               particular attention for any cracking in a                                                                    RIN 2120–AA64
                                                                                                       (g) Special Flight Permit
                                               doubler or skin near or at the same blade
                                               station as the blade retention bolt hole (blade           Special flight permits are prohibited.              Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
                                               station 28).                                                                                                  Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
                                                                                                       (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                  (iii) Visually inspect the exposed areas of                                                                Helicopters
                                                                                                       (AMOCs)
                                               each bond line at the edges of the lower grip
                                               pad, upper and lower grip plates, and each                (1) The Manager, Fort Worth Aircraft                AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                               layered doubler (bond lines) on the upper               Certification Office, FAA, may approve                Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                               and lower surfaces of each M/R blade for the            AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to:             ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                               entire length and chord width for an edge               Charles Harrison, Project Manager, Fort               (NPRM).
                                               void, any corrosion, loose or damaged                   Worth Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
                                               adhesive squeeze-out, and an edge                                                                             SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new
                                                                                                       10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX
                                               delamination. Pay particular attention to any                                                                 airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
                                               crack in the paint finish that follows the              76177; telephone (817) 222–5140; email 7-
                                               outline of a grip pad, grip plate, or doubler,          AVS-ASW-170@faa.gov.                                  Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus
                                               and to any loose or damaged adhesive                      (2) For operations conducted under a 14             Helicopters) Model MBB–BK 117A–3,
                                               squeeze-out, as these may be the indication             CFR part 119 operating certificate or under           MBB–BK 117A–4, MBB–BK 117B–1,
                                               of an edge void.                                        14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that            MBB–BK 117B–2, and MBB–BK 117C–
                                                  (2) If there is a crack, any corrosion, an           you notify your principal inspector, or               1 helicopters. This proposed AD would
                                               edge void, loose or damaged adhesive                    lacking a principal inspector, the manager of         require removing adhesive seals from
                                               squeeze-out, or an edge delamination during             the local flight standards district office or         the exterior and interior door jettisoning
                                               any inspection in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD,          certificate holding district office before            system on the left and right sliding
                                               before further flight, do the following:                operating any aircraft complying with this            doors. This proposed AD is prompted
                                                  (i) If there is a crack in a grip pad or any
                                                                                                       AD through an AMOC.                                   by reports that the adhesive seal
                                               grip plate or doubler, replace the M/R blade
                                               with an airworthy M/R blade.                            (i) Additional Information
                                                                                                                                                             prevented the doors from jettisoning
                                                  (ii) If there is a crack in the M/R blade skin                                                             properly. The proposed actions are
                                                                                                         Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin              intended to remove the adhesive seal to
                                               that is within maximum repair damage
                                               limits, repair the M/R blade. If the crack              (ASB) No. UH–1H–13–09, dated January 14,              allow the doors to jettison properly so
                                               exceeds maximum repair damage limits,                   2013, and ASB No. 204–75–1 and ASB No.                occupants can exit the helicopter during
                                               replace the M/R blade with an airworthy M/              205–75–5, both Revision C and both dated              an emergency.
                                               R blade.                                                April 25, 1979, which are not incorporated
                                                                                                                                                             DATES: We must receive comments on
                                                  (iii) If there is any corrosion within               by reference, contain additional information
                                               maximum repair damage limits, repair the M/             about the subject of this AD. For service             this proposed AD by July 5, 2016.
                                               R blade. If the corrosion exceeds maximum               information identified in this AD, contact            ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
                                               repair damage limits, replace the M/R blade             Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482,          any of the following methods:
                                               with an airworthy M/R blade.                            Fort Worth, TX 76101; telephone (817) 280–               • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
                                                  (iv) If there is an edge void in the grip pad        3391; fax (817) 280–6466; or at http://               http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                               or in a grip plate or doubler, determine the                                                                  online instructions for sending your
                                                                                                       www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may
                                               length and depth using a feeler gauge. Repair
                                                                                                       review the service information at the FAA,            comments electronically.
                                               the M/R blade if the edge void is within
                                               maximum repair damage limits, or replace                Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest                • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                               the M/R blade with an airworthy M/R blade.              Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–                    • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
                                                  (v) If there is an edge void in a grip plate         321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.                            Department of Transportation, Docket
                                               or doubler near the outboard tip, tap inspect                                                                 Operations, M–30, West Building
                                                                                                       (j) Subject
                                               the affected area to determine the size and                                                                   Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                               shape of the void. Repair the M/R blade if the            Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)             New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
                                               edge void is within maximum repair damage               Code: 6210, Main Rotor Blades.                        DC 20590–0001.
                                               limits, or replace the M/R blade with an                                                                         • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
                                                                                                         Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 15,
                                               airworthy M/R blade.
                                                                                                       2016.                                                 ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                  (vi) If there is any loose or damaged
                                               adhesive squeeze-out along any of the bond              Scott A. Horn,                                        p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                               lines, trim or scrape away the adhesive                                                                       Federal holidays.
                                                                                                       Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
                                               without damaging the adjacent surfaces or               Aircraft Certification Service.                       Examining the AD Docket
                                               parent material of the M/R blade. Determine
                                                                                                       [FR Doc. 2016–10523 Filed 5–4–16; 8:45 am]              You may examine the AD docket on
                                               if there is an edge void or any corrosion by
                                               lightly sanding the trimmed area smooth                 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                the Internet at http://
                                               using 280 or finer grit paper. If there is no                                                                 www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                               edge void or corrosion, refinish the sanded                                                                   and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
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                                               area.                                                                                                         3941; or in person at the Docket
                                                  (vii) If there is an edge delamination along
                                                                                                                                                             Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
                                               any of the bond lines or a crack in the paint
                                               finish, determine if there is an edge void or                                                                 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                               a crack in the grip pad, grip plate, doubler,                                                                 Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                               or skin by removing paint from the affected                                                                   contains this proposed AD, the
                                               area by lightly sanding in a span-wise                                                                        European Aviation Safety Agency
                                               direction using 180–220 grit paper. If there                                                                  (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation,


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                                               27058                     Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 87 / Thursday, May 5, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                               any comments received, and other                        MBB–BK 117B–2, and MBB–BK 117C–                       interior and exterior of each door. This
                                               information. The street address for the                 1 helicopters. EASA advises that                      proposed AD would also prohibit
                                               Docket Operations Office (telephone                     difficulties were reported regarding the              installing adhesive seal P/N 117–
                                               800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES                       jettisoning of doors. The malfunction                 800201.01 on any helicopter sliding
                                               section. Comments will be available in                  was caused by the adhesive seal, which                door.
                                               the AD docket shortly after receipt.                    hampered the free movement of the
                                                                                                       inner handle. According to EASA, a                    Differences Between This Proposed AD
                                                 For service information identified in
                                                                                                       subsequent investigation showed that                  and the EASA AD
                                               this proposed rule, contact Airbus
                                               Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,                       the adhesive seal has mechanical and                    The EASA AD requires removing
                                               Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone                      physical properties that do not meet                  adhesive seal, P/N 117–800201.01,
                                               (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax                   relevant certification requirements.                  within 30 days. The proposed AD
                                               (972) 641–3775; or at http://                           EASA states that this condition, if not               would require removing the adhesive
                                               www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.                      detected and corrected, could lead to a               seal within 25 hours TIS.
                                               You may review the referenced service                   malfunction of the door’s jettisoning
                                                                                                                                                             Costs of Compliance
                                               information at the FAA, Office of the                   mechanism, reducing or preventing the
                                               Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,                     evacuation of the helicopter during an                  We estimate that this proposed AD
                                               10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,                      emergency, possibly resulting in injury               would affect 69 helicopters of U.S.
                                               Fort Worth, TX 76177.                                   to occupants. To address this condition,              Registry and that labor costs would
                                               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt                   the EASA AD requires inspecting the                   average $85 per work-hour. Based on
                                               Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,                exterior and interior door jettisoning                these estimates, we expect that
                                               Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft                     system on the left and right sliding                  removing the adhesive seals would
                                               Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood                        doors for adhesive seal part number                   require a half work-hour for a labor cost
                                               Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone                  (P/N) 117–800201.01 and removing any                  of about $43 per helicopter. No parts
                                               (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@                   adhesive seals that are installed.                    would be needed, so the cost for the
                                               faa.gov.                                                                                                      U.S. fleet would total $2,967.
                                                                                                       FAA’s Determination
                                               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                                                                    Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                                                                         These helicopters have been approved
                                               Comments Invited                                        by the aviation authority of Germany                     Title 49 of the United States Code
                                                                                                       and are approved for operation in the                 specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                                  We invite you to participate in this                 United States. Pursuant to our bilateral              rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                               rulemaking by submitting written                        agreement with Germany, EASA, its                     section 106, describes the authority of
                                               comments, data, or views. We also                       technical representative, has notified us             the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
                                               invite comments relating to the                         of the unsafe condition described in its              Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
                                               economic, environmental, energy, or                     AD. We are proposing this AD because                  detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                               federalism impacts that might result                    we evaluated all known relevant                       authority.
