82 FR 19183 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 79 (April 26, 2017)

Page Range		19183-19185
FR Document		2017-08185
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD requires installing rivets to the air inlet cover rings (rings). This AD was prompted by reports of rings detaching. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent the unsafe condition on these products.
Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 79 (Wednesday, April 26, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 79 (Wednesday, April 26, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19183-19185]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-08185]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6928; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-018-AD; 
Amendment 39-18864; AD 2017-09-02]
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 Helicopters (Airbus Helicopters) Model 
MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD requires 
installing rivets to the air inlet cover rings (rings). This AD was 
prompted by reports of rings detaching. The actions of this AD are 
intended to prevent the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 31, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of May 31, 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 https://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub/FO/scripts/myFO_login.php. 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-2016-6928.

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-
6928; 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, 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 January 5, 2017, at 82 FR 1252, 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 (including configuration C-2e) helicopters, serial 
number 9004 through 9725, and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, serial 
number 20003 through 20045, with an air inlet part number (P/N) 
B212M20C1005 installed. The NPRM proposed inspecting each ring and 
determining if it is loose, and gluing and installing rivets to the 
rings. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent a ring from 
detaching, which could then become stuck between the air inlet and the 
cyclic stick, restricting movement of the cyclic stick. This condition 
could result in loss of helicopter control.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2016-0001, dated January 4, 2016, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters Model MBB-BK 117 C-2, Model MBB-BK117 C-2e, Model MBB-BK117 
D-2, and MBB-BK117 D-2m helicopters. EASA advises that a ring detached 
and got stuck between the air inlet and the cyclic stick on a Model 
MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopter and an inspection on another helicopter found 
a second loose cover ring. EASA states that this condition, if not 
corrected, could affect the cyclic stick's range of movement, possibly 
resulting in degraded control of the helicopter. The EASA AD 
consequently requires inspections and reinforcement of the rings' 
installation.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM.

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 applies to Model MBB-BK117 D-2m helicopters. This AD 
does not because this model does not have an FAA type certificate. The 
EASA AD requires compliance for Model MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters within 
400 hours time-in-service (TIS), while this AD requires compliance 
within 100 hours TIS. The EASA AD requires marking the air inlet with 
the applicable alert service bulletin once it is glued and riveted, 
while this AD does not.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-
BK117 C-2-21A-011 for Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and Model MBB-BK117 C-2e 
helicopters and ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-21A-004 for Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 and 
Model MBB-BK 117 D-2m helicopters. Both ASBs are Revision 0 and dated 
November 16, 2015. This service information introduces an improved 
attachment method for the ring using rivets. The ASBs specify 
inspecting the air inlet to determine whether the ring is loose, and 
then gluing and riveting the ring to the air inlet at different 
timeframes, depending on whether it is loose.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 141 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect the following costs:

[[Page 19184]]

    Manually inspecting the left and right air inlet cover rings 
requires a half work-hour for a labor cost of $43 per helicopter. No 
parts are needed, so the U.S. fleet cost totals $6,063.
    Riveting the rings requires 2 work-hours for a labor cost of $170 
per helicopter. The cost for parts is minimal for a U.S. fleet cost of 
$23,970.

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):

