81_FR_88378 81 FR 88143 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

81 FR 88143 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 235 (December 7, 2016)

Page Range88143-88145
FR Document2016-28670

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB- BK117 C-2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the pilot collective wiring harness. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that a heat-shrinkable sleeve prevented the twist grip on the collective from being fully engaged during a flight test. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of the hoist or emergency landing gear flotation systems due to chafing of wiring caused by an incorrectly installed heat-shrinkable sleeve.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 235 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 88143-88145]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-28670]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6436; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-037-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-
BK117 C-2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the 
pilot collective wiring harness. This proposed AD is prompted by a 
report that a heat-shrinkable sleeve prevented the twist grip on the 
collective from being fully engaged during a flight test. The proposed 
actions are intended to prevent failure of the hoist or emergency 
landing gear flotation systems due to chafing of wiring caused by an 
incorrectly installed heat-shrinkable sleeve.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 6, 
2017.

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-
6436; or in person at the Docket

[[Page 88144]]

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, 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: George Schwab, 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 Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015-0144, dated July 21, 2015, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model MBB-BK117 
C-2 helicopters, up to serial number 9708. EASA advises that, during a 
flight test, the pilot could not fully engage a twist grip on a Model 
MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopter. According to EASA, further investigation 
found a transparent sleeve on the collective lever wiring harness 
damaged because of incorrect installation of the heat-shrinkable 
sleeve. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
chafing of the harness, leading to the malfunction of the affected 
systems, EASA advises. EASA consequently requires a one-time inspection 
of the heat-shrinkable and transparent sleeves installed on the 
collective lever wiring harness.

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 ASB MBB-BK117 
C-2-88A-010, Revision 1, dated April 16, 2015 (ASB), which specifies a 
visual inspection of the heat-shrinkable sleeve for correct position. 
If the sleeve's position is incorrect, the ASB specifies shortening the 
sleeve. If there is any damage, the ASB calls for replacing the damaged 
parts.
    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 100 hours time-in-service, 
visually inspecting the pilot collective wiring harness for correct 
position of the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the transparent sleeve. If 
the heat-shrinkable and the transparent sleeves are in their correct 
positions, this proposed AD would require re-installing the collective 
lever. If the heat-shrinkable sleeve is closer to or below the torque 
tube tangs, this proposed AD would require shortening the heat-
shrinkable sleeve. If the transparent sleeve is damaged, this proposed 
AD would require replacing the heat-shrinkable sleeve, transparent 
sleeve, and identification sleeve. Lastly, this proposed AD would 
require replacing any damaged wires in the wiring harness.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the TCCA AD

    The compliance time in the EASA AD is based on whether the 
helicopter has an externally mounted hoist or emergency flotation 
system. This proposed AD would require compliance within 100 hours 
time-in-service for all applicable helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 113 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work hour.
     Inspecting the pilot collective wiring harness for the 
correct position of the heat-shrinkable sleeve would require 1.5 work 
hours. No parts would be required for a total cost of $128 per 
helicopter and $14,464 for the U.S. fleet.
     Replacing or repairing the sleeves would require 5.5 work 
hours and parts would cost $10, for a total cost of $478 per 
helicopter.

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

[[Page 88145]]

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):

Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-
2016-6436; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-037-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 
MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, serial numbers 9004 through 9708, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an incorrectly installed 
heat-shrinkable sleeve on the collective lever wiring harness. This 
condition could result in chafing of the wiring and subsequent 
failure of the hoist cable cutter or emergency landing gear 
flotation systems.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 6, 2017.

