82_FR_10294 82 FR 10267 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

82 FR 10267 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 27 (February 10, 2017)

Page Range10267-10269
FR Document2017-01772

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD requires inspections and a torque of certain attachment points. This AD was prompted by a design reassessment. These actions are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 27 (Friday, February 10, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 27 (Friday, February 10, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10267-10269]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-01772]



[[Page 10267]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-7415; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-076-AD; 
Amendment 39-18786; AD 2017-02-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 
and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD requires inspections and a 
torque of certain attachment points. This AD was prompted by a design 
reassessment. These actions are intended to prevent an unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 17, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of March 17, 2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
7415.

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-
7415; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ADs, any 
incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On June 21, 2016, at 81 FR 40203, 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 Airbus Helicopters 
Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters with a hydraulic 
module plate assembly part number B291M0003103 with a single locking 
attachment point (attachment point) installed. The NPRM proposed to 
require performing repetitive visual inspections of each attachment 
point of the hydraulic module plate assembly for a crack and proper 
installation and a one-time torque of the nuts of each attachment 
point. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of an 
attachment point, which could result in loss of the hydraulic module 
plate and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2015-0210R1, Revision 1, dated 
October 28, 2015, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the 
Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for 
the Airbus Helicopters Model MBB-BK117 C-2, MBB-BK117 C-2e, MBB-BK117 
D-2, and MBB-BK117 D-2m helicopters. EASA advises that the hydraulic 
plate assembly on certain MBB-BK117 models has four attachment points 
on the fuselage secured by a single locking mechanism. According to 
EASA, a design reassessment revealed stiffness of the hydraulic plate 
may be insufficient to withstand the in-service loads in the event one 
of the four single locking attachment points fails. EASA states that if 
this condition is not detected and corrected, it may lead to loss of 
the hydraulic module plate and possible loss of control of the 
helicopter. Therefore, the EASA AD requires a repetitive inspection and 
one-time torque tightening of the attachment points in accordance with 
Airbus Helicopters' service information. EASA considers its AD an 
interim action and states further AD action may follow.
    After we issued the NPRM, EASA revised its AD and issued EASA AD 
No. 2015-0210R2, Revision 2, dated December 2, 2016. AD 2015-0210R2 
reduces the applicability by serial number to exclude helicopters with 
an improved hydraulic module plate installation that is not subject to 
the unsafe condition.

Comments

    After our NPRM was published, we received comments from one 
commenter.

Request

    Airbus Helicopters requested revising the statements regarding what 
prompted this AD action and the intended effects of this AD action to 
more accurately describe the unsafe condition. Specifically, the 
commenter requested we state the design assessment showed that in case 
of a failure of a single attachment point, the stiffness of the 
hydraulic plate installation may be insufficient to withstand the in-
service loads.
    We agree. We have revised this statement in the Discussion 
paragraph of this Final Rule.
    The commenter also requested that in our statement of what the 
proposed actions are intended to prevent, we change ``subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter'' to ``possible loss of control of the 
helicopter.''
    We disagree. This AD states the unsafe condition ``could result'' 
in loss of the hydraulic module plate and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter. This language indicates that loss of control of the 
helicopter is a possibility. Thus, the requested change is unnecessary.

FAA's Determination

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

[[Page 10268]]

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires contacting Airbus Helicopters customer support 
when replacing affected parts, and this AD does not.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB 
MBB-BK117 C-2-29A-003 for Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters and Airbus 
Helicopters ASB No. ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-29A-001 for Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 
helicopters, both Revision 0, and both dated October 12, 2015. This 
service information specifies a repetitive visual inspection for 
condition and correct installation of the attachment points, and if 
there is a crack, replacing the affected parts and contacting Airbus 
Helicopters customer support. This service information also specifies a 
tightening torque check after the initial inspection and, if torque 
cannot be applied, replacing the affected parts and contacting Airbus 
Helicopters customer support.
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    We also reviewed Airbus Helicopters ASB No. ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-29A-
003 for Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters and Airbus Helicopters ASB No. 
ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-29A-001 for Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, both 
Revision 1 and both dated October 14, 2016. This service information 
specifies the same repetitive visual inspection for condition and 
correct installation of the attachment points except it reduces the 
applicability by serial number due to the introduction of a new locking 
design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 134 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD. We estimate the cost of labor at $85 per work-
hour. Visually inspecting the four attachment points will take about 
0.75 work-hour for an estimated cost of $64 per helicopter and $8,576 
for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Inspecting the torque of the 
four attachment points will take about 0.25 work-hour for an estimated 
cost of $21 per helicopter and $2,814 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing any 
of the attachment point parts will take a minimal amount of time and 
parts will cost about $48 per attachment point.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2017-02-07 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-18786; 
Docket No. FAA-2016-7415; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-076-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, serial 
numbers up to and including 9750, and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 
helicopters, serial numbers up to and including 20110, with a 
hydraulic module plate assembly part number B291M0003103 with a 
single locking attachment point installed, certificated in any 
category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a hydraulic 
module plate assembly attachment point (attachment point). This 
condition could result in loss of the hydraulic module plate and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 17, 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

