81 FR 9331 - Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc., Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 37 (February 25, 2016)

Page Range		9331-9333
FR Document		2016-03881

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters with a certain part-numbered main rotor blade attach pin (pin) installed. This AD requires ensuring the life limit of the pin as listed in the Airworthiness Limitations section of aircraft maintenance records and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). If the hours time-in-service (TIS) of a pin is unknown, or if a pin has exceeded its life limit, this AD requires removing the affected pin from service. This AD was prompted by a report from an operator who purchased pins that did not have life limit documentation. These actions are intended to document the life limit to prevent a pin remaining in service beyond its fatigue life, which could result in failure of a pin, failure of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 37 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 37 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9331-9333]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-03881]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
week.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 37 / Thursday, February 25, 2016 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 9331]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3659; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-050-AD; 
Amendment 39-18409; AD 2016-04-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc., Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD 
Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369HE, 369HM, 
369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters with a certain part-numbered main 
rotor blade attach pin (pin) installed. This AD requires ensuring the 
life limit of the pin as listed in the Airworthiness Limitations 
section of aircraft maintenance records and Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness (ICA). If the hours time-in-service (TIS) of a pin is 
unknown, or if a pin has exceeded its life limit, this AD requires 
removing the affected pin from service. This AD was prompted by a 
report from an operator who purchased pins that did not have life limit 
documentation. These actions are intended to document the life limit to 
prevent a pin remaining in service beyond its fatigue life, which could 
result in failure of a pin, failure of a main rotor blade, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective March 31, 2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Aerometals, 3920 Sandstone Dr., El Dorado Hills, CA 95762, 
telephone (916) 939-6888, fax (916) 939-6555, www.aerometals.aero. You 
may review a copy of 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3659; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office 
(phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Galib Abumeri, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; 
telephone (562) 627-5324; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On September 2, 2015, at 80 FR 53028, 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 MDHI Model 
369A, 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N 
helicopters with a pin part-number (P/N) 369X1004-5 installed. The NPRM 
proposed to require determining the number of hours TIS of each pin and 
whether the aircraft maintenance records contain a pin life limit. If 
the hours TIS are unknown, NPRM proposed to require removing the pin 
from service. If the aircraft maintenance records do not contain a pin 
life limit, the NPRM proposed to require revising the records and 
establishing a life limit of 5,760 hours if the pin is installed on a 
Model 369A, 369HE, 369HM, or 369HS helicopter, or 7,600 hours if the 
pin is installed on a Model 369D, 369E, 369FF, 500N, or 600N 
helicopter. The NPRM also proposed to require revising the records to 
add a statement that if a pin is interchanged between different model 
helicopters, then its life limit must be restricted to the lower life 
limit even if it was originally installed on a helicopter model with a 
higher life limit. Lastly, the NPRM proposed to prohibit installing a 
pin on any helicopter before these proposed requirements have been 
accomplished.
    Aerometals produces pin P/N 369X1004-5 under a parts manufacturer 
approval as a replacement pin for MDHI P/N 369A1004-5. The NPRM was 
prompted by a report from an operator who purchased Aerometals' pins P/
N 369X1004-5 without life limit documentation. The FAA inadvertently 
approved the pins without a life limit in the Airworthiness Limitations 
section and without a restriction for parts that are interchanged 
between models with different life limits. A total of 5,133 affected 
pins were sold by Aerometals without any indication that the parts were 
life-limited. The proposed requirements were intended to correct the 
failure of these parts to have a documented life limit to prevent a pin 
remaining in service beyond its fatigue life, which could result in 
failure of a pin, failure of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

Comments

    After our NPRM (80 FR 53028, September 2, 2015) was published, we 
received a comment from one commenter supporting the NPRM.

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of these same type designs and that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information

    Aerometals has issued Aero-ICA-1001 Supplemental Instructions for 
Continued Airworthiness, Revision NC, dated May 22, 2014, and Service 
Bulletin Aero-SB-1103, dated July 2, 2014. The service bulletin 
specifies determining whether the helicopter has pins P/N 369X1004-5 
installed and then reviewing the aircraft maintenance records to 
determine if the pins have a life limit identified. If the life limit 
is not the same as that listed in the ICA,