(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 100 hours time-in-service, remove the pilot collective 
lever and visually inspect the pilot collective lever wiring harness 
for proper installation of the heat-shrinkable sleeve and 
transparent sleeve and for damage in accordance with paragraph 
3.B.2.1 and as depicted in Figure 2 of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 C-2-88A-010, Revision 1, dated April 16, 
2015 (ASB).
    (1) If the heat-shrinkable sleeve and transparent sleeve are 
installed as depicted in Figure 2 of the ASB and there is no damage, 
install the collective lever in accordance with paragraphs 3.B.2.3.a 
through 3.B.2.3.f of the ASB.
    (2) If the heat-shrinkable sleeve or transparent sleeve is 
installed as depicted in Figure 3, Detail B of the ASB, alter the 
heat-shrinkable sleeve as depicted in Figure 3, Detail C.
    (3) If the transparent sleeve is damaged as depicted in Figure 
4, Detail D of the ASB, replace the heat-shrinkable sleeve, 
transparent sleeve, and identification sleeve. Replace any wire that 
has a nick, scratch, cut, or is frayed.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, 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. 2015-0144, dated July 21, 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: Wheel/Ski/Float/
Emergency Equipment, 3246/2560.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 21, 2016.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-28670 Filed 12-6-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 235 / Wednesday, December 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                                 88143

