83_FR_45755 83 FR 45580 - Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. Helicopters

83 FR 45580 - Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

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

Page Range45580-45582
FR Document2018-19435

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N helicopters. This proposed AD would require establishing a life limit for the main rotor (M/R) blade upper control collective/longitudinal link assembly (link assembly). This proposed AD is prompted by the discovery that the life limit was omitted from the maintenance manual. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent 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 45580-45582]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19435]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1125; Product Identifier 2017-SW-078-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD 
Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N helicopters. This proposed AD would 
require establishing a life limit for the main rotor (M/R) blade upper 
control collective/longitudinal link assembly (link assembly). This 
proposed AD is prompted by the discovery that the life limit was 
omitted from the maintenance manual. The actions of this proposed AD 
are intended to prevent 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.
     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-
1125; or in person at the Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the 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 
MD

[[Page 45581]]

Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell 
Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215-9734; telephone 1-800-388-3378; fax 
480-346-6813; or at http://www.mdhelicopters.com. You may review the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer 
(Structures), Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 
90712; telephone 562-627-5324; 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

    We propose to adopt a new AD for MDHI Model 600N helicopters with a 
yaw stability augmentation system and with a link assembly part number 
(P/N) 600N7617-1 installed. This proposed AD would require establishing 
a life limit of 15,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) for the link 
assembly.
    This proposed AD is prompted by a report from MDHI that during a 
review of the Airworthiness Limitations section of the applicable 
maintenance manual, MDHI discovered that it did not include a life 
limit for link assemblies installed on MDHI Model 600N helicopters with 
a yaw stability augmentation system. Link assembly P/N 600N7617-1, 
which is made of aluminum, is a life-limited part with a life limit of 
15,000 hours TIS. MDHI subsequently revised the Airworthiness 
Limitations section of the maintenance manual to include the life 
limit. The proposed actions are intended to prevent a link assembly 
remaining in service beyond its life limit, which could result in 
fatigue failure, loss of M/R blade pitch control, and subsequent loss 
of helicopter control.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed MDHI CSP-HMI-2 MDHI Maintenance Manual, Chapter 04, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 47, dated September 30, 2016. This 
service information specifies a 15,000-hour TIS life limit for link 
assembly P/N 600N7617-1 for helicopters with a yaw stability 
augmentation system.

FAA's Determination

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

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require creating a component history card or 
equivalent record for each affected link assembly, if one does not 
exist, and recording a life limit of 15,000 hours TIS. This proposed AD 
would also require determining the hours TIS of the link assembly and 
replacing each link assembly that has reached or exceeded its life 
limit.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 26 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect it would take 30 minutes to determine the 
hours TIS of each link assembly and update the aircraft records for a 
cost of $85 per helicopter and $2,210 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing a 
link assembly, if needed, would require 2 work-hours, and parts would 
cost $984 for a cost of $1,154 per link 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.

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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

[[Page 45582]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

MD Helicopters Inc.: Product No. FAA-2017-1125; Product Identifier 
2017-SW-078-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a yaw stability 
augmentation system and with a main rotor (M/R) blade upper control 
collective/longitudinal link assembly (link assembly) part number 
(P/N) 600N7617-1 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a link assembly 
remaining in service beyond its fatigue life. This condition could 
result in failure of the link assembly, failure of M/R blade pitch 
control, 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):
    (1) Determine the total hours time-in-service (TIS) of each link 
assembly P/N 600N7617-1. If the hours TIS are unknown, use the hours 
TIS of the helicopter. Remove from service any link assembly that 
has 15,000 or more hours TIS. Thereafter, remove from service any 
link assembly before accumulating 15,000 hours TIS.
    (2) Create a component history card or equivalent record for 
each link assembly P/N 600N7617-1 and record a life limit of 15,000 
hours TIS.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace 
Engineer (Structures), Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 
Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., 
Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 562-627-5324; 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

    For service information identified in this AD, contact MD 
Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell 
Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215-9734; telephone 1-800-388-3378; 
fax 480-346-6813; or at http://www.mdhelicopters.com. You may review 
a copy of information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177.