2017-09-02 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-18864; 
Docket No. FAA-2016-6928; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-018-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 
MBB-BK 117 C-2 (including configuration C-2e) helicopters, serial 
number 9004 through 9725, and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, 
serial number 20003 through 20045, certificated in any category, 
with an air inlet part number (P/N) B212M20C1005 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a detached air inlet 
cover ring (ring), which could become stuck between the air inlet 
and the cyclic stick, restricting movement of the cyclic stick. This 
condition could result in loss of helicopter control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 31, 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), manually inspect 
each ring to determine if it is loose. If a ring is loose, before 
further flight, glue the ring on the air inlet using an adhesive (CM 
687 or CM 6044 or equivalent) as shown in Figure 1 of Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-BK117 C-2-21A-011, 
Revision 0, dated November 16, 2015 (ASB C-2-21A-011), or ASB MBB-
BK117 D-2-21A-004, Revision 0, dated November 16, 2015 (ASB D-2-21A-
004), as applicable to your model helicopter. Rivet the ring to the 
air inlet in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3.B.4.2 through 3.B.4.4 of ASB C-2-21A-011 or paragraphs 
3.B.3.2 through 3.B.3.4 of ASB D-2-21A-004.
    (2) If a ring is not loose, within 400 hours TIS:
    (i) Manually inspect the ring to determine if it is loose. If 
the ring is loose, before further flight, glue the ring on the air 
inlet using an adhesive (CM 687 or CM 6044 or equivalent) as shown 
in Figure 1 of ASB C-2-21A-011 or ASB D-2-21A-004.
    (ii) Rivet the ring to the air inlet in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.3.2 through 3.B.3.4 of 
ASB C-2-21A-011 or paragraphs 3.B.2.2 through 3.B.2.4 of ASB D-2-
21A-004.
    (3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an air 
inlet P/N B212M20C1005 on any helicopter unless the ring has been 
riveted to the air inlet in accordance with the requirements 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, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 
222-5110; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0001, dated January 4, 2016. You may view 
the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2016-6928.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2150, Cabin 
Cooling 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 MBB-BK117 C-2-21A-
011, Revision 0, dated November 16, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 D-2-
21A-004, Revision 0, dated November 16, 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 https://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub/FO/scripts/myFO_login.php.
    (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

[[Page 19185]]

(202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 18, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-08185 Filed 4-25-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 79 / Wednesday, April 26, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 19183

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 Comments
April 11, 2017. p.m., Monday through Friday, except We gave the public the opportunity to
Robert J. Ganley, Federal holidays. The AD docket participate in developing this AD, but
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller contains this AD, the European Aviation we received no comments on the NPRM.
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
[FR Doc. 2017–08409 Filed 4–25–17; 8:45 am] incorporated-by-reference service FAA’s Determination
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P information, the economic evaluation, These helicopters have been approved
any comments received, and other by the aviation authority of Germany
information. The street address for the and are approved for operation in the
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Docket Operations Office (phone: 800– United States. Pursuant to our bilateral
647–5527) is U.S. Department of agreement with Germany, EASA, its
Federal Aviation Administration Transportation, Docket Operations technical representative, has notified us
Office, M–30, West Building Ground of the unsafe condition described in the
14 CFR Part 39 Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
[Docket No. FAA–2016–6928; Directorate Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. because we evaluated all information
Identifier 2016–SW–018–AD; Amendment FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt provided by EASA and determined the
39–18864; AD 2017–09–02] Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, unsafe condition exists and is likely to
Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft exist or develop on other helicopters of
RIN 2120–AA64
Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood these same type designs and that air
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone safety and the public interest require
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@ adopting the AD requirements as
Helicopters faa.gov. proposed.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Differences Between This AD and the
AGENCY: Federal Aviation EASA AD
Administration (FAA), DOT. Discussion
ACTION: Final rule.
The EASA AD applies to Model
On January 5, 2017, at 82 FR 1252, the
MBB–BK117 D–2m helicopters. This AD
Federal Register published our notice of does not because this model does not
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus have an FAA type certificate. The EASA
proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by AD requires compliance for Model
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH adding an AD that would apply to
Helicopters (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB–BK117 D–2 helicopters within 400
Airbus Helicopters Model MBB–BK 117 hours time-in-service (TIS), while this
MBB–BK 117 C–2 and MBB–BK 117 D– C–2 (including configuration C–2e)
2 helicopters. This AD requires AD requires compliance within 100
helicopters, serial number 9004 through hours TIS. The EASA AD requires
installing rivets to the air inlet cover 9725, and Model MBB–BK 117 D–2
rings (rings). This AD was prompted by marking the air inlet with the applicable
helicopters, serial number 20003 alert service bulletin once it is glued
reports of rings detaching. The actions through 20045, with an air inlet part
of this AD are intended to prevent the and riveted, while this AD does not.
number (P/N) B212M20C1005 installed.
unsafe condition on these products. The NPRM proposed inspecting each Related Service Information Under 1
DATES: This AD is effective May 31, ring and determining if it is loose, and CFR Part 51
2017. gluing and installing rivets to the rings. We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert
The Director of the Federal Register The proposed requirements were Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117 C–
approved the incorporation by reference intended to prevent a ring from 2–21A–011 for Model MBB–BK 117 C–
of certain documents listed in this AD detaching, which could then become 2 and Model MBB–BK117 C–2e
as of May 31, 2017. stuck between the air inlet and the helicopters and ASB MBB–BK117 D–2–
ADDRESSES: For service information cyclic stick, restricting movement of the 21A–004 for Model MBB–BK 117 D–2
identified in this final rule, contact cyclic stick. This condition could result and Model MBB–BK 117 D–2m
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum in loss of helicopter control. helicopters. Both ASBs are Revision 0
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; The NPRM was prompted by AD No. and dated November 16, 2015. This
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232– 2016–0001, dated January 4, 2016, service information introduces an
0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https:// issued by EASA, which is the Technical improved attachment method for the
www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub/ Agent for the Member States of the ring using rivets. The ASBs specify
FO/scripts/myFO_login.php. You may European Union, to correct an unsafe inspecting the air inlet to determine
review the referenced service condition for Airbus Helicopters Model whether the ring is loose, and then
information at the FAA, Office of the MBB–BK 117 C–2, Model MBB–BK117 gluing and riveting the ring to the air
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, C–2e, Model MBB–BK117 D–2, and inlet at different timeframes, depending
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, MBB–BK117 D–2m helicopters. EASA on whether it is loose.
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also advises that a ring detached and got This service information is reasonably
available on the Internet at http:// stuck between the air inlet and the available because the interested parties
www.regulations.gov by searching for cyclic stick on a Model MBB–BK117 C– have access to it through their normal
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 2 helicopter and an inspection on course of business or by the means
6928. another helicopter found a second loose identified in the ADDRESSES section.
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES

cover ring. EASA states that this
Examining the AD Docket condition, if not corrected, could affect Costs of Compliance
You may examine the AD docket on the cyclic stick’s range of movement, We estimate that this AD affects 141
the Internet at http:// possibly resulting in degraded control of helicopters of U.S. Registry and that
www.regulations.gov by searching for the helicopter. The EASA AD labor costs average $85 per work-hour.
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– consequently requires inspections and Based on these estimates, we expect the
6928; or in person at the Docket reinforcement of the rings’ installation. following costs:

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Apr 25, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\26APR1.SGM 26APR1
19184 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 79 / Wednesday, April 26, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

Manually inspecting the left and right Adoption of the Amendment (ii) Rivet the ring to the air inlet in
air inlet cover rings requires a half accordance with the Accomplishment
Accordingly, under the authority Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.3.2 through
work-hour for a labor cost of $43 per delegated to me by the Administrator, 3.B.3.4 of ASB C–2–21A–011 or paragraphs
helicopter. No parts are needed, so the the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as 3.B.2.2 through 3.B.2.4 of ASB D–2–21A–
U.S. fleet cost totals $6,063. follows: 004.
Riveting the rings requires 2 work- (3) After the effective date of this AD, do
hours for a labor cost of $170 per PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS not install an air inlet P/N B212M20C1005 on
helicopter. The cost for parts is minimal DIRECTIVES any helicopter unless the ring has been
for a U.S. fleet cost of $23,970. riveted to the air inlet in accordance with the
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 requirements of this AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking continues to read as follows: (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
Title 49 of the United States Code Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. (AMOCs)
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue (1) The Manager, Safety Management
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, § 39.13 [Amended]
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
section 106, describes the authority of ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller,
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: the following new airworthiness Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety
Aviation Programs, describes in more directive (AD): Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate,
detail the scope of the Agency’s FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
2017–09–02 Airbus Helicopters 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-
authority. Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39– ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
We are issuing this rulemaking under 18864; Docket No. FAA–2016–6928; (2) For operations conducted under a 14
the authority described in Subtitle VII, Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–018–AD. CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: (a) Applicability 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
you notify your principal inspector, or
section, Congress charges the FAA with lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 C–
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in the local flight standards district office or
2 (including configuration C–2e) helicopters,
air commerce by prescribing regulations serial number 9004 through 9725, and Model certificate holding district office, before
operating any aircraft complying with this
for practices, methods, and procedures MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters, serial number
20003 through 20045, certificated in any AD through an AMOC.
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation category, with an air inlet part number (P/N) (g) Additional Information
B212M20C1005 installed.
is within the scope of that authority The subject of this AD is addressed in
because it addresses an unsafe condition (b) Unsafe Condition European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
that is likely to exist or develop on This AD defines the unsafe condition as a No. 2016–0001, dated January 4, 2016. You
helicopters identified in this rulemaking detached air inlet cover ring (ring), which may view the EASA AD on the Internet at
could become stuck between the air inlet and http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
action.
the cyclic stick, restricting movement of the FAA–2016–6928.
Regulatory Findings cyclic stick. This condition could result in (h) Subject
This AD will not have federalism loss of helicopter control.
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
implications under Executive Order (c) Effective Date Code: 2150, Cabin Cooling System.
13132. This AD will not have a This AD becomes effective May 31, 2017. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference
substantial direct effect on the States, on
(d) Compliance (1) The Director of the Federal Register
the relationship between the national
You are responsible for performing each approved the incorporation by reference of
government and the States, or on the the service information listed in this
distribution of power and action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless it has paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
responsibilities among the various already been accomplished prior to that time. part 51.
levels of government. (2) You must use this service information
For the reasons discussed above, I (e) Required Actions as applicable to do the actions required by
certify that this AD: (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
manually inspect each ring to determine if it (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
is loose. If a ring is loose, before further Bulletin MBB–BK117 C–2–21A–011,
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; Revision 0, dated November 16, 2015.
flight, glue the ring on the air inlet using an
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under adhesive (CM 687 or CM 6044 or equivalent) (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures as shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Bulletin MBB–BK117 D–2–21A–004,
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117 C– Revision 0, dated November 16, 2015.
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation 2–21A–011, Revision 0, dated November 16, (3) For Airbus Helicopters service
in Alaska to the extent that it justifies 2015 (ASB C–2–21A–011), or ASB MBB– information identified in this AD, contact
making a regulatory distinction; and BK117 D–2–21A–004, Revision 0, dated Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,
November 16, 2015 (ASB D–2–21A–004), as Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972)
(4) Will not have a significant applicable to your model helicopter. Rivet 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–
economic impact, positive or negative, the ring to the air inlet in accordance with 3775; or at https://www.airbushelicopters.
on a substantial number of small entities the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs com/techpub/FO/scripts/myFO_login.php.
under the criteria of the Regulatory 3.B.4.2 through 3.B.4.4 of ASB C–2–21A–011 (4) You may view this service information
Flexibility Act. or paragraphs 3.B.3.2 through 3.B.3.4 of ASB at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
We prepared an economic evaluation D–2–21A–004. Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES

of the estimated costs to comply with (2) If a ring is not loose, within 400 hours Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
TIS: information on the availability of this
this AD and placed it in the AD docket. material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(i) Manually inspect the ring to determine
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 if it is loose. If the ring is loose, before further (5) You may view this service information
flight, glue the ring on the air inlet using an that is incorporated by reference at the
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation adhesive (CM 687 or CM 6044 or equivalent) National Archives and Records
safety, Incorporation by reference, as shown in Figure 1 of ASB C–2–21A–011 Administration (NARA). For information on
Safety. or ASB D–2–21A–004. the availability of this material at NARA, call

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 79 / Wednesday, April 26, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 19185

(202) 741–6030, or go to: http://www. productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; public interest require adopting the AD
archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- Internet: grob-aircraft.com. You may as proposed except for minor editorial
locations.html. view this referenced service information changes. We have determined that these
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 18, at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, minor changes:
2017. 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri • Are consistent with the intent that
Scott A. Horn, 64106. For information on the was proposed in the NPRM for
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, availability of this material at the FAA, correcting the unsafe condition; and
Aircraft Certification Service. call (816) 329–4148. It is also available • Do not add any additional burden
[FR Doc. 2017–08185 Filed 4–25–17; 8:45 am] on the Internet at http:// upon the public than was already
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P www.regulations.gov by searching for proposed in the NPRM.
Docket No. FAA–2017–0019. Related Service Information Under 1
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim CFR Part 51
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
We reviewed GROB Aircraft AG
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Federal Aviation Administration Service Bulletin No. MSB817–70, dated
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
September 28, 2016, which describes
telephone: (816) 329–4165; fax: (816)
14 CFR Part 39 procedures for inspection of the tail
329–4090; email: jim.rutherford@
mounting bracket; and GROB Aircraft
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0019; Directorate faa.gov.
AG Repair Instruction RI 817–015, dated
Identifier 2016–CE–038–AD; Amendment
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: September 16, 2016, which provides
39–18861; AD 2017–08–12]
Discussion instructions for any necessary repair.
RIN 2120–AA64 This service information is reasonably
We issued a notice of proposed available because the interested parties
Airworthiness Directives; GROB rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR have access to it through their normal
Aircraft AG Gliders part 39 by adding an AD that would course of business or by the means
AGENCY: Federal Aviation apply to GROB Aircraft AG Models identified in the ADDRESSES section of
Administration (FAA), Department of GROB G 109 and GROB G 109B gliders. this final rule.
Transportation (DOT). The NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on January 18, 2017 Costs of Compliance
ACTION: Final rule.
(82 FR 5456). The NPRM proposed to We estimate that this AD will affect
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new correct an unsafe condition for the 57 products of U.S. registry. We also
airworthiness directive (AD) for GROB specified products and was based on estimate that it would take about 3
Aircraft AG Models GROB G 109 and mandatory continuing airworthiness work-hours per product to comply with
GROB G 109B gliders. This AD results information (MCAI) originated by an the basic requirements of this AD. The
from mandatory continuing aviation authority of another country. average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
airworthiness information (MCAI) The MCAI states: Required parts would cost about $50 per
issued by an aviation authority of Occurrences were reported of broken product.
another country to identify and correct pivots of the tail wheel mounting bracket. Based on these figures, we estimate
an unsafe condition on an aviation Subsequent investigation attributed these the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe events to corrosion and damage due to wear. be $17,385, or $305 per product.
condition as broken pivots of the tail This condition, if not detected and In addition, we estimate that any
corrected, could lead to loss of rudder necessary follow-on actions would take
wheel mounting bracket resulting from
control, resulting in reduced control of the about 5 work-hours and require parts
corrosion and damage due to wear. We powered sailplane.
are issuing this AD to require actions to costing $100, for a cost of $525 per
To address this potentially unsafe
address the unsafe condition on these product. We have no way of
condition, Grob Aircraft AG issued
products. Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 817–70 determining the number of products
(hereafter referred to as ‘the MSB’ in this that may need these actions.
DATES: This AD is effective May 31,
[EASA] AD) to provide inspection and repair Authority for This Rulemaking
2017. instructions.
The Director of the Federal Register For the reasons described above, this Title 49 of the United States Code
approved the incorporation by reference [EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
of certain publications listed in the AD the tail wheel mounting bracket and, rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
as of May 31, 2017. depending on findings, accomplishment of section 106, describes the authority of
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD applicable corrective action(s). the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
docket on the Internet at http:// The MCAI can be found in the AD Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
www.regulations.gov by searching for docket on the Internet at: https://www. detail the scope of the Agency’s
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– regulations.gov/document?D=FAA- authority.
0019; or in person at Document 2017-0019-0002. We are issuing this rulemaking under
Management Facility, U.S. Department the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
of Transportation, Docket Operations, Comments Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
M–30, West Building Ground Floor, We gave the public the opportunity to General requirements.’’ Under that
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey participate in developing this AD. We section, Congress charges the FAA with
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES

Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. received no comments on the NPRM or promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
For service information identified in on the determination of the cost to the air commerce by prescribing regulations
this AD, contact GROB Aircraft AG, public. for practices, methods, and procedures
Product Support, Lettenbachstrasse 9, the Administrator finds necessary for
D–86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Conclusion safety in air commerce. This regulation
Germany, telephone: + 49 (0) 8268–998– We reviewed the relevant data and is within the scope of that authority
105; fax: + 49 (0) 8268–998–200; email: determined that air safety and the because it addresses an unsafe condition

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Document Created: 2017-04-26 03:15:48
Document Modified: 2017-04-26 03:15:48
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 31, 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 19183
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
82 FR 19183 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 79 (April 26, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
