81 FR 3344 - Airworthiness Directives; Kaman Aerospace Corporation

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

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

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) Model K-1200 helicopters. This proposed AD would require revising the ``Flight Limitations--NO LOAD'' and ``Flight Limitations--LOAD'' sections of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This proposed AD is prompted by a report of certain flight maneuvers that may lead to main rotor (M/R) blade to opposing hub contact. The proposed actions are intended to prevent damage to the M/R flight controls and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 13 (Thursday, January 21, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3344-3346]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-00947]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-0183; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-016-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Kaman Aerospace Corporation

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) Model K-1200 helicopters. This 
proposed AD would require revising the ``Flight Limitations--NO LOAD'' 
and ``Flight Limitations--LOAD'' sections of the rotorcraft flight 
manual (RFM). This proposed AD is prompted by a report of certain 
flight maneuvers that may lead to main rotor (M/R) blade to opposing 
hub contact. The proposed actions are intended to prevent damage to the 
M/R flight controls and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 21, 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-2016-
0183; 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 economic evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
Kaman Aerospace Corporation, Old Windsor Rd., P.O. Box 2, Bloomfield, 
Connecticut 06002-0002; telephone (860) 242-4461; fax (860) 243-7047; 
or at http://www.kamanaero.com. You may review 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: Kirk Gustafson, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 
Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7190; 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

    We propose to adopt a new AD for Kaman Model K-1200 helicopters. 
This proposed AD would require revising the ``Flight Limitations--NO 
LOAD'' and ``Flight Limitations--LOAD'' sections of the RFM by 
inserting a warning and limitations about rearward to forward flight, 
establishing maximum rearward and sideward flight speeds, and 
prohibiting weather-vanning takeoffs and departures to turn the 
helicopter. This proposed AD is prompted by a

[[Page 3345]]

report of a Model K1200 helicopter turning suddenly and causing blade 
contact with the hub. The report suggests that a rapid aircraft yaw 
rate and subsequent yaw arresting maneuver may cause low clearance of 
the M/R blades with the opposing M/R hub. This condition could cause an 
M/R blade to strike the opposing rotor's flight controls. The proposed 
actions are intended to prevent damage to the M/R flight controls and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

FAA's Determination

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

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Kaman K-1200 RFM, Revision 5, dated April 14, 2015. 
This revision of the limitations section of the RFM inserts, for both 
load operations and no load operations, a warning and limitations about 
departing from rearward to forward flight, a maximum rearward flight 
speed of 25 knots, a maximum sideward flight speed of 17 knots, and a 
prohibition on weather-vanning takeoffs and departures as a method to 
turn aircraft.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 10 hours time-in-service, 
revising the Limitations section of the RFM by inserting a copy of this 
AD or by making pen-and-ink changes. This proposed AD, under ``Flight 
Limitations--NO LOAD'' and ``Flight Limitations--LOAD,'' would insert a 
warning and limitations about departing from rearward to forward flight 
to avoid high rates of turn and minimize yaw and cyclic control inputs, 
establish a maximum rearward flight speed of 25 knots, establish a 
maximum sideward flight speed of 17 knots, and prohibit weather-vanning 
takeoffs and departures as a method to turn the helicopter.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 16 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per 
work-hour, we expect revising the RFM would require 0.5 work-hour, for 
cost of about $43 per helicopter, or $688 for the U.S. fleet.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
Reference, Safety.

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):

Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman): Docket No. FAA-2016-0183; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-016-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model K-1200 helicopters, certificated in any 
category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a main rotor (M/R) blade 
striking the opposing rotor's flight controls. This condition could 
result in damage to the M/R flight controls and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 21, 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

    Within 10 hours time-in-service, revise Section 2 Limitations of 
the Kaman K-1200 Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by inserting a copy 
of this AD into the RFM or by making pen-and-ink changes, as 
follows:
    (1) In the ``Flight Limitations--NO LOAD'' and ``Flight 
Limitations--WITH LOAD,'' sections, add the information in Figure 1 
to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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                                 WARNING
 
When departing from rearward to forward flight, avoid high rates of turn
 and minimize yaw and cyclic control inputs to prevent exceeding 17 knot
 sideward flight limit.
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Figure 1 to paragraph (e)(1).

    (2) In the ``Flight Limitations--NO LOAD'' and ``Flight 
Limitations--WITH LOAD'' sections, add the following: Maximum 
rearward flight speed: 25 knots. Maximum sideward flight speed: 17 
knots. Weather--

[[Page 3346]]

vanning takeoffs/departures as a method to turn aircraft: 
Prohibited.

(f) Credit for Actions Previously Completed

    Incorporating the changes contained in Kaman K-1200 RFM, 
Revision 5, dated April 14, 2015, before the effective date of this 
AD is considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
actions specified in paragraph (e) of this AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kirk Gustafson, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7190; 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.

 (h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6710, Main Rotor 
Control.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 12, 2016.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-00947 Filed 1-20-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P