83_FR_23929 83 FR 23829 - Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

83 FR 23829 - Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 100 (May 23, 2018)

Page Range23829-23831
FR Document2018-10919

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. This proposed AD would require visually checking each tail rotor blade for a crack. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of cracking in certain tail rotor blades. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 100 (Wednesday, May 23, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 23, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23829-23831]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10919]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0947; Product Identifier 2017-SW-059-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II 
helicopters. This proposed AD would require visually checking each tail 
rotor blade for a crack. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of 
cracking in certain tail rotor blades. The actions of this proposed AD 
are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 23, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0947; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone 
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; 
telephone (310) 539-0508; fax (310) 539-5198; or at http://www.robinsonheli.com/servelib.htm. 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5357; 
email james.guo@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result

[[Page 23830]]

from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments 
reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for 
any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the 
docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only 
one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, 
commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    We propose to adopt a new AD for Robinson R44 and R44 II 
helicopters with a tail rotor blade part number (P/N) C029-1 or P/N 
C029-2 installed. This proposed AD would require checking the tail 
rotor blades for cracks within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) and 
thereafter before each flight.
    This proposed AD is prompted by reports of P/N C029-1 and P/N C029-
2 tail rotor blades with fatigue cracks at the leading edge. The cracks 
were caused by high fatigue stresses due to resonance when the blades 
were at high pitch angles from large left pedal inputs. Robinson 
consequently issued R44 Service Bulletin SB-83, dated May 30, 2012 (SB-
83). At the time SB-83 was issued, the reports of cracking on the tail 
rotor blade were isolated and infrequent. Since 2015, five events have 
been reported of helicopters with cracking on tail rotor blades. 
Therefore, we are proposing actions that are intended to detect a 
cracked tail rotor blade and prevent loss of the blade and subsequent 
loss of directional control.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information

    We have reviewed Robinson SB-83 which specifies, within 10 flight 
hours or by June 30, 2012, whichever occurs first, inserting a caution 
page into the Pilot's Operating Handbook. The caution page specifies 
inspecting the leading edges of each tail rotor blade for a crack 
before each flight. The caution page also advises that to reduce 
fatigue stress damage to the tail rotor blades, pilots should avoid 
maneuvers that require large left pedal inputs. SB-83 specifies that 
the caution page may be removed when the tail rotor blades are replaced 
with tail rotor blade P/N C029-3.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require within 50 hours TIS and thereafter 
before each flight, visually checking each tail rotor blade for a crack 
in the tail leading edge, paying particular attention to the most 
inboard white paint stripe. An owner/operator (pilot) may perform the 
required visual check and must enter compliance with the applicable 
paragraph of the AD into the helicopter maintenance records in 
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). A 
pilot may perform this check because it involves only a visual check 
and can be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This check 
is an exception to our standard maintenance regulations.
    This proposed AD also would require before further flight, 
replacing any cracked tail rotor blade.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Robinson SB SB-83 requires compliance within 10 flight hours or by 
June 30, 2012, whichever occurs first. This proposed AD would require 
compliance within 50 hours TIS. Given the helicopter's history and the 
type of operations conducted by the current fleet, we determined that 
this compliance time is adequate to reduce the risk of a crack on the 
tail rotor blade to an acceptable level.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 1,631 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Visually 
checking the tail rotor blades for a crack would require 0.2 hour for a 
cost of $17 per helicopter and $27,727 for the U.S. fleet per check 
cycle. Replacing a tail rotor blade, if required, would require 2 work-
hours and parts would cost $3,080 for a cost of $3,250 per blade.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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

[[Page 23831]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

Robinson Helicopter Company: Product No. FAA-2017-0947; Product 
Identifier 2017-SW-059-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model 
R44 and R44 II helicopters, certificated in any category, with a 
tail rotor blade part number (P/N) C029-1 or P/N C029-2 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a tail rotor 
blade. This condition could result in the loss of the tail rotor and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 23, 2018.

(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 TIS after the effective date of this AD and 
thereafter before each flight:
    (1) Visually check each tail rotor blade for a crack in the tail 
leading edge, paying particular attention to the area in the most 
inboard white paint stripe. Wipe the blades clean, if necessary, to 
ensure any potential crack is visible. The actions required by this 
paragraph may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at 
least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the 
aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 
14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record 
must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 
135.439.
    (2) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the tail 
rotor blade.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 
3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 
627-5357; email james.guo@faa.gov.
    (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

    Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin SB-83, dated 
May 30, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 
additional information about the subject of this AD. For service 
information identified in this AD, contact Robinson Helicopter 
Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; telephone (310) 
539-0508; fax (310) 539-5198; or at http://www.robinsonheli.com/servelib.htm. You may review a copy of information at the FAA, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor 
Blades.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 14, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-10919 Filed 5-22-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                       Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                            23829

                                                   4. Will not have a significant                          (2) For operations conducted under a 14             certain tail rotor blades. The actions of
                                                 economic impact, positive or negative,                  CFR part 119 operating certificate or under           this proposed AD are intended to
                                                 on a substantial number of small entities               14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that            address an unsafe condition on these
                                                                                                         you notify your principal inspector, or
                                                 under the criteria of the Regulatory                                                                          products.
                                                                                                         lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
                                                 Flexibility Act.                                        the local flight standards district office or         DATES: We must receive comments on
                                                   We prepared an economic evaluation                    certificate holding district office before            this proposed AD by July 23, 2018.
                                                 of the estimated costs to comply with                   operating any aircraft complying with this            ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
                                                 this proposed AD and placed it in the                   AD through an AMOC.                                   any of the following methods:
                                                 AD docket.                                                                                                      • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
                                                                                                         (g) Additional Information
                                                 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                         (1) Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino                http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                   Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                Tecnico (BT) No. 189–038, Revision B, and             online instructions for sending your
                                                 safety, Incorporation by reference,                     BT No. 189–070, Revision A, both dated                comments electronically.
                                                 Safety.                                                 October 13, 2016, which are not incorporated            • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                                                                                         by reference, contain additional information            • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
                                                 The Proposed Amendment                                  about the subject of this AD. For service             Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                                                                         information identified in this AD, contact            Operations, M–30, West Building
                                                   Accordingly, under the authority
                                                                                                         Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi,          Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                                 delegated to me by the Administrator,                   Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520,
                                                 the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part                                                                         New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
                                                                                                         21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy;
                                                 39 as follows:                                                                                                20590–0001.
                                                                                                         telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39–0331–
                                                                                                         229046; or at http://www.leonardocompany
                                                                                                                                                                 • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
                                                 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   .com/-/bulletins. You may review the                  ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                 DIRECTIVES                                              referenced service information at the FAA,            p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                                                                         Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest             Federal holidays.
                                                 ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–
                                                 continues to read as follows:                           321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
                                                                                                                                                               Examining the AD Docket
                                                     Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.             (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in            You may examine the AD docket on
                                                                                                         European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD             the internet at http://
                                                 § 39.13   [Amended]                                     No. 2016–0161, dated August 8, 2016. You              www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                 ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   may view the EASA AD on the internet at               and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
                                                                                                         http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.          0947; or in person at Docket Operations
                                                 the following new airworthiness
                                                 directive (AD):                                         (h) Subject                                           between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
                                                 AgustaWestland S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA–                    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)             through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                                                    2017–1081; Product Identifier 2017–SW–               Code: 5510, Horizontal Stabilizer Structure.          The AD docket contains this proposed
                                                    090–AD.                                                Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 15,
                                                                                                                                                               AD, the economic evaluation, any
                                                 (a) Applicability                                       2018.                                                 comments received, and other
                                                                                                         Scott A. Horn,
                                                                                                                                                               information. The street address for
                                                   This AD applies to AgustaWestland S.p.A.                                                                    Docket Operations (telephone 800–647–
                                                 Model AW189 helicopters, certificated in any            Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
                                                 category, with a tail plane lower fitting P/N           Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
                                                                                                                                                               5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                 8G5350A07051 installed.                                 Aircraft Certification Service.                       Comments will be available in the AD
                                                                                                         [FR Doc. 2018–10918 Filed 5–22–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                               docket shortly after receipt.
                                                 (b) Unsafe Condition                                                                                             For service information identified in
                                                                                                         BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                   This AD defines the unsafe condition as a                                                                   this proposed rule, contact Robinson
                                                 crack on a tail plane fitting, which could                                                                    Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport
                                                 result in failure of the tail plane fitting and                                                               Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; telephone
                                                 loss of helicopter control.                             DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                                                                               (310) 539–0508; fax (310) 539–5198; or
                                                 (c) Comments Due Date                                   Federal Aviation Administration                       at http://www.robinsonheli.com/
                                                    We must receive comments by July 23,                                                                       servelib.htm. You may review the
                                                 2018.                                                   14 CFR Part 39                                        referenced service information at the
                                                                                                                                                               FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
                                                 (d) Compliance                                          [Docket No. FAA–2017–0947; Product                    Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
                                                   You are responsible for performing each               Identifier 2017–SW–059–AD]
                                                                                                                                                               Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
                                                 action required by this AD within the
                                                 specified compliance time unless it has
                                                                                                         RIN 2120–AA64                                         76177.
                                                 already been accomplished prior to that time.                                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                         Airworthiness Directives; Robinson
                                                 (e) Required Actions                                                                                          James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, Los
                                                                                                         Helicopter Company Helicopters
                                                                                                                                                               Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance &
                                                    Within 50 hours time-in-service, install tail
                                                                                                         AGENCY: Federal Aviation                              Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960
                                                 plane retromodification kit part number
                                                 8G0000P00511.                                           Administration (FAA), DOT.                            Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California
                                                                                                         ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                 90712; telephone (562) 627–5357; email
                                                 (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance                                                                         james.guo@faa.gov.
                                                 (AMOCs)
                                                                                                         (NPRM).
                                                                                                                                                               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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                                                    (1) The Manager, Safety Management                   SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new
                                                 Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,              airworthiness directive (AD) for                      Comments Invited
                                                 may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your                Robinson Helicopter Company                             We invite you to participate in this
                                                 proposal to: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety
                                                 Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section,
                                                                                                         (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II                       rulemaking by submitting written
                                                 Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101                 helicopters. This proposed AD would                   comments, data, or views. We also
                                                 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;                   require visually checking each tail rotor             invite comments relating to the
                                                 telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW-                  blade for a crack. This proposed AD is                economic, environmental, energy, or
                                                 FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                              prompted by a report of cracking in                   federalism impacts that might result


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                                                 23830                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                 from adopting the proposals in this                     caution page specifies inspecting the                 detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                                 document. The most helpful comments                     leading edges of each tail rotor blade for            authority.
                                                 reference a specific portion of the                     a crack before each flight. The caution                  We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                                 proposal, explain the reason for any                    page also advises that to reduce fatigue              the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
                                                 recommended change, and include                         stress damage to the tail rotor blades,               Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                                 supporting data. To ensure the docket                   pilots should avoid maneuvers that                    General requirements.’’ Under that
                                                 does not contain duplicate comments,                    require large left pedal inputs. SB–83                section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                 commenters should send only one copy                    specifies that the caution page may be                promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                                 of written comments, or if comments are                 removed when the tail rotor blades are                air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                                 filed electronically, commenters should                 replaced with tail rotor blade P/N C029–              for practices, methods, and procedures
                                                 submit only one time.                                   3.                                                    the Administrator finds necessary for
                                                    We will file in the docket all                                                                             safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                                 comments that we receive, as well as a                  Proposed AD Requirements
                                                                                                                                                               is within the scope of that authority
                                                 report summarizing each substantive                        This proposed AD would require                     because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                                 public contact with FAA personnel                       within 50 hours TIS and thereafter                    that is likely to exist or develop on
                                                 concerning this proposed rulemaking.                    before each flight, visually checking                 products identified in this rulemaking
                                                 Before acting on this proposal, we will                 each tail rotor blade for a crack in the              action.
                                                 consider all comments we receive on or                  tail leading edge, paying particular
                                                 before the closing date for comments.                   attention to the most inboard white                   Regulatory Findings
                                                 We will consider comments filed after                   paint stripe. An owner/operator (pilot)
                                                                                                         may perform the required visual check                   We determined that this proposed AD
                                                 the comment period has closed if it is
                                                                                                         and must enter compliance with the                    would not have federalism implications
                                                 possible to do so without incurring
                                                                                                         applicable paragraph of the AD into the               under Executive Order 13132. This
                                                 expense or delay. We may change this
                                                                                                         helicopter maintenance records in                     proposed AD would not have a
                                                 proposal in light of the comments we
                                                                                                         accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)                     substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                                 receive.
                                                                                                         through (4) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot              the relationship between the national
                                                 Discussion                                                                                                    Government and the States, or on the
                                                                                                         may perform this check because it
                                                    We propose to adopt a new AD for                     involves only a visual check and can be               distribution of power and
                                                 Robinson R44 and R44 II helicopters                     performed equally well by a pilot or a                responsibilities among the various
                                                 with a tail rotor blade part number (P/                 mechanic. This check is an exception to               levels of government.
                                                 N) C029–1 or P/N C029–2 installed.                      our standard maintenance regulations.                   For the reasons discussed, I certify
                                                 This proposed AD would require                             This proposed AD also would require                this proposed regulation:
                                                 checking the tail rotor blades for cracks               before further flight, replacing any                    1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                 within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS)                   cracked tail rotor blade.                             action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
                                                 and thereafter before each flight.                                                                              2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
                                                    This proposed AD is prompted by                      Differences Between This Proposed AD
                                                                                                         and the Service Information                           DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                                 reports of P/N C029–1 and P/N C029–
                                                                                                                                                               (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
                                                 2 tail rotor blades with fatigue cracks at                 Robinson SB SB–83 requires
                                                 the leading edge. The cracks were                       compliance within 10 flight hours or by                 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
                                                 caused by high fatigue stresses due to                  June 30, 2012, whichever occurs first.                Alaska to the extent that it justifies
                                                 resonance when the blades were at high                  This proposed AD would require                        making a regulatory distinction; and
                                                 pitch angles from large left pedal inputs.              compliance within 50 hours TIS. Given                   4. Will not have a significant
                                                 Robinson consequently issued R44                        the helicopter’s history and the type of              economic impact, positive or negative,
                                                 Service Bulletin SB–83, dated May 30,                   operations conducted by the current                   on a substantial number of small entities
                                                 2012 (SB–83). At the time SB–83 was                     fleet, we determined that this                        under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                                 issued, the reports of cracking on the                  compliance time is adequate to reduce                 Flexibility Act.
                                                 tail rotor blade were isolated and                      the risk of a crack on the tail rotor blade             We prepared an economic evaluation
                                                 infrequent. Since 2015, five events have                to an acceptable level.                               of the estimated costs to comply with
                                                 been reported of helicopters with                                                                             this proposed AD and placed it in the
                                                                                                         Costs of Compliance
                                                 cracking on tail rotor blades. Therefore,                                                                     AD docket.
                                                 we are proposing actions that are                          We estimate that this proposed AD
                                                 intended to detect a cracked tail rotor                 would affect 1,631 helicopters of U.S.                List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                                 blade and prevent loss of the blade and                 Registry and that labor costs average $85
                                                                                                         per work-hour. Visually checking the                    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                 subsequent loss of directional control.                                                                       safety, Incorporation by Reference,
                                                                                                         tail rotor blades for a crack would
                                                 FAA’s Determination                                     require 0.2 hour for a cost of $17 per                Safety.
                                                   We are proposing this AD because we                   helicopter and $27,727 for the U.S. fleet             The Proposed Amendment
                                                 evaluated all known relevant                            per check cycle. Replacing a tail rotor
                                                 information and determined that an                      blade, if required, would require 2                     Accordingly, under the authority
                                                 unsafe condition exists and is likely to                work-hours and parts would cost $3,080                delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                                 exist or develop on other products of                   for a cost of $3,250 per blade.                       the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 these same type designs.                                                                                      39 as follows:
                                                                                                         Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                 Related Service Information                               Title 49 of the United States Code                  PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                                    We have reviewed Robinson SB–83                      specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                DIRECTIVES
                                                 which specifies, within 10 flight hours                 rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                 or by June 30, 2012, whichever occurs                   section 106, describes the authority of               ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                 first, inserting a caution page into the                the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:                continues to read as follows:
                                                 Pilot’s Operating Handbook. The                         Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more                    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.



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                                                                       Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                             23831

                                                 § 39.13   [Amended]                                     this AD. For service information identified in        subsequent amendments can be viewed
                                                 ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   this AD, contact Robinson Helicopter                  on line at http://www.faa.gov/air_
                                                 the following new airworthiness                         Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA             traffic/publications/. For further
                                                                                                         90505; telephone (310) 539–0508; fax (310)
                                                 directive (AD):                                         539–5198; or at http://
                                                                                                                                                               information, you can contact the
                                                 Robinson Helicopter Company: Product No.                www.robinsonheli.com/servelib.htm. You                Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation
                                                    FAA–2017–0947; Product Identifier                    may review a copy of information at the               Administration, 800 Independence
                                                    2017–SW–059–AD.                                      FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,                  Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
                                                                                                         Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,               telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
                                                 (a) Applicability                                       Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.                    also available for inspection at the
                                                    This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter                                                                     National Archives and Records
                                                 Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II                 (h) Subject
                                                                                                           Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)             Administration (NARA). For
                                                 helicopters, certificated in any category, with
                                                 a tail rotor blade part number (P/N) C029–1             Code: 6410, Tail Rotor Blades.                        information on the availability of FAA
                                                 or P/N C029–2 installed.                                                                                      Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202)
                                                                                                           Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 14,
                                                                                                         2018.
                                                                                                                                                               741–6030, or go to https://
                                                 (b) Unsafe Condition                                                                                          www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
                                                   This AD defines the unsafe condition as a             Scott A. Horn,
                                                                                                                                                               ibr-locations.html.
                                                 crack in a tail rotor blade. This condition             Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
                                                                                                                                                                  FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace
                                                 could result in the loss of the tail rotor and          Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
                                                                                                         Aircraft Certification Service.                       Designations and Reporting Points, is
                                                 subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
                                                                                                                                                               published yearly and effective on
                                                                                                         [FR Doc. 2018–10919 Filed 5–22–18; 8:45 am]
                                                 (c) Comments Due Date                                                                                         September 15.
                                                                                                         BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                    We must receive comments by July 23,                                                                       FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
                                                 2018.                                                                                                         Fornito, Operations Support Group,
                                                 (d) Compliance                                          DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation
                                                   You are responsible for performing each                                                                     Administration, 1701 Columbia Ave.,
                                                 action required by this AD within the                   Federal Aviation Administration                       College Park, GA 30337; telephone (404)
                                                 specified compliance time unless it has                                                                       305–6364.
                                                 already been accomplished prior to that time.           14 CFR Part 71                                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                 (e) Required Actions                                    [Docket No. FAA–2018–0255; Airspace                   Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                    Within 50 hours TIS after the effective date         Docket No. 18–ASO–6]
                                                 of this AD and thereafter before each flight:                                                                    The FAA’s authority to issue rules
                                                                                                         RIN 2120–AA66
                                                    (1) Visually check each tail rotor blade for                                                               regarding aviation safety is found in title
                                                 a crack in the tail leading edge, paying                Proposed Revocation of Class E                        49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I,
                                                 particular attention to the area in the most            Airspace; St Marys, GA                                Section 106 describes the authority of
                                                 inboard white paint stripe. Wipe the blades                                                                   the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
                                                 clean, if necessary, to ensure any potential            AGENCY: Federal Aviation                              Aviation Programs, describes in more
                                                 crack is visible. The actions required by this          Administration (FAA), DOT.                            detail the scope of the agency’s
                                                 paragraph may be performed by the owner/                ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                 authority. This proposed rulemaking is
                                                 operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
                                                 certificate and must be entered into the
                                                                                                         (NPRM).                                               promulgated under the authority
                                                 aircraft records showing compliance with                                                                      described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
                                                                                                         SUMMARY:   This action proposes to                    Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
                                                 this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)            remove Class E airspace extending
                                                 through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The                                                                   section, the FAA is charged with
                                                 record must be maintained as required by 14
                                                                                                         upward from 700 feet above the surface                prescribing regulations to assign the use
                                                 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.                        at St Marys, GA, because St Marys                     of airspace necessary to ensure the
                                                    (2) If there is a crack, before further flight,      Airport has closed, and controlled                    safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
                                                 replace the tail rotor blade.                           airspace is no longer required at this
                                                                                                                                                               airspace. This regulation is within the
                                                                                                         location.
                                                 (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance                                                                         scope of that authority as it would
                                                 (AMOC)                                                  DATES: Comments must be received on                   remove Class E airspace extending
                                                    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,             or before July 9, 2018.                               upward from 700 feet above the surface
                                                 FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send                ADDRESSES: Send comments on this rule                 at St Marys Airport, St Marys, GA, due
                                                 your proposal to: James Guo, Aerospace                  to: U.S. Department of Transportation,                to the closing of this airport.
                                                 Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch,                       Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey
                                                 Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,                                                                     Comments Invited
                                                                                                         Avenue SE, West Bldg Ground Floor,
                                                 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California              Rm W12–140, Washington, DC 20590;                       Interested persons are invited to
                                                 90712; telephone (562) 627–5357; email                  Telephone: 800–647–5527, or (202)                     comment on this rule by submitting
                                                 james.guo@faa.gov.
                                                                                                         366–9826. You must identify the Docket                such written data, views, or arguments,
                                                    (2) For operations conducted under a 14
                                                 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under             No. FAA–2018–0255; Airspace Docket                    as they may desire. Comments that
                                                 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that              No. 18–ASO–6, at the beginning of your                provide the factual basis supporting the
                                                 you notify your principal inspector, or                 comments. You may also submit and                     views and suggestions presented are
                                                 lacking a principal inspector, the manager of           review received comments through the                  particularly helpful in developing
                                                 the local flight standards district office or           internet at http://www.regulations.gov.               reasoned regulatory decisions on the
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 certificate holding district office before              You may review the public docket                      proposal. Comments are specifically
                                                 operating any aircraft complying with this              containing the proposal, any comments                 invited on the overall regulatory,
                                                 AD through an AMOC.                                     received, and any final disposition in                aeronautical, economic, environmental,
                                                 (g) Additional Information                              person in the Dockets Office between                  and energy-related aspects of the
                                                    Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service              9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday                       proposal.
                                                 Bulletin SB–83, dated May 30, 2012, which               through Friday, except federal holidays.                Communications should identify both
                                                 is not incorporated by reference, contains                 FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace                       docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA–
                                                 additional information about the subject of             Designations and Reporting Points, and                2018–0255; Airspace Docket No. 18–


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Document Created: 2018-05-22 23:48:42
Document Modified: 2018-05-22 23:48:42
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 23, 2018.
ContactJames Guo, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5357; email [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 23829 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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