83_FR_45753 83 FR 45578 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

83 FR 45578 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 175 (September 10, 2018)

Page Range45578-45580
FR Document2018-19436

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, MBB-BK 117 C-1, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the tail rotor (T/R) gearbox housing. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that a crack was found in a T/ R gearbox housing. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 175 (Monday, September 10, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 175 (Monday, September 10, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45578-45580]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19436]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1085; Product Identifier 2016-SW-094-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 A-1, MBB-BK 117A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, 
MBB-BK 117 C-1, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This proposed AD would 
require repetitive inspections of the tail rotor (T/R) gearbox housing. 
This proposed AD is prompted by a report that a crack was found in a T/
R gearbox housing. 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 November 9, 
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.

[[Page 45579]]

     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-
1085; 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: David Hatfield, 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. 2016-0134, dated July 8, 2016, 
to correct an unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters Model MBB-BK 117 
A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, 
MBB-BK 117 C-1, MBB BK 117 C-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-2e helicopters. EASA 
advises that a crack was found in the T/R gearbox housing of a Model 
MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopter. According to EASA, investigations determined 
high vibrations caused by T/R imbalance were a contributing factor to 
the crack. EASA states that this condition, if not detected and 
corrected, could lead to the loss of the T/R gearbox and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter. As a result, the EASA AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the T/R gearbox housing and replacing the 
housing if a crack is found.

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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-
BK117-30A-119, Revision 0, dated May 24, 2016, for Model MBB-BK 117 A-
1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and 
MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters and ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-65A-007, Revision 0, 
dated May 24, 2016, for MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This service 
information specifies an initial and repetitive inspections of the T/R 
gearbox housing for cracks.
    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 within 100 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, cleaning 
and visually inspecting the T/R gearbox housing for a crack. If there 
is a crack, this proposed AD would require replacing the T/R gearbox 
before further flight.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Model MBB-BK117 C-2e helicopters, and this 
proposed AD would not because it is not an FAA type-certificated model. 
The EASA AD allows a non-cumulative tolerance of 10 hours TIS for the 
inspections, and this proposed AD would not. The EASA AD requires 
performing the inspection after a certain maintenance action and before 
a T/R gearbox housing is installed, and this proposed AD would not.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 176 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect that inspecting the T/R gearbox would 
require 1 work-hour and no parts would be required for a cost of $85 
per helicopter and $14,960 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. 
Replacing the T/R gearbox would require 4.5 work-hours and parts would 
cost $69,219 for a cost of $69,602 per helicopter.

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.

[[Page 45580]]

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-2017-1085; 
Product Identifier 2016-SW-094-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 
MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-
BK 117 B-2, MBB-BK 117 C-1, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a tail rotor 
(T/R) gearbox housing. This condition could result in the loss of 
the T/R gearbox and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 9, 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 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, clean and visually inspect 
the T/R gearbox housing for a crack in the area depicted in Figure 1 
of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-BK117-30A-
119, Revision 0, dated May 24, 2016, or ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-65A-007, 
Revision 0, dated May 24, 2016, as applicable to your model 
helicopter. If there is a crack, replace the T/R gearbox before 
further flight.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) 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: 
David Hatfield, 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.

(h) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0134, dated July 8, 2016. You may view the 
EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in the AD 
Docket.

 (i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6520, Tail Rotor 
Gearbox.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 27, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19436 Filed 9-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                 45578               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                   Upon the presentation of persuasive                   C. The Bureau is interested in                        they are subject to a FOIA exemption or
                                                 test result data, the Bureau anticipates                negotiating agreements that include the               exclusion. To the extent the Bureau
                                                 permitting such extension requests for a                following features. First, the State                  wishes to disclose information regarding
                                                 period at least as long as the period of                sandbox must contain safeguards that                  trial disclosure programs, the terms of
                                                 the original waiver. The Bureau                         protect consumers from deception.                     such disclosure will be included in the
                                                 anticipates permitting longer extensions                Second, the State sandbox must be                     1032(e) Trial Disclosure Waiver: Terms
                                                 where the Bureau is considering                         limited in time or scope. Third, the                  and Conditions document. Consistent
                                                 amending disclosure requirements in a                   State sandbox entity must agree to                    with applicable law and its own rules,
                                                 manner consistent with the trial                        provide the Bureau with data to assist                the Bureau will not seek to disclose any
                                                 disclosures in question.34 During the                   the Bureau in assessing whether the                   test data that would conflict with
                                                 time period pending a rule amendment,                   disclosure (or disclosures) used within               consumers’ privacy interests.
                                                 the Bureau intends to consider means of                 the scope of the state sandbox improves                 Dated: August 30, 2018.
                                                 making the improved disclosure                          upon existing disclosures based upon
                                                                                                                                                               Mick Mulvaney,
                                                 available to other covered entities.                    cost effectiveness, consumer
                                                                                                         understanding, or otherwise.                          Acting Director, Bureau of Consumer
                                                 E. Regulatory Coordination                                                                                    Financial Protection.
                                                                                                         Alternatively, the State authority may
                                                    Subsection 1015 of the Dodd-Frank                    agree to periodically provide the Bureau              [FR Doc. 2018–19385 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am]
                                                 Act instructs the Bureau to coordinate                  with such data regarding the disclosures              BILLING CODE P
                                                 with . . . Federal agencies and State                   used by participants in the State
                                                 regulators, as appropriate, to promote                  sandbox.
                                                 consistent regulatory treatment of                        Under this Section, a State sandbox                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                 consumer financial and investment                       entity’s authorization under the TDP
                                                 products and services.35 Similarly,                     Policy will be limited to the parameters              Federal Aviation Administration
                                                 subsection 1042(c) of the Act instructs                 of the State sandbox. If the entity seeks
                                                 the Bureau to provide guidance in order                 wider authorization under the TDP                     14 CFR Part 39
                                                 to further coordinate actions with the                  Policy, it must submit an application                 [Docket No. FAA–2017–1085; Product
                                                 State attorneys general and other                       following the standard permission                     Identifier 2016–SW–094–AD]
                                                 regulators.36 The Bureau’s direction to                 process detailed in Sections A, B, and
                                                 coordinate includes coordinating                        C. Successful results from disclosures                RIN 2120–AA64
                                                 circumstances where States have chosen                  used within a State or other jurisdiction
                                                 to limit their enforcement or other                     will be highly persuasive in supporting               Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
                                                 regulatory authority. One method of                     such an application under the TDP                     Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
                                                 limiting such authority is through a                    Policy.                                               Helicopters
                                                 State sandbox, or group of State                          Furthermore, the Bureau wishes to                   AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                 sandboxes, or other limited scope State                 coordinate with other regulators. To this             Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                 authorization program (‘‘State                          end, the Bureau intends to enter into
                                                                                                                                                               ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                 sandbox’’).37 The Bureau is interested in               agreements whenever practicable to
                                                 entering into agreements with State                     coordinate permission to conduct trial                (NPRM).
                                                 authorities designed to improve upon                    programs with similar programs                        SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new
                                                 existing disclosure requirements 38 by                  operated by State, Federal, or                        airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
                                                 allowing covered persons to test                        international regulators.                             Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus
                                                 disclosures within the state sandbox.                                                                         Helicopters) Model MBB–BK 117 A–1,
                                                                                                         F. Bureau Disclosure of Information
                                                 Specifically, the Bureau expects that, in                                                                     MBB–BK 117A–3, MBB–BK 117 A–4,
                                                                                                         Regarding Trial Disclosure Programs
                                                 specified circumstances, such entities                                                                        MBB–BK 117 B–1, MBB–BK 117 B–2,
                                                 could receive permission to conduct a                      The Bureau intends to publish notice
                                                                                                         on its website of any trial disclosure                MBB–BK 117 C–1, and MBB–BK 117 C–
                                                 trial disclosure program pursuant to the                                                                      2 helicopters. This proposed AD would
                                                 Bureau’s agreement with the State                       program permitted under Section C or
                                                                                                         D.39 The notice will: (i) Identify the                require repetitive inspections of the tail
                                                 authority, rather than through the                                                                            rotor (T/R) gearbox housing. This
                                                 process described in Sections A, B, and                 company or companies conducting the
                                                                                                         trial disclosure program; (ii) summarize              proposed AD is prompted by a report
                                                    34 Rule amendments that follow successful trial      the new disclosures to be used and the                that a crack was found in a T/R gearbox
                                                 disclosure tests could continue to permit all           duration of their intended use; and (iii)             housing. The actions of this proposed
                                                 existing disclosure practices—allowing an
                                                                                                         state that the waiver applies only to the             AD are intended to address an unsafe
                                                 additional and alternative method of compliance,
                                                                                                         testing company or companies in                       condition on these products.
                                                 rather than replacing existing requirements with
                                                 new ones. If the period of an extension were tied       accordance with the permitted terms of                DATES: We must receive comments on
                                                 to the Bureau’s consideration of amending relevant      use.                                                  this proposed AD by November 9, 2018.
                                                 disclosure requirements and the Bureau announced           Public disclosure of any other                     ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
                                                 it was discontinuing its plans to amend the
                                                 disclosure rules in question, such a waiver would       information regarding trial disclosure                any of the following methods:
                                                 be revised to be for a period of a fixed length or      programs is governed by the Bureau’s                    • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
                                                 revoked after reasonable notice to the testing          Rule on Disclosure of Records and                     http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                 company(s).
                                                                                                         Information.40 For example, the rule                  online instructions for sending your
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    35 12 U.S.C. 5495.
                                                    36 12 U.S.C. 5552(c).
                                                                                                         requires the Bureau to make available                 comments electronically.
                                                    37 The concept of a regulatory sandbox is            records requested by the public unless                  • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                                 relatively new and does not have a precise,                                                                     • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
                                                 generally accepted definition. The term is used in        39 The Bureau will at minimum publish the
                                                                                                                                                               Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                 this Policy to refer to a regulatory structure where    names of companies conducting trial disclosure        Operations, M–30, West Building
                                                 a participant obtains limited or temporary access to    programs pursuant to Section E, but reserves the
                                                 a market in exchange for reduced regulatory barriers    discretion to negotiate any additional disclosure     Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                                 to entry or reduced regulatory uncertainty.             terms with the corresponding regulator.               New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
                                                    38 See note 26.                                        40 See 12 CFR 1070 et seq.                          20590–0001.


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                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                            45579

                                                   • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the                       consider all comments we receive on or                course of business or by the means
                                                 ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5                   before the closing date for comments.                 identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                 p.m., Monday through Friday, except                     We will consider comments filed after
                                                                                                                                                               Proposed AD Requirements
                                                 Federal holidays.                                       the comment period has closed if it is
                                                                                                         possible to do so without incurring                     This proposed AD would require
                                                 Examining the AD Docket
                                                                                                         expense or delay. We may change this                  within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS)
                                                   You may examine the AD docket on                      proposal in light of the comments we                  and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
                                                 the internet at http://                                 receive.                                              100 hours TIS, cleaning and visually
                                                 www.regulations.gov by searching for                                                                          inspecting the T/R gearbox housing for
                                                 and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–                       Discussion
                                                                                                                                                               a crack. If there is a crack, this proposed
                                                 1085; or in person at Docket Operations                   EASA, which is the Technical Agent                  AD would require replacing the T/R
                                                 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                       for the Member States of the European                 gearbox before further flight.
                                                 through Friday, except Federal holidays.                Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2016–
                                                 The AD docket contains this proposed                    0134, dated July 8, 2016, to correct an               Differences Between This Proposed AD
                                                 AD, the European Aviation Safety                        unsafe condition on Airbus Helicopters                and the EASA AD
                                                 Agency (EASA) AD, the economic                          Model MBB–BK 117 A–1, MBB–BK 117                        The EASA AD applies to Model
                                                 evaluation, any comments received, and                  A–3, MBB–BK 117 A–4, MBB–BK 117                       MBB–BK117 C–2e helicopters, and this
                                                 other information. The street address for               B–1, MBB–BK 117 B–2, MBB–BK 117                       proposed AD would not because it is
                                                 Docket Operations (telephone 800–647–                   C–1, MBB BK 117 C–2, and MBB–BK                       not an FAA type-certificated model. The
                                                 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.                      117 C–2e helicopters. EASA advises that               EASA AD allows a non-cumulative
                                                 Comments will be available in the AD                    a crack was found in the T/R gearbox                  tolerance of 10 hours TIS for the
                                                 docket shortly after receipt.                           housing of a Model MBB–BK117 C–2                      inspections, and this proposed AD
                                                   For service information identified in                 helicopter. According to EASA,                        would not. The EASA AD requires
                                                 this proposed rule, contact Airbus                      investigations determined high                        performing the inspection after a certain
                                                 Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,                       vibrations caused by T/R imbalance                    maintenance action and before a T/R
                                                 Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone                      were a contributing factor to the crack.              gearbox housing is installed, and this
                                                 (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax                   EASA states that this condition, if not               proposed AD would not.
                                                 (972) 641–3775; or at http://                           detected and corrected, could lead to
                                                 www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/                     the loss of the T/R gearbox and                       Costs of Compliance
                                                 en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You                   subsequent loss of control of the
                                                 may review the referenced service                       helicopter. As a result, the EASA AD                    We estimate that this proposed AD
                                                 information at the FAA, Office of the                   requires repetitive inspections of the T/             would affect 176 helicopters of U.S.
                                                 Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,                     R gearbox housing and replacing the                   Registry and that labor costs average $85
                                                 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,                       housing if a crack is found.                          a work-hour. Based on these estimates,
                                                 Fort Worth, TX 76177.                                                                                         we expect that inspecting the T/R
                                                                                                         FAA’s Determination                                   gearbox would require 1 work-hour and
                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                 David Hatfield, Aviation Safety                           These helicopters have been approved                no parts would be required for a cost of
                                                 Engineer, Safety Management Section,                    by the aviation authority of Germany                  $85 per helicopter and $14,960 for the
                                                 Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,                       and are approved for operation in the                 U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
                                                 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX                    United States. Pursuant to our bilateral              Replacing the T/R gearbox would
                                                 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email                  agreement with Germany, EASA, its                     require 4.5 work-hours and parts would
                                                 david.hatfield@faa.gov.                                 technical representative, has notified us             cost $69,219 for a cost of $69,602 per
                                                                                                         of the unsafe condition described in its              helicopter.
                                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                         AD. We are proposing this AD because                  Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                 Comments Invited                                        we evaluated all known relevant
                                                    We invite you to participate in this                 information and determined that an                       Title 49 of the United States Code
                                                 rulemaking by submitting written                        unsafe condition is likely to exist or                specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                                 comments, data, or views. We also                       develop on other products of the same                 rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                 invite comments relating to the                         type design.                                          section 106, describes the authority of
                                                 economic, environmental, energy, or                                                                           the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
                                                                                                         Related Service Information Under 1                   Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
                                                 federalism impacts that might result                    CFR Part 51
                                                 from adopting the proposals in this                                                                           detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                                 document. The most helpful comments                       We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert                authority.
                                                 reference a specific portion of the                     Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117–                        We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                                 proposal, explain the reason for any                    30A–119, Revision 0, dated May 24,                    the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
                                                 recommended change, and include                         2016, for Model MBB–BK 117 A–1,                       Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                                 supporting data. To ensure the docket                   MBB–BK 117 A–3, MBB–BK 117 A–4,                       General requirements.’’ Under that
                                                 does not contain duplicate comments,                    MBB–BK 117 B–1, MBB–BK 117 B–2,                       section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                 commenters should send only one copy                    and MBB–BK 117 C–1 helicopters and                    promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                                 of written comments, or if comments are                 ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–65A–007,                            air commerce by prescribing regulations
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 filed electronically, commenters should                 Revision 0, dated May 24, 2016, for                   for practices, methods, and procedures
                                                 submit only one time.                                   MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopters. This                      the Administrator finds necessary for
                                                    We will file in the docket all                       service information specifies an initial              safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                                 comments that we receive, as well as a                  and repetitive inspections of the T/R                 is within the scope of that authority
                                                 report summarizing each substantive                     gearbox housing for cracks.                           because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                                 public contact with FAA personnel                         This service information is reasonably              that is likely to exist or develop on
                                                 concerning this proposed rulemaking.                    available because the interested parties              products identified in this rulemaking
                                                 Before acting on this proposal, we will                 have access to it through their normal                action.


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                                                 45580               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                 Regulatory Findings                                     (c) Comments Due Date                                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                   We determined that this proposed AD                      We must receive comments by November
                                                 would not have federalism implications                  9, 2018.                                              Federal Aviation Administration
                                                 under Executive Order 13132. This                       (d) Compliance
                                                 proposed AD would not have a                                                                                  14 CFR Part 39
                                                 substantial direct effect on the States, on               You are responsible for performing each
                                                                                                                                                               [Docket No. FAA–2017–1125; Product
                                                 the relationship between the national                   action required by this AD within the                 Identifier 2017–SW–078–AD]
                                                 Government and the States, or on the                    specified compliance time unless it has
                                                                                                         already been accomplished prior to that time.         RIN 2120–AA64
                                                 distribution of power and
                                                 responsibilities among the various                      (e) Required Actions                                  Airworthiness Directives; MD
                                                 levels of government.                                     Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) and          Helicopters Inc. Helicopters
                                                   For the reasons discussed, I certify                  thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours
                                                 this proposed regulation:                                                                                     AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                                                                         TIS, clean and visually inspect the T/R
                                                   1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                                                                        Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                                                                         gearbox housing for a crack in the area
                                                 action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                                                                         ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                                                                         depicted in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters
                                                   2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the                                                                  (NPRM).
                                                                                                         Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117–
                                                 DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                                                                                         30A–119, Revision 0, dated May 24, 2016, or
                                                 (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                                                                             SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new
                                                   3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in             ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–65A–007, Revision 0,
                                                                                                                                                               airworthiness directive (AD) for MD
                                                 Alaska to the extent that it justifies                  dated May 24, 2016, as applicable to your
                                                                                                                                                               Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N
                                                                                                         model helicopter. If there is a crack, replace
                                                 making a regulatory distinction; and                                                                          helicopters. This proposed AD would
                                                   4. Will not have a significant                        the T/R gearbox before further flight.
                                                                                                                                                               require establishing a life limit for the
                                                 economic impact, positive or negative,                  (f) Special Flight Permits                            main rotor (M/R) blade upper control
                                                 on a substantial number of small entities                 Special flight permits are prohibited.              collective/longitudinal link assembly
                                                 under the criteria of the Regulatory                                                                          (link assembly). This proposed AD is
                                                 Flexibility Act.                                        (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance                 prompted by the discovery that the life
                                                   We prepared an economic evaluation                    (AMOCs)                                               limit was omitted from the maintenance
                                                 of the estimated costs to comply with                      (1) The Manager, Safety Management                 manual. The actions of this proposed
                                                 this proposed AD and placed it in the                   Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,            AD are intended to prevent an unsafe
                                                 AD docket.                                              may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your              condition on these products.
                                                 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                      proposal to: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety          DATES: We must receive comments on
                                                                                                         Engineer, Safety Management Section,                  this proposed AD by November 9, 2018.
                                                   Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
                                                 safety, Incorporation by reference,                                                                           ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
                                                                                                         Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
                                                 Safety.                                                 telephone (817) 222–5110; email                       any of the following methods:
                                                                                                         david.hatfield@faa.gov.                                  • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
                                                 The Proposed Amendment                                                                                        http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                                                                            (2) For operations conducted under a 14
                                                   Accordingly, under the authority                      CFR part 119 operating certificate or under           online instructions for sending your
                                                 delegated to me by the Administrator,                   14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that            comments electronically.
                                                 the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part                   you notify your principal inspector, or                  • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                                 39 as follows:                                          lacking a principal inspector, the manager of            • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
                                                                                                         the local flight standards district office or         Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   certificate holding district office before            Operations, M–30, West Building
                                                 DIRECTIVES                                              operating any aircraft complying with this            Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                                                                                         AD through an AMOC.                                   New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
                                                 ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                                                                       20590–0001.
                                                 continues to read as follows:                           (h) Additional Information                               • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
                                                     Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.            The subject of this AD is addressed in              ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                                                                         European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD             p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                 § 39.13   [Amended]                                     No. 2016–0134, dated July 8, 2016. You may            Federal holidays.
                                                 ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   view the EASA AD on the internet at http://
                                                 the following new airworthiness                         www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
                                                                                                                                                               Examining the AD Docket
                                                 directive (AD):                                                                                                 You may examine the AD docket on
                                                                                                         (i) Subject
                                                 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH:                                                                          the internet at http://
                                                     Docket No. FAA–2017–1085; Product                     Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)             www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                     Identifier 2016–SW–094–AD.                          Code: 6520, Tail Rotor Gearbox.                       and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
                                                 (a) Applicability                                                                                             1125; or in person at the Docket
                                                                                                           Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 27,
                                                                                                                                                               Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
                                                    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters                2018.
                                                 Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 A–                                                                          Monday through Friday, except Federal
                                                                                                         Lance T. Gant,                                        holidays. The AD docket contains this
                                                 1, MBB–BK 117 A–3, MBB–BK 117 A–4,
                                                 MBB–BK 117 B–1, MBB–BK 117 B–2, MBB–                    Director, Compliance & Airworthiness                  proposed AD, the economic evaluation,
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 BK 117 C–1, and MBB–BK 117 C–2                          Division, Aircraft Certification Service.             any comments received, and other
                                                 helicopters, certificated in any category.              [FR Doc. 2018–19436 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am]            information. The street address for the
                                                 (b) Unsafe Condition                                    BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                Docket Operations (telephone 800–647–
                                                                                                                                                               5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                   This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
                                                 crack in a tail rotor (T/R) gearbox housing.                                                                  Comments will be available in the AD
                                                 This condition could result in the loss of the                                                                docket shortly after receipt.
                                                 T/R gearbox and subsequent loss of                                                                              For service information identified in
                                                 helicopter control.                                                                                           this proposed rule, contact MD


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Document Created: 2018-09-08 00:43:01
Document Modified: 2018-09-08 00:43:01
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 November 9, 2018.
ContactDavid Hatfield, 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 Citation83 FR 45578 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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