    (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (i) Visually inspect the split pins, castellated nuts, plugs, 
nuts, and hexagon bolts of each attachment point for a crack and for 
proper installation by following the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3.B.1.2.a. through 3.B.1.2.e., of Airbus Helicopters 
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-29A-003, Revision 
0, dated October 12, 2015 (ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-29A-003), or Airbus 
Helicopters ASB No. ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-29A-001, Revision 0, dated 
October 12, 2015 (ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-29A-001), as applicable to your 
model helicopter. Replace any part that has a crack before further 
flight. If the split pins, castellated nuts, or hexagon bolts are 
not as depicted in Figure 2 of ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-29A-003 or ASB MBB-
BK117 D-2-29A-001, before further flight, properly install them.
    (ii) Apply a torque of 9 to 10 Nm to the left-hand and right-
hand nuts of each attachment point. If a torque of 9 to 10 Nm cannot 
be applied, replace the affected nut before further flight.
    (2) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 400 hours TIS, 
perform the inspection in paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate,

[[Page 10269]]

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

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB MBB-
BK117 C-2-29A-003 and Airbus Helicopters ASB No. ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-
29A-001, both Revision 1, and both dated October 14, 2016, 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 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 a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0210R1, Revision 1, dated October 
28, 2015, and EASA AD No. 2015-0210R2, Revision 2, dated December 2, 
2016. You may view the EASA ADs on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2016-7415.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2900, Hydraulic 
Power System.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB MBB-BK117 
C-2-29A-003, Revision 0, dated October 12, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB MBB-BK117 
D-2-29A-001, Revision 0, dated October 12, 2015.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 18, 2017.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-01772 Filed 2-9-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 27 / Friday, February 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                       10267

                                             DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            Transportation, Docket Operations                       After we issued the NPRM, EASA
                                                                                                     Office, M–30, West Building Ground                    revised its AD and issued EASA AD No.
                                             Federal Aviation Administration                         Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey                  2015–0210R2, Revision 2, dated
                                                                                                     Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.                     December 2, 2016. AD 2015–0210R2
                                             14 CFR Part 39                                                                                                reduces the applicability by serial
                                                                                                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:    Matt
                                             [Docket No. FAA–2016–7415; Directorate                  Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,              number to exclude helicopters with an
                                             Identifier 2015–SW–076–AD; Amendment                    Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft                   improved hydraulic module plate
                                             39–18786; AD 2017–02–07]                                Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood                      installation that is not subject to the
                                                                                                     Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone                 unsafe condition.
                                             RIN 2120–AA64
                                                                                                     (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@                 Comments
                                             Airworthiness Directives; Airbus                        faa.gov.                                                After our NPRM was published, we
                                             Helicopters Deutschland GmbH                                                                                  received comments from one
                                                                                                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                             Helicopters                                                                                                   commenter.
                                                                                                     Discussion
                                             AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                                                                     Request
                                             Administration (FAA), DOT.                                 On June 21, 2016, at 81 FR 40203, the
                                                                                                     Federal Register published our notice of                 Airbus Helicopters requested revising
                                             ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                     proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which                     the statements regarding what prompted
                                             SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new                        proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by                   this AD action and the intended effects
                                             airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus                 adding an AD that would apply to                      of this AD action to more accurately
                                             Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus                    Airbus Helicopters Model MBB–BK 117                   describe the unsafe condition.
                                             Helicopters) Model MBB–BK 117 C–2                       C–2 and MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters                    Specifically, the commenter requested
                                             and MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters. This                    with a hydraulic module plate assembly                we state the design assessment showed
                                             AD requires inspections and a torque of                 part number B291M0003103 with a                       that in case of a failure of a single
                                             certain attachment points. This AD was                  single locking attachment point                       attachment point, the stiffness of the
                                             prompted by a design reassessment.                      (attachment point) installed. The NPRM                hydraulic plate installation may be
                                             These actions are intended to prevent an                proposed to require performing                        insufficient to withstand the in-service
                                             unsafe condition on these products.                     repetitive visual inspections of each                 loads.
                                                                                                                                                              We agree. We have revised this
                                             DATES: This AD is effective March 17,                   attachment point of the hydraulic
                                                                                                                                                           statement in the Discussion paragraph
                                             2017.                                                   module plate assembly for a crack and
                                                                                                                                                           of this Final Rule.
                                                The Director of the Federal Register                 proper installation and a one-time                       The commenter also requested that in
                                             approved the incorporation by reference                 torque of the nuts of each attachment                 our statement of what the proposed
                                             of certain documents listed in this AD                  point. The proposed requirements were                 actions are intended to prevent, we
                                             as of March 17, 2017.                                   intended to prevent failure of an                     change ‘‘subsequent loss of control of
                                             ADDRESSES: For service information                      attachment point, which could result in               the helicopter’’ to ‘‘possible loss of
                                             identified in this final rule, contact                  loss of the hydraulic module plate and                control of the helicopter.’’
                                             Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum                       subsequent loss of control of the                        We disagree. This AD states the
                                             Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;                         helicopter.                                           unsafe condition ‘‘could result’’ in loss
                                             telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–                     The NPRM was prompted by AD No.                    of the hydraulic module plate and
                                             0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at http://                 2015–0210R1, Revision 1, dated October                subsequent loss of control of the
                                             www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.                      28, 2015, issued by EASA, which is the                helicopter. This language indicates that
                                             You may review the referenced service                   Technical Agent for the Member States                 loss of control of the helicopter is a
                                             information at the FAA, Office of the                   of the European Union, to correct an                  possibility. Thus, the requested change
                                             Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,                     unsafe condition for the Airbus                       is unnecessary.
                                             10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,                       Helicopters Model MBB–BK117 C–2,
                                             Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also                        MBB–BK117 C–2e, MBB–BK117 D–2,                        FAA’s Determination
                                             available on the Internet at http://                    and MBB–BK117 D–2m helicopters.                         These helicopters have been approved
                                             www.regulations.gov by searching for                    EASA advises that the hydraulic plate                 by the aviation authority of Germany
                                             and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                       assembly on certain MBB–BK117                         and are approved for operation in the
                                             7415.                                                   models has four attachment points on                  United States. Pursuant to our bilateral
                                                                                                     the fuselage secured by a single locking              agreement with Germany, EASA, its
                                             Examining the AD Docket                                 mechanism. According to EASA, a                       technical representative, has notified us
                                               You may examine the AD docket on                      design reassessment revealed stiffness of             of the unsafe condition described in the
                                             the Internet at http://                                 the hydraulic plate may be insufficient               EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
                                             www.regulations.gov by searching for                    to withstand the in-service loads in the              because we evaluated all information
                                             and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–                       event one of the four single locking                  provided by EASA and determined the
                                             7415; or in person at the Docket                        attachment points fails. EASA states                  unsafe condition exists and is likely to
                                             Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5                  that if this condition is not detected and            exist or develop on other helicopters of
                                             p.m., Monday through Friday, except                     corrected, it may lead to loss of the                 these same type designs and that air
                                             Federal holidays. The AD docket                         hydraulic module plate and possible                   safety and the public interest require
                                             contains this AD, the European Aviation                 loss of control of the helicopter.                    adopting the AD requirements as
                                             Safety Agency (EASA) ADs, any                           Therefore, the EASA AD requires a                     proposed except for the change to the
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                             incorporated-by-reference service                       repetitive inspection and one-time                    Applicability section previously
                                             information, the economic evaluation,                   torque tightening of the attachment                   described. This change is consistent
                                             any comments received, and other                        points in accordance with Airbus                      with the intent of the proposals in the
                                             information. The street address for the                 Helicopters’ service information. EASA                NPRM and will not increase the
                                             Docket Operations Office (phone: 800–                   considers its AD an interim action and                economic burden on any operator nor
                                             647–5527) is U.S. Department of                         states further AD action may follow.                  increase the scope of this AD.


