83 FR 26387 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 110 (June 7, 2018)

Page Range		26387-26389
FR Document		2018-12227

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require altering and re-identifying the overhead panel shock mount assembly (shock mount). This proposed AD is prompted by the manufacturer's stress recalculations. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 110 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 110 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26387-26389]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-12227]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0517; Product Identifier 2017-SW-098-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 
117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require 
altering and re-identifying the overhead panel shock mount assembly 
(shock mount). This proposed AD is prompted by the manufacturer's 
stress recalculations. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to 
correct an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 6, 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-2018-
0517; 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 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 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at 
http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. 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: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

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

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2017-0026, dated February 14, 
2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model MBB-
BK 117 C-2, MBB-BK117 C-2e, MBB-BK 117 D-2, and MBB-BK117 D-2m 
helicopters. EASA advises that a recent stress calculation identified 
that the shock mount may not withstand certification crash loads. EASA 
states that this condition, if not corrected, could lead to the 
overhead panel disconnecting during an emergency landing and injuring 
occupants. Accordingly, the EASA AD requires modifying and re-
identifying the shock mounts.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known 
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

[[Page 26388]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-
BK117 C-2-24A-015 for Model MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters and ASB MBB-BK117 
D-2-24A-004 for Model MBB-BK117 D[hyphen]2 helicopters, both Revision 0 
and dated September 14, 2016. This service information contains 
procedures for altering the shock mounts by installing retaining plates 
and re-identifying the shock mounts by changing the last three digits 
of the part number (P/N) to -966.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require installing a retaining plate on the 
shock mount and re-identifying the shock mount by changing the last 
three digits of the P/N to -966.
    This proposed AD would also prohibit installing shock mount P/N 
B246M2035102 and P/N B246M2036101 on any helicopter.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Model MBB-BK117 D-2m helicopters, whereas 
this proposed AD would not since the Model MBB-BK117 D-2m is not FAA 
type-certificated. This proposed AD would also not include the Model 
MBB-BK117 C-2(e) in the applicability section because it is a marketing 
designation and not an FAA type-certificated model. However, this 
proposed AD would apply to those helicopters, as they are Model MBB-
BK117 C-2 helicopters. The EASA AD specifies particular helicopter 
serial numbers (S/Ns) that may not be required to complete some of the 
requirements of the AD since the specified S/Ns were manufactured with 
shock mounts not affected by the unsafe condition. This proposed AD 
does not specify particular S/Ns.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 144 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per 
work-hour.
    Installing retaining plates and re-identifying the four shock 
mounts would take about 3 work-hours and parts would cost about $184 
for a total estimated cost of $439 per helicopter and $63,216 for the 
U.S. fleet.
    According to Airbus Helicopter's service information, some of the 
costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby 
reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control 
warranty coverage by Airbus. Accordingly, we have included all costs in 
our cost estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2018-0517; 
Product Identifier 2017-SW-098-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with an overhead panel 
shock mount assembly part number (P/N) B246M2035102 or P/N 
B246M2036101 installed.
    Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD: Helicopters with an MBB-
BK117 C-2e designation are Model MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of an overhead 
panel shock mount assembly (shock mount). This condition could 
result in detachment of the overhead panel and injury to occupants 
during an emergency landing.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 6, 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

    (1) Within 300 hours time-in-service:
    (i) Install a retaining plate on each shock mount by following 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2.1. through 
3.B.2.4, of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-
BK117 C-2-24A-015, Revision 0, dated September 14, 2016 (ASB MBB-
BK117 C-2-24A-015), or ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-24A-004, Revision 0, dated 
September 14, 2016 (ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-24A-004), as applicable to 
your model helicopter.
    (ii) Re-identify shock mount P/N B246M2035102 as P/N 
B246M2035966 and shock mount P/N B246M2036101 as P/N B246M2036966 
using permanent ink. When the ink is dry, apply varnish over the P/
N.
    (iii) Re-install each shock mount.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a shock 
mount P/N B246M2035102 or P/N B246M2036101 on any helicopter.

[[Page 26389]]

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 
Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management 
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0026, dated February 14, 2017. You may 
view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 
the AD Docket.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2400, Electrical 
Power System.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 31, 2018.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-12227 Filed 6-6-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 110 / Thursday, June 7, 2018 / Proposed Rules 26387

of the local flight standards district office/
and MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters. This Comments Invited
certificate holding district office. proposed AD would require altering and
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable re-identifying the overhead panel shock We invite you to participate in this
level of safety may be used for any repair, mount assembly (shock mount). This rulemaking by submitting written
modification, replacement, or alteration comments, data, or views. We also
required by this AD if it is approved by the
proposed AD is prompted by the
manufacturer’s stress recalculations. invite comments relating to the
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization economic, environmental, energy, or
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has The actions of this proposed AD are
intended to correct an unsafe condition federalism impacts that might result
been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be on these products. from adopting the proposals in this
approved, the repair method, modification document. The most helpful comments
DATES: We must receive comments on
deviation, replacement deviation, or reference a specific portion of the
this proposed AD by August 6, 2018. proposal, explain the reason for any
alteration deviation must meet the
certification basis of the airplane, and the ADDRESSES: You may send comments by recommended change, and include
approval must specifically refer to this AD. any of the following methods: supporting data. To ensure the docket
(p) Related Information • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to does not contain duplicate comments,
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the commenters should send only one copy
(1) For more information about this AD,
online instructions for sending your of written comments, or if comments are
contact Jeffrey Chang, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO comments electronically. filed electronically, commenters should
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, • Fax: 202–493–2251. submit only one time.
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. We will file in the docket all
5263; fax: 562–627–5210; email: Department of Transportation, Docket comments that we receive, as well as a
jeffrey.chang@faa.gov or George Garrido, Operations, M–30, West Building report summarizing each substantive
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
public contact with FAA personnel
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC concerning this proposed rulemaking.
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
20590–0001. Before acting on this proposal, we will
phone: 562–627–5232; fax: 562–627–5210;
email george.garrido@faa.gov. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the consider all comments we receive on or
(2) For service information identified in ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 before the closing date for comments.
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial p.m., Monday through Friday, except We will consider comments filed after
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Federal holidays. the comment period has closed if it is
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., possible to do so without incurring
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; Examining the AD Docket
expense or delay. We may change this
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https:// You may examine the AD docket on
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
proposal in light of the comments we
the internet at http:// receive.
service information at the FAA, Transport
www.regulations.gov by searching for
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Discussion
Moines, WA. For information on the and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
availability of this material at the FAA, call 0517; or in person at Docket Operations EASA, which is the Technical Agent
206–231–3195. between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday for the Member States of the European
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2017–
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May
24, 2018. The AD docket contains this proposed 0026, dated February 14, 2017, to
AD, the European Aviation Safety correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
James Cashdollar,
Agency (EASA) AD, the economic Helicopters Model MBB–BK 117 C–2,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
evaluation, any comments received, and MBB–BK117 C–2e, MBB–BK 117 D–2,
Aircraft Certification Service.
other information. The street address for and MBB–BK117 D–2m helicopters.
[FR Doc. 2018–12128 Filed 6–6–18; 8:45 am]
Docket Operations (telephone 800–647– EASA advises that a recent stress
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. calculation identified that the shock
Comments will be available in the AD mount may not withstand certification
docket shortly after receipt. crash loads. EASA states that this
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
For service information identified in condition, if not corrected, could lead to
Federal Aviation Administration this proposed rule, contact Airbus the overhead panel disconnecting
Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, during an emergency landing and
14 CFR Part 39 Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone injuring occupants. Accordingly, the
(972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax EASA AD requires modifying and re-
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0517; Product (972) 641–3775; or at http://
Identifier 2017–SW–098–AD] identifying the shock mounts.
www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/
RIN 2120–AA64 en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You FAA’s Determination
may review the referenced service
These helicopters have been approved
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus information at the FAA, Office of the
by the aviation authority of Germany
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
and are approved for operation in the
Helicopters 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,
United States. Pursuant to our bilateral
Fort Worth, TX 76177.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation agreement with Germany, EASA, its
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS

Administration (FAA), DOT. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt technical representative, has notified us
Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, of the unsafe condition described in its
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft AD. We are proposing this AD because
(NPRM).
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 we evaluated all known relevant
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; information and determined that an
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus telephone (817) 222–5110; email unsafe condition is likely to exist or
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus matthew.fuller@faa.gov. develop on other products of the same
Helicopters) Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: type design.

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26388 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 110 / Thursday, June 7, 2018 / Proposed Rules

Related Service Information Under 1 According to Airbus Helicopter’s The Proposed Amendment
CFR Part 51 service information, some of the costs of Accordingly, under the authority
We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert this proposed AD may be covered under delegated to me by the Administrator,
Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117 C– warranty, thereby reducing the cost the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
2–24A–015 for Model MBB–BK117 C–2 impact on affected individuals. We do 39 as follows:
helicopters and ASB MBB–BK117 D–2– not control warranty coverage by
24A–004 for Model MBB–BK117 D-2 Airbus. Accordingly, we have included PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
helicopters, both Revision 0 and dated all costs in our cost estimate. DIRECTIVES
September 14, 2016. This service Authority for This Rulemaking ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
information contains procedures for Title 49 of the United States Code continues to read as follows:
altering the shock mounts by installing specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
retaining plates and re-identifying the Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
shock mounts by changing the last three section 106, describes the authority of § 39.13 [Amended]
digits of the part number (P/N) to –966. the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
This service information is reasonably ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more the following new airworthiness
available because the interested parties detail the scope of the Agency’s
have access to it through their normal directive (AD):
authority.
course of business or by the means Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH:
We are issuing this rulemaking under Docket No. FAA–2018–0517; Product
identified in the ADDRESSES section. the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Identifier 2017–SW–098–AD.
Proposed AD Requirements Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that (a) Applicability
This proposed AD would require section, Congress charges the FAA with This AD applies to Model MBB–BK 117 C–
installing a retaining plate on the shock promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in 2 and Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters,
mount and re-identifying the shock air commerce by prescribing regulations certificated in any category, with an overhead
mount by changing the last three digits for practices, methods, and procedures panel shock mount assembly part number
of the P/N to –966. the Administrator finds necessary for
(P/N) B246M2035102 or P/N B246M2036101
This proposed AD would also installed.
safety in air commerce. This regulation Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD:
prohibit installing shock mount P/N is within the scope of that authority
B246M2035102 and P/N B246M2036101 Helicopters with an MBB–BK117 C–2e
because it addresses an unsafe condition designation are Model MBB–BK117 C–2
on any helicopter. that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters.
Differences Between This Proposed AD products identified in this rulemaking (b) Unsafe Condition
and the EASA AD action.
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
The EASA AD applies to Model Regulatory Findings failure of an overhead panel shock mount
MBB–BK117 D–2m helicopters, whereas assembly (shock mount). This condition
We determined that this proposed AD
this proposed AD would not since the could result in detachment of the overhead
would not have federalism implications panel and injury to occupants during an
Model MBB–BK117 D–2m is not FAA under Executive Order 13132. This
type-certificated. This proposed AD emergency landing.
proposed AD would not have a
would also not include the Model MBB– substantial direct effect on the States, on (c) Comments Due Date
BK117 C–2(e) in the applicability the relationship between the national We must receive comments by August 6,
section because it is a marketing Government and the States, or on the 2018.
designation and not an FAA type- distribution of power and (d) Compliance
certificated model. However, this responsibilities among the various
proposed AD would apply to those You are responsible for performing each
levels of government. action required by this AD within the
helicopters, as they are Model MBB– For the reasons discussed, I certify specified compliance time unless it has
BK117 C–2 helicopters. The EASA AD this proposed regulation: already been accomplished prior to that time.
specifies particular helicopter serial 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
numbers (S/Ns) that may not be (e) Required Actions
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
required to complete some of the 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the (1) Within 300 hours time-in-service:
requirements of the AD since the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (i) Install a retaining plate on each shock
specified S/Ns were manufactured with (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); mount by following the Accomplishment
shock mounts not affected by the unsafe Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2.1. through
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
condition. This proposed AD does not 3.B.2.4, of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Alaska to the extent that it justifies Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117 C–2–24A–015,
specify particular S/Ns. making a regulatory distinction; and Revision 0, dated September 14, 2016 (ASB
Costs of Compliance 4. Will not have a significant MBB–BK117 C–2–24A–015), or ASB MBB–
economic impact, positive or negative, BK117 D–2–24A–004, Revision 0, dated
We estimate that this proposed AD on a substantial number of small entities September 14, 2016 (ASB MBB–BK117 D–2–
would affect 144 helicopters of U.S. under the criteria of the Regulatory 24A–004), as applicable to your model
Registry. We estimate that operators Flexibility Act. helicopter.
may incur the following costs in order We prepared an economic evaluation (ii) Re-identify shock mount P/N
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS

to comply with this AD. Labor costs are of the estimated costs to comply with B246M2035102 as P/N B246M2035966 and
estimated at $85 per work-hour. shock mount P/N B246M2036101 as P/N
this proposed AD and placed it in the
Installing retaining plates and re- B246M2036966 using permanent ink. When
AD docket. the ink is dry, apply varnish over the P/N.
identifying the four shock mounts (iii) Re-install each shock mount.
would take about 3 work-hours and List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
(2) After the effective date of this AD, do
parts would cost about $184 for a total Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation not install a shock mount P/N
estimated cost of $439 per helicopter safety, Incorporation by reference, B246M2035102 or P/N B246M2036101 on
and $63,216 for the U.S. fleet. Safety. any helicopter.

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 110 / Thursday, June 7, 2018 / Proposed Rules 26389

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance the horizontal stabilizer rear bearing this proposal. Send your comments to
(AMOCs) supports, replacement of the affected an address listed under the ADDRESSES
(1) The Manager, Safety Management horizontal stabilizer rear bearing section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, supports if necessary, and modification 2018–0503; Product Identifier 2018–
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar. We NM–048–AD’’ at the beginning of your
proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation are proposing this AD to address the comments. We specifically invite
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
unsafe condition on these products. comments on the overall regulatory,
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; DATES: We must receive comments on economic, environmental, and energy
telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW- this proposed AD by July 23, 2018. aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, all comments received by the closing
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 using the procedures found in 14 CFR date and may amend this NPRM based
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under on those comments.
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that We will post all comments we
you notify your principal inspector, or methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to receive, without change, to http://
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of www.regulations.gov, including any
the local flight standards district office or http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
certificate holding district office before instructions for submitting comments. personal information you provide. We
operating any aircraft complying with this • Fax: 202–493–2251. will also post a report summarizing each
AD through an AMOC. • Mail: U.S. Department of substantive verbal contact we receive
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– about this NPRM.
(g) Additional Information
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room Discussion
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
The European Aviation Safety Agency
No. 2017–0026, dated February 14, 2017. You Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
may view the EASA AD on the internet at for the Member States of the European
http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
(h) Subject
Federal holidays. Directive 2017–0239, dated November
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) For service information identified in 30, 2017 (referred to after this as the
Code: 2400, Electrical Power System. this NPRM, contact 328 Support Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Services GmbH, Global Support Center, Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 31, an unsafe condition for all 328 Support
2018. P.O. Box 1252, D–82231 Wessling,
Federal Republic of Germany; telephone Services GmbH Model 328–100 and
James A. Grigg, –300 airplanes. The MCAI states:
+49 8153 88111 6666; fax +49 8153
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
88111 6565; email gsc.op@ Occurrences were reported on horizontal
Division, Aircraft Certification Service. stabilizer bearing supports being found
328support.de; internet http://
[FR Doc. 2018–12227 Filed 6–6–18; 8:45 am] corroded at the contact surface to the
www.328support.de. You may view this
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P horizontal stabilizer rear spar. The corroded
service information at the FAA, area was at the lower flange position, which
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 is connected to the stabilizer rear spar and
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For not visible without detachment of the fitting.
information on the availability of this Investigation determined that the corrosion is
Federal Aviation Administration material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. triggered by galvanic effect, due to a direct
contact between the horizontal stabilizer rear
Examining the AD Docket spar, made from CFRP (carbon fibre
14 CFR Part 39 reinforced plastic), and the aluminium rear
You may examine the AD docket on
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0503; Product the internet at http:// attachment fitting.
Identifier 2018–NM–048–AD] This condition, if not detected and
www.regulations.gov by searching for corrected, could lead to failure of the fitting
RIN 2120–AA64 and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– and loss of one load path of the horizontal
0503; or in person at the Docket stabilizer attachment, possibly resulting in
Airworthiness Directives; 328 Support Management Facility between 9 a.m. reduced control of the aeroplane.
Services GmbH (Type Certificate and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, To address this potential unsafe condition,
Previously Held by AvCraft Aerospace except Federal holidays. The AD docket 328 Support Services GmbH (328 SSG)
GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; contains this NPRM, the regulatory issued Service Bulletin (SB) SB–328–55–557
Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Airplanes evaluation, any comments received, and and SB–328J–55–324 to provide instructions
for inspection of the affected area,
AGENCY: Federal Aviation other information. The street address for replacement of the parts, and modification to
Administration (FAA), DOT. the Docket Operations office (telephone improve corrosion behaviour by
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES incorporating of glass fibre layer.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
section. Comments will be available in For the reasons described above, this
(NPRM). the AD docket shortly after receipt. [EASA] AD requires a one-time inspection
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: [detailed visual inspection and an eddy
current inspection for chafing and corrosion]
airworthiness directive (AD) for all 328 Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
of the horizontal stabilizer rear bearing
Support Services GmbH Model 328–100 International Section, Transport
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS

supports, and, depending on findings,
and –300 airplanes. This proposed AD Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South accomplishment of applicable corrective
was prompted by reports indicating 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; action(s) [replacement of the affected
corrosion on the horizontal stabilizer telephone and fax 206–231–3228. horizontal stabilizer rear bearing supports].
bearing supports at the contact surface SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This [EASA] AD also requires a modification
to the horizontal stabilizer rear spar. of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar,
This proposed AD would require Comments Invited irrespective of findings.
inspections for corrosion and any other We invite you to send any written You may examine the MCAI in the
damage (i.e., cracking and chafing) of relevant data, views, or arguments about AD docket on the internet at http://

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Document Created: 2018-06-07 00:50:29
Document Modified: 2018-06-07 00:50:29

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 6, 2018.
Contact		Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation		83 FR 26387
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

83 FR 26387 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 110 (June 7, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration