Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model 500N and 600N Helicopters, 72326-72328 [E8-28110]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
72326
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 230 / Friday, November 28, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 3—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE—Continued
Service Bulletin—
Date—
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–57–5018 ....................................................................................................................
October 1, 2007.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
November 16, 2008.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–27940 Filed 11–26–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–1244; Directorate
Identifier 2008–SW–59–AD; Amendment 39–
15752; AD 2008–22–52]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MD
Helicopters, Inc. Model 500N and 600N
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
dwashington3 on PROD1PC60 with RULES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This document supersedes
AD 2008–18–52 and publishes in the
Federal Register an amendment
adopting Emergency Airworthiness
Directive (AD) 2008–22–52 which was
sent previously to all known U.S.
owners and operators of MD
Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model 500N
and 600N helicopters by individual
letters. This AD requires turning OFF
the Yaw Stability Augmentation System
(YSAS); installing a placard that limits
airspeed to 100 KTS or VNE, whichever
is less; and revising the limitations
section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual
(RFM) to reflect that limitation. Finally,
replacing the adapter tubes with
airworthy adapter tubes that have a
production date code stamp is required.
This AD is prompted by several
occurrences of failed adapter tubes on
the Model MD900 helicopter which uses
the same adapter tubes. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to
prevent loss of yaw control and
subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
Effective December 15, 2008, to
all persons except those persons to
whom it was made immediately
effective by Emergency AD 2008–22–52,
issued on October 23, 2008, which
DATES:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:57 Nov 26, 2008
Jkt 217001
contained the requirements of this
amendment.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules
Docket must be received on or before
January 27, 2009.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
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 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://
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 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric
D. Schrieber, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Airframe Branch, 3960
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California
90712, telephone 562–627–5348, fax
562–627–5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August
20, 2008, we issued Emergency AD
2008–18–51 for 500N, 600N, and
MD900 helicopters. Emergency AD
2008–18–51 was prompted by reports
that 2 MD900 helicopters experienced
failed vertical stabilizer control system
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(VSCS) adapter tubes. In one case, the
helicopter experienced an
uncommanded yaw, resulting in loss of
a window and a door. The Emergency
AD required several actions related to
the YSAS for the Model 500N and 600N
helicopters and to the vertical stabilizer
control system (VSCS) for the Model
MD900 helicopters.
After we issued Emergency AD 2008–
18–51, we discovered that pulling the
circuit breaker per the Emergency AD
caused impaired directional control,
which could result in loss of control of
the helicopter. Therefore, on August 27,
2008, we issued superseding Emergency
AD 2008–18–52, which requires, for
Model 500N, 600N and MD900
helicopters, turning OFF the VSCS or
YSAS switches instead of pulling the
circuit breakers and installing placards
that limit airspeed to 100 KIAS or VNE,
whichever is less. For the Model MD900
helicopters, limiting flight to VFR,
prohibiting use of the autopilot, and
making changes to the Emergency
Procedures and Airworthiness (sic)
Limitations sections of the RFM are also
required. For all of the helicopter
models, Emergency AD 2008–18–52
requires, within 45 days, terminating
action by replacing the adapter tube
with an airworthy adapter tube that has
a date stamp of August 15, 2008 or later,
and then removing the placards,
removing the AD limitation changes
from the RFM, and returning all
switches and circuit breakers to their
normal positions.
Since the issuance of Emergency AD
2008–18–52, we have had additional
occurrences of failed adapter tubes on
the MD900 helicopters. The
replacement adapter tube that was
terminating action for the requirements
of Emergency AD 2008–18–52 failed on
2 of the MD900 helicopters.
Furthermore, adapter tubes without a
production date code stamp remain a
safety concern on the 500N and 600N
helicopters because they may not
conform to the FAA-approved design.
Therefore, we separated the AD actions
and issued 2 superseding Emergency
ADs; 2008–22–52 for the 500N and
600N helicopters, and 2008–22–53 for
the MD900 helicopters.
Emergency AD 2008–22–52 applies to
the 500N and 600N helicopters and
continues to require the same actions as
Emergency AD 2008–18–52; however,
E:\FR\FM\28NOR1.SGM
28NOR1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 230 / Friday, November 28, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
we made minor editorial changes as
well as the following changes:
• We do not include any serial
numbers in the applicability because
this unsafe condition can occur on any
helicopter with the affected adapter tube
installed.
• We require that the limitations
section of the RFM be revised to reflect
the airspeed limitation required by the
placard.
• We require that replacement
adapter tubes have a production date
code stamped on them to determine that
the parts are airworthy (e.g., 08–08
indicates a production date of August
2008).
We have reviewed MDHI Service
Bulletin (SB) SB500N–040R1/SB600N–
047R1 dated August 27, 2008. The SB
specifies de-energizing the YSAS,
installing a placard that limits the
airspeed, and replacing the YSAS
adapter.
Since the unsafe condition described
is likely to exist or develop on other
MDHI Model 500N and 600N
helicopters of the same type designs, we
issued superseding Emergency AD
2008–22–52 to prevent loss of yaw
control and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter. The Emergency AD
requires the following before further
flight:
• Turning OFF the YSAS switch.
• Installing a placard on the
instrument panel as close as practicable
to the airspeed indicator that states:
dwashington3 on PROD1PC60 with RULES
‘‘YSAS SYSTEM IS OFF. AIRSPEED LIMIT
100 KIAS or VNE, WHICHEVER IS LESS.’’
• Revising the limitations section of
the RFM to limit the airspeed to 100
KIAS or VNE, whichever is less.
The Emergency AD also requires
replacing adapter tubes without a
production date code stamp with
adapter tubes that have a production
date code stamp within 45 days and is
terminating action for the requirements
of the Emergency AD. After replacing
the affected adapter tubes, the
Emergency AD requires removing the
placards, removing the revisions that
were made to the RFM because of the
Emergency AD, and returning the YSAS
system to its normal position. The short
compliance time involved is required
because the previously described
critical unsafe condition can adversely
affect the controllability of the
helicopter. Therefore, the actions
described previously are required before
further flight and within 45 days, and
this AD must be issued immediately.
Since it was found that immediate
corrective action was required, notice
and opportunity for prior public
comment thereon were impracticable
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:57 Nov 26, 2008
Jkt 217001
and contrary to the public interest, and
good cause existed to make the AD
effective immediately by individual
letters issued on October 23, 2008 to all
known U.S. owners and operators of
MDHI Model 500N and 600N
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
65 helicopters of U.S. registry. The
required actions will take about 6 work
hours per helicopter, at an average labor
rate of $80 per work hour. Required
parts will cost about $920 per
helicopter. Based on these figures we
estimate the total cost impact of the AD
on U.S. operators to be $91,000 ($1,400
per helicopter). However, MDHI states
in their service information that
required YSAS adapters will be
supplied at no cost and labor costs of
5.7 hours will be covered under labor
warranty. Assuming operators take
advantage of these credits, we estimate
that this AD will have a negligible cost
impact on U.S. operators.
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–2008–1244;
Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–59–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://
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 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).
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will
not have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
72327
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 AD docket 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
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
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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding
a new airworthiness directive to read as
follows:
■
E:\FR\FM\28NOR1.SGM
28NOR1
dwashington3 on PROD1PC60 with RULES
72328
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 230 / Friday, November 28, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
2008–22–52 MD Helicopters, Inc.:
Amendment 39–15752. Docket No.
FAA–2008–1244; Directorate Identifier
2008–SW–59–AD. Supersedes
Emergency AD 2008–18–52, Directorate
Identifier 2008–SW–52–AD.
Applicability: Model 500N and 600N
helicopters, with a Yaw Stability
Augmentation System (YSAS) adapter tube,
part number 500N7218–1, installed,
certificated in any category. Adapter tubes
that have a production date code stamp are
not included in the applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless
accomplished previously.
To prevent loss of yaw control and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter,
do the following:
(a) Before further flight:
(1) Turn OFF the YSAS switch.
(2) Install a placard on the instrument
panel as close as practicable to the airspeed
indicator that states:
‘‘YSAS SYSTEM IS OFF. AIRSPEED LIMIT
100 KIAS or VNE, WHICHEVER IS LESS.’’
Note: MDHI Service Bulletin SB500N–
040R1/SB600N–047R1, dated August 27,
2008, and maintenance manual CSP–HMI–3,
Section 96–00–00, pertain to the subject of
this AD.
(3) Make pen and ink changes or place a
copy of this AD in the limitations section of
the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to revise
the limitations as follows: ‘‘VNE is limited to
100 KIAS or less as determined by referring
to the airspeed VNE placard already installed
on the helicopter.’’
(b) Within 45 days, replace each affected
adapter tube with an airworthy adapter tube
that has a production date code stamp. This
replacement is terminating action for the
requirements of this AD. Once this
replacement has been done, remove the
placards, remove the airspeed restriction
revisions that were made to the RFM, and
return the YSAS system to its normal
position.
(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:
Eric D. Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Airframe Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd.,
Lakewood, California 90712, telephone 562–
627–5348, fax 562–627–5210, for information
about previously approved alternative
methods of compliance.
(d) Copies of the applicable service
information may be obtained 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.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on
December 15, 2008, to all persons except
those persons to whom it was made
immediately effective by Emergency AD
2008–22–52, issued October 23, 2008, which
contained the requirements of this
amendment.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:57 Nov 26, 2008
Jkt 217001
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November
14, 2008.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–28110 Filed 11–26–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0752; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NE–22–AD; Amendment 39–
15750; AD 2008–24–10]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt &
Whitney Canada Corp. JT15D–5; –5B;
–5F; and –5R Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results
from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as follows:
There have been several reported incidents
of high altitude, dual engine flameout on
JT15D–5 engine powered aircraft operating in
certain meteorological conditions.
Subsequent to the investigation of incidents,
review of the engine design has revealed that
the Fuel Control Hydro Mechanical Unit
(HMU) P3 servo can be exposed to excessive
moisture and freezing.
We are issuing this AD to prevent
engine flameouts of one or both engines,
caused by excessive moisture and
freezing in the P3 servo during certain
flight conditions.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
January 2, 2009. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in this AD as of
January 2, 2009.
ADDRESSES: The Docket Operations
office is located at Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC
20590–0001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian
Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
e-mail: ian.dargin@faa.gov; telephone
(781) 238–7178; fax (781) 238–7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to the specified products. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on August 22, 2008 (73 FR
49619). That NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states the
following:
There have been several reported incidents
of high altitude, dual engine flameout on
JT15D–5 engine powered aircraft operating in
certain meteorological conditions.
Subsequent to the investigation of incidents,
review of the engine design has revealed that
the Fuel Control Hydro Mechanical Unit
(HMU) P3 servo can be exposed to excessive
moisture and freezing.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
considered the comments received.
Request To Reference Hawker
Beechcraft Service Bulletin for Wire
Harness
One commenter, Flight Options,
requests that we reference Hawker
Beechcraft Service Bulletin (SB) No. SB
73–3888, Revision 1, dated July, 2008,
in the AD. That SB instructs to re-route
and secure the throttle solenoid wire
harness, and instructs to install a
serviceable compressor air to HMU
delivery tube, using Pratt & Whitney
Canada Corp. (P&WC) Alert SB No.
JT15D–72–A7611, Revision 1, dated
June 16, 2008. The commenter states
that without the proposed AD referring
to the Hawker Beechcraft SB, operators
could leave wire harnesses unsecured,
potentially leading to other system
failures.
We partially agree. We recognize that
instructions to re-route and secure the
throttle solenoid wire harness are
contained in the Hawker Beechcraft SB,
and operators should refer to these
requirements during the modification.
We do not agree that securing the
throttle solenoid wire harness needs to
be mandated by this AD. However, we
have added the Hawker Beechcraft SB
reference to the Related Information
paragraph in the AD.
Suggestion To Use Hawker Beechcraft
SB for AD Compliance
Flight Options suggests that the
Hawker Beechcraft SB No. SB 73–3888,
E:\FR\FM\28NOR1.SGM
28NOR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 230 (Friday, November 28, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72326-72328]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-28110]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1244; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-59-AD;
Amendment 39-15752; AD 2008-22-52]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model 500N and
600N Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document supersedes AD 2008-18-52 and publishes in the
Federal Register an amendment adopting Emergency Airworthiness
Directive (AD) 2008-22-52 which was sent previously to all known U.S.
owners and operators of MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model 500N and 600N
helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires turning OFF the Yaw
Stability Augmentation System (YSAS); installing a placard that limits
airspeed to 100 KTS or VNE, whichever is less; and revising
the limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to
reflect that limitation. Finally, replacing the adapter tubes with
airworthy adapter tubes that have a production date code stamp is
required. This AD is prompted by several occurrences of failed adapter
tubes on the Model MD900 helicopter which uses the same adapter tubes.
The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of yaw
control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective December 15, 2008, to all persons except those persons
to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2008-22-52,
issued on October 23, 2008, which contained the requirements of this
amendment.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before January 27, 2009.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this 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 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://
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 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric D. Schrieber, FAA, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office, Aviation Safety Engineer, Airframe
Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone
562-627-5348, fax 562-627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 20, 2008, we issued Emergency AD
2008-18-51 for 500N, 600N, and MD900 helicopters. Emergency AD 2008-18-
51 was prompted by reports that 2 MD900 helicopters experienced failed
vertical stabilizer control system (VSCS) adapter tubes. In one case,
the helicopter experienced an uncommanded yaw, resulting in loss of a
window and a door. The Emergency AD required several actions related to
the YSAS for the Model 500N and 600N helicopters and to the vertical
stabilizer control system (VSCS) for the Model MD900 helicopters.
After we issued Emergency AD 2008-18-51, we discovered that pulling
the circuit breaker per the Emergency AD caused impaired directional
control, which could result in loss of control of the helicopter.
Therefore, on August 27, 2008, we issued superseding Emergency AD 2008-
18-52, which requires, for Model 500N, 600N and MD900 helicopters,
turning OFF the VSCS or YSAS switches instead of pulling the circuit
breakers and installing placards that limit airspeed to 100 KIAS or
VNE, whichever is less. For the Model MD900 helicopters,
limiting flight to VFR, prohibiting use of the autopilot, and making
changes to the Emergency Procedures and Airworthiness (sic) Limitations
sections of the RFM are also required. For all of the helicopter
models, Emergency AD 2008-18-52 requires, within 45 days, terminating
action by replacing the adapter tube with an airworthy adapter tube
that has a date stamp of August 15, 2008 or later, and then removing
the placards, removing the AD limitation changes from the RFM, and
returning all switches and circuit breakers to their normal positions.
Since the issuance of Emergency AD 2008-18-52, we have had
additional occurrences of failed adapter tubes on the MD900
helicopters. The replacement adapter tube that was terminating action
for the requirements of Emergency AD 2008-18-52 failed on 2 of the
MD900 helicopters. Furthermore, adapter tubes without a production date
code stamp remain a safety concern on the 500N and 600N helicopters
because they may not conform to the FAA-approved design. Therefore, we
separated the AD actions and issued 2 superseding Emergency ADs; 2008-
22-52 for the 500N and 600N helicopters, and 2008-22-53 for the MD900
helicopters.
Emergency AD 2008-22-52 applies to the 500N and 600N helicopters
and continues to require the same actions as Emergency AD 2008-18-52;
however,
[[Page 72327]]
we made minor editorial changes as well as the following changes:
We do not include any serial numbers in the applicability
because this unsafe condition can occur on any helicopter with the
affected adapter tube installed.
We require that the limitations section of the RFM be
revised to reflect the airspeed limitation required by the placard.
We require that replacement adapter tubes have a
production date code stamped on them to determine that the parts are
airworthy (e.g., 08-08 indicates a production date of August 2008).
We have reviewed MDHI Service Bulletin (SB) SB500N-040R1/SB600N-
047R1 dated August 27, 2008. The SB specifies de-energizing the YSAS,
installing a placard that limits the airspeed, and replacing the YSAS
adapter.
Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop
on other MDHI Model 500N and 600N helicopters of the same type designs,
we issued superseding Emergency AD 2008-22-52 to prevent loss of yaw
control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The Emergency
AD requires the following before further flight:
Turning OFF the YSAS switch.
Installing a placard on the instrument panel as close as
practicable to the airspeed indicator that states:
``YSAS SYSTEM IS OFF. AIRSPEED LIMIT 100 KIAS or VNE,
WHICHEVER IS LESS.''
Revising the limitations section of the RFM to limit the
airspeed to 100 KIAS or VNE, whichever is less.
The Emergency AD also requires replacing adapter tubes without a
production date code stamp with adapter tubes that have a production
date code stamp within 45 days and is terminating action for the
requirements of the Emergency AD. After replacing the affected adapter
tubes, the Emergency AD requires removing the placards, removing the
revisions that were made to the RFM because of the Emergency AD, and
returning the YSAS system to its normal position. The short compliance
time involved is required because the previously described critical
unsafe condition can adversely affect the controllability of the
helicopter. Therefore, the actions described previously are required
before further flight and within 45 days, and this AD must be issued
immediately.
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 October 23, 2008 to all known U.S. owners and operators of
MDHI Model 500N and 600N 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 65 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The required actions will take about 6 work hours per
helicopter, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required
parts will cost about $920 per helicopter. Based on these figures we
estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators to be
$91,000 ($1,400 per helicopter). However, MDHI states in their service
information that required YSAS adapters will be supplied at no cost and
labor costs of 5.7 hours will be covered under labor warranty. Assuming
operators take advantage of these credits, we estimate that this AD
will have a negligible cost impact on U.S. operators.
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-2008-1244; Directorate
Identifier 2008-SW-59-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://
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 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).
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 AD docket 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.
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:
[[Page 72328]]
2008-22-52 MD Helicopters, Inc.: Amendment 39-15752. Docket No. FAA-
2008-1244; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-59-AD. Supersedes
Emergency AD 2008-18-52, Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-52-AD.
Applicability: Model 500N and 600N helicopters, with a Yaw
Stability Augmentation System (YSAS) adapter tube, part number
500N7218-1, installed, certificated in any category. Adapter tubes
that have a production date code stamp are not included in the
applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent loss of yaw control and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Before further flight:
(1) Turn OFF the YSAS switch.
(2) Install a placard on the instrument panel as close as
practicable to the airspeed indicator that states:
``YSAS SYSTEM IS OFF. AIRSPEED LIMIT 100 KIAS or VNE,
WHICHEVER IS LESS.''
Note: MDHI Service Bulletin SB500N-040R1/SB600N-047R1, dated
August 27, 2008, and maintenance manual CSP-HMI-3, Section 96-00-00,
pertain to the subject of this AD.
(3) Make pen and ink changes or place a copy of this AD in the
limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to revise
the limitations as follows: ``VNE is limited to 100 KIAS
or less as determined by referring to the airspeed VNE
placard already installed on the helicopter.''
(b) Within 45 days, replace each affected adapter tube with an
airworthy adapter tube that has a production date code stamp. This
replacement is terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
Once this replacement has been done, remove the placards, remove the
airspeed restriction revisions that were made to the RFM, and return
the YSAS system to its normal position.
(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: Eric D. Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Airframe Branch,
3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone 562-627-
5348, fax 562-627-5210, for information about previously approved
alternative methods of compliance.
(d) Copies of the applicable service information may be obtained
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.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on December 15, 2008, to
all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately
effective by Emergency AD 2008-22-52, issued October 23, 2008, which
contained the requirements of this amendment.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 14, 2008.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-28110 Filed 11-26-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