 (i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6710, Main Rotor 
Control.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 27, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19435 Filed 9-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                 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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                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                               45581

                                                 Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer                       a life limit for link assemblies installed            detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                                 Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell                      on MDHI Model 600N helicopters with                   authority.
                                                 Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215–                    a yaw stability augmentation system.                     We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                                 9734; telephone 1–800–388–3378; fax                     Link assembly P/N 600N7617–1, which                   the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
                                                 480–346–6813; or at http://                             is made of aluminum, is a life-limited                Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                                 www.mdhelicopters.com. You may                          part with a life limit of 15,000 hours                General requirements.’’ Under that
                                                 review the referenced service                           TIS. MDHI subsequently revised the                    section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                 information at the FAA, Office of the                   Airworthiness Limitations section of the              promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                                 Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,                     maintenance manual to include the life                air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                                 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,                       limit. The proposed actions are                       for practices, methods, and procedures
                                                 Fort Worth, TX 76177.                                   intended to prevent a link assembly                   the Administrator finds necessary for
                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        remaining in service beyond its life                  safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                                 Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer                       limit, which could result in fatigue                  is within the scope of that authority
                                                 (Structures), Airframe Section, Los                     failure, loss of M/R blade pitch control,             because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                                 Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and                      and subsequent loss of helicopter                     that is likely to exist or develop on
                                                 Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960                       control.                                              products identified in this rulemaking
                                                 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California                   Related Service Information                           action.
                                                 90712; telephone 562–627–5324; email
                                                                                                            We reviewed MDHI CSP–HMI–2                         Regulatory Findings
                                                 galib.abumeri@faa.gov.
                                                                                                         MDHI Maintenance Manual, Chapter 04,
                                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                                                                      We determined that this proposed AD
                                                                                                         Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 47,
                                                                                                                                                               would not have federalism implications
                                                 Comments Invited                                        dated September 30, 2016. This service
                                                                                                                                                               under Executive Order 13132. This
                                                                                                         information specifies a 15,000-hour TIS
                                                    We invite you to participate in this                                                                       proposed AD would not have a
                                                                                                         life limit for link assembly P/N
                                                 rulemaking by submitting written                                                                              substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                                                                                         600N7617–1 for helicopters with a yaw
                                                 comments, data, or views. We also                                                                             the relationship between the national
                                                                                                         stability augmentation system.
                                                 invite comments relating to the                                                                               Government and the States, or on the
                                                 economic, environmental, energy, or                     FAA’s Determination                                   distribution of power and
                                                 federalism impacts that might result                      We are proposing this AD because we                 responsibilities among the various
                                                 from adopting the proposals in this                     evaluated all known relevant                          levels of government.
                                                 document. The most helpful comments                     information and determined that an                      For the reasons discussed, I certify
                                                 reference a specific portion of the                     unsafe condition exists and is likely to              this proposed regulation:
                                                 proposal, explain the reason for any                    exist or develop on other products of
                                                 recommended change, and include                                                                                 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                                                                         these same type designs.                              action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
                                                 supporting data. To ensure the docket
                                                 does not contain duplicate comments,                    Proposed AD Requirements                                2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
                                                 commenters should send only one copy                       This proposed AD would require                     DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                                 of written comments, or if comments are                 creating a component history card or                  (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
                                                 filed electronically, commenters should                 equivalent record for each affected link                3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
                                                 submit only one time.                                   assembly, if one does not exist, and                  Alaska to the extent that it justifies
                                                    We will file in the docket all                       recording a life limit of 15,000 hours                making a regulatory distinction; and
                                                 comments that we receive, as well as a                  TIS. This proposed AD would also                        4. Will not have a significant
                                                 report summarizing each substantive                     require determining the hours TIS of the              economic impact, positive or negative,
                                                 public contact with FAA personnel                       link assembly and replacing each link                 on a substantial number of small entities
                                                 concerning this proposed rulemaking.                    assembly that has reached or exceeded                 under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                                 Before acting on this proposal, we will                 its life limit.                                       Flexibility Act.
                                                 consider all comments we receive on or
                                                                                                         Costs of Compliance                                     We prepared an economic evaluation
                                                 before the closing date for comments.
                                                                                                                                                               of the estimated costs to comply with
                                                 We will consider comments filed after                      We estimate that this proposed AD                  this proposed AD and placed it in the
                                                 the comment period has closed if it is                  would affect 26 helicopters of U.S.                   AD docket.
                                                 possible to do so without incurring                     Registry and that labor costs average $85
                                                 expense or delay. We may change this                    a work-hour. Based on these estimates,                List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                                 proposal in light of the comments we                    we expect it would take 30 minutes to
                                                 receive.                                                determine the hours TIS of each link                    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                                                                         assembly and update the aircraft records              safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                                 Discussion                                                                                                    Safety.
                                                                                                         for a cost of $85 per helicopter and
                                                   We propose to adopt a new AD for                      $2,210 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing a                The Proposed Amendment
                                                 MDHI Model 600N helicopters with a                      link assembly, if needed, would require
                                                 yaw stability augmentation system and                   2 work-hours, and parts would cost                      Accordingly, under the authority
                                                 with a link assembly part number (P/N)                  $984 for a cost of $1,154 per link per                delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                                 600N7617–1 installed. This proposed                     helicopter.                                           the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 AD would require establishing a life                                                                          39 as follows:
                                                 limit of 15,000 hours time-in-service                   Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                 (TIS) for the link assembly.                              Title 49 of the United States Code                  PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                                   This proposed AD is prompted by a                     specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                DIRECTIVES
                                                 report from MDHI that during a review                   rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                 of the Airworthiness Limitations section                section 106, describes the authority of               ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                 of the applicable maintenance manual,                   the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:                continues to read as follows:
                                                 MDHI discovered that it did not include                 Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more                    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.



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                                                 45582               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                 § 39.13   [Amended]                                     Customer Support Division, 4555 E.                    Attorney, Division of Enforcement,
                                                 ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ                Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal
                                                 the following new airworthiness                         85215–9734; telephone 1–800–388–3378; fax             Trade Commission, Room CC–9541, 600
                                                                                                         480–346–6813; or at http://
                                                 directive (AD):                                                                                               Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington,
                                                                                                         www.mdhelicopters.com. You may review a
                                                 MD Helicopters Inc.: Product No. FAA–                   copy of information at the FAA, Office of the         DC 20580.
                                                    2017–1125; Product Identifier 2017–SW–               Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                    078–AD.                                              Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth,
                                                 (a) Applicability                                       TX 76177.                                             I. Background
                                                   This AD applies to MD Helicopters Inc.                (i) Subject                                              The Commission issued the Guides
                                                 (MDHI) Model 600N helicopters, certificated                Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)            for the Nursery Industry in 1979.1 These
                                                 in any category, with a yaw stability                   Code: 6710, Main Rotor Control.
                                                 augmentation system and with a main rotor
                                                                                                                                                               Guides address various sales claims for
                                                 (M/R) blade upper control collective/                     Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 27,
                                                                                                                                                               outdoor plants, including
                                                 longitudinal link assembly (link assembly)              2018.                                                 representations regarding quantity, size,
                                                 part number (P/N) 600N7617–1 installed.                 Scott A. Horn,
                                                                                                                                                               grade, kind, species, age, maturity,
                                                 (b) Unsafe Condition
                                                                                                                                                               condition, vigor, hardiness, growth
                                                                                                         Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
                                                                                                         Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
                                                                                                                                                               ability, price, and origin or place where
                                                    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a                                                                  grown. The Commission amended the
                                                 link assembly remaining in service beyond               Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                 its fatigue life. This condition could result in        [FR Doc. 2018–19435 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                               Guides in 1994 to update legal
                                                 failure of the link assembly, failure of M/R                                                                  terminology, and again in 2007 to make
                                                                                                         BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                 blade pitch control, and subsequent loss of                                                                   a technical correction.2
                                                 helicopter control.                                                                                              The Commission reviews its rules and
                                                 (c) Comments Due Date                                   FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION                              guides periodically to seek information
                                                    We must receive comments by November                                                                       about their costs and benefits to
                                                 9, 2018.                                                16 CFR Part 18                                        consumers and businesses, regulatory
                                                                                                                                                               and economic impact, and general
                                                 (d) Compliance
                                                                                                         Rescission of Guides for the Nursery                  effectiveness in protecting consumers
                                                   You are responsible for performing each               Industry                                              and helping industry avoid deceptive
                                                 action required by this AD within the
                                                                                                                                                               claims. These reviews assist the
                                                 specified compliance time unless it has                 AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.
                                                 already been accomplished prior to that time.                                                                 Commission in identifying rules and
                                                                                                         ACTION:Proposed rule; rescission of                   guides that may warrant modification or
                                                 (e) Required Actions                                    Guides and removal of Guides from the                 rescission.
                                                    Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS):              CFR.
                                                    (1) Determine the total hours time-in-
                                                                                                                                                                  On February 22, 2018, the
                                                 service (TIS) of each link assembly P/N                 SUMMARY:   The Federal Trade                          Commission initiated its scheduled
                                                 600N7617–1. If the hours TIS are unknown,               Commission (‘‘FTC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’),               regulatory review of the Guides and
                                                 use the hours TIS of the helicopter. Remove             following its initial review of the Guides            solicited public comment on several
                                                 from service any link assembly that has                 for the Nursery Industry (‘‘Nursery                   issues.3 Specifically, the Commission
                                                 15,000 or more hours TIS. Thereafter, remove            Guides’’ or ‘‘Guides’’), proposes to                  sought input on, among other things, the
                                                 from service any link assembly before                   rescind the Guides and remove them                    continuing need for the Guides; their
                                                 accumulating 15,000 hours TIS.                                                                                economic impact; possible conflict
                                                    (2) Create a component history card or               from the Code of Federal Regulations.
                                                 equivalent record for each link assembly P/             DATES: Written comments must be                       between the Guides and state, local,
                                                 N 600N7617–1 and record a life limit of                 received on or before November 5, 2018.               federal, or international laws; and the
                                                 15,000 hours TIS.                                                                                             effect of any technological, economic,
                                                                                                         ADDRESSES: Interested parties may file a
                                                                                                                                                               environmental, or other industry
                                                 (f) Special Flight Permits                              comment online or on paper, by
                                                                                                                                                               changes. The Commission also solicited
                                                    Special flight permits are prohibited.               following the instructions in the
                                                                                                                                                               comment on issues specific to the
                                                                                                         Request for Comment part of the
                                                 (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance                                                                         Guides, such as whether the
                                                                                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section
                                                 (AMOC)                                                                                                        Commission should update plant name
                                                                                                         below. Write ‘‘Nursery Guides (Matter
                                                    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,                                                                   classification references. The
                                                                                                         No. P994248)’’ on your comment, and
                                                 FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send                                                                      Commission received one comment,
                                                 your proposal to: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace
                                                                                                         file your comment online at https://
                                                                                                                                                               discussed below.
                                                 Engineer (Structures), Airframe Section, Los            ftcpublic.commentworks.com/ftc/
                                                 Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and                      nurseryguides, by following the                          1 The Commission issued the Guides in 1979 (44
                                                 Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960                       instructions on the web-based form. If                FR 11176 (Feb. 27, 1979)) to replace trade practice
                                                 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California                   you prefer to file your comment on                    rules for the nursery industry (16 CFR part 34) first
                                                 90712; telephone 562–627–5324; email                    paper, mail your comment to the                       promulgated in the 1950’s (23 FR 4803 (June 28,
                                                 galib.abumeri@faa.gov.                                  following address: Federal Trade                      1958)). The Guides help marketers avoid making
                                                    (2) For operations conducted under a 14              Commission, Office of the Secretary,                  claims that are unfair or deceptive under Section 5
                                                 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under                                                                   of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45. Industry guides, such
                                                 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that              600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite                     as the Nursery Guides, are administrative
                                                 you notify your principal inspector, or                 CC–5610 (Annex A), Washington, DC                     interpretations of laws administered by the
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                         20580, or deliver your comment to the                 Commission. They do not have the force of law and
                                                 lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
                                                                                                                                                               are not independently enforceable. Failure to follow
                                                 the local flight standards district office or           following address: Federal Trade                      industry guides may result, however, in
                                                 certificate holding district office before              Commission, Office of the Secretary,                  enforcement action under the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C.
                                                 operating any aircraft complying with this              Constitution Center, 400 7th Street SW,               45. In any such action, the Commission must prove
                                                 AD through an AMOC.                                     5th Floor, Suite 5610, Washington, DC                 that the act or practice at issue is unfair or deceptive
                                                                                                                                                               in violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act.
                                                 (h) Additional Information                              20024.                                                   2 See 59 FR 64546 (Dec. 14, 1994); 72 FR 901 (Jan.

                                                   For service information identified in this            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      9, 2007).
                                                 AD, contact MD Helicopters, Inc., Attn:                 Hampton Newsome, (202) 326–2889,                         3 See 83 FR 7643 (Feb. 22, 2018).




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Document Created: 2018-09-08 00:43:03
Document Modified: 2018-09-08 00:43:03
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.
ContactGalib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer (Structures), Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 562-627-5324; email [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 45580 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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