                                                      the Secretary. To the extent practicable                required by the order have been                       action or omission in a grossly negligent
                                                      under the circumstances, efforts will be                sufficiently taken.                                   manner.
                                                      made to declassify information to                                                                             [FR Doc. 2016–28974 Filed 12–6–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                              § 205.388    Tracking compliance.
                                                      ensure maximum distribution.                                                                                  BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
                                                                                                                 Beginning at the time the Secretary
                                                      § 205.385   Clarification or reconsideration.           issues an emergency order, the
                                                         Any request for clarification or                     Department may require the ordered
                                                      reconsideration of an emergency order                   party to provide a detailed account of                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                      issued under section 215A(b) of the                     actions taken to comply with the terms
                                                                                                              of the order.                                         Federal Aviation Administration
                                                      Federal Power Act must be submitted in
                                                      writing to the Secretary, and will be                   § 205.389    Enforcement.                             14 CFR Part 39
                                                      posted on the DOE Web site consistent
                                                                                                                In accordance with Part III of the
                                                      with CEII criteria. The Secretary may, in                                                                     [Docket No. FAA–2016–6436; Directorate
                                                                                                              Federal Power Act, the Secretary may
                                                      his sole discretion, order a stay of the                                                                      Identifier 2015–SW–037–AD]
                                                                                                              take or seek enforcement action against
                                                      emergency order for which such
                                                                                                              ordered parties who fail to comply with               RIN 2120–AA64
                                                      clarification or rehearing is sought. The
                                                                                                              the terms of an order issued under
                                                      Secretary may grant or deny the request                                                                       Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
                                                                                                              section 215A(b) of that Act.
                                                      for clarification or reconsideration, or                                                                      Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
                                                      may abrogate or modify the order, in                    § 205.390    Rehearing and Judicial Review.           Helicopters
                                                      whole or in part, with or without further                 The procedures of Part III of the
                                                      proceedings, as soon as practicable.                    Federal Power Act apply to motions for                AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                                                                              rehearing of orders issued under section              Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                      § 205.386 Temporary access to classified
                                                      information.                                            215A(b) of that Act filed for the purpose             ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                                                                              of preserving appellate rights.                       (NPRM).
                                                        To the extent practicable, and
                                                      consistent with obligations to protect                  § 205.391    Cost recovery.                           SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new
                                                      classified information, the Secretary                     A party seeking recovery of costs                   airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
                                                      may provide temporary access to                         associated with compliance with an                    Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus
                                                      classified information, related to a Grid               order issued under section 215A(b) of                 Helicopters) Model MBB–BK117 C–2
                                                      Security Emergency for which                            the Federal Power Act must petition the               helicopters. This proposed AD would
                                                      emergency measures are issued, to key                   appropriate State regulatory agency, the              require inspecting the pilot collective
                                                      personnel of any entity subject to such                 United States Court of Federal Claims,                wiring harness. This proposed AD is
                                                      emergency measures. The purpose of                      or the Commission for relief.                         prompted by a report that a heat-
                                                      this access is to enable optimum                                                                              shrinkable sleeve prevented the twist
                                                      communication between the entity and                    § 205.392    Liability exemptions.
                                                                                                                                                                    grip on the collective from being fully
                                                      the Secretary and other appropriate                        To the extent any action or omission               engaged during a flight test. The
                                                      Federal agencies regarding the Grid                     taken by an entity that is necessary to               proposed actions are intended to
                                                      Security Emergency.                                     comply with an order for emergency                    prevent failure of the hoist or emergency
                                                                                                              measures issued by authority of section               landing gear flotation systems due to
                                                      § 205.387   Termination of an emergency                 215A(b) of the Federal Power Act and
                                                      order.                                                                                                        chafing of wiring caused by an
                                                                                                              pursuant to this Part, including any
                                                                                                                                                                    incorrectly installed heat-shrinkable
                                                         (a) An order for emergency measures                  action or omission taken to voluntarily
                                                                                                                                                                    sleeve.
                                                      shall expire no later than 15 days after                comply with such order, results in
                                                      its issuance. The Secretary may reissue                 noncompliance with, or causes such                    DATES:  We must receive comments on
                                                      an order for emergency measures for                     entity not to comply with any rule,                   this proposed AD by February 6, 2017.
                                                      subsequent periods, not to exceed 15                    order, regulation, or provision of or                 ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
                                                      days for each such period, provided that                under that Act, including any reliability             any of the following methods:
                                                      the President, for each such period,                    standard approved by the Commission                     • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
                                                      issues and provides to the Secretary a                  pursuant to section 215 of that Act, such             http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                      written directive or determination that                 action or omission shall not be                       online instructions for sending your
                                                      the Grid Security Emergency for which                   considered a violation of such rule,                  comments electronically.
                                                      the Secretary intends to reissue an                     order, regulation, or provision. Further,               • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                                      emergency order continues to exist or                   an action or omission by an owner,                      • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
                                                      that the emergency measures continue                    operator, or user of Critical Electric                Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                      to be required.                                         Infrastructure or of Defense Critical                 Operations, M–30, West Building
                                                         (b) The Secretary may rescind an                     Electric Infrastructure to comply with                Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                                      emergency order after finding that the                  an order for emergency measures issued                New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
                                                      Grid Security Emergency for which that                  under section 215A(b) of the Federal                  DC 20590–0001.
                                                      order was issued has ended and that                     Power Act shall be treated as an action                 • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
                                                      protective or mitigation measures                       or omission taken to comply with an                   ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      required by the order have been                         order issued under section 202(c) of that             p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                      sufficiently taken.                                     Act for purposes of such section. These               Federal holidays.
                                                         (c) An entity or entities subject to an              liability exemptions shall not apply to
                                                      emergency order under this rule may, at                 an entity that, in the course of                      Examining the AD Docket
                                                      any time, request termination of the                    complying with an order for emergency                   You may examine the AD docket on
                                                      emergency order by demonstrating, in a                  measures issued under section 215A(b)                 the Internet at http://
                                                      petition to the Secretary, that the                     of the Federal Power Act by taking an                 www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                      emergency no longer exists and that                     action or omission for which the entity               and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
                                                      protective or mitigation measures                       would otherwise be liable, takes such                 6436; or in person at the Docket


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                                                      88144              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 235 / Wednesday, December 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                      Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5                  Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015–                   sleeve. If the transparent sleeve is
                                                      p.m., Monday through Friday, except                     0144, dated July 21, 2015, to correct an              damaged, this proposed AD would
                                                      Federal holidays. The AD docket                         unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters               require replacing the heat-shrinkable
                                                      contains this proposed AD, the                          Model MBB–BK117 C–2 helicopters, up                   sleeve, transparent sleeve, and
                                                      European Aviation Safety Agency                         to serial number 9708. EASA advises                   identification sleeve. Lastly, this
                                                      (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation,                     that, during a flight test, the pilot could           proposed AD would require replacing
                                                      any comments received, and other                        not fully engage a twist grip on a Model              any damaged wires in the wiring
                                                      information. The street address for the                 MBB–BK117 C–2 helicopter. According                   harness.
                                                      Docket Operations Office (telephone                     to EASA, further investigation found a
                                                      800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES                       transparent sleeve on the collective                  Differences Between This Proposed AD
                                                      section. Comments will be available in                  lever wiring harness damaged because                  and the TCCA AD
                                                      the AD docket shortly after receipt.                    of incorrect installation of the heat-                   The compliance time in the EASA AD
                                                         For service information identified in                shrinkable sleeve. This condition, if not             is based on whether the helicopter has
                                                      this proposed rule, contact Airbus                      detected and corrected, could result in               an externally mounted hoist or
                                                      Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,                       chafing of the harness, leading to the                emergency flotation system. This
                                                      Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone                      malfunction of the affected systems,                  proposed AD would require compliance
                                                      (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax                   EASA advises. EASA consequently                       within 100 hours time-in-service for all
                                                      (972) 641–3775; or at http://                           requires a one-time inspection of the                 applicable helicopters.
                                                      www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.                      heat-shrinkable and transparent sleeves
                                                      You may review the referenced service                                                                         Costs of Compliance
                                                                                                              installed on the collective lever wiring
                                                      information at the FAA, Office of the                   harness.                                                We estimate that this proposed AD
                                                      Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,                                                                           would affect 113 helicopters of U.S.
                                                      10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,                      FAA’s Determination                                   Registry and that labor costs average $85
                                                      Fort Worth, TX 76177.                                     These helicopters have been approved                a work hour.
                                                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        by the aviation authority of Germany                    • Inspecting the pilot collective
                                                      George Schwab, Aviation Safety                          and are approved for operation in the                 wiring harness for the correct position
                                                      Engineer, Safety Management Group,                      United States. Pursuant to our bilateral              of the heat-shrinkable sleeve would
                                                      Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101                      agreement with Germany, EASA, its                     require 1.5 work hours. No parts would
                                                      Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;                   technical representative, has notified us             be required for a total cost of $128 per
                                                      telephone (817) 222–5110; email                         of the unsafe condition described in its              helicopter and $14,464 for the U.S. fleet.
                                                      george.schwab@faa.gov.                                  AD. We are proposing this AD because                    • Replacing or repairing the sleeves
                                                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              we evaluated all known relevant                       would require 5.5 work hours and parts
                                                                                                              information and determined that an                    would cost $10, for a total cost of $478
                                                      Comments Invited                                        unsafe condition is likely to exist or                per helicopter.
                                                         We invite you to participate in this                 develop on other products of the same                 Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                      rulemaking by submitting written                        type design.
                                                      comments, data, or views. We also                                                                                Title 49 of the United States Code
                                                                                                              Related Service Information Under 1                   specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                                      invite comments relating to the
                                                                                                              CFR Part 51                                           rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                      economic, environmental, energy, or
                                                      federalism impacts that might result                      We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert                section 106, describes the authority of
                                                      from adopting the proposals in this                     Service Bulletin ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–                   the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
                                                      document. The most helpful comments                     88A–010, Revision 1, dated April 16,                  Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
                                                      reference a specific portion of the                     2015 (ASB), which specifies a visual                  detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                                      proposal, explain the reason for any                    inspection of the heat-shrinkable sleeve              authority.
                                                      recommended change, and include                         for correct position. If the sleeve’s                    We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                                      supporting data. To ensure the docket                   position is incorrect, the ASB specifies              the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
                                                      does not contain duplicate comments,                    shortening the sleeve. If there is any                Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                                      commenters should send only one copy                    damage, the ASB calls for replacing the               General requirements.’’ Under that
                                                      of written comments, or if comments are                 damaged parts.                                        section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                      filed electronically, commenters should                   This service information is reasonably              promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                                      submit only one time.                                   available because the interested parties              air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                                         We will file in the docket all                       have access to it through their normal                for practices, methods, and procedures
                                                      comments that we receive, as well as a                  course of business or by the means                    the Administrator finds necessary for
                                                      report summarizing each substantive                     identified in the ADDRESSES section.                  safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                                      public contact with FAA personnel                                                                             is within the scope of that authority
                                                                                                              Proposed AD Requirements
                                                      concerning this proposed rulemaking.                                                                          because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                                      Before acting on this proposal, we will                    This proposed AD would require,                    that is likely to exist or develop on
                                                      consider all comments we receive on or                  within 100 hours time-in-service,                     products identified in this rulemaking
                                                      before the closing date for comments.                   visually inspecting the pilot collective              action.
                                                      We will consider comments filed after                   wiring harness for correct position of
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                              the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the                    Regulatory Findings
                                                      the comment period has closed if it is
                                                      possible to do so without incurring                     transparent sleeve. If the heat-shrinkable              We determined that this proposed AD
                                                      expense or delay. We may change this                    and the transparent sleeves are in their              would not have federalism implications
                                                      proposal in light of the comments we                    correct positions, this proposed AD                   under Executive Order 13132. This
                                                      receive.                                                would require re-installing the                       proposed AD would not have a
                                                                                                              collective lever. If the heat-shrinkable              substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                                      Discussion                                              sleeve is closer to or below the torque               the relationship between the national
                                                        EASA, which is the Technical Agent                    tube tangs, this proposed AD would                    Government and the States, or on the
                                                      for the Member States of the European                   require shortening the heat-shrinkable                distribution of power and


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                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 235 / Wednesday, December 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                           88145

                                                      responsibilities among the various                      (e) Required Actions                                  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                      levels of government.                                      Within 100 hours time-in-service, remove
                                                        For the reasons discussed, I certify                  the pilot collective lever and visually inspect       Federal Aviation Administration
                                                      this proposed regulation:                               the pilot collective lever wiring harness for
                                                        1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                  proper installation of the heat-shrinkable            14 CFR Part 39
                                                      action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                   sleeve and transparent sleeve and for damage          [Docket No. FAA–2016–9167; Directorate
                                                        2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the            in accordance with paragraph 3.B.2.1 and as           Identifier 2016–NE–20–AD]
                                                      DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                  depicted in Figure 2 of Airbus Helicopters
                                                      (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                       Alert Service Bulletin MBB–BK117 C–2–                 RIN 2120–AA64
                                                        3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in             88A–010, Revision 1, dated April 16, 2015
                                                      Alaska to the extent that it justifies                                                                        Airworthiness Directives; General
                                                                                                              (ASB).
                                                      making a regulatory distinction; and                                                                          Electric Company Turbofan Engines
                                                                                                                 (1) If the heat-shrinkable sleeve and
                                                        4. Will not have a significant                        transparent sleeve are installed as depicted in       AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                      economic impact, positive or negative,                  Figure 2 of the ASB and there is no damage,           Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                      on a substantial number of small entities               install the collective lever in accordance with
                                                      under the criteria of the Regulatory                                                                          ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                                                                              paragraphs 3.B.2.3.a through 3.B.2.3.f of the         (NPRM).
                                                      Flexibility Act.                                        ASB.
                                                        We prepared an economic evaluation                       (2) If the heat-shrinkable sleeve or               SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new
                                                      of the estimated costs to comply with                   transparent sleeve is installed as depicted in        airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
                                                      this proposed AD and placed it in the                   Figure 3, Detail B of the ASB, alter the heat-        General Electric Company (GE) GE90
                                                      AD docket.                                              shrinkable sleeve as depicted in Figure 3,            turbofan engines. This proposed AD was
                                                      List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                      Detail C.                                             prompted by a report of an engine and
                                                                                                                 (3) If the transparent sleeve is damaged as        airplane fire. This proposed AD would
                                                        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                depicted in Figure 4, Detail D of the ASB,
                                                      safety, Incorporation by reference,                                                                           require replacing affected fuel/oil lube/
                                                                                                              replace the heat-shrinkable sleeve,                   servo coolers (‘‘main heat exchangers’’)
                                                      Safety.                                                 transparent sleeve, and identification sleeve.        with a part eligible for installation. We
                                                      The Proposed Amendment                                  Replace any wire that has a nick, scratch, cut,       are proposing this AD to prevent failure
                                                                                                              or is frayed.                                         of a main heat exchanger, which could
                                                        Accordingly, under the authority
                                                      delegated to me by the Administrator,                   (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance                 result in an engine fire.
                                                      the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part                   (AMOCs)                                               DATES: We must receive comments on
                                                      39 as follows:                                             (1) The Manager, Safety Management                 this proposed AD by January 23, 2017.
                                                                                                              Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this                ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
                                                      PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab,             using the procedures found in 14 CFR
                                                      DIRECTIVES                                              Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management           11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
                                                      ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101             methods:
                                                      continues to read as follows:                           Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177;                     • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                                                                                              telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW-                http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                          Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                            instructions for submitting comments.
                                                      § 39.13   [Amended]                                        (2) For operations conducted under a 14               • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                                      ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   CFR part 119 operating certificate or under              • Mail: U.S. Department of
                                                                                                              14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that            Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
                                                      the following new airworthiness
                                                                                                              you notify your principal inspector, or               30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
                                                      directive (AD):
                                                                                                              lacking a principal inspector, the manager of         W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
                                                      Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH                     the local flight standards district office or
                                                          Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2016–
                                                                                                                                                                    Washington, DC 20590.
                                                          6436; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–
                                                                                                              certificate holding district office before               • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
                                                                                                              operating any aircraft complying with this            address above between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                          037–AD.
                                                                                                              AD through an AMOC.                                   p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                      (a) Applicability
                                                                                                              (g) Additional Information                            Federal holidays.
                                                        This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters                                                                          For service information identified in
                                                      Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 C–                      The subject of this AD is addressed in
                                                                                                                                                                    this NPRM, contact General Electric
                                                      2 helicopters, serial numbers 9004 through              European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
                                                      9708, certificated in any category.
                                                                                                                                                                    Company, GE-Aviation, Room 285, 1
                                                                                                              No. 2015–0144, dated July 21, 2015. You may
                                                                                                              view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://
                                                                                                                                                                    Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215,
                                                      (b) Unsafe Condition                                                                                          phone: 513–552–3272; email:
                                                                                                              www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
                                                         This AD defines the unsafe condition as an                                                                 aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com. You may
                                                      incorrectly installed heat-shrinkable sleeve            (h) Subject                                           view this referenced service information
                                                      on the collective lever wiring harness. This                                                                  at the FAA, Engine & Propeller
                                                                                                                Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
                                                      condition could result in chafing of the                                                                      Directorate, 1200 District Avenue,
                                                      wiring and subsequent failure of the hoist              Code: Wheel/Ski/Float/Emergency
                                                      cable cutter or emergency landing gear                  Equipment, 3246/2560.                                 Burlington, MA. For information on the
                                                                                                                                                                    availability of this material at the FAA,
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      flotation systems.                                        Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November
                                                                                                                                                                    call 781–238–7125.
                                                      (c) Comments Due Date                                   21, 2016.
                                                         We must receive comments by February 6,              Lance T. Gant,                                        Examining the AD Docket
                                                      2017.                                                   Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft               You may examine the AD docket on
                                                      (d) Compliance                                          Certification Service.                                the Internet at http://
                                                        You are responsible for performing each               [FR Doc. 2016–28670 Filed 12–6–16; 8:45 am]           www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                      action required by this AD within the                   BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
                                                      specified compliance time unless it has                                                                       9167; or in person at the Docket
                                                      already been accomplished prior to that time.                                                                 Management Facility between 9 a.m.


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Document Created: 2016-12-07 05:31:17
Document Modified: 2016-12-07 05:31:17
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 February 6, 2017.
ContactGeorge Schwab, 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 88143 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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