82 FR 39523 - Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc., Helicopters
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 160 (August 21, 2017)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 160 (August 21, 2017)
| Page Range | 39523-39525 | |
| FR Document | 2017-17085 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 160 (Monday, August 21, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 39523-39525] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-17085] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2017-0270; Product Identifier 2016-SW-032-AD; Amendment 39-18993; AD 2017-17-03] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc., Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-16-01 for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), Model MD900 helicopters. AD 2014-16-01 required an eddy current inspection of the main rotor upper hub assembly (upper hub) for a crack. This AD requires additional inspections and replacing the fillet seal. This AD was prompted by three additional reports of upper hub cracks. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective September 25, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 25, 2017. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final 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 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-2017- 0270. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2017-0270; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any incorporated-by-reference information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5348; email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to remove AD 2014-16-01, Amendment 39-17925 (79 FR 45322, August 5, 2014) and add a new AD. AD 2014-16-01 applied to 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 required eddy current inspecting the upper hub and replacing it if there is a crack. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 3, 2017 (82 FR 16138). The NPRM was prompted by 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. The NPRM proposed to require for MDHI [[Page 39524]] MD900 helicopters with an upper hub, regardless of helicopter serial number, repetitive visual inspections of the fillet seal and the areas around the flexbeam boltholes for a crack and repetitive visual inspections of the lead leg shims and bushings for corrosion around the flexbeam boltholes. The NPRM also proposed repetitive ultrasonic eddy- current inspections of the areas adjacent to the flexbeam boltholes for a crack. If during any inspection there is corrosion or a crack, the NPRM proposed replacing the upper hub before further flight. Finally, after each inspection, the NPRM proposed installing a fillet seal to the bushing and upper hub interface. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM. FAA's Determination We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type design and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. 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. Differences Between This AD and the Service Information The service information applies to upper hubs with 1,000 or more hours TIS. This AD applies to all upper hubs regardless of hours TIS. The service information applies to upper hub P/N 900R2101006-107 and - 109; this AD also applies to upper hub P/N 900R2101006-105 and -111. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 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) requires 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) requires 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 requires 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 requires 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 requires 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 have determined that 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 a regulatory distinction is required, 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. 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-16-01, Amendment 39-17925 (79 FR 45322, August 5, 2014), and adding the following new AD: 2017-17-03 MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI): Amendment 39-18993; Docket No. FAA-2017-0270; Product 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). (d) Effective Date This AD becomes effective September 25, 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 [[Page 39525]] 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 ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Eric Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 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. (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) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB900-125, dated February 19, 2016. (ii) Reserved. (3) For MD Helicopters service information identified in this AD, 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. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N- 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 7, 2017. Scott A. Horn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017-17085 Filed 8-18-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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AD, if requested using the procedures found (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–6029, Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR Revision 12, including Appendix 1, dated Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell
39.19, send your request to your principal April 13, 2016. Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215–
inspector or local Flight Standards District (3) For service information identified in
9734; telephone 1–800–388–3378; fax
Office, as appropriate. If sending information this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice 480–346–6813; or at http://
directly to the International Section, send it
to the attention of the person identified in Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; www.mdhelicopters.com. You may
paragraph (n)(2) of this AD. Information may telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61 review the referenced service
be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC- 93 44 51; email: account.airworth-eas@ information at the FAA, Office of the
REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any airbus.com; Internet: http://www.airbus.com. Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate (4) You may view this service information 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,
principal inspector, or lacking a principal at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also
inspector, the manager of the local flight 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For available on the Internet at http://
standards district office/certificate holding information on the availability of this
www.regulations.gov by searching for
district office. material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(5) You may view this service information and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any 0270.
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective that is incorporated by reference at the
actions from a manufacturer, the action must National Archives and Records Examining the AD Docket
be accomplished using a method approved Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call You may examine the AD docket on
by the Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA;
202–741–6030, or go to: http:// the Internet at http://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If approved by the
locations.html. FAA–2017–0270; or in person at the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August Docket Management Facility between 9
(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal 8, 2017. a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a Dionne Palermo, Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
person is not required to respond to, nor Acting Director, System Oversight Division, docket contains this AD, any
shall a person be subject to a penalty for Aircraft Certification Service. incorporated-by-reference information,
failure to comply with a collection of the economic evaluation, any comments
[FR Doc. 2017–17203 Filed 8–18–17; 8:45 am]
information subject to the requirements of
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
received, and other information. The
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a current address for the Docket Office (phone:
valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 800–647–5527) is Document
Control Number for this information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Management Facility, U.S. Department
collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for of Transportation, Docket Operations,
this collection of information is estimated to Federal Aviation Administration M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
be approximately 5 minutes per response, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
including the time for reviewing instructions, 14 CFR Part 39 Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
completing and reviewing the collection of
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0270; Product FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric
information. All responses to this collection
of information are mandatory. Comments Identifier 2016–SW–032–AD; Amendment Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los
concerning the accuracy of this burden and 39–18993; AD 2017–17–03] Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and
suggestions for reducing the burden should RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960
be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California
Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Airworthiness Directives; MD 90712; telephone (562) 627–5348; email
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Helicopters, Inc., Helicopters eric.schrieber@faa.gov.
AES–200. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(n) Related Information
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT. Discussion
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD ACTION: Final rule. We issued a notice of proposed
2016–0150, dated July 25, 2016, for related rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
SUMMARY: We are superseding part 39 to remove AD 2014–16–01,
information. This MCAI may be found in the
AD docket on the Internet at http:// Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014–16– Amendment 39–17925 (79 FR 45322,
www.regulations.gov by searching for and 01 for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), August 5, 2014) and add a new AD. AD
locating Docket No. FAA–2017–0520. Model MD900 helicopters. AD 2014– 2014–16–01 applied to MDHI Model
(2) For more information about this AD, 16–01 required an eddy current MD900 helicopters, serial numbers 900–
contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, inspection of the main rotor upper hub 00008 through 900–00140, with an
International Section, Transport Standards assembly (upper hub) for a crack. This
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
upper hub part number (P/N)
AD requires additional inspections and 900R2101006–105, –107, –109, or –111
Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone: 425– replacing the fillet seal. This AD was
227–2125; fax: 425–227–1149. installed. AD 2014–16–01 required eddy
prompted by three additional reports of current inspecting the upper hub and
(o) Material Incorporated by Reference upper hub cracks. The actions of this replacing it if there is a crack. The
(1) The Director of the Federal Register AD are intended to prevent an unsafe NPRM published in the Federal
approved the incorporation by reference condition on these products. Register on April 3, 2017 (82 FR 16138).
(IBR) of the service information listed in this DATES: This AD is effective September The NPRM was prompted by reports
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paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 25, 2017. of three additional cracks found in the
part 51. The Director of the Federal Register
(2) You must use this service information
MD900 fleet. These cracks were not
approved the incorporation by reference discovered by the one-time eddy current
as applicable to do the actions required by
of a certain publication listed in this AD inspection required by AD 2014–16–01,
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–0246, as of September 25, 2017. but were found during regular
Revision 08, including Appendix 1, dated ADDRESSES: For service information maintenance of the upper hub. The
April 13, 2016. identified in this final rule, contact MD NPRM proposed to require for MDHI
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MD900 helicopters with an upper hub, Inspecting the fillet seal around the (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
regardless of helicopter serial number, flexbeam boltholes (100 hour TIS in Alaska to the extent that a regulatory
repetitive visual inspections of the fillet inspection) requires about 1 work-hour, distinction is required, and
seal and the areas around the flexbeam for a cost per helicopter of $85 and a (4) Will not have a significant
boltholes for a crack and repetitive cost of $1,955 for the fleet, per economic impact, positive or negative,
visual inspections of the lead leg shims inspection cycle. Inspecting the on a substantial number of small entities
and bushings for corrosion around the flexbeam area and lead leg shims and under the criteria of the Regulatory
flexbeam boltholes. The NPRM also bushings (annual inspection) requires Flexibility Act.
proposed repetitive ultrasonic eddy- about 2 work-hours, for a cost per List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
current inspections of the areas adjacent helicopter of $170 and a cost of $3,910
to the flexbeam boltholes for a crack. If for the fleet, per inspection cycle. Eddy Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
during any inspection there is corrosion current inspecting (1,000 hour TIS safety, Incorporation by reference,
or a crack, the NPRM proposed inspection) the upper hub requires Safety.
replacing the upper hub before further about 2 work-hours, for a cost per Adoption of the Amendment
flight. Finally, after each inspection, the helicopter of $170 and a cost of $3,910
Accordingly, under the authority
NPRM proposed installing a fillet seal to for the fleet.
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the bushing and upper hub interface. If required, replacing the upper hub
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
Comments requires about 11 work-hours, and
follows:
required parts would cost about
We gave the public the opportunity to $15,998, for a cost per helicopter of PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
participate in developing this AD, but $16,933. If required, replacing a missing DIRECTIVES
we did not receive any comments on the or damaged fillet seal requires about .5
NPRM. work-hour, and required parts cost ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
would be minimal, for a cost per continues to read as follows:
FAA’s Determination
helicopter of $43. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
We have reviewed the relevant
Authority for This Rulemaking § 39.13 [Amended]
information and determined that an
unsafe condition exists and is likely to Title 49 of the United States Code ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
exist or develop on other helicopters of specifies the FAA’s authority to issue removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
the same type design and that air safety rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, 2014–16–01, Amendment 39–17925 (79
and the public interest require adopting Section 106, describes the authority of FR 45322, August 5, 2014), and adding
the AD requirements as proposed. the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, the following new AD:
Aviation Programs, describes in more 2017–17–03 MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI):
Related Service Information Under 1
detail the scope of the Agency’s Amendment 39–18993; Docket No.
CFR Part 51
authority. FAA–2017–0270; Product Identifier
MDHI has issued Service Bulletin We are issuing this rulemaking under 2016–SW–032–AD.
SB900–125, dated February 19, 2016, the authority described in Subtitle VII, (a) Applicability
which describes procedures for Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701,
This AD applies to Model MD900
repetitive visual and eddy current ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that helicopters with main rotor upper hub
inspections of the upper hub upper and section, Congress charges the FAA with assembly (upper hub) part number
lower flexbeam bolthole areas and for promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in 900R2101006–105, –107, –109, or –111
applying a fillet seal on the interface of air commerce by prescribing regulations installed, certificated in any category.
the bushing and the flex beam retention for practices, methods, and procedures (b) Unsafe Condition
bolt hole. the Administrator finds necessary for
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
This service information is reasonably safety in air commerce. This regulation
cracked upper hub. This condition could
available because the interested parties is within the scope of that authority result in failure of the upper hub and
have access to it through their normal because it addresses an unsafe condition subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
course of business or by the means that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking (c) Affected ADs
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
action. This AD supersedes AD 2014–16–01,
Differences Between This AD and the Amendment 39–17925 (79 FR 45322, August
Service Information Regulatory Findings 5, 2014).
The service information applies to We have determined that this AD will (d) Effective Date
upper hubs with 1,000 or more hours not have federalism implications under This AD becomes effective September 25,
TIS. This AD applies to all upper hubs Executive Order 13132. This AD will 2017.
regardless of hours TIS. The service not have a substantial direct effect on (e) Compliance
information applies to upper hub P/N the States, on the relationship between
You are responsible for performing each
900R2101006–107 and –109; this AD the national government and the States,
action required by this AD within the
also applies to upper hub P/N or on the distribution of power and specified compliance time unless it has
900R2101006–105 and –111. responsibilities among the various already been accomplished prior to that time.
levels of government.
Costs of Compliance (f) Required Actions
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For the reasons discussed above, I
We estimate that this AD affects 23 certify that this AD: (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS),
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100
helicopters of U.S. Registry. At an hours TIS:
average labor rate of $85 per hour, we action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (i) Inspect the fillet seal around each
estimate that operators may incur the (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under flexbeam bolthole to determine whether it
following costs in order to comply with DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures adheres properly to the hub or bushing or is
this AD. (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), missing. Indications of an improperly
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adhered seal include lifting, bubbling, (2) For operations conducted under a 14 ACTION: Final rule.
peeling away, drying out, or cracking. If the CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
fillet seal is not properly adhered or is 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
missing, before further flight, replace the you notify your principal inspector, or airworthiness directive (AD) for all
fillet seal with sealant C232 or equivalent by lacking a principal inspector, the manager of Dassault Aviation Model MYSTERE–
following the Accomplishment Instructions, the local flight standards district office or FALCON 50 airplanes and FALCON
paragraphs 2.D.(2) through 2.D.(5) and Figure certificate holding district office, before 2000 airplanes. This AD was prompted
1, of MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB900– operating any aircraft complying with this
125, dated February 19, 2016 (SB900–125).
by a report indicating that during
AD through an AMOC.
(ii) Using a light and a 10X or higher power ground maintenance, a Model FALCON
magnifying glass, inspect the area outside of (h) Subject 2000 airplane experienced a loss of
the fillet seal around each flexbeam bolthole Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) hydraulic pressure affecting both
on the top of the upper hub assembly for a Code: 6220, Main Rotor Head. hydraulic systems due to damage to
crack. If there is a crack, before further flight, both brake hoses on the main landing
replace the upper hub assembly. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference
gear (MLG). This AD requires an
(2) Within 12 months, and thereafter at (1) The Director of the Federal Register inspection for certain brake hoses,
intervals not to exceed 12 months: approved the incorporation by reference of
installation of protective wraps or
(i) Remove the paint and primer from the the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
installation of certain brake hoses, and
area around each flexbeam bolthole on top of
the upper hub. Remove the fillet seal from part 51. replacement of certain brake hoses. We
the mating surface of each bushing and the (2) You must use this service information are issuing this AD to address the unsafe
top of the upper hub. as applicable to do the actions required by condition on these products.
(ii) Using a light and a 10X or higher power this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. DATES: This AD is effective September
magnifying glass, inspect the area around (i) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB900– 25, 2017.
each flexbeam bolthole for a crack. If there 125, dated February 19, 2016. The Director of the Federal Register
is a crack, before further flight, replace the (ii) Reserved. approved the incorporation by reference
upper hub assembly. (3) For MD Helicopters service information of certain publications listed in this AD
(iii) Inspect each lead leg shim and bushing identified in this AD, contact MD
Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support
as of September 25, 2017.
for corrosion around the flexbeam boltholes
on the bottom of the upper hub in the Division, 4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop ADDRESSES: For service information
flexbeam pockets. If there is corrosion, before M615, Mesa, AZ 85215–9734; telephone 1– identified in this final rule, contact
further flight: 800–388–3378; fax 480–346–6813; or at Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation,
(A) Remove the lead leg shim from the http://www.mdhelicopters.com. Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box 2000, South
flexbeam pocket and clean the area adjacent (4) You may view this service information Hackensack, NJ 07606; telephone: 201–
to the flexbeam bolthole to remove any at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 440–6700; Internet: http://
corrosion within maximum repair damage Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may
limits. If the corrosion exceeds maximum Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
view this referenced service information
repair damage limits, replace the upper hub information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. at the FAA, Transport Standards
assembly.
(B) Using a light and a 10X or higher power (5) You may view this service information Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
magnifying glass, inspect the area around the that is incorporated by reference at the WA. For information on the availability
flexbeam bolthole for a crack. If there is a National Archives and Records of this material at the FAA, call 425–
crack, before further flight, replace the upper Administration (NARA). For information on 227–1221. It is also available on the
hub assembly. the availability of this material at NARA, call Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
(iv) Replace the fillet seal as described in (202) 741–6030, or go to: http:// by searching for and locating Docket No.
paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD. www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- FAA–2017–0130.
(3) Within 1,000 hours TIS, and thereafter locations.html.
at intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS: Examining the AD Docket
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 7,
(i) Eddy current inspect the areas adjacent 2017. You may examine the AD docket on
to each flexbeam bolthole, top and bottom, the Internet at http://
for a crack. This eddy current inspection Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, www.regulations.gov by searching for
must be performed by a Level II or higher
technician with the American Society for Compliance & Airworthiness Division, and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
Nondestructive Testing ASNT–TC–1A, Aircraft Certification Service. 0130; or in person at the Docket
European Committee for Standardization [FR Doc. 2017–17085 Filed 8–18–17; 8:45 am] Management Facility between 9 a.m.
CEN EN 4179, Military Standard MIL–STD– BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
410, National Aerospace Standard NAS410, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
or equivalent certification who has contains this AD, the regulatory
performed an eddy current inspection within DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION evaluation, any comments received, and
the last 12 months. If there is a crack, before other information. The street address for
further flight, replace the upper hub Federal Aviation Administration the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–
assembly.
5527) is Docket Management Facility,
(ii) Replace the fillet seal as described in
paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD. 14 CFR Part 39 U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance [Docket No. FAA–2017–0130; Product
Identifier 2016–NM–058–AD; Amendment Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
(AMOCs) 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
39–18986; AD 2017–16–09]
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Washington, DC 20590.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send RIN 2120–AA64 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
your proposal to: Eric Schrieber, Aviation
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
Compliance and Airworthiness Division, Aviation Airplanes International Section, Transport
FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind
California 90712; telephone (562) 627–5348; AGENCY: Federal Aviation Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
email 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-REQUESTS@ Administration (FAA), Department of telephone: 425–227–1137; fax: 425–
faa.gov. Transportation (DOT). 227–1149.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:12 Aug 18, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\21AUR1.SGM 21AUR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_39683/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2017-08-19 00:44:24
Document Modified: 2017-08-19 00:44:24
| 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 September 25, 2017. | |
| Contact | Eric Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5348; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 39523 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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