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:51 Feb 09, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00013   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM   10FER1


                                             10268             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 27 / Friday, February 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                             Differences Between This AD and the                     Authority for This Rulemaking                             Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                             EASA AD                                                    Title 49 of the United States Code                 § 39.13    [Amended]
                                               The EASA AD requires contacting                       specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                                                                                                                                           ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
                                             Airbus Helicopters customer support                     rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                                                                                                                           the following new airworthiness
                                             when replacing affected parts, and this                 section 106, describes the authority of
                                                                                                                                                           directive (AD):
                                             AD does not.                                            the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
                                                                                                     Aviation Programs, describes in more                  2017–02–07 Airbus Helicopters
                                             Related Service Information Under 1                                                                               Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39–
                                                                                                     detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                             CFR Part 51                                                                                                       18786; Docket No. FAA–2016–7415;
                                                                                                     authority.
                                                We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert                    We are issuing this rulemaking under                   Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–076–AD.
                                             Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB MBB–                     the authority described in Subtitle VII,              (a) Applicability
                                             BK117 C–2–29A–003 for Model MBB–                        Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                     This AD applies to Model MBB–BK 117 C–
                                             BK 117 C–2 helicopters and Airbus                       ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                  2 helicopters, serial numbers up to and
                                             Helicopters ASB No. ASB MBB–BK117                       section, Congress charges the FAA with                including 9750, and Model MBB–BK 117 D–
                                             D–2–29A–001 for Model MBB–BK 117                        promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in            2 helicopters, serial numbers up to and
                                             D–2 helicopters, both Revision 0, and                   air commerce by prescribing regulations               including 20110, with a hydraulic module
                                             both dated October 12, 2015. This                       for practices, methods, and procedures                plate assembly part number B291M0003103
                                             service information specifies a repetitive                                                                    with a single locking attachment point
                                                                                                     the Administrator finds necessary for
                                                                                                                                                           installed, certificated in any category.
                                             visual inspection for condition and                     safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                             correct installation of the attachment                  is within the scope of that authority                 (b) Unsafe Condition
                                             points, and if there is a crack, replacing              because it addresses an unsafe condition                 This AD defines the unsafe condition as
                                             the affected parts and contacting Airbus                that is likely to exist or develop on                 failure of a hydraulic module plate assembly
                                             Helicopters customer support. This                      helicopters identified in this rulemaking             attachment point (attachment point). This
                                             service information also specifies a                    action.                                               condition could result in loss of the
                                             tightening torque check after the initial                                                                     hydraulic module plate and subsequent loss
                                             inspection and, if torque cannot be                     Regulatory Findings                                   of control of the helicopter.
                                             applied, replacing the affected parts and                 This AD will not have federalism                    (c) Effective Date
                                             contacting Airbus Helicopters customer                  implications under Executive Order                       This AD becomes effective March 17, 2017.
                                             support.                                                13132. This AD will not have a
                                                This service information is reasonably               substantial direct effect on the States, on           (d) Compliance
                                             available because the interested parties                the relationship between the national                   You are responsible for performing each
                                             have access to it through their normal                  government and the States, or on the                  action required by this AD within the
                                             course of business or by the means                      distribution of power and                             specified compliance time unless it has
                                             identified in the ADDRESSES section.                    responsibilities among the various                    already been accomplished prior to that time.
                                                                                                     levels of government.                                 (e) Required Actions
                                             Other Related Service Information                         For the reasons discussed above, I                     (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS):
                                               We also reviewed Airbus Helicopters                   certify that this AD:                                    (i) Visually inspect the split pins,
                                             ASB No. ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–29A–                            (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory               castellated nuts, plugs, nuts, and hexagon
                                             003 for Model MBB–BK 117 C–2                            action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                 bolts of each attachment point for a crack and
                                             helicopters and Airbus Helicopters ASB                    (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under             for proper installation by following the
                                             No. ASB MBB–BK117 D–2–29A–001 for                       DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs
                                             Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters,                       (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                     3.B.1.2.a. through 3.B.1.2.e., of Airbus
                                             both Revision 1 and both dated October                    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation             Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
                                             14, 2016. This service information                      in Alaska to the extent that it justifies             ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–29A–003, Revision 0,
                                                                                                     making a regulatory distinction; and                  dated October 12, 2015 (ASB MBB–BK117 C–
                                             specifies the same repetitive visual                                                                          2–29A–003), or Airbus Helicopters ASB No.
                                             inspection for condition and correct                      (4) Will not have a significant
                                                                                                                                                           ASB MBB–BK117 D–2–29A–001, Revision 0,
                                             installation of the attachment points                   economic impact, positive or negative,                dated October 12, 2015 (ASB MBB–BK117 D–
                                             except it reduces the applicability by                  on a substantial number of small entities             2–29A–001), as applicable to your model
                                             serial number due to the introduction of                under the criteria of the Regulatory                  helicopter. Replace any part that has a crack
                                             a new locking design.                                   Flexibility Act.                                      before further flight. If the split pins,
                                                                                                       We prepared an economic evaluation                  castellated nuts, or hexagon bolts are not as
                                             Costs of Compliance                                     of the estimated costs to comply with                 depicted in Figure 2 of ASB MBB–BK117 C–
                                                We estimate that this AD affects 134                 this AD and placed it in the AD docket.               2–29A–003 or ASB MBB–BK117 D–2–29A–
                                             helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate                                                                     001, before further flight, properly install
                                                                                                     List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                    them.
                                             that operators may incur the following
                                                                                                       Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                 (ii) Apply a torque of 9 to 10 Nm to the
                                             costs in order to comply with this AD.
                                                                                                     safety, Incorporation by reference,                   left-hand and right-hand nuts of each
                                             We estimate the cost of labor at $85 per                                                                      attachment point. If a torque of 9 to 10 Nm
                                             work-hour. Visually inspecting the four                 Safety.
                                                                                                                                                           cannot be applied, replace the affected nut
                                             attachment points will take about 0.75                  Adoption of the Amendment                             before further flight.
                                             work-hour for an estimated cost of $64                                                                           (2) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed
                                                                                                       Accordingly, under the authority
                                             per helicopter and $8,576 for the U.S.                                                                        400 hours TIS, perform the inspection in
                                                                                                     delegated to me by the Administrator,                 paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this AD.
                                             fleet per inspection cycle. Inspecting the
                                                                                                     the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
                                             torque of the four attachment points will
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                                                                                                     follows:                                              (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                             take about 0.25 work-hour for an                                                                              (AMOCs)
                                             estimated cost of $21 per helicopter and                PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                    (1) The Manager, Safety Management
                                             $2,814 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing any                DIRECTIVES                                            Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
                                             of the attachment point parts will take                                                                       AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller,
                                             a minimal amount of time and parts will                 ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39               Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety
                                             cost about $48 per attachment point.                    continues to read as follows:                         Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate,



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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 27 / Friday, February 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                        10269

                                             FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX                the availability of this material at NARA, call         2. The FAA Air Traffic Organization
                                             76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-               (202) 741–6030, or go to: http://                     Service Area in which the affected
                                             ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                          www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-            airport is located;
                                               (2) For operations conducted under a 14               locations.html.
                                             CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
                                                                                                                                                             3. The office of Aeronautical
                                                                                                       Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 18,         Navigation Products, 6500 South
                                             14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
                                                                                                     2017.                                                 MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK
                                             you notify your principal inspector, or
                                             lacking a principal inspector, the manager of           Lance T. Gant,                                        73169 or,
                                             the local flight standards district office or           Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft               4. The National Archives and Records
                                             certificate holding district office, before             Certification Service.                                Administration (NARA). For
                                             operating any aircraft complying with this              [FR Doc. 2017–01772 Filed 2–9–17; 8:45 am]            information on the availability of this
                                             AD through an AMOC.                                                                                           material at NARA, call 202–741–6030,
                                                                                                     BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                             (g) Additional Information                                                                                    or go to: http://www.archives.gov/
                                                (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service                                                                       federal_register/code_of_federal_
                                             Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–                   DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          regulations/ibr_locations.html.
                                             29A–003 and Airbus Helicopters ASB No.
                                             ASB MBB–BK117 D–2–29A–001, both                         Federal Aviation Administration                       Availability
                                             Revision 1, and both dated October 14, 2016,                                                                    All SIAPs and Takeoff Minimums and
                                             which are not incorporated by reference,                14 CFR Part 97                                        ODPs are available online free of charge.
                                             contain additional information about the                                                                      Visit the National Flight Data Center at
                                             subject of this final rule. For service
                                                                                                     [Docket No. 31118; Amdt. No. 3733]                    nfdc.faa.gov to register. Additionally,
                                             information identified in this final rule,
                                             contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum                                                                     individual SIAP and Takeoff Minimums
                                             Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone               Standard Instrument Approach                          and ODP copies may be obtained from
                                             (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972)             Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums                      the FAA Air Traffic Organization
                                             641–3775; or at http://                                 and Obstacle Departure Procedures;                    Service Area in which the affected
                                             www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You                  Miscellaneous Amendments                              airport is located.
                                             may review a copy of the service information                                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                             at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,             AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                             Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy,                  Administration (FAA), DOT.                            Thomas J. Nichols, Flight Procedure
                                             Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.                                                                            Standards Branch (AFS–420), Flight
                                                                                                     ACTION: Final rule.                                   Technologies and Programs Divisions,
                                                (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
                                             European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD                                                                     Flight Standards Service, Federal
                                             No. 2015–0210R1, Revision 1, dated October
                                                                                                     SUMMARY:    This rule establishes, amends,            Aviation Administration, Mike
                                             28, 2015, and EASA AD No. 2015–0210R2,                  suspends, or removes Standard                         Monroney Aeronautical Center, 6500
                                             Revision 2, dated December 2, 2016. You                 Instrument Approach Procedures                        South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City,
                                             may view the EASA ADs on the Internet at                (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff                        OK 73169 (Mail Address: P.O. Box
                                             http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.                Minimums and Obstacle Departure                       25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125)
                                             FAA–2016–7415.                                          Procedures (ODPs) for operations at                   Telephone: (405) 954–4164.
                                             (h) Subject                                             certain airports. These regulatory
                                                                                                     actions are needed because of the                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule
                                               Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)                                                                     amends Title 14 of the Code of Federal
                                             Code: 2900, Hydraulic Power System.                     adoption of new or revised criteria, or
                                                                                                     because of changes occurring in the                   Regulations, Part 97 (14 CFR part 97), by
                                             (i) Material Incorporated by Reference                  National Airspace System, such as the                 establishing, amending, suspending, or
                                                (1) The Director of the Federal Register             commissioning of new navigational                     removes SIAPS, Takeoff Minimums
                                             approved the incorporation by reference of              facilities, adding new obstacles, or                  and/or ODPS. The complete regulatory
                                             the service information listed in this                  changing air traffic requirements. These              description of each SIAP and its
                                             paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
                                                                                                     changes are designed to provide safe                  associated Takeoff Minimums or ODP
                                             part 51.                                                                                                      for an identified airport is listed on FAA
                                                (2) You must use this service information            and efficient use of the navigable
                                                                                                     airspace and to promote safe flight                   form documents which are incorporated
                                             as applicable to do the actions required by                                                                   by reference in this amendment under 5
                                             this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.             operations under instrument flight rules
                                                (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service                 at the affected airports.                             U.S.C. 552(a), 1 CFR part 51, and 14
                                             Bulletin No. ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–29A–                                                                           CFR part § 97.20. The applicable FAA
                                                                                                     DATES: This rule is effective February                forms are FAA Forms 8260–3, 8260–4,
                                             003, Revision 0, dated October 12, 2015.
                                                (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
                                                                                                     10, 2017. The compliance date for each                8260–5, 8260–15A, and 8260–15B when
                                             Bulletin No. ASB MBB–BK117 D–2–29A–                     SIAP, associated Takeoff Minimums,                    required by an entry on 8260–15A.
                                             001, Revision 0, dated October 12, 2015.                and ODP is specified in the amendatory                  The large number of SIAPs, Takeoff
                                                (3) For Airbus Helicopters service                   provisions.                                           Minimums and ODPs, their complex
                                             information identified in this AD, contact                 The incorporation by reference of                  nature, and the need for a special format
                                             Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,                certain publications listed in the
                                             Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972)
                                                                                                                                                           make publication in the Federal
                                                                                                     regulations is approved by the Director               Register expensive and impractical.
                                             641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–
                                             3775; or at http://
                                                                                                     of the Federal Register as of February                Further, airmen do not use the
                                             www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.                      10, 2017.                                             regulatory text of the SIAPs, Takeoff
                                                (4) You may view this service information            ADDRESSES: Availability of matters                    Minimums or ODPs, but instead refer to
                                             at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,                 incorporated by reference in the                      their graphic depiction on charts
                                             Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy,                  amendment is as follows:                              printed by publishers of aeronautical
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                                             Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For                                                                        materials. Thus, the advantages of
                                             information on the availability of this                 For Examination
                                             material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
                                                                                                                                                           incorporation by reference are realized
                                                (5) You may view this service information              1. U.S. Department of Transportation,               and publication of the complete
                                             that is incorporated by reference at the                Docket Ops–M30, 1200 New Jersey                       description of each SIAP, Takeoff
                                             National Archives and Records                           Avenue SE., West Bldg., Ground Floor,                 Minimums and ODP listed on FAA form
                                             Administration (NARA). For information on               Washington, DC 20590–0001.                            documents is unnecessary. This


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Document Created: 2017-02-11 18:14:58
Document Modified: 2017-02-11 18:14:58
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective March 17, 2017.
ContactMatt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 10267 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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