83 FR 46424 - Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 178 (September 13, 2018)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 178 (September 13, 2018)
| Page Range | 46424-46426 | |
| FR Document | 2018-19736 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 178 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 46424-46426] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-19736] ======================================================================== Proposed Rules Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. ======================================================================== Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 178 / Thursday, September 13, 2018 / Proposed Rules [[Page 46424]] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2018-0057; Product Identifier 2017-SW-119-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model AW169 helicopters. This proposed AD would require replacing the seals, filler wedges, and handles of each emergency exit window. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that a high level of pushing force was required to jettison some windows. 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 13, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. Fax: 202-493-2251. Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018- 0057; 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 Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39-0331-711756; fax +39-0331-229046; or at http://www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2017-0155, dated August 23, 2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo Model AW169 helicopters, serial numbers 69007, 69009, 69011 to 69019 inclusive, 69021 to 69024 inclusive, 69027, 69032, 69033, 69041, 69045, and 69051. EASA advises that during scheduled replacement of emergency exit window seals on in-service Model AW169 helicopters, an ``excessively high'' level of pushing force was required to jettison some windows. Further investigation determined that the affected windows were incorrectly installed during manufacturing. The installation did not conform to the approved drawings during the first installation in the production line. According to EASA, due to the similarity in the manufacturing process, incorrect window installation may have occurred on Model AW169 helicopters. EASA states that this condition, if not corrected, could prevent the jettisoning of helicopter emergency exit windows, possibly affecting the evacuation of occupants after an emergency landing. EASA consequently requires replacement of the seal, the non- metallic channel (filler wedges), and the handle of emergency exit windows installed in the cockpit doors and cabin. FAA's Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Italy, 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 Leonardo Service Bulletin No. 169-032, Revision A, dated September 8, 2017, which specifies [[Page 46425]] replacing the seals, the non-metallic channels, handles, and decals on the cockpit doors and cabin emergency exit windows. 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 70 hours time-in-service (TIS), replacing the seals and filler wedges on various cockpit and passenger windows and replacing certain internal and external window straps. This proposed AD also would require replacing decals on certain internal and external passenger and cockpit windows. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires that the corrective actions occur within 70 hours TIS or 6 months. This proposed AD would require that the corrective actions occur within 70 hours TIS. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 1 helicopter of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect that 24 work-hours would be needed to replace the decal, seal, filler wedges, and handle of each emergency exit window installed in cockpit doors and the cabin. Parts would cost $1,500 for a total cost of $3,540 for this helicopter. According to Leonardo's service information some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Leonardo. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Leonardo S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA-2018-0057; Product Identifier 2017- SW-119-AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model AW169 helicopters, serial numbers 69007, 69009, 69011 through 69019, 69021 through 69024, 69027, 69032, 69033, 69041, 69045, and 69051, certificated in any category, where the emergency exit windows have never been removed and reinstalled. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of an emergency window to jettison, which could prevent occupants from evacuating the helicopter during an emergency. (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by November 13, 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 70 hours time-in-service: (1) Replace the seals and filler wedges on the left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) cockpit door upper windows. Note 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD: Leonardo refers to filler wedges as ``non-metallic channels.'' (2) Replace the seals and filler wedges on the forward LH and RH passenger door windows. For helicopters without passenger sliding window kit part number (P/N) 6F5630F00411, also replace the seals and filler wedges of the aft LH and RH passenger door windows. (3) For helicopters with a strap P/N A487A003A, replace each strap with emergency exit window handle P/N 8G9500L00151 on the internal side of the window and P/N 8G9500L00251 on the external side of the window. (4) Remove any decal P/N A180A005E21 from the internal side of the passenger and cockpit windows and replace with decal P/N A180A022E21, using as a reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 of Leonardo Service Bulletin No. 169-032, Revision A, dated September 8, 2017 (SB No. 169-032). (5) Remove any decal P/N A487A003A from the external side of the passenger and cockpit windows and replace with decals P/N AW003DE005E33B, using as a reference Figure 3 of SB No. 169-032. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (g) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0155, dated August 23, 2017. You [[Page 46426]] may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5220, Emergency Exits Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 11, 2018. Scott A. Horn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018-19736 Filed 9-12-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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Proposed Rules Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 178
Thursday, September 13, 2018
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– the comment period has closed if it is
contains notices to the public of the proposed 0057; or in person at Docket Operations possible to do so without incurring
issuance of rules and regulations. The between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday expense or delay. We may change this
purpose of these notices is to give interested through Friday, except Federal holidays. proposal in light of the comments we
persons an opportunity to participate in the The AD docket contains this proposed receive.
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
AD, the European Aviation Safety Discussion
Agency (EASA) AD, the economic
evaluation, any comments received, and EASA, which is the Technical Agent
other information. The street address for for the Member States of the European
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Docket Operations (telephone 800–647– Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2017–
Federal Aviation Administration 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 0155, dated August 23, 2017, to correct
Comments will be available in the AD an unsafe condition for Leonardo Model
14 CFR Part 39 docket shortly after receipt. AW169 helicopters, serial numbers
For service information identified in 69007, 69009, 69011 to 69019 inclusive,
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0057; Product 69021 to 69024 inclusive, 69027, 69032,
Identifier 2017–SW–119–AD]
this proposed rule, contact Leonardo
S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, 69033, 69041, 69045, and 69051. EASA
RIN 2120–AA64 Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta advises that during scheduled
520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) replacement of emergency exit window
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo Italy; telephone +39–0331–711756; fax seals on in-service Model AW169
S.p.A. Helicopters +39–0331–229046; or at http:// helicopters, an ‘‘excessively high’’ level
www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. of pushing force was required to jettison
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
You may review the referenced service some windows. Further investigation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
information at the FAA, Office of the determined that the affected windows
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking were incorrectly installed during
(NPRM). Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, manufacturing. The installation did not
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Fort Worth, TX 76177. conform to the approved drawings
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain during the first installation in the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model production line. According to EASA,
Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
AW169 helicopters. This proposed AD due to the similarity in the
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
would require replacing the seals, filler manufacturing process, incorrect
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 window installation may have occurred
wedges, and handles of each emergency Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
exit window. This proposed AD is on Model AW169 helicopters. EASA
telephone (817) 222–5110; email states that this condition, if not
prompted by a report that a high level matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
of pushing force was required to jettison corrected, could prevent the jettisoning
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: of helicopter emergency exit windows,
some windows. The actions of this
proposed AD are intended to address an Comments Invited possibly affecting the evacuation of
unsafe condition on these products. occupants after an emergency landing.
We invite you to participate in this EASA consequently requires
DATES: We must receive comments on rulemaking by submitting written replacement of the seal, the non-
this proposed AD by November 13, comments, data, or views. We also metallic channel (filler wedges), and the
2018. invite comments relating to the handle of emergency exit windows
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by economic, environmental, energy, or installed in the cockpit doors and cabin.
any of the following methods: federalism impacts that might result
from adopting the proposals in this FAA’s Determination
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the document. The most helpful comments These helicopters have been approved
online instructions for sending your reference a specific portion of the by the aviation authority of Italy and are
comments electronically. proposal, explain the reason for any approved for operation in the United
• Fax: 202–493–2251. recommended change, and include States. Pursuant to our bilateral
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. supporting data. To ensure the docket agreement with Italy, EASA, its
Department of Transportation, Docket does not contain duplicate comments, technical representative, has notified us
Operations, M–30, West Building commenters should send only one copy of the unsafe condition described in its
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 of written comments, or if comments are AD. We are proposing this AD because
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC filed electronically, commenters should we evaluated all known relevant
20590–0001. submit only one time. information and determined that an
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the We will file in the docket all unsafe condition is likely to exist or
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 comments that we receive, as well as a develop on other products of the same
p.m., Monday through Friday, except report summarizing each substantive type design.
Federal holidays. public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Related Service Information Under 1
Examining the AD Docket Before acting on this proposal, we will CFR Part 51
You may examine the AD docket on consider all comments we receive on or We reviewed Leonardo Service
the internet at http:// before the closing date for comments. Bulletin No. 169–032, Revision A, dated
www.regulations.gov by searching for We will consider comments filed after September 8, 2017, which specifies
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 178 / Thursday, September 13, 2018 / Proposed Rules 46425
replacing the seals, the non-metallic is within the scope of that authority (b) Unsafe Condition
channels, handles, and decals on the because it addresses an unsafe condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as
cockpit doors and cabin emergency exit that is likely to exist or develop on failure of an emergency window to jettison,
windows. products identified in this rulemaking which could prevent occupants from
This service information is reasonably action. evacuating the helicopter during an
available because the interested parties emergency.
Regulatory Findings
have access to it through their normal (c) Comments Due Date
course of business or by the means We determined that this proposed AD
We must receive comments by November
identified in the ADDRESSES section. would not have federalism implications 13, 2018.
under Executive Order 13132. This
Proposed AD Requirements proposed AD would not have a (d) Compliance
This proposed AD would require substantial direct effect on the States, on You are responsible for performing each
within 70 hours time-in-service (TIS), the relationship between the national action required by this AD within the
replacing the seals and filler wedges on Government and the States, or on the specified compliance time unless it has
distribution of power and already been accomplished prior to that time.
various cockpit and passenger windows
and replacing certain internal and responsibilities among the various (e) Required Actions
external window straps. This proposed levels of government. Within 70 hours time-in-service:
AD also would require replacing decals For the reasons discussed, I certify (1) Replace the seals and filler wedges on
on certain internal and external this proposed regulation: the left hand (LH) and right hand (RH)
passenger and cockpit windows. 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory cockpit door upper windows.
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; Note 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD:
Differences Between This Proposed AD 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the Leonardo refers to filler wedges as ‘‘non-
and the EASA AD DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures metallic channels.’’
The EASA AD requires that the (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (2) Replace the seals and filler wedges on
corrective actions occur within 70 hours 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in the forward LH and RH passenger door
TIS or 6 months. This proposed AD Alaska to the extent that it justifies windows. For helicopters without passenger
would require that the corrective actions making a regulatory distinction; and sliding window kit part number (P/N)
4. Will not have a significant 6F5630F00411, also replace the seals and
occur within 70 hours TIS. filler wedges of the aft LH and RH passenger
economic impact, positive or negative,
Costs of Compliance door windows.
on a substantial number of small entities
(3) For helicopters with a strap P/N
We estimate that this proposed AD under the criteria of the Regulatory A487A003A, replace each strap with
would affect 1 helicopter of U.S. Flexibility Act. emergency exit window handle P/N
Registry and that labor costs average $85 We prepared an economic evaluation 8G9500L00151 on the internal side of the
a work-hour. Based on these estimates, of the estimated costs to comply with window and P/N 8G9500L00251 on the
we expect that 24 work-hours would be this proposed AD and placed it in the external side of the window.
needed to replace the decal, seal, filler AD docket. (4) Remove any decal P/N A180A005E21
from the internal side of the passenger and
wedges, and handle of each emergency List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 cockpit windows and replace with decal P/
exit window installed in cockpit doors N A180A022E21, using as a reference Figure
and the cabin. Parts would cost $1,500 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference, 1 and Figure 2 of Leonardo Service Bulletin
for a total cost of $3,540 for this No. 169–032, Revision A, dated September 8,
helicopter. Safety.
2017 (SB No. 169–032).
According to Leonardo’s service The Proposed Amendment (5) Remove any decal P/N A487A003A
information some of the costs of this from the external side of the passenger and
Accordingly, under the authority cockpit windows and replace with decals P/
proposed AD may be covered under delegated to me by the Administrator,
warranty, thereby reducing the cost N AW003DE005E33B, using as a reference
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part Figure 3 of SB No. 169–032.
impact on affected individuals. We do 39 as follows:
not control warranty coverage by (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
Leonardo. Accordingly, we have PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS (AMOCs)
included all costs in our cost estimate. DIRECTIVES (1) The Manager, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
Authority for This Rulemaking ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
Title 49 of the United States Code continues to read as follows: proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of § 39.13 [Amended] Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW-
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more the following new airworthiness (2) For operations conducted under a 14
detail the scope of the Agency’s directive (AD): CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
authority. Leonardo S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA–2018– 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
We are issuing this rulemaking under 0057; Product Identifier 2017–SW–119– you notify your principal inspector, or
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, AD. lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: the local flight standards district office or
(a) Applicability certificate holding district office before
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. operating any aircraft complying with this
(Leonardo) Model AW169 helicopters, serial AD through an AMOC.
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
numbers 69007, 69009, 69011 through 69019,
air commerce by prescribing regulations 69021 through 69024, 69027, 69032, 69033, (g) Additional Information
for practices, methods, and procedures 69041, 69045, and 69051, certificated in any The subject of this AD is addressed in
the Administrator finds necessary for category, where the emergency exit windows European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
safety in air commerce. This regulation have never been removed and reinstalled. No. 2017–0155, dated August 23, 2017. You
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may view the EASA AD on the internet at New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC concerning this proposed rulemaking.
http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. 20590–0001. Before acting on this proposal, we will
(h) Subject • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the consider all comments we receive on or
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 before the closing date for comments.
Code: 5220, Emergency Exits p.m., Monday through Friday, except We will consider comments filed after
Federal holidays. the comment period has closed if it is
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 11, possible to do so without incurring
2018. Examining the AD Docket expense or delay. We may change this
Scott A. Horn, You may examine the AD docket on proposal in light of the comments we
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, the internet at http:// receive.
