82 FR 16895 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 66 (April 7, 2017)

Page Range		16895-16897
FR Document		2017-06706

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the engine mount bushings. This AD was prompted by reports of delaminated and worn bushings. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 66 (Friday, April 7, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 66 (Friday, April 7, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16895-16897]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-06706]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-3257; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-072-AD; 
Amendment 39-18846; AD 2017-07-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH

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 D-2 
helicopters. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the engine mount 
bushings. This AD was prompted by reports of delaminated and worn 
bushings. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 12, 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 a copy of the referenced service information at the 
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
3257; 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) AD, the 
economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) 
is U.S.

[[Page 16896]]

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 November 21, 2016, at 81 FR 83182, 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 D-2 helicopters with a bushing part number 
105-60386 installed. The NPRM proposed to require repetitively 
inspecting the bushings of the inner and outer forward trusses of both 
engines and repairing or replacing the bushings, depending on the 
outcome of the inspections. The proposed requirements were intended to 
detect delaminated engine mount bushings, which can lead to excessive 
vibration, cracking, failure of the engine mount front support pins, 
and loss of helicopter control.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2015-0198, dated September 30, 
2015, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union. EASA advises of delaminated engine mount 
bushings. According to EASA, this condition could lead to cracks and 
eventually failure of the engine mount front support pins, possibly 
resulting in loss of helicopter control.
    The EASA AD consequently requires repetitive inspections of the 
engine mount bushings and depending of the findings, repairing or 
replacing the bushings.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received one comment. However, the comment addressed 
neither the proposed actions nor the determination of the cost to the 
public. Therefore, we have made no changes to this AD.

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.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD allows for a 10 hour time-in-service, non-cumulative 
tolerance for its required compliance times. This AD does not.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-
BK117 D-2-71A-002, Revision 0, dated September 28, 2015, for Model MBB-
BK 117 D-2 helicopters. The ASB introduces repetitive visual 
inspections of the engine mount bushings for defects, deformation, 
separation of the rubber, and missing rubber after reports of 
delaminated engine mount bushings and bushings with damage to the metal 
inner sleeve. If there is any deformation or separation of the rubber, 
the ASB specifies performing a detailed inspection of the bushing in 
accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 5 helicopters of U.S. Registry and 
that labor costs average $85 per work hour. Based on these estimates, 
we expect the following costs:
     Inspecting the bushings requires 1 work hour. No parts are 
needed, for a total cost of $85 per helicopter and $425 for the U.S. 
fleet.
     Replacing a bushing requires 1 work hour and $373 for 
parts, for a total cost of $458 per bushing.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2017-07-08 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-18846; 
Docket No. FAA-2016-3257; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-072-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 
MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters with a bushing part number 105-60386 
installed, certificated in any category.

[[Page 16897]]

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a delaminated engine 
mount bushing. This condition could result in excessive vibration, 
which could lead to cracking and failure of the engine mount front 
support pins, and loss of helicopter control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 12, 2017.

(d) Compliance

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

(e) Required Actions

    Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS:
    (1) Visually inspect each engine mount bushing (bushing) for 
separation of the rubber from the metal or missing rubber.
    (2) If any rubber has separated from the metal or if there is 
missing rubber, inspect the bushing for deformation, corrosion, and 
mechanical damage.
    (i) Replace the bushing with an airworthy bushing if there is 
any deformation, separation of the rubber from the metal, corrosion, 
or mechanical damage, or repair the bushing if the deformation, 
separation of the rubber, corrosion, or mechanical damage is within 
the maximum repair damage limitations.
    (ii) If the inner and outer parts of the bushing are separated 
with missing rubber, replace the bushing with an airworthy bushing.

(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, 
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 MBB-BK117 D-2-
71A-002, Revision 0, dated September 28, 2015, which is not 
incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the 
subject of this AD. For service information identified in 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. 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.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0198, dated September 30, 2015. You 
may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FAA-2016-3257.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7200, Engine 
(Turbine, Turboprop).

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 29, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-06706 Filed 4-6-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 66 / Friday, April 7, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 16895

prior opportunities for comment seated occupant, including injuries that Issued in Renton, Washington, on March
described above. could impede rapid egress. This 31, 2017.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 assessment should include an occupant Michael Kaszycki,
whose belt is loosely fastened. Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
and recordkeeping requirements. 6. It must be shown that inadvertent
deployment of the airbag system in the [FR Doc. 2017–06930 Filed 4–6–17; 8:45 am]
■ The authority citation for these shoulder belt, during the most critical BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
special conditions is as follows: part of the flight, will either meet the
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, requirement of § 25.1309(b) or not cause
44702, 44704. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
a hazard to the airplane or its occupants.
The Special Conditions 7. It must be shown that the airbag Federal Aviation Administration
■ Accordingly, pursuant to the authority system in the shoulder belt will not
delegated to me by the Administrator, impede rapid egress of occupants 10 14 CFR Part 39
the following special conditions are seconds after airbag deployment. [Docket No. FAA–2016–3257; Directorate
issued as part of the type certification 8. The airbag system must be Identifier 2015–SW–072–AD; Amendment
basis for Boeing Model 777–200 protected from lightning and high- 39–18846; AD 2017–07–08]
airplanes modified by VT DRB Aviation intensity radiated fields (HIRF). The RIN 2120–AA64
Consultants. threats to the airplane specified in
1. For seats with an airbag system in existing regulations regarding lighting, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
the shoulder belts, show that the airbag § 25.1316, and HIRF, § 25.1317, are Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
system in the shoulder belt will deploy incorporated by reference for the
and provide protection under crash AGENCY: Federal Aviation
purpose of measuring lightning and Administration (FAA), DOT.
conditions where it is necessary to HIRF protection.
prevent serious injury. The means of ACTION: Final rule.
protection must take into consideration 9. The airbag system in the shoulder
belt must function properly after loss of SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
a range of stature from a 2-year-old child
normal aircraft electrical power, and airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
to a 95th percentile male. The airbag
after a transverse separation of the Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus
system in the shoulder belt must
fuselage at the most critical location. A Helicopters) Model MBB–BK 117 D–2
provide a consistent approach to energy
separation at the location of the airbag helicopters. This AD requires
absorption throughout that range of
repetitively inspecting the engine mount
occupants. When the seat system system in the shoulder belt does not
bushings. This AD was prompted by
includes an airbag system, that system have to be considered.
reports of delaminated and worn
must be included in each of the 10. It must be shown that the airbag bushings. The actions of this AD are
certification tests as it would be system in the shoulder belt will not intended to prevent an unsafe condition
installed in the airplane. In addition, the release hazardous quantities of gas or on these products.
following situations must be considered: particulate matter into the cabin.
a. The seat occupant is holding an DATES: This AD is effective May 12,
infant. 11. The airbag system in the shoulder- 2017.
b. The seat occupant is a pregnant belt installation must be protected from ADDRESSES: For service information
woman. the effects of in-flight fire such that no identified in this final rule, contact
2. The airbag system in the shoulder hazard to occupants will result. Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum
belt must provide adequate protection 12. A means must be available for a Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
for each occupant regardless of the crewmember to verify the integrity of telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
number of occupants of the seat the airbag system in the shoulder-belt 0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at http://
assembly, considering that unoccupied activation system prior to each flight, or www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
seats may have an active airbag system it must be demonstrated to reliably You may review a copy of the
in the shoulder belt. referenced service information at the
operate between inspection intervals.
3. The design must prevent the airbag FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
The FAA considers that the loss of the
system in the shoulder belt from being Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
either incorrectly buckled or incorrectly airbag-system deployment function
Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
installed, such that the airbag system in alone (i.e., independent of the
76177.
the shoulder belt would not properly conditional event that requires the
deploy. Alternatively, it must be shown airbag-system deployment) is a major- Examining the AD Docket
that such deployment is not hazardous failure condition. You may examine the AD docket on
to the occupant, and will provide the 13. The inflatable material may not the Internet at http://
required injury protection. have an average burn rate of greater than www.regulations.gov by searching for
4. It must be shown that the airbag 2.5 inches/minute when tested using the and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
system in the shoulder belt is not horizontal flammability test defined in 3257; or in person at the Docket
susceptible to inadvertent deployment part 25, appendix F, part I, paragraph Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
as a result of wear and tear, or inertial (b)(5). p.m., Monday through Friday, except
loads resulting from in-flight or ground Federal holidays. The AD docket
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with RULES

maneuvers (including gusts and hard 14. The airbag system in the shoulder contains this AD, the European Aviation
landings), and other operating and belt, once deployed, must not adversely Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the
environmental conditions (vibrations, affect the emergency-lighting system economic evaluation, any comments
moisture, etc.) likely to occur in service. (i.e., block floor proximity lights to the received, and other information. The
5. Deployment of the airbag system in extent that the lights no longer meet street address for the Docket Operations
the shoulder belt must not injure the their intended function). Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S.

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16896 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 66 / Friday, April 7, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

Department of Transportation, Docket of the unsafe condition described in the is within the scope of that authority
Operations Office, M–30, West Building EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because it addresses an unsafe condition
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 because we evaluated all information that is likely to exist or develop on
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, provided by EASA and determined the products identified in this rulemaking
DC 20590. unsafe condition exists and is likely to action.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt exist or develop on other helicopters of
Regulatory Findings
Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, these same type designs and that air
Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft safety and the public interest require This AD will not have federalism
Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood adopting the AD requirements as implications under Executive Order
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone proposed. 13132. This AD will not have a
(817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@ substantial direct effect on the States, on
Differences Between This AD and the
faa.gov. the relationship between the national
EASA AD
government and the States, or on the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EASA AD allows for a 10 hour distribution of power and
Discussion time-in-service, non-cumulative responsibilities among the various
tolerance for its required compliance levels of government.
On November 21, 2016, at 81 FR times. This AD does not.
83182, the Federal Register published For the reasons discussed above, I
our notice of proposed rulemaking Related Service Information certify that this AD:
(NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117 D– action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
would apply to Airbus Helicopters 2–71A–002, Revision 0, dated (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters September 28, 2015, for Model MBB–BK DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
with a bushing part number 105–60386 117 D–2 helicopters. The ASB (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
installed. The NPRM proposed to introduces repetitive visual inspections (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
require repetitively inspecting the of the engine mount bushings for in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
bushings of the inner and outer forward defects, deformation, separation of the making a regulatory distinction; and
trusses of both engines and repairing or rubber, and missing rubber after reports (4) Will not have a significant
replacing the bushings, depending on of delaminated engine mount bushings economic impact, positive or negative,
the outcome of the inspections. The and bushings with damage to the metal on a substantial number of small entities
proposed requirements were intended to inner sleeve. If there is any deformation under the criteria of the Regulatory
detect delaminated engine mount or separation of the rubber, the ASB Flexibility Act.
bushings, which can lead to excessive specifies performing a detailed We prepared an economic evaluation
vibration, cracking, failure of the engine inspection of the bushing in accordance of the estimated costs to comply with
mount front support pins, and loss of with the aircraft maintenance manual. this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
helicopter control.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. Costs of Compliance List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
2015–0198, dated September 30, 2015, We estimate that this AD affects 5 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
issued by EASA, which is the Technical helicopters of U.S. Registry and that safety, Incorporation by reference,
Agent for the Member States of the labor costs average $85 per work hour. Safety.
European Union. EASA advises of Based on these estimates, we expect the
delaminated engine mount bushings. following costs: Adoption of the Amendment
According to EASA, this condition • Inspecting the bushings requires 1 Accordingly, under the authority
could lead to cracks and eventually work hour. No parts are needed, for a delegated to me by the Administrator,
failure of the engine mount front total cost of $85 per helicopter and $425 the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
support pins, possibly resulting in loss for the U.S. fleet. follows:
of helicopter control. • Replacing a bushing requires 1
The EASA AD consequently requires work hour and $373 for parts, for a total PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
repetitive inspections of the engine cost of $458 per bushing. DIRECTIVES
mount bushings and depending of the
Authority for This Rulemaking
findings, repairing or replacing the ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
bushings. Title 49 of the United States Code continues to read as follows:
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
Comments rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
We gave the public the opportunity to section 106, describes the authority of § 39.13 [Amended]
participate in developing this AD. We the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
received one comment. However, the Aviation Programs, describes in more ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
comment addressed neither the detail the scope of the Agency’s the following new airworthiness
proposed actions nor the determination authority. directive (AD):
of the cost to the public. Therefore, we We are issuing this rulemaking under 2017–07–08 Airbus Helicopters
have made no changes to this AD. the authority described in Subtitle VII, Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39–
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: 18846; Docket No. FAA–2016–3257;
FAA’s Determination ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–072–AD.
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with RULES

These helicopters have been approved section, Congress charges the FAA with (a) Applicability
by the aviation authority of Germany promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
and are approved for operation in the air commerce by prescribing regulations Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 D–
United States. Pursuant to our bilateral for practices, methods, and procedures 2 helicopters with a bushing part number
agreement with Germany, EASA, its the Administrator finds necessary for 105–60386 installed, certificated in any
technical representative, has notified us safety in air commerce. This regulation category.

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 66 / Friday, April 7, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 16897

(b) Unsafe Condition Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, www.regulations.gov by searching for
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a TX 76177. and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
delaminated engine mount bushing. This (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in 7095; or in person at the Docket
condition could result in excessive vibration, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
which could lead to cracking and failure of No. 2015–0198, dated September 30, 2015.
You may view the EASA AD on the Internet
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
the engine mount front support pins, and loss Federal holidays. The AD docket
of helicopter control. at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2016–3257. contains this AD, the economic
(c) Effective Date evaluation, any comments received, and
(h) Subject other information. The street address for
This AD becomes effective May 12, 2017.
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) the Docket Operations Office (phone:
(d) Compliance Code: 7200, Engine (Turbine, Turboprop). 800–647–5527) is U.S. Department of
You are responsible for performing each Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 29, Transportation, Docket Operations
action required by this AD within the 2017. Office, M–30, West Building Ground
specified compliance time unless it has Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Scott A. Horn,
already been accomplished prior to that time.
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
(e) Required Actions Aircraft Certification Service. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) and [FR Doc. 2017–06706 Filed 4–6–17; 8:45 am] Kristopher Greer, Aerospace Engineer,
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Boston Aircraft Certification Office,
TIS: Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA,
(1) Visually inspect each engine mount 1200 District Avenue, Burlington,
bushing (bushing) for separation of the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
rubber from the metal or missing rubber.
Massachusetts 01803; telephone 781–
(2) If any rubber has separated from the 238–7799; email Kristopher.Greer@
Federal Aviation Administration faa.gov.
metal or if there is missing rubber, inspect
the bushing for deformation, corrosion, and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
mechanical damage. 14 CFR Part 39
(i) Replace the bushing with an airworthy [Docket No. FAA–2015–7095; Directorate Discussion
bushing if there is any deformation, Identifier 2015–SW–085–AD; Amendment
separation of the rubber from the metal, On August 30, 2016, at 81 FR 59526,
39–18848; AD 2017–07–09]
corrosion, or mechanical damage, or repair the Federal Register published our
the bushing if the deformation, separation of RIN 2120–AA64 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM),
the rubber, corrosion, or mechanical damage which proposed to amend 14 CFR part
is within the maximum repair damage Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky 39 by adding an AD that would apply
limitations. Aircraft Corporation Helicopters to Sikorsky Model S–92A helicopters
(ii) If the inner and outer parts of the with a housing part number (P/N)
bushing are separated with missing rubber, AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT. 92358–06107–043 installed. The NPRM
replace the bushing with an airworthy proposed to require removing from
bushing. ACTION: Final rule.
service any housing with 12,200 or more
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance SUMMARY: We are adopting a new hours TIS. The NPRM was prompted by
(AMOCs) fatigue analysis conducted by Sikorsky
airworthiness directive (AD) for
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) that determined the housing required a
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this Model S–92A helicopters. This AD retirement life. The proposed actions
AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, were intended to prevent a crack in the
Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety
requires removing from service the tail
gearbox center housing (housing) when housing, which could lead to loss of tail
Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, rotor drive and loss of helicopter
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX it has 12,200 or more hours time-in-
76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9- service (TIS). This AD was prompted by control.
ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. fatigue analysis conducted by Sikorsky Comments
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 that determined the housing required a
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under retirement life. The actions are intended After our NPRM was published, we
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that to prevent an unsafe condition on these received a comment from Sikorsky.
you notify your principal inspector, or products.
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
Request
the local flight standards district office or DATES: This AD is effective May 12, Sikorsky requested a minimum 45-
certificate holding district office before 2017. day extension of the comment period. In
operating any aircraft complying with this ADDRESSES: For service information support of this request, Sikorsky stated
AD through an AMOC. it is re-evaluating the housing’s 12,200-
identified in this final rule, contact
(g) Additional Information Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer hour life limit due to an error in the
(1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, measured flight test loads used in the
Bulletin ASB MBB–BK117 D–2–71A–002, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800- structural fatigue substantiation. When
Revision 0, dated September 28, 2015, which Winged-S or 203–416–4299; email: wcs_ asked for additional information,
is not incorporated by reference, contains cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You Sikorsky advised that it had completed
additional information about the subject of may review a copy of the referenced its re-evaluation and determined that
this AD. For service information identified in service information at the FAA, Office the 12,200-hour life limit was, in fact,
AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N.
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with RULES

of the Regional Counsel, Southwest correct.
Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
FAA’s Determination
fax (972) 641–3775; or at http:// 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You We have reviewed the relevant
Examining the AD Docket information and determined that an
may review the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the You may examine the AD docket on unsafe condition exists and is likely to
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 the Internet at http:// exist or develop on other products of

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Document Created: 2017-04-06 23:49:33
Document Modified: 2017-04-06 23:49:33

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule.
Dates		This AD is effective May 12, 2017.
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]
FR Citation		82 FR 16895
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

82 FR 16895 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 66 (April 7, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration