83 FR 58191 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 223 (November 19, 2018)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 223 (November 19, 2018)
| Page Range | 58191-58193 | |
| FR Document | 2018-24995 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 223 (Monday, November 19, 2018)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 58191-58193] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-24995] ======================================================================== 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. 223 / Monday, November 19, 2018 / Proposed Rules [[Page 58191]] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2018-0980; Product Identifier 2017-SW-123-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require establishing or reducing the life limit of various parts. This proposed AD is prompted by recalculations. 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 January 18, 2019. 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- 0980; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2017-0174, dated September 12, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0174), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. EASA advises that recalculation by Airbus Helicopters has resulted in new or reduced life limits for certain parts. EASA AD 2017-0174 states the life limits are mandatory for continued airworthiness and failing to replace life- limited parts as specified could result in an unsafe condition. To address this condition, EASA AD 2017-0174 requires replacing the affected parts before exceeding their new or reduced life limit. FAA's Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Related Service Information We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-04A-008, Revision 0, dated April 27, 2017, for Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and C-2e helicopters. This service information specifies entering into the helicopter records the reduced and new airworthiness life limits for certain part-numbered main rotor head, swash plate, rotor flight controls, cyclic controls, and upper controls parts. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require establishing and reducing the life limit of the following parts: Main rotor head--nut, upper and lower quadruple nut, bolts, and inner sleeve; swash plate control ring assembly; rotor flight control collective bellcrank-K; cyclic [[Page 58192]] control rod tube; and upper control forked lever. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 128 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Replacing a nut would take about 5 work-hours and parts would cost about $3,352 for an estimated replacement cost of $3,777. Replacing a quadruple nut upper would take about 5 work-hours and parts would cost about $3,283 for an estimated replacement cost of $3,708. Replacing a quadruple nut lower would take about 5 work-hours and parts would cost about $3,405 for an estimated replacement cost of $3,830. Replacing a bolt would take about 2 work-hours and parts would cost about $370 for an estimated replacement cost of $540. Replacing an inner sleeve would take about 2 work-hours and parts would cost about $20,073 for an estimated replacement cost of $20,243. Replacing a control ring assembly would take about 5 work-hours and parts would cost about $11,141 for an estimated replacement cost of $11,566. Replacing a bellcrank-K (collective) would take about 4 work-hours and parts would cost about $3,400 for an estimated replacement cost of $3,740. Replacing a control rod tube would take about 4 work-hours and parts would cost about $1,084 for an estimated replacement cost of $1,424. Replacing a forked lever would take about 3 work-hours and parts would cost about $6,049 for an estimated replacement cost of $6,304. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2018-0980; Product Identifier 2017-SW-123-AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters with a part listed in Table 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD installed, certificated in any category. Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD: Helicopters with an MBB- BK117 C-2e designation are Model MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a part remaining in service beyond its fatigue life. This condition could result in failure of a part and loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by January 18, 2019. (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 Before further flight, remove from service any part that has reached or exceeded its new or reduced life limit as listed in Table 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD. Thereafter, remove from service each part on or before reaching its new or reduced life limit as listed in Table 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD. For purposes of this AD, a ``landing'' is counted any time the helicopter lifts off into the air and then lands again regardless of the duration of the landing and regardless of whether the engine is shut down. BILLING CODE 4910-13-P [[Page 58193]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP19NO18.001 BILLING CODE 4910-13-C (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 (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB-BK117 C-2- 04A-008, Revision 0, dated April 27, 2017, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0174, dated September 12, 2017. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6220, Main Rotor Head; 6230 Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate; and 6710, Main Rotor Control. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 6, 2018. James A. Grigg, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018-24995 Filed 11-16-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![58191
Proposed Rules Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 223
Monday, November 19, 2018
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER 0980; or in person at Docket Operations possible to do so without incurring
contains notices to the public of the proposed between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday expense or delay. We may change this
issuance of rules and regulations. The through Friday, except Federal holidays. proposal in light of the comments we
purpose of these notices is to give interested The AD docket contains this proposed receive.
persons an opportunity to participate in the AD, the European Aviation Safety
rule making prior to the adoption of the final Discussion
rules.
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–
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 0174, dated September 12, 2017 (EASA
Federal Aviation Administration Comments will be available in the AD AD 2017–0174), to correct an unsafe
docket shortly after receipt. condition for Airbus Helicopters Model
14 CFR Part 39 For service information identified in MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopters. EASA
this proposed rule, contact Airbus advises that recalculation by Airbus
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0980; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–123–AD]
Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Helicopters has resulted in new or
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641– reduced life limits for certain parts.
RIN 2120–AA64 0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641– EASA AD 2017–0174 states the life
3775; or at http:// limits are mandatory for continued
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/ airworthiness and failing to replace life-
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You limited parts as specified could result in
Helicopters may review the referenced service an unsafe condition. To address this
AGENCY: Federal Aviation information at the FAA, Office of the condition, EASA AD 2017–0174
Administration (FAA), DOT. Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, requires replacing the affected parts
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, before exceeding their new or reduced
(NPRM). Fort Worth, TX 76177. life limit.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
FAA’s Determination
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft These helicopters have been approved
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 by the aviation authority of Germany
Helicopters) Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; and are approved for operation in the
helicopters. This proposed AD would telephone (817) 222–5110; email United States. Pursuant to our bilateral
require establishing or reducing the life matthew.fuller@faa.gov. agreement with Germany, EASA, its
limit of various parts. This proposed AD SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: technical representative, has notified us
is prompted by recalculations. The of the unsafe condition described in its
actions of this proposed AD are Comments Invited AD. We are proposing this AD because
intended to address an unsafe condition We invite you to participate in this we evaluated all known relevant
on these products. rulemaking by submitting written information and determined that an
DATES: We must receive comments on comments, data, or views. We also unsafe condition is likely to exist or
this proposed AD by January 18, 2019. invite comments relating to the develop on other products of the same
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by economic, environmental, energy, or type design.
any of the following methods: federalism impacts that might result Related Service Information
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to from adopting the proposals in this
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the document. The most helpful comments We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert
online instructions for sending your reference a specific portion of the Service Bulletin ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–
comments electronically. proposal, explain the reason for any 04A–008, Revision 0, dated April 27,
• Fax: 202–493–2251. recommended change, and include 2017, for Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 and
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. supporting data. To ensure the docket C–2e helicopters. This service
Department of Transportation, Docket does not contain duplicate comments, information specifies entering into the
Operations, M–30, West Building commenters should send only one copy helicopter records the reduced and new
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 of written comments, or if comments are airworthiness life limits for certain part-
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC filed electronically, commenters should numbered main rotor head, swash plate,
20590–0001. submit only one time. rotor flight controls, cyclic controls, and
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the We will file in the docket all upper controls parts.
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 comments that we receive, as well as a
Proposed AD Requirements
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSAL
p.m., Monday through Friday, except report summarizing each substantive
Federal holidays. public contact with FAA personnel This proposed AD would require
concerning this proposed rulemaking. establishing and reducing the life limit
Examining the AD Docket Before acting on this proposal, we will of the following parts: Main rotor
You may examine the AD docket on consider all comments we receive on or head—nut, upper and lower quadruple
the internet at http:// before the closing date for comments. nut, bolts, and inner sleeve; swash plate
www.regulations.gov by searching for We will consider comments filed after control ring assembly; rotor flight
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– the comment period has closed if it is control collective bellcrank-K; cyclic
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:52 Nov 16, 2018 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\19NOP1.SGM 19NOP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_58414/page/1.svg)
![58192 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 223 / Monday, November 19, 2018 / Proposed Rules
control rod tube; and upper control We are issuing this rulemaking under the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
forked lever. the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, 39 as follows:
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
Costs of Compliance PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
General requirements.’’ Under that
We estimate that this proposed AD section, Congress charges the FAA with DIRECTIVES
would affect 128 helicopters of U.S. promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
Registry. We estimate that operators air commerce by prescribing regulations ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
may incur the following costs in order for practices, methods, and procedures continues to read as follows:
to comply with this AD. Labor costs are the Administrator finds necessary for Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
estimated at $85 per work-hour. safety in air commerce. This regulation
Replacing a nut would take about 5 is within the scope of that authority § 39.13 [Amended]
work-hours and parts would cost about because it addresses an unsafe condition ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
$3,352 for an estimated replacement that is likely to exist or develop on the following new airworthiness
cost of $3,777. products identified in this rulemaking directive (AD):
Replacing a quadruple nut upper action. Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH:
would take about 5 work-hours and Docket No. FAA–2018–0980; Product
parts would cost about $3,283 for an Regulatory Findings
Identifier 2017–SW–123–AD.
estimated replacement cost of $3,708. We determined that this proposed AD
Replacing a quadruple nut lower (a) Applicability
would not have federalism implications
would take about 5 work-hours and under Executive Order 13132. This This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
parts would cost about $3,405 for an proposed AD would not have a Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 C–
estimated replacement cost of $3,830. substantial direct effect on the States, on 2 helicopters with a part listed in Table 1 to
Replacing a bolt would take about 2 paragraph (e) of this AD installed, certificated
the relationship between the national
work-hours and parts would cost about in any category.
Government and the States, or on the
$370 for an estimated replacement cost Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD:
distribution of power and
of $540. Helicopters with an MBB–BK117 C–2e
responsibilities among the various
Replacing an inner sleeve would take designation are Model MBB–BK117 C–2
levels of government. helicopters.
about 2 work-hours and parts would For the reasons discussed, I certify
cost about $20,073 for an estimated this proposed regulation: (b) Unsafe Condition
replacement cost of $20,243. 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
Replacing a control ring assembly action’’ under Executive Order 12866; part remaining in service beyond its fatigue
would take about 5 work-hours and life. This condition could result in failure of
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
parts would cost about $11,141 for an a part and loss of control of the helicopter.
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
estimated replacement cost of $11,566.
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (c) Comments Due Date
Replacing a bellcrank-K (collective)
would take about 4 work-hours and 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in We must receive comments by January 18,
parts would cost about $3,400 for an Alaska to the extent that it justifies 2019.
estimated replacement cost of $3,740. making a regulatory distinction; and
(d) Compliance
Replacing a control rod tube would 4. Will not have a significant
You are responsible for performing each
take about 4 work-hours and parts economic impact, positive or negative,
action required by this AD within the
would cost about $1,084 for an on a substantial number of small entities specified compliance time unless it has
estimated replacement cost of $1,424. under the criteria of the Regulatory already been accomplished prior to that time.
Replacing a forked lever would take Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation (e) Required Actions
about 3 work-hours and parts would
cost about $6,049 for an estimated of the estimated costs to comply with Before further flight, remove from service
replacement cost of $6,304. this proposed AD and placed it in the any part that has reached or exceeded its new
AD docket. or reduced life limit as listed in Table 1 to
Authority for This Rulemaking paragraph (e) of this AD. Thereafter, remove
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 from service each part on or before reaching
Title 49 of the United States Code
its new or reduced life limit as listed in Table
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD. For purposes
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, safety, Incorporation by reference, of this AD, a ‘‘landing’’ is counted any time
section 106, describes the authority of Safety. the helicopter lifts off into the air and then
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: lands again regardless of the duration of the
The Proposed Amendment
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more landing and regardless of whether the engine
detail the scope of the Agency’s Accordingly, under the authority is shut down.
authority. delegated to me by the Administrator, BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSAL
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:52 Nov 16, 2018 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\19NOP1.SGM 19NOP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_58414/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2018-11-17 02:47:38
Document Modified: 2018-11-17 02:47:38
| 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 January 18, 2019. | |
| 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 58191 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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