Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model MD600N Helicopters, 19788-19790 [E7-7438]
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19788
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 76 / Friday, April 20, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
Actions
Compliance
Procedures
(4) Lubricate the uplock mechanism ..................
(i) For Group 1 airplanes: Initially within 300
hours TIS after October 25, 1972 (the effective date of AD 72–22–01). Repetitively lubricate thereafter at intervals not to exceed
100 hours TIS.
(ii) For Group 2 airplanes: Initially within 300
hours TIS after May 25, 2007 the effective
date of this AD. Repetitively lubricate thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours
TIS.
Follow Beechcraft Service Instructions No.
0448–211, Rev. I (undated), or Beechcraft
Service Instructions No. 0448–211 (undated).
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(f) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: Anthony
Flores, Aerospace Engineer, 1801 Airport
Road, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone:
(316) 946–4174; facsimile: (316) 946–4107,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19.
(g) AMOCs approved for AD 72–22–01 are
approved for this AD.
Federal Aviation Administration
Material Incorporated by Reference
(h) You must use Beechcraft Service
Instructions No. 0448–211, Rev. I (undated),
or Beechcraft Service Instructions No. 0448–
211 (undated), to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
Beechcraft Service Instructions No. 0448–211
(undated), and Beechcraft Service
Instructions No. 0448–211, Rev. I (undated),
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Raytheon Aircraft Company,
P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201–0085;
telephone: (800) 429–5372 or (316) 676–3140.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA,
Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April
6, 2007.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–7048 Filed 4–19–07; 8:45 am]
cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with RULES
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:15 Apr 19, 2007
Jkt 211001
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–27343; Directorate
Identifier 2007–SW–05–AD; Amendment 39–
15030; AD 2007–05–51]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MD
Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model MD600N
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This document publishes in
the Federal Register an amendment
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2007–05–51, which was sent previously
to all known U.S. owners and operators
of MDHI Model MD600N helicopters by
individual letters. This AD requires,
before further flight, a visual and eddy
current inspection of each lateral mixer
output link assembly (mixer link) and
replacing any cracked mixer link. This
AD also requires performing an eddy
current inspection on each mixer link
before installing it on any helicopter.
This amendment is prompted by the
discovery of 3 cracked mixer links. The
actions specified by this AD are
intended to detect a crack in the mixer
link, which could result in failure of the
mixer link and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective May 7, 2007, to all
persons except those persons to whom
it was made immediately effective by
Emergency AD 2007–05–51, issued on
February 17, 2007, which contained the
requirements of this amendment.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules
Docket must be received on or before
June 19, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
AD:
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
instructions for sending your comments
electronically;
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically;
• Mail: Docket Management Facility;
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590;
• Fax: (202) 493–2251; or
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You may get the service information
identified in this AD from MD
Helicopters Inc., Attn: Customer
Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell
Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, Arizona
85215–9734, telephone 1–800–388–
3378, fax 480–346–6813, or on the Web
at https://www.mdhelicopters.com.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the docket that
contains the AD, any comments, and
other information on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the
Docket Management System (DMS)
Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The Docket Office
(telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Department of
Transportation Nassif Building at the
street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the DMS
receives them.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon
Mowery, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, Airframe Branch, 3960
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California
90712, telephone (562) 627–5322, fax
(562) 627–5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
February 17, 2007 we issued Emergency
AD 2007–05–51 for MDHI Model
MD600N helicopters, which requires,
before further flight, a visual and eddy
current inspection of each mixer link
and replacing any cracked mixer link.
E:\FR\FM\20APR1.SGM
20APR1
cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with RULES
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 76 / Friday, April 20, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
The Emergency AD also requires
performing an eddy current inspection
on each mixer link before installing it
on any helicopter. That action was
prompted by the discovery of a cracked
mixer link, part number (P/N)
600N7636–1, on an in-service MDHI
Model MD600N helicopter. Cracks were
also found on two additional mixer
links, P/N 600N7636–3, which were
being held as spares. The cracks on all
three mixer links run through the
bearing end area of the mixer link and
emanate from staking marks in the
mixer link. Cracks in the mixer link, if
not detected, could result in failure of
the mixer link and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
We have reviewed MDHI Service
Bulletin No. SB600N–044, dated
February 16, 2007 (SB), which describes
procedures for a one-time visual
inspection and an eddy current
inspection of the mixer link. The SB
includes only P/Ns 600N7636–1, and –3
in its effectivity, however, because the
exact cause of the cracks is unknown,
and the –9 and –11 are similar designs,
we have included them in the
applicability of this AD. We are also
requiring an eddy current inspection of
each affected mixer link before
installing it on any helicopter.
Since the unsafe condition described
is likely to exist or develop on other
MDHI Model MD600N helicopters of the
same type design, we issued Emergency
AD 2007–05–51 to detect a crack in the
mixer link, which could result in failure
of the mixer link and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter. The AD
requires, before further flight, the
following for each mixer link, P/N
600N7636–1, –3, –9, and –11:
• Removing each mixer link, and
visually inspecting, with a bright light
and a 10x or higher magnifying glass,
the areas on the ends of the mixer link
on both sides around the bearing bore
for any crack,
• Performing an eddy current
inspection of each mixer link in the
bearing end areas, and
• Replacing any cracked mixer link
with an airworthy mixer link on which
an eddy current inspection has been
performed.
The AD also requires performing an
eddy current inspection on each mixer
link before installing it on any
helicopter.
The short compliance time involved
is required because the previously
described critical unsafe condition can
adversely affect the structural integrity
and controllability of the helicopter.
Therefore, the actions described
previously are required before further
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:15 Apr 19, 2007
Jkt 211001
flight, and this AD must be issued
immediately.
A one-time flight permit is allowed
for flying the helicopter to a location
where the eddy current inspection can
be performed, provided that no crack is
found during the visual inspection
required in paragraph (a) of this AD and
that the helicopter’s airspeed does not
exceed 100 knots.
The requirements of this AD are
interim actions; the manufacturer
continues to investigate the cause of the
cracks and, based on that investigation,
we will determine either follow-on
actions or a terminating action for the
requirements of this AD.
Since it was found that immediate
corrective action was required, notice
and opportunity for prior public
comment thereon were impracticable
and contrary to the public interest, and
good cause existed to make the AD
effective immediately by individual
letters issued on February 17, 2007 to all
known U.S. owners and operators of
MDHI Model MD600N helicopters.
These conditions still exist, and the AD
is hereby published in the Federal
Register as an amendment to 14 CFR
39.13 to make it effective to all persons.
We estimate that this AD will affect
26 helicopters of U.S. registry. It will
take approximately:
• 2 work hours to remove, inspect,
and replace both mixer links on each
helicopter,
• 5 work hours for an eddy current
inspection of both mixer links,
• $80 per work hour, and
• $865 for a mixer link, if necessary.
Based on these figures, we estimate
the total cost impact of the AD on U.S.
operators to be $18,885, assuming that
a visual and eddy current inspection are
performed on each mixer link installed
on a helicopter and that 5 of the 52
mixer links are cracked and need to be
replaced.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements that affect flight safety and
was not preceded by notice and an
opportunity for public comment;
however, we invite you to submit any
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under ADDRESSES.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2007–27343;
Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–05–AD’’
at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
the AD. We will consider all comments
received by the closing date and may
amend the AD in light of those
comments.
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
19789
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this AD. Using the
search function of our docket web site,
you can find and read the comments to
any of our dockets, including the name
of the individual who sent the
comment. You may review the DOT’s
complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11,
2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you may visit
https://dms.dot.gov.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will
not have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
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 above, I
certify that the 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); and
3. 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 AD. See the DMS to examine the
economic evaluation.
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.
E:\FR\FM\20APR1.SGM
20APR1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 76 / Friday, April 20, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the Federal Aviation Administration
amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
I
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding
a new airworthiness directive to read as
follows:
I
cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with RULES
2007–05–51 MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI):
Amendment 39–15030. Docket No.
FAA–2007–27343; Directorate Identifier
2007–SW–05–AD.
(2) Perform an eddy current inspection of
each mixer link in the bearing end areas.
(3) Replace any cracked mixer link with an
airworthy mixer link on which an eddy
current inspection has been performed.
Note: MDHI Service Bulletin No. SB600N–
044, dated February 16, 2007, pertains to the
subject of this AD.
(b) Perform an eddy current inspection on
each mixer link before installing it on any
helicopter.
(c) To request a different method of
compliance or a different compliance time
for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR
39.19. Contact the Manager, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: Jon
Mowery, Aviation Safety Engineer, Airframe
Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood,
California 90712, telephone (562) 627–5322,
fax (562) 627–5210, for information about
previously approved alternative methods of
compliance.
(d) A one-time special flight permit may be
issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location
where the eddy current inspection
requirements of this AD can be accomplished
provided that no crack is found during the
visual inspection required in paragraph (a) of
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:15 Apr 19, 2007
Jkt 211001
Applicability: Model MD600N helicopters,
with a lateral mixer output link assembly
(mixer link), part number (P/N) 600N7636–1,
–3, –9, or –11 installed, certificated in any
category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless
accomplished previously.
To detect a crack in the mixer link, which
could result in failure of the mixer link and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter,
accomplish the following:
(a) Before further flight:
(1) Remove each mixer link and visually
inspect, with a bright light and a 10x or
higher magnifying glass, the shaded areas
around the bearing bore for any crack as
depicted in the following Figure 1:
this AD and that the helicopter’s airspeed
does not exceed 100 knots.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on
May 7, 2007, to all persons except those
persons to whom it was made immediately
effective by Emergency AD 2007–05–51,
issued February 17, 2007, which contained
the requirements of this amendment.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 5,
2007.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–7438 Filed 4–19–07; 8:45 am]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna
Aircraft Company Models 182H, 182J,
182K, 182L, 182M, 182N, 182P, 182Q,
and 182R Airplanes
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–27786; Directorate
Identifier 2007–CE–031–AD; Amendment
39–15031; AD 2007–09–01]
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna)
Model 182 series airplanes that are
equipped with Air Plains Services
Corporation Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) SA00152WI. This AD
Frm 00008
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20APR1
ER20AP07.003</GPH>
19790
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 76 (Friday, April 20, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19788-19790]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7438]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-27343; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-05-AD;
Amendment 39-15030; AD 2007-05-51]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model MD600N
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-05-51, which was sent
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of MDHI Model MD600N
helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, before further
flight, a visual and eddy current inspection of each lateral mixer
output link assembly (mixer link) and replacing any cracked mixer link.
This AD also requires performing an eddy current inspection on each
mixer link before installing it on any helicopter. This amendment is
prompted by the discovery of 3 cracked mixer links. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to detect a crack in the mixer link,
which could result in failure of the mixer link and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective May 7, 2007, to all persons except those persons to
whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2007-05-51,
issued on February 17, 2007, which contained the requirements of this
amendment.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before June 19, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically;
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically;
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590;
Fax: (202) 493-2251; or
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You may get the service information identified in this AD from MD
Helicopters Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell
Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, Arizona 85215-9734, telephone 1-800-388-
3378, fax 480-346-6813, or on the Web at https://www.mdhelicopters.com.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments, and
other information on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in person
at the Docket Management System (DMS) Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket
Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the
Department of Transportation Nassif Building at the street address
stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Mowery, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Airframe Branch, 3960
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627-5322,
fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 17, 2007 we issued Emergency AD
2007-05-51 for MDHI Model MD600N helicopters, which requires, before
further flight, a visual and eddy current inspection of each mixer link
and replacing any cracked mixer link.
[[Page 19789]]
The Emergency AD also requires performing an eddy current inspection on
each mixer link before installing it on any helicopter. That action was
prompted by the discovery of a cracked mixer link, part number (P/N)
600N7636-1, on an in-service MDHI Model MD600N helicopter. Cracks were
also found on two additional mixer links, P/N 600N7636-3, which were
being held as spares. The cracks on all three mixer links run through
the bearing end area of the mixer link and emanate from staking marks
in the mixer link. Cracks in the mixer link, if not detected, could
result in failure of the mixer link and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
We have reviewed MDHI Service Bulletin No. SB600N-044, dated
February 16, 2007 (SB), which describes procedures for a one-time
visual inspection and an eddy current inspection of the mixer link. The
SB includes only P/Ns 600N7636-1, and -3 in its effectivity, however,
because the exact cause of the cracks is unknown, and the -9 and -11
are similar designs, we have included them in the applicability of this
AD. We are also requiring an eddy current inspection of each affected
mixer link before installing it on any helicopter.
Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop
on other MDHI Model MD600N helicopters of the same type design, we
issued Emergency AD 2007-05-51 to detect a crack in the mixer link,
which could result in failure of the mixer link and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter. The AD requires, before further flight, the
following for each mixer link, P/N 600N7636-1, -3, -9, and -11:
Removing each mixer link, and visually inspecting, with a
bright light and a 10x or higher magnifying glass, the areas on the
ends of the mixer link on both sides around the bearing bore for any
crack,
Performing an eddy current inspection of each mixer link
in the bearing end areas, and
Replacing any cracked mixer link with an airworthy mixer
link on which an eddy current inspection has been performed.
The AD also requires performing an eddy current inspection on each
mixer link before installing it on any helicopter.
The short compliance time involved is required because the
previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the
structural integrity and controllability of the helicopter. Therefore,
the actions described previously are required before further flight,
and this AD must be issued immediately.
A one-time flight permit is allowed for flying the helicopter to a
location where the eddy current inspection can be performed, provided
that no crack is found during the visual inspection required in
paragraph (a) of this AD and that the helicopter's airspeed does not
exceed 100 knots.
The requirements of this AD are interim actions; the manufacturer
continues to investigate the cause of the cracks and, based on that
investigation, we will determine either follow-on actions or a
terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters
issued on February 17, 2007 to all known U.S. owners and operators of
MDHI Model MD600N helicopters. These conditions still exist, and the AD
is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to 14 CFR
39.13 to make it effective to all persons.
We estimate that this AD will affect 26 helicopters of U.S.
registry. It will take approximately:
2 work hours to remove, inspect, and replace both mixer
links on each helicopter,
5 work hours for an eddy current inspection of both mixer
links,
$80 per work hour, and
$865 for a mixer link, if necessary.
Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD
on U.S. operators to be $18,885, assuming that a visual and eddy
current inspection are performed on each mixer link installed on a
helicopter and that 5 of the 52 mixer links are cracked and need to be
replaced.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-27343;
Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-05-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light
of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket
web site, you can find and read the comments to any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment. You may
review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 above, I certify that the 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); and
3. 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 AD. See the DMS to examine the economic evaluation.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
[[Page 19790]]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to
read as follows:
2007-05-51 MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI): Amendment 39-15030. Docket
No. FAA-2007-27343; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-05-AD.
Applicability: Model MD600N helicopters, with a lateral mixer
output link assembly (mixer link), part number (P/N) 600N7636-1, -3,
-9, or -11 installed, certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect a crack in the mixer link, which could result in
failure of the mixer link and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Before further flight:
(1) Remove each mixer link and visually inspect, with a bright
light and a 10x or higher magnifying glass, the shaded areas around
the bearing bore for any crack as depicted in the following Figure
1:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR20AP07.003
(2) Perform an eddy current inspection of each mixer link in the
bearing end areas.
(3) Replace any cracked mixer link with an airworthy mixer link
on which an eddy current inspection has been performed.
Note: MDHI Service Bulletin No. SB600N-044, dated February 16,
2007, pertains to the subject of this AD.
(b) Perform an eddy current inspection on each mixer link before
installing it on any helicopter.
(c) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Contact the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
ATTN: Jon Mowery, Aviation Safety Engineer, Airframe Branch, 3960
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627-
5322, fax (562) 627-5210, for information about previously approved
alternative methods of compliance.
(d) A one-time special flight permit may be issued in accordance
with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a
location where the eddy current inspection requirements of this AD
can be accomplished provided that no crack is found during the
visual inspection required in paragraph (a) of this AD and that the
helicopter's airspeed does not exceed 100 knots.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on May 7, 2007, to all
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately
effective by Emergency AD 2007-05-51, issued February 17, 2007,
which contained the requirements of this amendment.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 5, 2007.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-7438 Filed 4-19-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