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, www.regulations.gov by searching for
Aircraft Certification Service. Discussion
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
[FR Doc. 2018–19736 Filed 9–12–18; 8:45 am] 1126; or in person at Docket Operations We issued AD 97–26–03, Amendment
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 39–10246 (62 FR 65750, December 16,
through Friday, except Federal holidays. 1997) (AD 97–26–03) for Eurocopter
The AD docket contains this proposed Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AD, the European Aviation Safety Helicopters Deutschland GmbH) Model
Agency (EASA) AD, the economic MBB–BK 117 A–1, MBB–BK 117 A–3,
Federal Aviation Administration MBB–BK 117 A–4, MBB–BK 117 B–1,
evaluation, any comments received and
other information. The street address for MBB–BK 117 B–2, and MBB–BK 117 C–
14 CFR Part 39 1 helicopters. AD 97–26–03 requires
Docket Operations (telephone 800–647–
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1126; Product 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. visual inspections for cracks in the
Identifier 2017–SW–125–AD] Comments will be available in the AD ribbed area of the M/R flange and
docket shortly after receipt. replacing the M/R mast if a crack is
RIN 2120–AA64 found. AD 97–26–03 was prompted by
For service information identified in
this proposed rule, contact Airbus AD 97–276, effective September 25,
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, 1997, issued by Luftfahrt-Bundesamt
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (LBA), which is the airworthiness
(Previously Eurocopter Deutschland
(972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax authority for Germany, to correct an
GmbH)
(972) 641–3775; or at http:// unsafe condition for Eurocopter
AGENCY: Federal Aviation www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/ Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117
Administration (FAA), DOT. en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You A–1, MBB–BK 117 A–3, MBB–BK 117
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking may review this referenced service A–4, MBB–BK 117 B–1, MBB–BK 117
(NPRM). information at the FAA, Office of the B–2, and MBB–BK 117 C–1 helicopters.
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, The LBA AD required immediate and
SUMMARY: We propose to supersede 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, repetitive inspections for a crack in the
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97–26–03 Fort Worth, TX 76177. flange area after an M/R mast was found
for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH to have cracks ‘‘of critical magnitude.’’
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
Model MBB–BK 117 A–1, MBB–BK 117 When LBA AD 97–276 was issued, the
Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
A–3, MBB–BK 117 A–4, MBB–BK 117 cause of the cracks was under
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
B–1, MBB–BK 117 B–2, and MBB–BK investigation. The actions of AD 97–26–
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
117 C–1 helicopters. AD 97–26–03 03 are intended to detect cracks in the
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
requires visual inspections for cracks in flange, which could result in failure of
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
the ribbed area of the main rotor (M/R) the flange and subsequent loss of
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
mast flange (flange). Since we issued AD helicopter control.
97–26–03, we have determined that a SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Actions Since AD 97–26–03 Was Issued
certain reinforced M/R mast is not Comments Invited
affected by the unsafe condition. This Since we issued AD 97–26–03, EASA,
proposed AD would retain the We invite you to participate in this which is the Technical Agent for the
requirements of AD 97–26–03 and rulemaking by submitting written Member States of the European Union,
would remove a certain M/R mast from comments, data, or views. We also issued EASA AD No. 2017–0193, dated
the applicability. The actions of this invite comments relating to the September 29, 2017, to supersede the
proposed AD are intended to address an economic, environmental, energy, or LBA AD. EASA advises that reinforced
unsafe condition on these products. federalism impacts that might result M/R mast part number (P/N) 4639 305
from adopting the proposals in this 095, which is part of M/R mast assembly
DATES: We must receive comments on
document. The most helpful comments P/N 4639 205 016, is not affected by the
this proposed AD by November 13, reference a specific portion of the
2018. unsafe condition. The EASA AD retains
proposal, explain the reason for any the repetitive inspection requirements
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by recommended change, and include but only for helicopters with M/R mast
any of the following methods: supporting data. To ensure the docket P/N 4639 305 002.
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to does not contain duplicate comments, Also, since we issued AD 97–26–03,
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the commenters should send only one copy Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
online instructions for sending your of written comments, or if comments are Helicopters changed its name to Airbus
comments electronically. filed electronically, commenters should Helicopters Deutschland GmbH. This
• Fax: 202–493–2251. submit only one time. proposed AD reflects that change and
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. We will file in the docket all updates the contact information to
Department of Transportation, Docket comments that we receive, as well as a obtain service documentation.
Operations, M–30, West Building report summarizing each substantive Additionally, the FAA’s Aircraft
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 public contact with FAA personnel Certification Service has changed its
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:19 Sep 12, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\13SEP1.SGM 13SEP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_46602/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2018-09-13 01:01:17
Document Modified: 2018-09-13 01:01:17
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 13, 2018. | |
| Contact | Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 46424 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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