Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 (including the MD902 Configuration) Helicopters, 16114-16116 [E9-7780]

Download as PDF 16114 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 67 / Thursday, April 9, 2009 / Rules and Regulations ASB No. 222–07–106 ............................. 222U–07–77 ............................. 230–07–38 ............................... 407–07–81 ............................... 427–07–18 ............................... 430–07–41 ............................... Revision C C C A A C .............. .............. .............. .............. .............. .............. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states that there have been three reports of blade tip weights departing from the blade during flight. This AD corrects part numbers and serial numbers of blades, and adds additional blades to the previous AD listing, based on revised ASBs issued by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited. The actions required by this AD are intended to prevent loss of a blade tip weight, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Actions and Compliance (e) Before further flight, unless already accomplished, replace any affected blade with an airworthy blade. An airworthy blade ASB No. 206–07–116 ............................. 206L–07–148 ........................... 222–07–106 ............................. 222U–07–77 ............................. 230–07–38 ............................... 407–07–81 ............................... 427–07–18 ............................... 430–07–41 ............................... A A C C C A A C .............. .............. .............. .............. .............. .............. .............. .............. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on March 26, 2009. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–7783 Filed 4–8–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 16:45 Apr 08, 2009 September September September September September September 20, 20, 20, 19, 19, 20, 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 Jkt 217001 Helicopter model ................................................................. ................................................................. ................................................................. ................................................................. ................................................................. ................................................................. is one that has a part number and a serial number that is not listed in the RBI document that is attached to each ASB listed in the Applicability section of this AD. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) The actions required by this AD only apply to those blades listed in the RBI document that is attached to the ASBs listed in paragraph (c). The MCAI allows use of those ASBs, or ‘‘later revisions approved by Chief, Continuing Airworthiness, Transport Canada.’’ Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Revision (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437–2862 or (800) 363–8023, fax (450) 433–0272, or at https://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 76193–0111, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or e-mail to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. VerDate Nov<24>2008 Date 222 and 222B. 222U. 230. 407. 427. 430. Group, FAA, ATTN: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76193– 0111, telephone (817) 222–5122, fax (817) 222–5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code (h) ATA Code 6410: Tail Rotor Blades. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use the following Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin for your model helicopter to determine which blades are subject to these AD actions: Date September September September September September September September September 19, 19, 20, 20, 20, 19, 19, 20, 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 Helicopter model ................................................................. ................................................................. ................................................................. ................................................................. ................................................................. ................................................................. ................................................................. ................................................................. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2008–0772; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–30–AD; Amendment 39– 15872; AD 2009–07–13] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 (including the MD902 Configuration) Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) model helicopters that requires, within 30 days, reducing the current gross weight limit to a maximum gross weight limit of 5,400 pounds and inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) or making certain optional modifications that constitute PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 206A and 206B. 206L, L–1, L–3, and L–4. 222 and 222B. 222U. 230. 407. 427. 430. terminating actions. This amendment is prompted by flight tests that show that the information currently listed in the Limitations section of the RFM is inconsistent with the actual performance of the helicopter. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of directional control of the helicopter. DATES: Effective May 14, 2009. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 14, 2009. ADDRESSES: 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 this AD, any comments, and other information on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or at the Docket Operations office, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 E:\FR\FM\09APR1.SGM 09APR1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 67 / Thursday, April 9, 2009 / Rules and Regulations New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chip Adam, Flight Test Pilot, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Flight Test Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712– 4137, telephone (562) 627–5369, fax (562) 627–5210. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD for the specified model helicopters was published in the Federal Register on July 28, 2008 (73 FR 43646). That action proposed to require, for helicopters that have not complied with MDHI Mandatory SB900–099 R1, dated December 27, 2006 (SB), reducing the gross weight limit to a maximum gross weight limit of 5,400 pounds and inserting a copy of the AD into the Limitations section of the RFM. These actions would be required within 30 days. The proposed AD also included optional terminating actions for the weight reduction. Those terminating actions would be to: • Determine if a NOTAR fan felt seal part number (P/N) 900F3441025–103 is installed. If a NOTAR fan felt seal, P/N 900F3441025–103, is not installed, replace the installed seal with an airworthy NOTAR fan felt seal, P/N 900F3441025–103, before further flight; and • Install a thruster extension kit in accordance with specified portions of SB. We have reviewed the SB, which describes procedures for adjusting the directional control system rigging, installing a thruster extension kit, and verifying that a NOTAR fan felt seal, part number (P/N) 900F3441025–103 is installed. The SB specifies that failure to comply with the procedures may result in reduced anti-torque control during certain combinations of high gross weight, density altitude, and wind critical conditions. The SB also indicates that the maximum gross weight of the helicopter will be lowered if the SB is not complied with. Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the proposal or the FAA’s determination of the cost to the public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed. We estimate that this AD affects 31 helicopters of U.S. registry. The estimated lost revenue attributable to the gross weight reduction is $1,750,000 per helicopter over the life of the helicopter. It takes approximately c VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:45 Apr 08, 2009 Jkt 217001 work hour per helicopter to insert the AD into the Limitations section of the RFM; 8 work hours to adjust the directional control system rigging; 8 work hours to install a NOTAR fan felt seal; and 24 work hours to install a thruster extension kit at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. The NOTAR fan felt seal and thruster extension kit cost approximately $16,000. However, the manufacturer has stated that they will provide the fan felt seal and the thruster extension kit to all operators at no cost to them and that they will also provide each affected operator a credit for the labor costs for a total of 32 work hours for those work hours required to perform the directional control rigging adjustment (8 work hours) and installation of the thruster extension kit (24 work hours). Based on these figures, the total estimated cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is $1,920, assuming (1) The entire fleet chooses to modify their affected helicopter in accordance with the optional terminating action provision of this AD and there is no reduction in gross weight necessary, (2) the manufacturer covers all the costs of the parts and the labor costs associated with the rigging adjustment and installation of the thruster extension kit and (3) only 3 helicopters need to have a new fan felt seal installed. 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, PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 16115 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, Incorporation by reference, 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: ■ 2009–07–13 MD Helicopters, Inc.: Amendment 39–15872. Docket No. FAA–2008–0772; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–30–AD. Applicability: Model MD900 (including MD902 Configuration) helicopters that have not complied with MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Mandatory Service Bulletin SB900– 099 R1, dated December 27, 2006, certificated in any category. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent loss of directional control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 30 days, reduce the gross weight limit to a maximum gross weight limit of 5,400 pounds by inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual. (b) As an optional terminating action for the weight reduction mandated by paragraph (a) of this AD, accomplish the following: (1) Determine if a NOTAR fan felt seal part number (P/N) 900F3441025–103 is installed. If a NOTAR fan felt seal, P/N 900F3441025– 103, is not installed, replace the installed seal with an airworthy NOTAR fan felt seal, P/N 900F3441025–103, before further flight. (2) Install a thruster extension kit in accordance with the Accomplishment E:\FR\FM\09APR1.SGM 09APR1 16116 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 67 / Thursday, April 9, 2009 / Rules and Regulations Instructions, paragraph B.(3). through (17). of MDHI Mandatory SB900–099 R1, dated December 27, 2006, before further flight. Contacting the manufacturer is not required by this AD. (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, ATTN: Chip Adam, Flight Test Pilot, FAA, Flight Test Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712–4137, telephone (562) 627– 5369, fax (562) 627–5210, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (d) Special flight permits will not be issued. (e) The modification shall be done in accordance with the specified portions of MDHI Mandatory SB900–099 R1, dated December 27, 2006. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies 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. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 14, 2009. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 26, 2009. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–7780 Filed 4–8–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2008–1240; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–098–AD; Amendment 39–15877; AD 2009–08–04] mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model BH.125 Series 600A Airplanes and Model HS.125 Series 700A Airplanes Modified in Accordance With Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2271SW AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:45 Apr 08, 2009 Jkt 217001 SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model BH.125 series 600A airplanes and Model HS.125 series 700A airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the wiring diagrams containing the cockpit blowers and comparing with the current airplane configuration, and reworking the wiring if necessary. This AD results from a report indicating that a blower motor of the cockpit ventilation and avionics cooling system seized up and gave off smoke. We are issuing this AD to prevent smoke and fumes in the cockpit in the event that a blower motor seizes and overheats due to excessive current draw. DATES: This AD is effective May 14, 2009. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of May 14, 2009. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, Department 62, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201– 0085; telephone 316–676–8238; fax 316–676–6706; e-mail tmdc@hawkerbeechcraft.com; Internet https://www.hawkerbeechcraft.com/ service_support/pubs. airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 26, 2008 (73 FR 71959). That NPRM proposed to require inspecting the wiring diagrams containing the cockpit blowers and comparing with the current airplane configuration, and reworking the wiring if necessary. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is the Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy Shaw, Aerospace Engineer, Special Certification Office, ASW–190, FAA Southwest Regional Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5188; fax (817) 222–5785. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We estimate that this AD affects 40 airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it takes about 1 work-hour per product to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per workhour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to U.S. operators to be $3,200, or $80 per product. Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to certain Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model BH.125 series 600A airplanes and Model HS.125 series 700A PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. Explanation of Change to Final Rule We have changed the product identification line to specify the airplane type certificate holder. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described previously. We also determined that this change will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD. Costs of Compliance 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\09APR1.SGM 09APR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 67 (Thursday, April 9, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16114-16116]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-7780]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0772; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-30-AD; 
Amendment 39-15872; AD 2009-07-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 
(including the MD902 Configuration) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
the specified MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) model helicopters that 
requires, within 30 days, reducing the current gross weight limit to a 
maximum gross weight limit of 5,400 pounds and inserting a copy of this 
AD into the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) 
or making certain optional modifications that constitute terminating 
actions. This amendment is prompted by flight tests that show that the 
information currently listed in the Limitations section of the RFM is 
inconsistent with the actual performance of the helicopter. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of directional 
control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective May 14, 2009.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 14, 2009.

ADDRESSES: 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 this 
AD, any comments, and other information on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Docket Operations office, West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200

[[Page 16115]]

New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chip Adam, Flight Test Pilot, FAA, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Flight Test Branch, 3960 
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712-4137, telephone (562) 627-
5369, fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to 
include an AD for the specified model helicopters was published in the 
Federal Register on July 28, 2008 (73 FR 43646). That action proposed 
to require, for helicopters that have not complied with MDHI Mandatory 
SB900-099 R1, dated December 27, 2006 (SB), reducing the gross weight 
limit to a maximum gross weight limit of 5,400 pounds and inserting a 
copy of the AD into the Limitations section of the RFM. These actions 
would be required within 30 days. The proposed AD also included 
optional terminating actions for the weight reduction. Those 
terminating actions would be to:
     Determine if a NOTAR fan felt seal part number (P/N) 
900F3441025-103 is installed. If a NOTAR fan felt seal, P/N 
900F3441025-103, is not installed, replace the installed seal with an 
airworthy NOTAR fan felt seal, P/N 900F3441025-103, before further 
flight; and
     Install a thruster extension kit in accordance with 
specified portions of SB.
    We have reviewed the SB, which describes procedures for adjusting 
the directional control system rigging, installing a thruster extension 
kit, and verifying that a NOTAR fan felt seal, part number (P/N) 
900F3441025-103 is installed. The SB specifies that failure to comply 
with the procedures may result in reduced anti-torque control during 
certain combinations of high gross weight, density altitude, and wind 
critical conditions. The SB also indicates that the maximum gross 
weight of the helicopter will be lowered if the SB is not complied 
with.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA 
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the 
adoption of the rule as proposed.
    We estimate that this AD affects 31 helicopters of U.S. registry. 
The estimated lost revenue attributable to the gross weight reduction 
is $1,750,000 per helicopter over the life of the helicopter. It takes 
approximately [frac1/2] work hour per helicopter to insert the AD into 
the Limitations section of the RFM; 8 work hours to adjust the 
directional control system rigging; 8 work hours to install a NOTAR fan 
felt seal; and 24 work hours to install a thruster extension kit at an 
average labor rate of $80 per work hour. The NOTAR fan felt seal and 
thruster extension kit cost approximately $16,000. However, the 
manufacturer has stated that they will provide the fan felt seal and 
the thruster extension kit to all operators at no cost to them and that 
they will also provide each affected operator a credit for the labor 
costs for a total of 32 work hours for those work hours required to 
perform the directional control rigging adjustment (8 work hours) and 
installation of the thruster extension kit (24 work hours). Based on 
these figures, the total estimated cost impact of this AD on U.S. 
operators is $1,920, assuming (1) The entire fleet chooses to modify 
their affected helicopter in accordance with the optional terminating 
action provision of this AD and there is no reduction in gross weight 
necessary, (2) the manufacturer covers all the costs of the parts and 
the labor costs associated with the rigging adjustment and installation 
of the thruster extension kit and (3) only 3 helicopters need to have a 
new fan felt seal installed.

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, Incorporation by 
reference, 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:

2009-07-13 MD Helicopters, Inc.: Amendment 39-15872. Docket No. FAA-
2008-0772; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-30-AD.

    Applicability: Model MD900 (including MD902 Configuration) 
helicopters that have not complied with MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) 
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB900-099 R1, dated December 27, 2006, 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent loss of directional control of the helicopter, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days, reduce the gross weight limit to a maximum 
gross weight limit of 5,400 pounds by inserting a copy of this AD 
into the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual.
    (b) As an optional terminating action for the weight reduction 
mandated by paragraph (a) of this AD, accomplish the following:
    (1) Determine if a NOTAR fan felt seal part number (P/N) 
900F3441025-103 is installed. If a NOTAR fan felt seal, P/N 
900F3441025-103, is not installed, replace the installed seal with 
an airworthy NOTAR fan felt seal, P/N 900F3441025-103, before 
further flight.
    (2) Install a thruster extension kit in accordance with the 
Accomplishment

[[Page 16116]]

Instructions, paragraph B.(3). through (17). of MDHI Mandatory 
SB900-099 R1, dated December 27, 2006, before further flight. 
Contacting the manufacturer is not required by this AD.
    (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, 
ATTN: Chip Adam, Flight Test Pilot, FAA, Flight Test Branch, 3960 
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712-4137, telephone (562) 
627-5369, fax (562) 627-5210, for information about previously 
approved alternative methods of compliance.
    (d) Special flight permits will not be issued.
    (e) The modification shall be done in accordance with the 
specified portions of MDHI Mandatory SB900-099 R1, dated December 
27, 2006. The Director of the Federal Register approved this 
incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 
CFR part 51. Copies 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. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 14, 2009.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 26, 2009.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-7780 Filed 4-8-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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