                                               from adopting the proposals in this                     information and determined that an                       We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                               document. The most helpful comments                     unsafe condition is likely to exist or                the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
                                               reference a specific portion of the                     develop on other products of the same                 Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                               proposal, explain the reason for any                    type design.                                          General requirements.’’ Under that
                                               recommended change, and include                                                                               section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                               supporting data. To ensure the docket                   Related Service Information Under 1                   promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                               does not contain duplicate comments,                    CFR Part 51                                           air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                               commenters should send only one copy                       We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert               for practices, methods, and procedures
                                               of written comments, or if comments are                 Service Bulletin MBB–BK117–20A–114,                   the Administrator finds necessary for
                                               filed electronically, commenters should                 Revision 1, dated July 30, 2015 (ASB)                 safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                               submit only one time.                                   for Model MBB–BK 117A–3, MBB–BK                       is within the scope of that authority
                                                  We will file in the docket all                       117A–4, MBB–BK 117B–1, MBB–BK                         because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                               comments that we receive, as well as a                  117B–2, and MBB–BK 117C–1                             that is likely to exist or develop on
                                               report summarizing each substantive                     helicopters. The ASB reports that the                 products identified in this rulemaking
                                               public contact with FAA personnel                       proper functioning of the sliding door                action.
                                               concerning this proposed rulemaking.                    jettison system is hampered by an
                                               Before acting on this proposal, we will                                                                       Regulatory Findings
                                                                                                       adhesive seal. The seal was not
                                               consider all comments we receive on or                  manufactured correctly, and therefore                   We determined that this proposed AD
                                               before the closing date for comments.                   did not perform as the test seal did                  would not have federalism implications
                                               We will consider comments filed after                   during door jettisoning tests. The ASB                under Executive Order 13132. This
                                               the comment period has closed if it is                  calls for removing any adhesive seals on              proposed AD would not have a
                                               possible to do so without incurring                     the exterior and interior door jettison               substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                               expense or delay. We may change this                    system and discarding any adhesive                    the relationship between the national
                                               proposal in light of the comments we                    seals that have not yet been installed.               Government and the States, or on the
                                               receive.                                                   This service information is reasonably             distribution of power and
                                                                                                       available because the interested parties              responsibilities among the various
                                               Discussion
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                                                                                                       have access to it through their normal                levels of government.
                                                 EASA, which is the aviation authority                 course of business or by the means                      For the reasons discussed, I certify
                                               for the Member States of the European                   identified in the ADDRESSES section.                  this proposed regulation:
                                               Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015–                                                                             1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                               0163, dated August 6, 2015, to correct                  Proposed AD Requirements                              action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
                                               an unsafe condition for Airbus                            This proposed AD would require,                       2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
                                               Helicopters Model MBB–BK 117A–3,                        within 25 hours time-in-service,                      DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                               MBB–BK 117A–4, MBB–BK 117B–1,                           removing the adhesive seal from the                   (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);


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                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 87 / Thursday, May 5, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                            27059

                                                 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in             BK117–20A–114, Revision 1, dated July 30,             including an award of benefits based on
                                               Alaska to the extent that it justifies                  2015.                                                 a finding that the individual’s mental
                                               making a regulatory distinction; and                      (2) After the effective date of this AD, do         impairment meets or medically equals
                                                 4. Will not have a significant                        not install adhesive seal P/N 117–800201.01
                                                                                                                                                             the requirements of section 12.00 of the
                                                                                                       on any helicopter sliding door.
                                               economic impact, positive or negative,                                                                        Listing of Impairments (Listings) and
                                               on a substantial number of small entities               (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance                 receipt of benefits through a
                                               under the criteria of the Regulatory                    (AMOCs)                                               representative payee. We propose to
                                               Flexibility Act.                                           (1) The Manager, Safety Management                 provide pertinent information about
                                                 We prepared an economic evaluation                    Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this                these individuals to the Attorney
                                               of the estimated costs to comply with                   AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller,               General on not less than a quarterly
                                               this proposed AD and placed it in the                   Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety               basis. As required by the NIAA, at the
                                               AD docket.                                              Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate,
                                                                                                       FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX             commencement of the adjudication
                                               List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                      76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-             process we would also notify
                                                                                                       ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                        individuals, both orally and in writing,
                                                 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                   (2) For operations conducted under a 14            of their possible Federal prohibition on
                                               safety, Incorporation by reference,                     CFR part 119 operating certificate or under           possessing or receiving firearms, the
                                               Safety.                                                 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that            consequences of such inclusion, the
                                                                                                       you notify your principal inspector, or               criminal penalties for violating the Gun
                                               The Proposed Amendment                                  lacking a principal inspector, the manager of         Control Act, and the availability of relief
                                                 Accordingly, under the authority                      the local flight standards district office or
                                                                                                       certificate holding district office before            from the prohibitions imposed by
                                               delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                                                                                       operating any aircraft complying with this            Federal law. Finally, we also propose to
                                               the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
                                                                                                       AD through an AMOC.                                   establish a program that permits
                                               39 as follows:
                                                                                                                                                             individuals to request relief from the
                                                                                                       (g) Additional Information
                                               PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                                                                         Federal firearms prohibitions based on
                                                                                                          The subject of this AD is addressed in             our adjudication. The proposed rule
                                               DIRECTIVES                                              European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD             would allow us to fulfill responsibilities
                                                                                                       No. 2015–0163, dated August 6, 2015. You
                                               ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 may view the EASA AD on the Internet at
                                                                                                                                                             that we have under the NIAA.
                                               continues to read as follows:                           http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.          DATES: To ensure that your comments
                                                   Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.                                                                are considered, we must receive them
                                                                                                       (h) Subject
                                                                                                                                                             no later than July 5, 2016.
                                               § 39.13   [Amended]                                       Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)             ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
                                               ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   Code: 5220, Emergency Exits.
                                                                                                                                                             by any one of three methods—Internet,
                                               the following new airworthiness                           Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 19,           fax, or mail. Do not submit the same
                                               directive (AD):                                         2016.                                                 comment multiple times or by more
                                               Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH:                    Scott A. Horn,                                        than one method. Regardless of which
                                                   Docket No. FAA–2015–3941; Directorate               Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,               method you choose, please state that
                                                   Identifier 2015–SW–052–AD.                          Aircraft Certification Service.                       your comments refer to Docket No.
                                               (a) Applicability                                       [FR Doc. 2016–10285 Filed 5–4–16; 8:45 am]            SSA–2016–0011 so that we may
                                                                                                       BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                associate your comments with the
                                                  This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
                                               Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters)                                                                         correct regulation.
                                               Model MBB–BK 117A–3, MBB–BK 117A–4,                                                                              Caution: You should be careful to
                                               MBB–BK 117B–1, MBB–BK 117B–2, and                       SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION                        include in your comments only
                                               MBB–BK 117C–1 helicopters with an                                                                             information that you wish to make
                                               adhesive seal part number (P/N) 117–                    20 CFR Part 421                                       publicly available. We strongly urge you
                                               800201.01 installed on an exterior or interior                                                                not to include in your comments any
                                                                                                       [Docket No. SSA–2016–0011]
                                               sliding door, certificated in any category.                                                                   personal information, such as Social
                                               (b) Unsafe Condition                                    RIN 0960–AH95                                         Security numbers or medical
                                                  This AD defines the unsafe condition the
                                                                                                                                                             information.
                                                                                                       Implementation of the NICS                               1. Internet: We strongly recommend
                                               presence of sealant on a sliding door (door).           Improvement Amendments Act of 2007
                                               This condition could result in the door                                                                       that you submit your comments via the
                                               failing to jettison, preventing helicopter              AGENCY:   Social Security Administration.             Internet. Please visit the Federal
                                               occupants from exiting the helicopter during            ACTION:   Notice of proposed rulemaking.              eRulemaking portal at http://
                                               an emergency.                                                                                                 www.regulations.gov. Use the ‘‘Search’’
                                               (c) Comments Due Date
                                                                                                       SUMMARY:   We propose to implement                    function to find docket number SSA–
                                                                                                       provisions of the NICS Improvement                    2016–0011. The system will issue a
                                                  We must receive comments by July 5, 2016.            Amendments Act of 2007 (NIAA) that                    tracking number to confirm your
                                               (d) Compliance                                          require Federal agencies to provide                   submission. You will not be able to
                                                 You are responsible for performing each               relevant records to the Attorney General              view your comment immediately
                                               action required by this AD within the                   for inclusion in the National Instant                 because we must post each comment
                                               specified compliance time unless it has                 Criminal Background Check System                      manually. It may take up to a week or
                                               already been accomplished prior to that time.           (NICS). Under the proposed rule, we
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                                                                             more for your comment to be viewable.
                                               (e) Required Actions                                    would identify, on a prospective basis,                  2. Fax: Fax comments to (410) 966–
                                                                                                       individuals who receive Disability                    2830.
                                                  (1) Within 25 hours time-in-service,
                                               remove adhesive seal P/N 117–800201.01
                                                                                                       Insurance benefits under title II of the                 3. Mail: Mail your comments to NICS
                                               from the interior and exterior of each door.            Social Security Act (Act) or                          Comments, Social Security
                                               The areas where the seal is installed are               Supplemental Security Income (SSI)                    Administration, 3100 West High Rise
                                               shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 of Airbus                payments under title XVI of the Act and               Building, 6401 Security Boulevard,
                                               Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB–                 also meet certain other criteria,                     Baltimore, Maryland 21235–6401.


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Document Created: 2016-05-05 01:15:56
Document Modified: 2016-05-05 01:15:56
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 5, 2016.
ContactMatt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 27057 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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