[[Page 9332]]

the service bulletin specifies revising the life limit in the 
maintenance records. The service bulletin states that the pins were 
approved by the FAA as parts manufacturer approval direct replacement 
parts with the same life limits as the parts they replace. However, 
they were sold without an FAA-approved supplemental ICA containing an 
Airworthiness Limitations Section specifically assigning these life 
limits to the pins.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 118 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. We estimate 1/2 work-hour to inspect and record any update 
for a total of $42.50 per helicopter and $5,015 for the U.S. fleet. If 
required, we estimate 1 work-hour per helicopter to replace 10 pins 
because each blade has 2 pins and each helicopter has 5 blades. 
Required parts are $445 for each pin. Based on these estimates, it will 
cost $4,535 per helicopter to replace 10 pins if the pins have exceeded 
their life limit.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-04-15 MD Helicopters Inc.: Amendment 39-18409; Docket No. FAA-
2015-3659; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-050-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369HE, 369HM, 
369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters with an Aerometals main rotor 
blade attach pin (pin) part number (P/N) 369X1004-5 installed, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a pin remaining in 
service beyond its fatigue life. This condition could result in 
failure of a pin, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 31, 2016.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or during the next 
annual inspection, whichever occurs first:
    (i) Review the maintenance records and determine the hours TIS 
of each pin P/N 369X1004-5 and whether there is a pin life limit 
listed in the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the applicable 
maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness 
(ICA). If the hours TIS on a pin is unknown, remove the pin from 
service.
    (ii) For Model 369A, 369HE, 369HM, and 369HS helicopters, if 
there is no pin life limit, establish a new life limit of 5,760 
hours TIS for each pin P/N 369X1004-5 by making pen-and-ink changes 
or by inserting a copy of this AD into the Airworthiness Limitations 
Section of the maintenance manual or the ICA. Remove from service 
any pin that has 5,760 or more hours TIS.
    (iii) For Model 369D, 369E, 369FF, 500N, and 600N helicopters, 
if there is no pin life limit, establish a new life limit of 7,600 
hours TIS for each pin P/N 369X1004-5 by making pen-and-ink changes 
or by inserting a copy of this AD into the Airworthiness Limitations 
Section of the maintenance manual or the ICA. Remove from service 
any pin that has 7,600 or more hours TIS.
    (iv) For all model helicopters, add the following statement to 
the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the maintenance manual or 
the ICA by making pen-and-ink changes or by inserting a copy of this 
AD: If interchanged between different model helicopters, the life 
limit of pin P/N 369X1004-5 must be restricted to the lowest life 
limit indicated for the helicopter models and serial numbers 
affected.
    (2) Do not install a pin P/N 369X1004-5 on any helicopter before 
the requirements of this AD have been accomplished.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Galib Abumeri, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-
5324 or email at [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

    Aerometals Service Bulletin Aero-SB-1103, dated July 2, 2014, 
and Aerometals Aero-ICA-101 Supplemental Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness, Revision NC, dated May 22, 2014, which are not 
incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the 
subject of this final rule. For service information identified in 
this final rule, contact Aerometals, 3920 Sandstone Dr., El Dorado 
Hills, CA 95762, telephone (916) 939-6888, fax (916) 939-6555, 
www.aerometals.aero. You may review a copy of this service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

[[Page 9333]]

(h) Subject

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

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 17, 2016.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-03881 Filed 2-24-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

9331

Rules and Regulations Federal Register
Vol. 81, No. 37

Thursday, February 25, 2016

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER a copy of the referenced service pin is interchanged between different
contains regulatory documents having general information at the FAA, Office of the model helicopters, then its life limit
applicability and legal effect, most of which Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, must be restricted to the lower life limit
are keyed to and codified in the Code of 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, even if it was originally installed on a
Federal Regulations, which is published under Fort Worth, TX 76177. helicopter model with a higher life
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
limit. Lastly, the NPRM proposed to
Examining the AD Docket prohibit installing a pin on any
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of You may examine the AD docket on helicopter before these proposed
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL the Internet at http:// requirements have been accomplished.
REGISTER issue of each week. www.regulations.gov by searching for Aerometals produces pin P/N
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– 369X1004–5 under a parts manufacturer
3659; or in person at the Docket approval as a replacement pin for MDHI
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 P/N 369A1004–5. The NPRM was
p.m., Monday through Friday, except prompted by a report from an operator
Federal Aviation Administration Federal holidays. The AD docket who purchased Aerometals’ pins P/N
contains this AD, the economic 369X1004–5 without life limit
14 CFR Part 39 evaluation, any comments received, and documentation. The FAA inadvertently
[Docket No. FAA–2015–3659; Directorate other information. The street address for approved the pins without a life limit in
Identifier 2014–SW–050–AD; Amendment the Docket Operations Office (phone: the Airworthiness Limitations section
39–18409; AD 2016–04–15] 800–647–5527) is U.S. Department of and without a restriction for parts that
Transportation, Docket Operations are interchanged between models with
RIN 2120–AA64
Office, M–30, West Building Ground different life limits. A total of 5,133
Airworthiness Directives; MD Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey affected pins were sold by Aerometals
Helicopters Inc., Helicopters Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. without any indication that the parts
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: were life-limited. The proposed
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Galib Abumeri, Aviation Safety requirements were intended to correct
Administration (FAA), DOT. Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft the failure of these parts to have a
ACTION: Final rule. Certification Office, Transport Airplane documented life limit to prevent a pin
Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount remaining in service beyond its fatigue
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new life, which could result in failure of a
Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712;
airworthiness directive (AD) for MD pin, failure of a main rotor blade, and
telephone (562) 627–5324; email
Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), Model 369A, subsequent loss of control of the
Galib.Abumeri@faa.gov.
369D, 369E, 369FF, 369HE, 369HM, helicopter.
369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
with a certain part-numbered main rotor Comments
Discussion
blade attach pin (pin) installed. This AD After our NPRM (80 FR 53028,
On September 2, 2015, at 80 FR September 2, 2015) was published, we
requires ensuring the life limit of the
53028, the Federal Register published received a comment from one
pin as listed in the Airworthiness
our notice of proposed rulemaking commenter supporting the NPRM.
Limitations section of aircraft
(NPRM), which proposed to amend 14
maintenance records and Instructions FAA’s Determination
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). If
would apply to MDHI Model 369A, We have reviewed the relevant
the hours time-in-service (TIS) of a pin
369D, 369E, 369FF, 369HE, 369HM, information and determined that an
is unknown, or if a pin has exceeded its
369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters unsafe condition exists and is likely to
life limit, this AD requires removing the
with a pin part-number (P/N) exist or develop on other products of
affected pin from service. This AD was
369X1004–5 installed. The NPRM these same type designs and that air
prompted by a report from an operator
proposed to require determining the safety and the public interest require
who purchased pins that did not have
number of hours TIS of each pin and adopting the AD requirements as
life limit documentation. These actions
whether the aircraft maintenance proposed.
are intended to document the life limit
records contain a pin life limit. If the
to prevent a pin remaining in service Related Service Information
hours TIS are unknown, NPRM
beyond its fatigue life, which could
proposed to require removing the pin Aerometals has issued Aero–ICA–
result in failure of a pin, failure of a
from service. If the aircraft maintenance 1001 Supplemental Instructions for
main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of
records do not contain a pin life limit, Continued Airworthiness, Revision NC,
control of the helicopter.
the NPRM proposed to require revising dated May 22, 2014, and Service
DATES: This AD is effective March 31, the records and establishing a life limit Bulletin Aero–SB–1103, dated July 2,
2016. of 5,760 hours if the pin is installed on 2014. The service bulletin specifies
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES

ADDRESSES: For service information a Model 369A, 369HE, 369HM, or determining whether the helicopter has
identified in this final rule, contact 369HS helicopter, or 7,600 hours if the pins P/N 369X1004–5 installed and then
Aerometals, 3920 Sandstone Dr., El pin is installed on a Model 369D, 369E, reviewing the aircraft maintenance
Dorado Hills, CA 95762, telephone (916) 369FF, 500N, or 600N helicopter. The records to determine if the pins have a
939–6888, fax (916) 939–6555, NPRM also proposed to require revising life limit identified. If the life limit is
www.aerometals.aero. You may review the records to add a statement that if a not the same as that listed in the ICA,

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9332 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 37 / Thursday, February 25, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

the service bulletin specifies revising (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory (i) Review the maintenance records and
the life limit in the maintenance action’’ under Executive Order 12866; determine the hours TIS of each pin P/N
records. The service bulletin states that (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under 369X1004–5 and whether there is a pin life
limit listed in the Airworthiness Limitations
the pins were approved by the FAA as DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures Section of the applicable maintenance
parts manufacturer approval direct (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); manual or Instructions for Continued
replacement parts with the same life (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation Airworthiness (ICA). If the hours TIS on a
limits as the parts they replace. in Alaska to the extent that it justifies pin is unknown, remove the pin from service.
However, they were sold without an making a regulatory distinction; and (ii) For Model 369A, 369HE, 369HM, and
FAA-approved supplemental ICA (4) Will not have a significant 369HS helicopters, if there is no pin life
containing an Airworthiness Limitations economic impact, positive or negative, limit, establish a new life limit of 5,760 hours
on a substantial number of small entities TIS for each pin P/N 369X1004–5 by making
Section specifically assigning these life
pen-and-ink changes or by inserting a copy
limits to the pins. under the criteria of the Regulatory of this AD into the Airworthiness Limitations
Flexibility Act. Section of the maintenance manual or the
Costs of Compliance We prepared an economic evaluation ICA. Remove from service any pin that has
We estimate that this AD will affect of the estimated costs to comply with 5,760 or more hours TIS.
118 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We this AD and placed it in the AD docket. (iii) For Model 369D, 369E, 369FF, 500N,
estimate that operators may incur the and 600N helicopters, if there is no pin life
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 limit, establish a new life limit of 7,600 hours
following costs in order to comply with
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation TIS for each pin P/N 369X1004–5 by making
this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 pen-and-ink changes or by inserting a copy
per work-hour. We estimate 1/2 work- safety, Incorporation by reference,
of this AD into the Airworthiness Limitations
hour to inspect and record any update Safety. Section of the maintenance manual or the
for a total of $42.50 per helicopter and Adoption of the Amendment ICA. Remove from service any pin that has
$5,015 for the U.S. fleet. If required, we 7,600 or more hours TIS.
estimate 1 work-hour per helicopter to Accordingly, under the authority (iv) For all model helicopters, add the
replace 10 pins because each blade has delegated to me by the Administrator, following statement to the Airworthiness
2 pins and each helicopter has 5 blades. the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as Limitations Section of the maintenance
follows: manual or the ICA by making pen-and-ink
Required parts are $445 for each pin. changes or by inserting a copy of this AD: If
Based on these estimates, it will cost interchanged between different model
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
$4,535 per helicopter to replace 10 pins helicopters, the life limit of pin P/N
DIRECTIVES
if the pins have exceeded their life limit. 369X1004–5 must be restricted to the lowest
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 life limit indicated for the helicopter models
Authority for This Rulemaking and serial numbers affected.
continues to read as follows:
Title 49 of the United States Code (2) Do not install a pin P/N 369X1004–5 on
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. any helicopter before the requirements of this
AD have been accomplished.
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, § 39.13 [Amended]
section 106, describes the authority of (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding (AMOCs)
Aviation Programs, describes in more the following new airworthiness (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
detail the scope of the Agency’s directive (AD): Certification Office, FAA, may approve
authority. 2016–04–15 MD Helicopters Inc.: AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to:
Amendment 39–18409; Docket No. Galib Abumeri, Aviation Safety Engineer,
We are issuing this rulemaking under
FAA–2015–3659; Directorate Identifier Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960
the authority described in Subtitle VII, Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California
2014–SW–050–AD.
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: 90712; telephone (562) 627–5324 or email at
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that (a) Applicability 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
section, Congress charges the FAA with This AD applies to Model 369A, 369D, (2) For operations conducted under a 14
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in 369E, 369FF, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
air commerce by prescribing regulations and 600N helicopters with an Aerometals 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
for practices, methods, and procedures main rotor blade attach pin (pin) part number you notify your principal inspector, or
(P/N) 369X1004–5 installed, certificated in lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the Administrator finds necessary for
any category. the local flight standards district office or
safety in air commerce. This regulation certificate holding district office before
is within the scope of that authority (b) Unsafe Condition operating any aircraft complying with this
because it addresses an unsafe condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a AD through an AMOC.
that is likely to exist or develop on pin remaining in service beyond its fatigue
(g) Additional Information
products identified in this rulemaking life. This condition could result in failure of
action. a pin, loss of a main rotor blade, and Aerometals Service Bulletin Aero-SB–
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. 1103, dated July 2, 2014, and Aerometals
Regulatory Findings Aero–ICA–101 Supplemental Instructions for
(c) Effective Date Continued Airworthiness, Revision NC,
This AD will not have federalism This AD becomes effective March 31, 2016. dated May 22, 2014, which are not
implications under Executive Order incorporated by reference, contain additional
13132. This AD will not have a (d) Compliance information about the subject of this final
substantial direct effect on the States, on You are responsible for performing each rule. For service information identified in
the relationship between the national action required by this AD within the this final rule, contact Aerometals, 3920
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES

government and the States, or on the specified compliance time unless it has Sandstone Dr., El Dorado Hills, CA 95762,
distribution of power and already been accomplished prior to that time. telephone (916) 939–6888, fax (916) 939–
6555, www.aerometals.aero. You may review
responsibilities among the various (e) Required Actions a copy of this service information at the FAA,
levels of government. (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
For the reasons discussed above, I or during the next annual inspection, Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–
certify that this AD: whichever occurs first: 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:23 Feb 24, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\25FER1.SGM 25FER1

Document Created: 2018-02-02 14:35:30
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 14:35:30

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule.
Dates		This AD is effective March 31, 2016.
Contact		Galib Abumeri, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5324; email [email protected]
FR Citation		81 FR 9331
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

81 FR 9331 - Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc., Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 37 (February 25, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration