82 FR 16138 - Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Helicopters
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 62 (April 3, 2017)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 62 (April 3, 2017)
| Page Range | 16138-16140 | |
| FR Document | 2017-06460 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 62 (Monday, April 3, 2017)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 16138-16140] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-06460] ======================================================================== Proposed Rules Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. ======================================================================== Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Proposed Rules [[Page 16138]] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2017-0270; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-032-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2014-16- 01 for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model MD900 helicopters. AD 2014-16- 01 requires an eddy current inspection of the main rotor upper hub assembly (upper hub) for a crack. Since we issued AD 2014-16-01, three additional upper hub cracks were reported. This proposed AD would require additional inspections and replacing the fillet seal. These proposed actions are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 2, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. Fax: 202-493-2251. Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017- 0270; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact MD Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215-9734; telephone 1-800-388-3378; fax 480-346-6813; or at http://www.mdhelicopters.com. You may review service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5348; email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion On July 24, 2014, we issued AD 2014-16-01, Amendment 39-17925 (79 FR 45322, August 5, 2014), for MDHI Model MD900 helicopters, serial numbers 900-00008 through 900-00140, with an upper hub part number (P/ N) 900R2101006-105, -107, -109, or -111 installed. AD 2014-16-01 requires, within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), eddy current inspecting the upper hub for a crack and replacing the upper hub before further flight if there is a crack. AD 2014-16-01 was prompted by a report that four cracks were found at the blade attach holes on a high- time upper hub. The actions in AD 2014-16-01 were intended to detect a crack on the upper hub, which if not corrected could result in failure of the upper hub and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Actions Since AD 2014-16-01 Was Issued Since we issued AD 2014-16-01, we received reports of three additional cracks found in the MD900 fleet. These cracks were not discovered by the one-time eddy current inspection required by AD 2014- 16-01, but were found during regular maintenance of the upper hub. MDHI determined that in addition to the repetitive inspections of the upper hub annually and at 100 and 1,000 hours TIS in its maintenance manual, inspections should be accomplished and a fillet seal should be installed to prevent moisture in the interface of the bushing and the flex beam retention bolt hole. MDHI also determined that these inspections should be accomplished on all P/N 900R2101006-105, -107, - 109, and -111 upper hubs with 1,000 or more hours TIS, regardless of helicopter serial number. These proposed actions are intended to detect a crack on the upper hub, which if not corrected could result in failure of the upper hub and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. FAA's Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information [[Page 16139]] and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other helicopters of the same type design. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 MDHI has issued Service Bulletin SB900-125, dated February 19, 2016, which describes procedures for repetitive visual and eddy current inspections of the upper hub upper and lower flexbeam bolthole areas and for applying a fillet seal on the interface of the bushing and the flex beam retention bolt hole. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require for MDHI MD900 helicopters with an upper hub P/N 900R2101006-105, -107, -109, and -111: Within 100 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours TIS, using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspecting the fillet seal and the areas around the flexbeam boltholes for a crack; Within 12 months and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 12 months, removing the paint, primer, and fillet seal around the flexbeam boltholes and, using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspecting the area for a crack; Within 12 months and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 12 months, inspecting the lead leg shims and bushings for corrosion around the flexbeam boltholes, and if there is corrosion, removing the lead leg shim and inspecting for a crack; Within 1,000 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours TIS, eddy-current inspecting the areas adjacent to the flexbeam boltholes for a crack; If during any inspection required by the proposed AD there is a crack, replacing the upper hub before further flight; and Finally, after each inspection required by the proposed AD, installing a fillet seal to the bushing and upper hub interface. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information The service information applies to upper hubs with 1,000 or more hours TIS. This proposed AD would apply to all upper hubs regardless of hours TIS. The service information applies to upper hub P/N 900R2101006-107 and -109; the proposed AD would also apply to upper hub P/N 900R2101006-105 and -111. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 23 helicopters of U.S. Registry. At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, we estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Inspecting the fillet seal around the flexbeam boltholes (100 hour TIS inspection) would require about 1 work-hour, for a cost per helicopter of $85 and a cost of $1,955 for the fleet, per inspection cycle. Inspecting the flexbeam area and lead leg shims and bushings (annual inspection) would require about 2 work-hours, for a cost per helicopter of $170 and a cost of $3,910 for the fleet, per inspection cycle. Eddy current inspecting (1,000 hour TIS inspection) the upper hub would require about 2 work-hours, for a cost per helicopter of $170 and a cost of $3,910 for the fleet. If required, replacing the upper hub would require about 11 work- hours, and required parts would cost about $15,998, for a cost per helicopter of $16,933. If required, replacing a missing or damaged fillet seal would require about .5 work-hour, and required parts cost would be minimal, for a cost per helicopter of $43. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-16-01, Amendment 39-17925(79 FR 45322, August 5, 2014), and adding the following new AD: MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI): Docket No. FAA-2017-0270; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-032-AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model MD900 helicopters with main rotor upper hub assembly (upper hub) part number 900R2101006-105, -107, -109, or -111 installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a cracked upper hub. This condition could result in failure of the upper hub and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 2014-16-01, Amendment 39-17925 (79 FR 45322, August 5, 2014). [[Page 16140]] (d) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by June 2, 2017. (e) 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. (f) Required Actions (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS: (i) Inspect the fillet seal around each flexbeam bolthole to determine whether it adheres properly to the hub or bushing or is missing. Indications of an improperly adhered seal include lifting, bubbling, peeling away, drying out, or cracking. If the fillet seal is not properly adhered or is missing, before further flight, replace the fillet seal with sealant C232 or equivalent by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.D.(2) through 2.D.(5) and Figure 1, of MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB900-125, dated February 19, 2016 (SB900-125). (ii) Using a light and a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect the area outside of the fillet seal around each flexbeam bolthole on the top of the upper hub assembly for a crack. If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the upper hub assembly. (2) Within 12 months, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months: (i) Remove the paint and primer from the area around each flexbeam bolthole on top of the upper hub. Remove the fillet seal from the mating surface of each bushing and the top of the upper hub. (ii) Using a light and a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect the area around each flexbeam bolthole for a crack. If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the upper hub assembly. (iii) Inspect each lead leg shim and bushing for corrosion around the flexbeam boltholes on the bottom of the upper hub in the flexbeam pockets. If there is corrosion, before further flight: (A) Remove the lead leg shim from the flexbeam pocket and clean the area adjacent to the flexbeam bolthole to remove any corrosion within maximum repair damage limits. If the corrosion exceeds maximum repair damage limits, replace the upper hub assembly. (B) Using a light and a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect the area around the flexbeam bolthole for a crack. If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the upper hub assembly. (iv) Replace the fillet seal as described in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD. (3) Within 1,000 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS: (i) Eddy current inspect the areas adjacent to each flexbeam bolthole, top and bottom, for a crack. This eddy current inspection must be performed by a Level II or higher technician with the American Society for Nondestructive Testing ASNT-TC-1A, European Committee for Standardization CEN EN 4179, Military Standard MIL- STD-410, National Aerospace Standard NAS410, or equivalent certification who has performed an eddy current inspection within the last 12 months. If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the upper hub assembly. (ii) Replace the fillet seal as described in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Eric Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627- 5348; email [email protected]. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6220 Main Rotor Head. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 27, 2017. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017-06460 Filed 3-31-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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Proposed Rules Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 62
Monday, April 3, 2017
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER www.regulations.gov by searching for We will consider comments filed after
contains notices to the public of the proposed and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– the comment period has closed if it is
issuance of rules and regulations. The 0270; or in person at the Docket possible to do so without incurring
purpose of these notices is to give interested Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 expense or delay. We may change this
persons an opportunity to participate in the p.m., Monday through Friday, except proposal in light of the comments we
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
Federal holidays. The AD docket receive.
rules.
contains this proposed AD, the
Discussion
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The On July 24, 2014, we issued AD 2014–
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
street address for the Docket Operations 16–01, Amendment 39–17925 (79 FR
Federal Aviation Administration Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in 45322, August 5, 2014), for MDHI Model
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will MD900 helicopters, serial numbers 900–
14 CFR Part 39 be available in the AD docket shortly 00008 through 900–00140, with an
after receipt. upper hub part number (P/N)
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0270; Directorate For service information identified in 900R2101006–105, –107, –109, or –111
Identifier 2016–SW–032–AD] installed. AD 2014–16–01 requires,
this proposed rule, contact MD
RIN 2120–AA64 Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS),
Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell eddy current inspecting the upper hub
Airworthiness Directives; MD Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215– for a crack and replacing the upper hub
Helicopters, Inc. Helicopters 9734; telephone 1–800–388–3378; fax before further flight if there is a crack.
480–346–6813; or at http:// AD 2014–16–01 was prompted by a
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
www.mdhelicopters.com. You may report that four cracks were found at the
Administration (FAA), DOT.
review service information at the FAA, blade attach holes on a high-time upper
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking hub. The actions in AD 2014–16–01
Office of the Regional Counsel,
(NPRM). were intended to detect a crack on the
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX upper hub, which if not corrected could
airworthiness directive (AD) 2014–16– 76177. result in failure of the upper hub and
01 for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) subsequent loss of control of the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric
Model MD900 helicopters. AD 2014– helicopter.
Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los
16–01 requires an eddy current Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Actions Since AD 2014–16–01 Was
inspection of the main rotor upper hub Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, Issued
assembly (upper hub) for a crack. Since 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, Since we issued AD 2014–16–01, we
we issued AD 2014–16–01, three California 90712; telephone (562) 627– received reports of three additional
additional upper hub cracks were 5348; email eric.schrieber@faa.gov. cracks found in the MD900 fleet. These
reported. This proposed AD would SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: cracks were not discovered by the one-
require additional inspections and time eddy current inspection required
replacing the fillet seal. These proposed Comments Invited
by AD 2014–16–01, but were found
actions are intended to prevent an We invite you to participate in this during regular maintenance of the upper
unsafe condition on these products. rulemaking by submitting written hub. MDHI determined that in addition
DATES: We must receive comments on comments, data, or views. We also to the repetitive inspections of the
this proposed AD by June 2, 2017. invite comments relating to the upper hub annually and at 100 and
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by economic, environmental, energy, or 1,000 hours TIS in its maintenance
any of the following methods: federalism impacts that might result manual, inspections should be
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to from adopting the proposals in this accomplished and a fillet seal should be
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the document. The most helpful comments installed to prevent moisture in the
online instructions for sending your reference a specific portion of the interface of the bushing and the flex
comments electronically. proposal, explain the reason for any beam retention bolt hole. MDHI also
• Fax: 202–493–2251. recommended change, and include determined that these inspections
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. supporting data. To ensure the docket should be accomplished on all P/N
Department of Transportation, Docket does not contain duplicate comments, 900R2101006–105, –107, –109, and
Operations, M–30, West Building commenters should send only one copy –111 upper hubs with 1,000 or more
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 of written comments, or if comments are hours TIS, regardless of helicopter serial
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, filed electronically, commenters should number.
DC 20590–0001. submit only one time. These proposed actions are intended
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the We will file in the docket all to detect a crack on the upper hub,
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 comments that we receive, as well as a which if not corrected could result in
p.m., Monday through Friday, except report summarizing each substantive failure of the upper hub and subsequent
Federal holidays. public contact with FAA personnel loss of control of the helicopter.
concerning this proposed rulemaking.
Examining the AD Docket Before acting on this proposal, we will FAA’s Determination
You may examine the AD docket on consider all comments we receive on or We are proposing this AD because we
the Internet at http:// before the closing date for comments. evaluated all the relevant information
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and determined the unsafe condition apply to upper hub P/N 900R2101006– Government and the States, or on the
described previously is likely to exist or 105 and –111. distribution of power and
develop in other helicopters of the same responsibilities among the various
Costs of Compliance
type design. levels of government.
We estimate that this proposed AD For the reasons discussed, I certify
Related Service Information Under 1 would affect 23 helicopters of U.S.
CFR Part 51 this proposed regulation:
Registry.
At an average labor rate of $85 per 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
MDHI has issued Service Bulletin
hour, we estimate that operators may action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
SB900–125, dated February 19, 2016,
which describes procedures for incur the following costs in order to 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
repetitive visual and eddy current comply with this AD. Inspecting the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
inspections of the upper hub upper and fillet seal around the flexbeam boltholes (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
lower flexbeam bolthole areas and for (100 hour TIS inspection) would require 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
applying a fillet seal on the interface of about 1 work-hour, for a cost per Alaska to the extent that it justifies
the bushing and the flex beam retention helicopter of $85 and a cost of $1,955 making a regulatory distinction; and
bolt hole. for the fleet, per inspection cycle. 4. Will not have a significant
This service information is reasonably Inspecting the flexbeam area and lead economic impact, positive or negative,
available because the interested parties leg shims and bushings (annual on a substantial number of small entities
have access to it through their normal inspection) would require about 2 work- under the criteria of the Regulatory
course of business or by the means hours, for a cost per helicopter of $170 Flexibility Act.
identified in the ADDRESSES section. and a cost of $3,910 for the fleet, per We prepared an economic evaluation
inspection cycle. Eddy current of the estimated costs to comply with
Proposed AD Requirements inspecting (1,000 hour TIS inspection) this proposed AD and placed it in the
This proposed AD would require for the upper hub would require about 2 AD docket.
MDHI MD900 helicopters with an upper work-hours, for a cost per helicopter of
hub P/N 900R2101006–105, –107, –109, $170 and a cost of $3,910 for the fleet. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
and –111: If required, replacing the upper hub Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
Within 100 hours TIS and thereafter would require about 11 work-hours, and safety, Incorporation by reference,
at intervals not exceeding 100 hours required parts would cost about Safety.
TIS, using a 10X or higher magnifying $15,998, for a cost per helicopter of
glass, inspecting the fillet seal and the $16,933. The Proposed Amendment
areas around the flexbeam boltholes for If required, replacing a missing or
a crack; Accordingly, under the authority
damaged fillet seal would require about
Within 12 months and thereafter at delegated to me by the Administrator,
.5 work-hour, and required parts cost
intervals not exceeding 12 months, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
would be minimal, for a cost per
removing the paint, primer, and fillet 39 as follows:
helicopter of $43.
seal around the flexbeam boltholes and, PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, Authority for This Rulemaking
DIRECTIVES
inspecting the area for a crack; Title 49 of the United States Code
Within 12 months and thereafter at specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
intervals not exceeding 12 months, rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
continues to read as follows:
inspecting the lead leg shims and section 106, describes the authority of
bushings for corrosion around the the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
flexbeam boltholes, and if there is Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more § 39.13 [Amended]
corrosion, removing the lead leg shim detail the scope of the Agency’s
and inspecting for a crack; authority. ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
Within 1,000 hours TIS and thereafter We are issuing this rulemaking under removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
at intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, 2014–16–01, Amendment 39–17925(79
TIS, eddy-current inspecting the areas Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: FR 45322, August 5, 2014), and adding
adjacent to the flexbeam boltholes for a General requirements.’’ Under that the following new AD:
crack; section, Congress charges the FAA with MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI): Docket No.
If during any inspection required by promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in FAA–2017–0270; Directorate Identifier
the proposed AD there is a crack, air commerce by prescribing regulations 2016–SW–032–AD.
replacing the upper hub before further for practices, methods, and procedures (a) Applicability
flight; and the Administrator finds necessary for
This AD applies to Model MD900
Finally, after each inspection required safety in air commerce. This regulation helicopters with main rotor upper hub
by the proposed AD, installing a fillet is within the scope of that authority assembly (upper hub) part number
seal to the bushing and upper hub because it addresses an unsafe condition 900R2101006–105, –107, –109, or –111
interface. that is likely to exist or develop on installed, certificated in any category.
products identified in this rulemaking
Differences Between This Proposed AD (b) Unsafe Condition
action.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS
and the Service Information This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
The service information applies to Regulatory Findings cracked upper hub. This condition could
upper hubs with 1,000 or more hours We determined that this proposed AD result in failure of the upper hub and
TIS. This proposed AD would apply to would not have federalism implications subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
all upper hubs regardless of hours TIS. under Executive Order 13132. This (c) Affected ADs
The service information applies to proposed AD would not have a This AD supersedes AD 2014–16–01,
upper hub P/N 900R2101006–107 and substantial direct effect on the States, on Amendment 39–17925 (79 FR 45322, August
–109; the proposed AD would also the relationship between the national 5, 2014).
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(d) Comments Due Date performed an eddy current inspection within DATES: Comments must be received on
We must receive comments by June 2, the last 12 months. If there is a crack, before or before May 18, 2017.
2017. further flight, replace the upper hub
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
assembly.
(e) Compliance (ii) Replace the fillet seal as described in proposal to the U.S. Department of
You are responsible for performing each paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD. Transportation, Docket Operations,
action required by this AD within the West Building Ground Floor, Room
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
specified compliance time unless it has W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
(AMOCs)
already been accomplished prior to that time. Washington, DC 20590; telephone (202)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft 366–9826, or 1–800–647–5527. You
(f) Required Actions Certification Office, FAA, may approve
must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–
(1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to:
Eric Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los 2017–0165/Airspace Docket No. 17–
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100
hours TIS: Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, ACE–1, at the beginning of your
(i) Inspect the fillet seal around each Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 comments. You may also submit
flexbeam bolthole to determine whether it Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California comments through the Internet at http://
adheres properly to the hub or bushing or is 90712; telephone (562) 627–5348; email 9- www.regulations.gov. You may review
missing. Indications of an improperly ANM-LAACO-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. the public docket containing the
adhered seal include lifting, bubbling, (2) For operations conducted under a 14 proposal, any comments received, and
peeling away, drying out, or cracking. If the CFR part 119 operating certificate or under any final disposition in person in the
fillet seal is not properly adhered or is 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
Dockets Office between 9:00 a.m. and
missing, before further flight, replace the you notify your principal inspector, or
fillet seal with sealant C232 or equivalent by lacking a principal inspector, the manager of 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
following the Accomplishment Instructions, the local flight standards district office or except Federal holidays.
paragraphs 2.D.(2) through 2.D.(5) and Figure certificate holding district office before FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace
1, of MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB900– operating any aircraft complying with this Designations and Reporting Points, and
125, dated February 19, 2016 (SB900–125). AD through an AMOC. subsequent amendments can be viewed
(ii) Using a light and a 10X or higher power
(h) Subject
online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/
magnifying glass, inspect the area outside of publications/. For further information,
the fillet seal around each flexbeam bolthole Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) you can contact the Airspace Policy
on the top of the upper hub assembly for a Code: 6220 Main Rotor Head.
Group, Federal Aviation
crack. If there is a crack, before further flight, Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 27,
replace the upper hub assembly. Administration, 800 Independence
2017. Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;
(2) Within 12 months, and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 12 months: Scott A. Horn, telephone: 202–267–8783. The Order is
(i) Remove the paint and primer from the Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, also available for inspection at the
area around each flexbeam bolthole on top of Aircraft Certification Service. National Archives and Records
the upper hub. Remove the fillet seal from [FR Doc. 2017–06460 Filed 3–31–17; 8:45 am] Administration (NARA). For
the mating surface of each bushing and the BILLING CODE 4910–13–P information on the availability of FAA
top of the upper hub. Order 7400.11A at NARA, call 202–741–
(ii) Using a light and a 10X or higher power
6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/
magnifying glass, inspect the area around DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
each flexbeam bolthole for a crack. If there federal_register/code_of_federal-
is a crack, before further flight, replace the regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Federal Aviation Administration FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace
upper hub assembly.
(iii) Inspect each lead leg shim and bushing Designations and Reporting Points, is
for corrosion around the flexbeam boltholes 14 CFR Part 71 published yearly and effective on
on the bottom of the upper hub in the [Docket No. FAA–2017–0165; Airspace September 15.
flexbeam pockets. If there is corrosion, before Docket No. 17–ACE–1] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron
further flight:
Laster, Federal Aviation Administration,
(A) Remove the lead leg shim from the Proposed Amendment of Class E
flexbeam pocket and clean the area adjacent Contract Support, Operations Support
Airspace, for West Plains, MO Group, Central Service Center, 10101
to the flexbeam bolthole to remove any
corrosion within maximum repair damage AGENCY: Federal Aviation Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
limits. If the corrosion exceeds maximum Administration (FAA), DOT. 76177; telephone (817) 222–5879.
repair damage limits, replace the upper hub ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
assembly.
(B) Using a light and a 10X or higher power
(NPRM). Authority for This Rulemaking
magnifying glass, inspect the area around the SUMMARY: This action proposes to The FAA’s authority to issue rules
flexbeam bolthole for a crack. If there is a
modify Class E airspace extending up to regarding aviation safety is found in
crack, before further flight, replace the upper
hub assembly. 700 feet above the surface at West Plains Title 49 of the United States Code.
(iv) Replace the fillet seal as described in Regional Airport, West Plains, MO, to Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the
paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD. accommodate new standard instrument authority of the FAA Administrator.
(3) Within 1,000 hours TIS, and thereafter approach procedures for instrument Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
at intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS: flight rules (IFR) operations at the describes in more detail the scope of the
(i) Eddy current inspect the areas adjacent airport. This action is necessary due to agency’s authority. This rulemaking is
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS
to each flexbeam bolthole, top and bottom, the decommissioning of the Hutton promulgated under the authority
for a crack. This eddy current inspection (HUW) Very High Frequency described in Subtitle VII, Part, A,
must be performed by a Level II or higher
Omnidirectional Range (VOR), and Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
technician with the American Society for
Nondestructive Testing ASNT–TC–1A, cancellation of VOR approach, and section, the FAA is charged with
European Committee for Standardization would enhance the safety and prescribing regulations to assign the use
CEN EN 4179, Military Standard MIL–STD– management of IFR operations at the of airspace necessary to ensure the
410, National Aerospace Standard NAS410, airport. The airport’s name also would safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
or equivalent certification who has be updated. airspace. This regulation is within the
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Mar 31, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\03APP1.SGM 03APP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_16200/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2017-04-01 09:36:18
Document Modified: 2017-04-01 09:36:18
| 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 | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 2, 2017. | |
| Contact | Eric Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5348; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 16138 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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