Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 88143-88145 [2016-28670]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 235 / Wednesday, December 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules the Secretary. To the extent practicable under the circumstances, efforts will be made to declassify information to ensure maximum distribution. § 205.385 Clarification or reconsideration. Any request for clarification or reconsideration of an emergency order issued under section 215A(b) of the Federal Power Act must be submitted in writing to the Secretary, and will be posted on the DOE Web site consistent with CEII criteria. The Secretary may, in his sole discretion, order a stay of the emergency order for which such clarification or rehearing is sought. The Secretary may grant or deny the request for clarification or reconsideration, or may abrogate or modify the order, in whole or in part, with or without further proceedings, as soon as practicable. § 205.386 Temporary access to classified information. To the extent practicable, and consistent with obligations to protect classified information, the Secretary may provide temporary access to classified information, related to a Grid Security Emergency for which emergency measures are issued, to key personnel of any entity subject to such emergency measures. The purpose of this access is to enable optimum communication between the entity and the Secretary and other appropriate Federal agencies regarding the Grid Security Emergency. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS § 205.387 order. Termination of an emergency (a) An order for emergency measures shall expire no later than 15 days after its issuance. The Secretary may reissue an order for emergency measures for subsequent periods, not to exceed 15 days for each such period, provided that the President, for each such period, issues and provides to the Secretary a written directive or determination that the Grid Security Emergency for which the Secretary intends to reissue an emergency order continues to exist or that the emergency measures continue to be required. (b) The Secretary may rescind an emergency order after finding that the Grid Security Emergency for which that order was issued has ended and that protective or mitigation measures required by the order have been sufficiently taken. (c) An entity or entities subject to an emergency order under this rule may, at any time, request termination of the emergency order by demonstrating, in a petition to the Secretary, that the emergency no longer exists and that protective or mitigation measures VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:23 Dec 06, 2016 Jkt 241001 88143 required by the order have been sufficiently taken. action or omission in a grossly negligent manner. § 205.388 [FR Doc. 2016–28974 Filed 12–6–16; 8:45 am] Tracking compliance. Beginning at the time the Secretary issues an emergency order, the Department may require the ordered party to provide a detailed account of actions taken to comply with the terms of the order. BILLING CODE 6450–01–P § 205.389 14 CFR Part 39 Enforcement. In accordance with Part III of the Federal Power Act, the Secretary may take or seek enforcement action against ordered parties who fail to comply with the terms of an order issued under section 215A(b) of that Act. § 205.390 Rehearing and Judicial Review. The procedures of Part III of the Federal Power Act apply to motions for rehearing of orders issued under section 215A(b) of that Act filed for the purpose of preserving appellate rights. § 205.391 Cost recovery. Liability exemptions. To the extent any action or omission taken by an entity that is necessary to comply with an order for emergency measures issued by authority of section 215A(b) of the Federal Power Act and pursuant to this Part, including any action or omission taken to voluntarily comply with such order, results in noncompliance with, or causes such entity not to comply with any rule, order, regulation, or provision of or under that Act, including any reliability standard approved by the Commission pursuant to section 215 of that Act, such action or omission shall not be considered a violation of such rule, order, regulation, or provision. Further, an action or omission by an owner, operator, or user of Critical Electric Infrastructure or of Defense Critical Electric Infrastructure to comply with an order for emergency measures issued under section 215A(b) of the Federal Power Act shall be treated as an action or omission taken to comply with an order issued under section 202(c) of that Act for purposes of such section. These liability exemptions shall not apply to an entity that, in the course of complying with an order for emergency measures issued under section 215A(b) of the Federal Power Act by taking an action or omission for which the entity would otherwise be liable, takes such PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Federal Aviation Administration [Docket No. FAA–2016–6436; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–037–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB–BK117 C–2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the pilot collective wiring harness. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that a heatshrinkable sleeve prevented the twist grip on the collective from being fully engaged during a flight test. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of the hoist or emergency landing gear flotation systems due to chafing of wiring caused by an incorrectly installed heat-shrinkable sleeve. SUMMARY: A party seeking recovery of costs associated with compliance with an order issued under section 215A(b) of the Federal Power Act must petition the appropriate State regulatory agency, the United States Court of Federal Claims, or the Commission for relief. § 205.392 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 6, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://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. DATES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 6436; or in person at the Docket E:\FR\FM\07DEP1.SGM 07DEP1 88144 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 235 / Wednesday, December 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Operations Office 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 the Docket Operations Office (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 https:// www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. 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: George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email george.schwab@faa.gov. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:23 Dec 06, 2016 Jkt 241001 Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015– 0144, dated July 21, 2015, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model MBB–BK117 C–2 helicopters, up to serial number 9708. EASA advises that, during a flight test, the pilot could not fully engage a twist grip on a Model MBB–BK117 C–2 helicopter. According to EASA, further investigation found a transparent sleeve on the collective lever wiring harness damaged because of incorrect installation of the heatshrinkable sleeve. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in chafing of the harness, leading to the malfunction of the affected systems, EASA advises. EASA consequently requires a one-time inspection of the heat-shrinkable and transparent sleeves installed on the collective lever wiring harness. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB–BK117 C–2– 88A–010, Revision 1, dated April 16, 2015 (ASB), which specifies a visual inspection of the heat-shrinkable sleeve for correct position. If the sleeve’s position is incorrect, the ASB specifies shortening the sleeve. If there is any damage, the ASB calls for replacing the damaged parts. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require, within 100 hours time-in-service, visually inspecting the pilot collective wiring harness for correct position of the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the transparent sleeve. If the heat-shrinkable and the transparent sleeves are in their correct positions, this proposed AD would require re-installing the collective lever. If the heat-shrinkable sleeve is closer to or below the torque tube tangs, this proposed AD would require shortening the heat-shrinkable PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 sleeve. If the transparent sleeve is damaged, this proposed AD would require replacing the heat-shrinkable sleeve, transparent sleeve, and identification sleeve. Lastly, this proposed AD would require replacing any damaged wires in the wiring harness. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the TCCA AD The compliance time in the EASA AD is based on whether the helicopter has an externally mounted hoist or emergency flotation system. This proposed AD would require compliance within 100 hours time-in-service for all applicable helicopters. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 113 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work hour. • Inspecting the pilot collective wiring harness for the correct position of the heat-shrinkable sleeve would require 1.5 work hours. No parts would be required for a total cost of $128 per helicopter and $14,464 for the U.S. fleet. • Replacing or repairing the sleeves would require 5.5 work hours and parts would cost $10, for a total cost of $478 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 E:\FR\FM\07DEP1.SGM 07DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 235 / Wednesday, December 7, 2016 / Proposed Rules 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2016– 6436; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW– 037–AD. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (a) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 C– 2 helicopters, serial numbers 9004 through 9708, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as an incorrectly installed heat-shrinkable sleeve on the collective lever wiring harness. This condition could result in chafing of the wiring and subsequent failure of the hoist cable cutter or emergency landing gear flotation systems. (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by February 6, 2017. (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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:23 Dec 06, 2016 Jkt 241001 (e) Required Actions DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Within 100 hours time-in-service, remove the pilot collective lever and visually inspect the pilot collective lever wiring harness for proper installation of the heat-shrinkable sleeve and transparent sleeve and for damage in accordance with paragraph 3.B.2.1 and as depicted in Figure 2 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB–BK117 C–2– 88A–010, Revision 1, dated April 16, 2015 (ASB). (1) If the heat-shrinkable sleeve and transparent sleeve are installed as depicted in Figure 2 of the ASB and there is no damage, install the collective lever in accordance with paragraphs 3.B.2.3.a through 3.B.2.3.f of the ASB. (2) If the heat-shrinkable sleeve or transparent sleeve is installed as depicted in Figure 3, Detail B of the ASB, alter the heatshrinkable sleeve as depicted in Figure 3, Detail C. (3) If the transparent sleeve is damaged as depicted in Figure 4, Detail D of the ASB, replace the heat-shrinkable sleeve, transparent sleeve, and identification sleeve. Replace any wire that has a nick, scratch, cut, or is frayed. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASWFTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (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. 2015–0144, dated July 21, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: Wheel/Ski/Float/Emergency Equipment, 3246/2560. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 21, 2016. Lance T. Gant, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–28670 Filed 12–6–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 88145 Sfmt 4702 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–9167; Directorate Identifier 2016–NE–20–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) GE90 turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an engine and airplane fire. This proposed AD would require replacing affected fuel/oil lube/ servo coolers (‘‘main heat exchangers’’) with a part eligible for installation. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of a main heat exchanger, which could result in an engine fire. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 23, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact General Electric Company, GE-Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215, phone: 513–552–3272; email: aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. SUMMARY: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 9167; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. E:\FR\FM\07DEP1.SGM 07DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 88143-88145]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-28670]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6436; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-037-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-
BK117 C-2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the 
pilot collective wiring harness. This proposed AD is prompted by a 
report that a heat-shrinkable sleeve prevented the twist grip on the 
collective from being fully engaged during a flight test. The proposed 
actions are intended to prevent failure of the hoist or emergency 
landing gear flotation systems due to chafing of wiring caused by an 
incorrectly installed heat-shrinkable sleeve.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 6, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
6436; or in person at the Docket

[[Page 88144]]

Operations Office 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 the 
Docket Operations Office (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 
https://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. 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: George Schwab, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
george.schwab@faa.gov.

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. 2015-0144, dated July 21, 2015, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model MBB-BK117 
C-2 helicopters, up to serial number 9708. EASA advises that, during a 
flight test, the pilot could not fully engage a twist grip on a Model 
MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopter. According to EASA, further investigation 
found a transparent sleeve on the collective lever wiring harness 
damaged because of incorrect installation of the heat-shrinkable 
sleeve. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
chafing of the harness, leading to the malfunction of the affected 
systems, EASA advises. EASA consequently requires a one-time inspection 
of the heat-shrinkable and transparent sleeves installed on the 
collective lever wiring harness.

FAA's Determination

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

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB-BK117 
C-2-88A-010, Revision 1, dated April 16, 2015 (ASB), which specifies a 
visual inspection of the heat-shrinkable sleeve for correct position. 
If the sleeve's position is incorrect, the ASB specifies shortening the 
sleeve. If there is any damage, the ASB calls for replacing the damaged 
parts.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 100 hours time-in-service, 
visually inspecting the pilot collective wiring harness for correct 
position of the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the transparent sleeve. If 
the heat-shrinkable and the transparent sleeves are in their correct 
positions, this proposed AD would require re-installing the collective 
lever. If the heat-shrinkable sleeve is closer to or below the torque 
tube tangs, this proposed AD would require shortening the heat-
shrinkable sleeve. If the transparent sleeve is damaged, this proposed 
AD would require replacing the heat-shrinkable sleeve, transparent 
sleeve, and identification sleeve. Lastly, this proposed AD would 
require replacing any damaged wires in the wiring harness.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the TCCA AD

    The compliance time in the EASA AD is based on whether the 
helicopter has an externally mounted hoist or emergency flotation 
system. This proposed AD would require compliance within 100 hours 
time-in-service for all applicable helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 113 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work hour.
     Inspecting the pilot collective wiring harness for the 
correct position of the heat-shrinkable sleeve would require 1.5 work 
hours. No parts would be required for a total cost of $128 per 
helicopter and $14,464 for the U.S. fleet.
     Replacing or repairing the sleeves would require 5.5 work 
hours and parts would cost $10, for a total cost of $478 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

[[Page 88145]]

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 Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-
2016-6436; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-037-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 
MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, serial numbers 9004 through 9708, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an incorrectly installed 
heat-shrinkable sleeve on the collective lever wiring harness. This 
condition could result in chafing of the wiring and subsequent 
failure of the hoist cable cutter or emergency landing gear 
flotation systems.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 6, 2017.

(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, remove the pilot collective 
lever and visually inspect the pilot collective lever wiring harness 
for proper installation of the heat-shrinkable sleeve and 
transparent sleeve and for damage in accordance with paragraph 
3.B.2.1 and as depicted in Figure 2 of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 C-2-88A-010, Revision 1, dated April 16, 
2015 (ASB).
    (1) If the heat-shrinkable sleeve and transparent sleeve are 
installed as depicted in Figure 2 of the ASB and there is no damage, 
install the collective lever in accordance with paragraphs 3.B.2.3.a 
through 3.B.2.3.f of the ASB.
    (2) If the heat-shrinkable sleeve or transparent sleeve is 
installed as depicted in Figure 3, Detail B of the ASB, alter the 
heat-shrinkable sleeve as depicted in Figure 3, Detail C.
    (3) If the transparent sleeve is damaged as depicted in Figure 
4, Detail D of the ASB, replace the heat-shrinkable sleeve, 
transparent sleeve, and identification sleeve. Replace any wire that 
has a nick, scratch, cut, or is frayed.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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. 2015-0144, dated July 21, 2015. You may view 
the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD 
Docket.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: Wheel/Ski/Float/
Emergency Equipment, 3246/2560.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 21, 2016.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-28670 Filed 12-6-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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