Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model 600N Helicopters, 59227-59229 [E7-20680]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 202 / Friday, October 19, 2007 / Proposed Rules 59227 Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Incorporate the following into the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM): (i) ‘‘Operate Only in Day Visual Flight Rules (VFR);’’ (ii) ‘‘File Only a VFR Flight Plan;’’ and (iii) ‘‘Operate with Two Pilots at All Times.’’ Before further flight after June 27, 2007 (the effective date of AD 2007–13–11). (2) Incorporate the design modification to the pitot/AOA system. When incorporated, this design modification terminates the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) operational limitations required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. Within the next 60 days after the effective date of this AD. The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may insert the information into the AFM as specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. You may insert a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the AFM to comply with this action. Make an entry into the aircraft records showing compliance with this portion of the AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). Following Eclipse Aviation Alert Service Bulletin Number SB 500–34–005, Rev B, issued July 10, 2007. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (f) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Al Wilson, Flight Test Pilot, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137–4298; telephone: (817) 222– 5146; fax: (817) 222–5960. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (g) AMOCs approved for AD 2007–13–11 are approved for this AD. Federal Aviation Administration Related Information (h) To get copies of the service information referenced in this AD, contact Eclipse Aviation Corporation, 2503 Clark Carr Loop, SE, Albuquerque, NM 87105, fax: 505–241– 8802; e-mail: customercare@eclipseaviation.com. To view the AD docket, go to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12– 140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, or on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. The docket number is Docket No.FAA–2007–29316; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–078–AD. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 15, 2007. David R. Showers, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–20630 Filed 10–18–07; 8:45 am] rmajette on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–29342; Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–08–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model 600N Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document proposes superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N helicopters. That AD currently requires interim initial and repetitive inspections of tailboom parts, installing six inspection holes in the aft fuselage skin panels, installing tailboom attachment bolt washers, modifying both access covers, and replacing broken attachment bolts. The current AD also provides for modifying the fuselage aft section as an optional terminating action. This proposal would mandate modifying the fuselage aft section within the next 24 months to strengthen the tailboom attachment fittings and upper longerons. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the tailboom attachment fittings, separation of the tailboom from the helicopter, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Comments must be received on or before December 18, 2007. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD: DATES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:27 Oct 18, 2007 Jkt 214001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 • 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may get the service information identified in this proposed 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 www.mdhelicopters.com. You may examine the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov. 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: Comments Invited We invite you to submit any written data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to the address listed under the caption ADDRESSES. Include the docket number ‘‘FAA–2007–29342, Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–08–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of E:\FR\FM\19OCP1.SGM 19OCP1 59228 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 202 / Friday, October 19, 2007 / Proposed Rules the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. 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 or signed 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://www.regulations.gov. rmajette on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS Examining the Docket You may examine the docket that contains the proposed AD, any comments, and other information in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is located in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the West Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. Discussion On April 20, 2006, we issued AD 2006–08–12, Amendment 39–14569 (71 FR 24808, April 27, 2006), which superseded AD 2001–24–51, Amendment 39–12706 (67 FR 17934, April 12, 2002). AD 2001–24–51 required inspecting both the upper tailboom attachment fittings, nut plates, and both angles for a crack or thread damage, and repairing or replacing any cracked or damaged part. That AD also required replacing the upper right tailboom attachment bolt with a new bolt. That AD required if the attachment bolt was broken replacing the three remaining attachment bolts with airworthy attachment bolts. Adding a washer to each bolt and modifying both access covers was also required. Thereafter, inspecting the upper tailboom attachments at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time-in-service and repairing or replacing any cracked part was required. Superseding AD 2006– 08–12 requires installing six inspection holes in the aft fuselage skin panels, inspecting the tailboom attachment fittings and parts, and replacing or modifying certain parts as necessary. That action was prompted by an accident involving a Model 600N VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:27 Oct 18, 2007 Jkt 214001 helicopter. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent failure of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. On January 12, 2004, MDHI issued Technical Bulletin (TB) TB600N–007 specifying procedures, tooling, replacement parts, and supplies needed for modifying the fuselage aft section and tailboom. TB600N–007R1, dated April 13, 2006, superseded TB600N–007 to correct some tooling, replacement parts, and supplies. TB600N–007R2, dated October 5, 2006, superseded TB600N–007R1 to correct tooling part numbers and re-sequence some assembly steps. These TBs specify that any aircraft complying with any of these revisions meets the intent of the other TBs. In AD 2006–08–12, we incorporated by reference TB600N–007R1, dated April 13, 2006. Since issuing that AD, MDHI has issued TB600N–007R2, dated October 5, 2006 (TB), which updates previous issues by further specifying procedures for modifying the fuselage aft section to strengthen the tailboom attachment fittings and upper longerons. This latest revision continues to caution that a high level of sheet metal expertise and experience is required to perform this modification. This previously described unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type design. Therefore, the proposed AD would supersede AD 2006–08–12 to require within the next 24 months, modifying the fuselage aft section to strengthen tailboom attach fittings and upper longerons, which would constitute terminating action for this unsafe condition. We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 18 helicopters of U.S. registry, and the proposed actions would take about 322 work hours to modify each helicopter at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts would cost about $14,960 per helicopter. The manufacturer states in its TB that those complying with the TB within 3 years of the issue date are eligible for special pricing and technical assistance. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $732,960, assuming no special pricing from the manufacturer. 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 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); 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 a draft economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD. See the DMS to examine the draft economic evaluation. Regulatory Findings We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. Additionally, this proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39–14569, AD 2006–08–12, (71 FR 24808, April 27, E:\FR\FM\19OCP1.SGM 19OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 202 / Friday, October 19, 2007 / Proposed Rules 2006), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), to read as follows: MD Helicopter, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2007– 29342, Directorate Identifier 2007–SW– 08–AD. Supersedes AD 2006–08–12, Amendment 39–14569, Docket No. FAA–2006–24518, Directorate Identifier 2006–SW–10–AD. Applicability: Model 600N helicopters, serial numbers with a prefix ‘‘RN’’ and 003 through 058, that have not been modified in the fuselage aft section to strengthen the tailboom attachments and longerons per MD Helicopters (MDHI) Technical Bulletin (TB) TB600N–007, dated January 12, 2004; TB600N–007R1, dated April 13, 2006, or TB600N–007R2, dated October 5, 2006, certificated in any category. Compliance: Required within the next 24 months, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the tailboom attachment fittings, separation of the tailboom from the helicopter, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following: (a) Modify the fuselage aft section to strengthen the tailboom attach fittings and upper longerons by following paragraph 2, Accomplishment Instructions, of MDHI TB600N–007R2, dated October 5, 2006, except you are not required to contact the manufacturer. This modification to the fuselage aft section is terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (b) 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. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 10, 2007. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–20680 Filed 10–18–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0056; Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–06–AD] rmajette on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC130 B4 Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:27 Oct 18, 2007 Jkt 214001 SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France Model EC130B4 helicopters. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The aviation authority of France, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued following the discovery of several cases of loosened rivets in the tube-to-flange attachment of the tail rotor drive center section shaft. In one case, this loosening of rivets was associated with a crack in the tube which started from a loosened-rivet hole. These occurrences can lead to failure of the tail rotor drive center section shaft. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition caused by cracks and loosened rivets in the tube-to-flange attachment of the tail rotor and the unsafe condition caused by the out-ofperpendicularity of the No. 1 bearing. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 19, 2007. You may send comments 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. ADDRESSES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ed Cuevas, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 59229 Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193–0111, telephone (817) 222–5355, fax (817) 222–5961. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Streamlined Issuance of AD The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products. This proposed AD references the MCAI and related service information that we considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe condition. The proposed AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this reason might not follow our plain language principles. Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2007–0056; Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–06–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued an MCAI in the form of EASA Airworthiness Directive No. F–2005–190, dated November 23, 2005 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for this French-certificated product. The MCAI states: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued following the discovery of several cases of loosened rivets in the tube-to-flange E:\FR\FM\19OCP1.SGM 19OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 202 (Friday, October 19, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59227-59229]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-20680]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-29342; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-08-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model 600N 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes superseding an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N helicopters. 
That AD currently requires interim initial and repetitive inspections 
of tailboom parts, installing six inspection holes in the aft fuselage 
skin panels, installing tailboom attachment bolt washers, modifying 
both access covers, and replacing broken attachment bolts. The current 
AD also provides for modifying the fuselage aft section as an optional 
terminating action. This proposal would mandate modifying the fuselage 
aft section within the next 24 months to strengthen the tailboom 
attachment fittings and upper longerons. The actions specified by the 
proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the tailboom attachment 
fittings, separation of the tailboom from the helicopter, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 18, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD:
     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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You may get the service information identified in this proposed 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 www.mdhelicopters.com.
    You may examine the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket 
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.

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:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written data, views, or arguments 
regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to the address listed 
under the caption ADDRESSES. Include the docket number ``FAA-2007-
29342, Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-08-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of

[[Page 59228]]

the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing 
date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact 
with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. 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 or signed 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://www.regulations.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the proposed AD, any 
comments, and other information in person at the Docket Operations 
Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
located in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the West Building at the 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

Discussion

    On April 20, 2006, we issued AD 2006-08-12, Amendment 39-14569 (71 
FR 24808, April 27, 2006), which superseded AD 2001-24-51, Amendment 
39-12706 (67 FR 17934, April 12, 2002). AD 2001-24-51 required 
inspecting both the upper tailboom attachment fittings, nut plates, and 
both angles for a crack or thread damage, and repairing or replacing 
any cracked or damaged part. That AD also required replacing the upper 
right tailboom attachment bolt with a new bolt. That AD required if the 
attachment bolt was broken replacing the three remaining attachment 
bolts with airworthy attachment bolts. Adding a washer to each bolt and 
modifying both access covers was also required. Thereafter, inspecting 
the upper tailboom attachments at intervals not to exceed 25 hours 
time-in-service and repairing or replacing any cracked part was 
required. Superseding AD 2006-08-12 requires installing six inspection 
holes in the aft fuselage skin panels, inspecting the tailboom 
attachment fittings and parts, and replacing or modifying certain parts 
as necessary. That action was prompted by an accident involving a Model 
600N helicopter. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent 
failure of the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.
    On January 12, 2004, MDHI issued Technical Bulletin (TB) TB600N-007 
specifying procedures, tooling, replacement parts, and supplies needed 
for modifying the fuselage aft section and tailboom. TB600N-007R1, 
dated April 13, 2006, superseded TB600N-007 to correct some tooling, 
replacement parts, and supplies. TB600N-007R2, dated October 5, 2006, 
superseded TB600N-007R1 to correct tooling part numbers and re-sequence 
some assembly steps. These TBs specify that any aircraft complying with 
any of these revisions meets the intent of the other TBs.
    In AD 2006-08-12, we incorporated by reference TB600N-007R1, dated 
April 13, 2006. Since issuing that AD, MDHI has issued TB600N-007R2, 
dated October 5, 2006 (TB), which updates previous issues by further 
specifying procedures for modifying the fuselage aft section to 
strengthen the tailboom attachment fittings and upper longerons. This 
latest revision continues to caution that a high level of sheet metal 
expertise and experience is required to perform this modification.
    This previously described unsafe condition is likely to exist or 
develop on other helicopters of the same type design. Therefore, the 
proposed AD would supersede AD 2006-08-12 to require within the next 24 
months, modifying the fuselage aft section to strengthen tailboom 
attach fittings and upper longerons, which would constitute terminating 
action for this unsafe condition.
    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 18 helicopters of 
U.S. registry, and the proposed actions would take about 322 work hours 
to modify each helicopter at an average labor rate of $80 per work 
hour. Required parts would cost about $14,960 per helicopter. The 
manufacturer states in its TB that those complying with the TB within 3 
years of the issue date are eligible for special pricing and technical 
assistance. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact 
of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $732,960, assuming no 
special pricing from the manufacturer.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. Additionally, 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 above, I certify that the 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); 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 a draft economic evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the DMS to examine the draft 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-14569, AD 
2006-08-12, (71 FR 24808, April 27,

[[Page 59229]]

2006), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), to read as 
follows:

MD Helicopter, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2007-29342, Directorate 
Identifier 2007-SW-08-AD. Supersedes AD 2006-08-12, Amendment 39-
14569, Docket No. FAA-2006-24518, Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-10-
AD.
    Applicability: Model 600N helicopters, serial numbers with a 
prefix ``RN'' and 003 through 058, that have not been modified in 
the fuselage aft section to strengthen the tailboom attachments and 
longerons per MD Helicopters (MDHI) Technical Bulletin (TB) TB600N-
007, dated January 12, 2004; TB600N-007R1, dated April 13, 2006, or 
TB600N-007R2, dated October 5, 2006, certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required within the next 24 months, unless 
accomplished previously.
    To prevent failure of the tailboom attachment fittings, 
separation of the tailboom from the helicopter, and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter, do the following:
    (a) Modify the fuselage aft section to strengthen the tailboom 
attach fittings and upper longerons by following paragraph 2, 
Accomplishment Instructions, of MDHI TB600N-007R2, dated October 5, 
2006, except you are not required to contact the manufacturer. This 
modification to the fuselage aft section is terminating action for 
the requirements of this AD.
    (b) 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.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 10, 2007.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-20680 Filed 10-18-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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