81_FR_3319 81 FR 3306 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Helicopters

81 FR 3306 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 13 (January 21, 2016)

Page Range3306-3308
FR Document2016-00658

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, C-1, and C-2 helicopters. This AD requires an initial and recurring inspection of the N2 control arm and, depending on the outcome of the inspection, repairing or replacing the N2 control arm. This AD was prompted by a report of a heavily corroded and broken N2 control arm. The actions of this AD are intended to detect corrosion, a crack, or a scratch in the N2 control arm, which could lead to failure of the N2 control arm, a drop in rotor speed, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 13 (Thursday, January 21, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 13 (Thursday, January 21, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3306-3308]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-00658]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0669; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-038-AD; 
Amendment 39-18373; AD 2016-01-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (previously Eurocopter Deutschland 
GmbH) Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, C-1, and C-2 
helicopters. This AD requires an initial and recurring inspection of 
the N2 control arm and, depending on the outcome of the inspection, 
repairing or replacing the N2 control arm. This AD was prompted by a 
report of a heavily corroded and broken N2 control arm. The actions of 
this AD are intended to detect corrosion, a crack, or a scratch in the 
N2 control arm, which could lead to failure of the N2 control arm, a 
drop in rotor speed, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective February 25, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of February 25, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, 
Texas 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2015-0669 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 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any incorporated-by-
reference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for 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: James Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On March 24, 2015, at 80 FR 15530, 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 AHD Model MBB-BK 117 A-
1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, C-1, and C-2 helicopters. The NPRM proposed to 
require repetitive visual inspections of the N2 control arm for 
corrosion, a crack, and a scratch. The NPRM also proposed to require 
repairing any N2 control arm with corrosion or a scratch less than 
0.020 inch in depth and replacing any N2 control arm with exfoliation 
corrosion, a crack, or with corrosion or a scratch 0.020 inch or 
greater in depth. The proposed requirements were intended to detect 
corrosion, a crack, or a scratch in the N2 control arm, which could 
lead to failure of the N2 control arm, a drop in rotor

[[Page 3307]]

speed, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2013-0154, dated July 22, 2013, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for the Eurocopter 
Deutschland GmbH (now AHD) Model MBB-BK117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, C-
1, and C-2 helicopters. EASA advises of an incident with a Model MBB-
BK117 C-2 helicopter that dropped rotor speed (RPM) within the green 
range and could not be recovered to nominal value because of a heavily 
corroded and broken N2 control arm. EASA advises that under certain 
flight conditions and power demands, a broken N2 control arm can cause 
a significant and non-recoverable drop in RPM. As a result, EASA AD No. 
2013-0154 requires an initial and repetitive inspection of the N2 
control arm for corrosion, damage, and scratches, and depending on the 
outcome of the inspection, repairing or replacing the N2 control arm.
    Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA Southwest Regional Office has 
relocated and a group email address has been established for requesting 
an FAA alternative method of compliance for a helicopter of foreign 
design. We have revised the contact information throughout this final 
rule to reflect the new address and new email address.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (80 FR 15530, 
March 24, 2015).

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same 
type designs and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed except for the minor editorial 
changes described above. These changes are consistent with the intent 
of the proposals in the NPRM (80 FR 15530, March 24, 2015) and will not 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
this AD.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD allows a noncumulative tolerance of 3 months in the 
compliance time for the initial inspection on helicopters with less 
than 2 years from the date of first flight and for the repetitive 
inspections, and this AD does not.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Eurocopter issued ASB MBB-BK117-60A-126 for Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, 
A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-1 helicopters, and ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-76A-005 
for Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, both Revision 0, and both dated 
June 24, 2013. The Eurocopter ASBs specify inspecting the N2 control 
arm for corrosion, damage, and scratches and, depending on the outcome 
of the inspection, either repairing or replacing the affected parts. 
The Eurocopter ASBs also specify performing the inspection with each 12 
month inspection until the N2 inspection requirements are incorporated 
into the aircraft maintenance manual.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 441 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. 
Inspecting the N2 control arm requires about one work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $37,485 for the U.S. fleet per 
inspection cycle. Repairing the N2 control arm requires about four 
work-hours for an estimated labor cost of $340. Replacing the N2 
control arm requires about three work-hours for an estimated labor cost 
of $255. Parts to replace the N2 control arm for Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, 
A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-1 helicopters cost about $2,743 for a total 
estimated cost of $2,998. Parts to replace the N2 control arm for a 
Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopter cost about $4,500 for a total estimated 
cost of $4,755.

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 helicopters 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):

2016-01-14 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (Previously

[[Page 3308]]

Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH): Amendment 39-18373; Docket No. FAA-
2015-0669; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-038-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to AHD Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, 
C-1, and C-2 helicopters, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion, a crack, or a 
scratch on an N2 control arm. This condition could lead to failure 
of the N2 control arm, resulting in a reduction in rotor speed and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective February 25, 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

    For helicopters that have not reached 2 years from the date of 
first flight, within 1 year or before reaching 2 years from the date 
of first flight, whichever occurs first; and for helicopters that 
have reached or exceeded 2 years from the date of first flight, 
within 50 hours TIS:
    (1) Visually inspect each N2 control arm for corrosion, a crack, 
and a scratch as depicted in Figure 1 of Eurocopter Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) MBB-BK117-60A-126 or ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-76A-005, both 
Revision 0, and both dated June 24, 2013, as applicable to your 
model helicopter.
    (i) If an N2 control arm has corrosion or a scratch less than 
0.5 millimeter (mm) (0.020 inch) in depth, before further flight, 
remove the corrosion and repair the scratch.
    (ii) If an N2 control arm has any exfoliation corrosion, a 
crack, or has corrosion or a scratch 0.5 mm (0.020 inch) or greater 
in depth, before further flight, replace the N2 control arm.
    (2) Thereafter, perform the requirements in paragraph (e)(1) of 
this AD at intervals not to exceed 12 months.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: James Blyn, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy 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. 2013-0154, dated July 22, 2013. You may view 
the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2015-0669.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: Engine Controls, 
7600.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-BK117-60A-126, 
Revision 0, dated June 24, 2013.
    (ii) Eurocopter ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-76A-005, Revision 0, dated 
June 24, 2013.
    (3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this final 
rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, Texas 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; 
fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 6, 2016.
Bruce E. Cain,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-00658 Filed 1-20-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

3306 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 13 / Thursday, January 21, 2016 / Rules and Regulations (2) For Model BD–700–1A10 airplanes, (3) For service information identified in of certain documents listed in this AD serial numbers 9381 and 9432 through 9476 this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Côte- as of February 25, 2016. inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin 700– Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, 52–6007, dated March 29, 2012. Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514– ADDRESSES: For service information (3) For Model BD–700–1A11 airplanes, 855–7401; email thd.crj@ identified in this final rule, contact serial numbers 9127 through 9383 inclusive, aero.bombardier.com; Internet http:// Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum 9389 through 9400 inclusive, 9404 through www.bombardier.com. Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052; 9431 inclusive, and 9998: Bombardier (4) You may view this service information telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232– Service Bulletin 700–1A11–52–019, dated at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at http:// March 29, 2012. (4) For Model BD–700–1A11 airplanes, information on the availability of this www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. serial numbers 9386, 9401, and 9445 through material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. You may review the referenced service 9474 inclusive: Bombardier Service Bulletin (5) You may view this service information information at the FAA, Office of the 700–52–5007, dated March 29, 2012. that is incorporated by reference at the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, National Archives and Records 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, (h) Other FAA AD Provisions Administration (NARA). For information on Fort Worth, TX 76177. The following provisions also apply to this the availability of this material at NARA, call AD: 202–741–6030, or go to: http:// Examining the AD Docket (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- (AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft locations.html. You may examine the AD docket on Certification Office (ACO), ANE–170, FAA, the Internet at http:// Issued in Renton, Washington, on has the authority to approve AMOCs for this December 31, 2015. www.regulations.gov in Docket No. AD, if requested using the procedures found FAA–2015–0669 or in person at the in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR Philip Forde, Docket Operations Office between 9 39.19, send your request to your principal Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through inspector or local Flight Standards District Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD Office, as appropriate. If sending information [FR Doc. 2016–00371 Filed 1–20–16; 8:45 am] directly to the ACO, send it to ATTN: docket contains this AD, the European BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Program Manager, Continuing Operational Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart incorporated-by-reference service Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION information, the economic evaluation, telephone 516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531. any comments received, and other Before using any approved AMOC, notify Federal Aviation Administration information. The street address for the your appropriate principal inspector, or Docket Operations Office (phone: 800– lacking a principal inspector, the manager of 14 CFR Part 39 647–5527) is U.S. Department of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. The AMOC Transportation, Docket Operations [Docket No. FAA–2015–0669; Directorate Office, M–30, West Building Ground approval letter must specifically reference Identifier 2013–SW–038–AD; Amendment this AD. 39–18373; AD 2016–01–14] Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. requirement in this AD to obtain corrective RIN 2120–AA64 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved Airworthiness Directives; Airbus James Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer, by the Manager, New York ACO, FAA; or Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Regulations and Policy Group, Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design Approval GmbH) Helicopters Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, telephone (817) 222–5110; email the approval must include the DAO- AGENCY: Federal Aviation james.blyn@faa.gov. authorized signature. Administration (FAA), DOT. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: (i) Related Information ACTION: Final rule. Refer to Mandatory Continuing Discussion SUMMARY: We are adopting a new Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus On March 24, 2015, at 80 FR 15530, Airworthiness Directive CF–2014–25, dated the Federal Register published our Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) August 21, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket (previously Eurocopter Deutschland notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), on the Internet at http:// GmbH) Model MBB–BK 117 A–1, A–3, which proposed to amend 14 CFR part www.regulations.gov/ A–4, B–1, B–2, C–1, and C–2 39 by adding an AD that would apply #!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-0081-0002. helicopters. This AD requires an initial to AHD Model MBB–BK 117 A–1, A–3, and recurring inspection of the N2 A–4, B–1, B–2, C–1, and C–2 (j) Material Incorporated by Reference control arm and, depending on the helicopters. The NPRM proposed to (1) The Director of the Federal Register outcome of the inspection, repairing or require repetitive visual inspections of approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this replacing the N2 control arm. This AD the N2 control arm for corrosion, a paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR was prompted by a report of a heavily crack, and a scratch. The NPRM also part 51. corroded and broken N2 control arm. proposed to require repairing any N2 (2) You must use this service information The actions of this AD are intended to control arm with corrosion or a scratch as applicable to do the actions required by detect corrosion, a crack, or a scratch in less than 0.020 inch in depth and this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. the N2 control arm, which could lead to replacing any N2 control arm with jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–1A11– failure of the N2 control arm, a drop in exfoliation corrosion, a crack, or with 52–019, dated March 29, 2012. rotor speed, and subsequent loss of corrosion or a scratch 0.020 inch or (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–52– control of the helicopter. greater in depth. The proposed 042, dated March 29, 2012. (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–52– DATES: This AD is effective February 25, requirements were intended to detect 5007, dated March 29, 2012. 2016. corrosion, a crack, or a scratch in the N2 (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–52– The Director of the Federal Register control arm, which could lead to failure 6007, dated March 29, 2012. approved the incorporation by reference of the N2 control arm, a drop in rotor VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:08 Jan 20, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\21JAR1.SGM 21JAR1

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 13 / Thursday, January 21, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 3307 speed, and subsequent loss of control of Differences Between This AD and the We are issuing this rulemaking under the helicopter. EASA AD the authority described in Subtitle VII, The NPRM was prompted by AD No. The EASA AD allows a Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: 2013–0154, dated July 22, 2013, issued noncumulative tolerance of 3 months in ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that by EASA, which is the Technical Agent the compliance time for the initial section, Congress charges the FAA with for the Member States of the European inspection on helicopters with less than promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Union, to correct an unsafe condition 2 years from the date of first flight and air commerce by prescribing regulations for the Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH for the repetitive inspections, and this for practices, methods, and procedures AD does not. the Administrator finds necessary for (now AHD) Model MBB–BK117 A–1, A– safety in air commerce. This regulation 3, A–4, B–1, B–2, C–1, and C–2 Related Service Information Under 1 is within the scope of that authority helicopters. EASA advises of an CFR Part 51 because it addresses an unsafe condition incident with a Model MBB–BK117 C– Eurocopter issued ASB MBB–BK117– that is likely to exist or develop on 2 helicopter that dropped rotor speed 60A–126 for Model MBB–BK 117 A–1, helicopters identified in this rulemaking (RPM) within the green range and could A–3, A–4, B–1, B–2, and C–1 action. not be recovered to nominal value helicopters, and ASB MBB–BK117 C–2– because of a heavily corroded and Regulatory Findings 76A–005 for Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 broken N2 control arm. EASA advises helicopters, both Revision 0, and both This AD will not have federalism that under certain flight conditions and dated June 24, 2013. The Eurocopter implications under Executive Order power demands, a broken N2 control ASBs specify inspecting the N2 control 13132. This AD will not have a arm can cause a significant and non- arm for corrosion, damage, and substantial direct effect on the States, on recoverable drop in RPM. As a result, scratches and, depending on the the relationship between the national EASA AD No. 2013–0154 requires an outcome of the inspection, either government and the States, or on the initial and repetitive inspection of the repairing or replacing the affected parts. distribution of power and N2 control arm for corrosion, damage, The Eurocopter ASBs also specify responsibilities among the various and scratches, and depending on the performing the inspection with each 12 levels of government. outcome of the inspection, repairing or month inspection until the N2 For the reasons discussed above, I replacing the N2 control arm. inspection requirements are certify that this AD: Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA incorporated into the aircraft (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory Southwest Regional Office has relocated maintenance manual. action’’ under Executive Order 12866; and a group email address has been This service information is reasonably (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under available because the interested parties DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures established for requesting an FAA have access to it through their normal (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); alternative method of compliance for a course of business or by the means (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation helicopter of foreign design. We have identified in the ADDRESSES section. in Alaska to the extent that it justifies revised the contact information making a regulatory distinction; and throughout this final rule to reflect the Costs of Compliance (4) Will not have a significant new address and new email address. We estimate that this AD affects 441 economic impact, positive or negative, Comments helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate on a substantial number of small entities that operators may incur the following under the criteria of the Regulatory We gave the public the opportunity to costs in order to comply with this AD. Flexibility Act. participate in developing this AD, but Labor costs are estimated at $85 per We prepared an economic evaluation we did not receive any comments on the work-hour. Inspecting the N2 control of the estimated costs to comply with NPRM (80 FR 15530, March 24, 2015). arm requires about one work-hour for an this AD and placed it in the AD docket. estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and FAA’s Determination $37,485 for the U.S. fleet per inspection List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 cycle. Repairing the N2 control arm Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation These helicopters have been approved requires about four work-hours for an safety, Incorporation by reference, by the aviation authority of Germany estimated labor cost of $340. Replacing Safety. and are approved for operation in the the N2 control arm requires about three United States. Pursuant to our bilateral work-hours for an estimated labor cost Adoption of the Amendment agreement with Germany, EASA, its of $255. Parts to replace the N2 control Accordingly, under the authority technical representative, has notified us arm for Model MBB–BK 117 A–1, A–3, delegated to me by the Administrator, of the unsafe condition described in the A–4, B–1, B–2, and C–1 helicopters cost the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as EASA AD. We are issuing this AD about $2,743 for a total estimated cost follows: because we evaluated all information of $2,998. Parts to replace the N2 provided by EASA and determined the control arm for a Model MBB–BK 117 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS unsafe condition exists and is likely to C–2 helicopter cost about $4,500 for a DIRECTIVES exist or develop on other helicopters of total estimated cost of $4,755. these same type designs and that air ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 safety and the public interest require Authority for This Rulemaking continues to read as follows: adopting the AD requirements as Title 49 of the United States Code Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES proposed except for the minor editorial specifies the FAA’s authority to issue changes described above. These changes rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, § 39.13 [Amended] are consistent with the intent of the section 106, describes the authority of ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding proposals in the NPRM (80 FR 15530, the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: the following new airworthiness March 24, 2015) and will not increase Aviation Programs, describes in more directive (AD): the economic burden on any operator detail the scope of the Agency’s 2016–01–14 Airbus Helicopters nor increase the scope of this AD. authority. Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (Previously VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:08 Jan 20, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\21JAR1.SGM 21JAR1

3308 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 13 / Thursday, January 21, 2016 / Rules and Regulations Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH): (g) Additional Information SUMMARY: We are adopting a new Amendment 39–18373; Docket No. The subject of this AD is addressed in airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta FAA–2015–0669; Directorate Identifier European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and 2013–SW–038–AD. No. 2013–0154, dated July 22, 2013. You may AW139 helicopters. This AD requires (a) Applicability view the EASA AD on the Internet at http:// visually inspecting certain subfloor www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– frames for a crack. This AD was This AD applies to AHD Model MBB–BK 2015–0669. 117 A–1, A–3, A–4, B–1, B–2, C–1, and C– prompted by reports of cracks on in- 2 helicopters, certificated in any category. (h) Subject service helicopters. The actions of this Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) AD are intended to detect or prevent a (b) Unsafe Condition Code: Engine Controls, 7600. crack in the subfloor frame, which could This AD defines the unsafe condition as result in failure of the pilot and co-pilot corrosion, a crack, or a scratch on an N2 (i) Material Incorporated by Reference pedal support frame and subsequent control arm. This condition could lead to (1) The Director of the Federal Register loss of control of the helicopter. failure of the N2 control arm, resulting in a approved the incorporation by reference of reduction in rotor speed and subsequent loss DATES: This AD is effective February 25, the service information listed in this of control of the helicopter. paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 2016. part 51. The Director of the Federal Register (c) Effective Date (2) You must use this service information approved the incorporation by reference This AD becomes effective February 25, as applicable to do the actions required by of a certain document listed in this AD 2016. this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. as of February 25, 2016. (i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) ADDRESSES: For service information (d) Compliance MBB–BK117–60A–126, Revision 0, dated identified in this rule, contact You are responsible for performing each June 24, 2013. action required by this AD within the (ii) Eurocopter ASB MBB–BK117 C–2– AgustaWestland, Product Support specified compliance time unless it has 76A–005, Revision 0, dated June 24, 2013. Engineering, Via del Gregge, 100, 21015 already been accomplished prior to that time. (3) For Eurocopter service information Lonate Pozzolo (VA) Italy, ATTN: identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Maurizio D’Angelo; telephone 39–0331– (e) Required Actions 664757; fax 39–0331–664680; or at Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, For helicopters that have not reached 2 Grand Prairie, Texas 75052; telephone (972) http://www.agustawestland.com/ years from the date of first flight, within 1 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641– technical-bulletins. You may review the year or before reaching 2 years from the date 3775; or at http:// referenced service information at the of first flight, whichever occurs first; and for www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, helicopters that have reached or exceeded 2 (4) You may view this service information years from the date of first flight, within 50 at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood hours TIS: Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX (1) Visually inspect each N2 control arm Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For 76177. for corrosion, a crack, and a scratch as information on the availability of this Examining the AD Docket depicted in Figure 1 of Eurocopter Alert material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117–60A– (5) You may view this service information You may examine the AD docket on 126 or ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–76A–005, both that is incorporated by reference at the the Internet at http:// Revision 0, and both dated June 24, 2013, as National Archives and Records www.regulations.gov by searching for applicable to your model helicopter. Administration (NARA). For information on and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– (i) If an N2 control arm has corrosion or a the availability of this material at NARA, call 1935 or in person at the Docket scratch less than 0.5 millimeter (mm) (0.020 (202) 741–6030, or go to: http:// Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 inch) in depth, before further flight, remove www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- locations.html. p.m., Monday through Friday, except the corrosion and repair the scratch. Federal holidays. The AD docket (ii) If an N2 control arm has any exfoliation Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 6, contains this AD, the European Aviation corrosion, a crack, or has corrosion or a 2016. scratch 0.5 mm (0.020 inch) or greater in Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any Bruce E. Cain, incorporated-by-reference service depth, before further flight, replace the N2 Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, information, the economic evaluation, control arm. Aircraft Certification Service. any comments received, and other (2) Thereafter, perform the requirements in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD at intervals not to [FR Doc. 2016–00658 Filed 1–20–16; 8:45 am] information. The street address for the exceed 12 months. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Docket Operations Office (phone: 800– (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance 647–5527) is U.S. Department of (AMOCs) Transportation, Docket Operations DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Office, M–30, West Building Ground (1) The Manager, Safety Management Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this Federal Aviation Administration AD. Send your proposal to: James Blyn, Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 14 CFR Part 39 Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX [Docket No. FAA–2015–1935; Directorate Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9- Identifier 2014–SW–008–AD; Amendment Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. 39–18374; AD 2016–01–15] Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (2) For operations conducted under a 14 RIN 2120–AA64 (817) 222–5110; email robert.grant@ jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES CFR part 119 operating certificate or under faa.gov. 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that Airworthiness Directives; Agusta you notify your principal inspector, or SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: S.p.A. Helicopters lacking a principal inspector, the manager of Discussion the local flight standards district office or AGENCY: Federal Aviation certificate holding district office, before Administration (FAA), DOT. On June 5, 2015, at 80 FR 32072, the operating any aircraft complying with this Federal Register published our notice of ACTION: Final rule. AD through an AMOC. proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:08 Jan 20, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\21JAR1.SGM 21JAR1


Document Created: 2018-02-02 12:33:23
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 12:33:23
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 February 25, 2016.
ContactJames Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 3306 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
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