Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner Helicopters, and Model R44, and R44 II Helicopters, 41104-41106 [2010-17283]

Download as PDF sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with PROPOSALS 41104 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 135 / Thursday, July 15, 2010 / Proposed Rules • E-mail: WICF-2008-STD0015@ee.doe.gov. Include docket number EERE–2008–BT–STD–0015 and/or RIN 1904–AB86 in the subject line of the message. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or ASCII file format and avoid the use of special characters or any form of encryption. • Postal Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE–2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 586–2945. Please submit one signed original paper copy. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 L’Enfant Plaza, SW., 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20024. Please submit one signed original paper copy. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, visit the U.S. Department of Energy, Resource Room of the Building Technologies Program, 950 L’Enfant Plaza, SW., 6th Floor, Washington, DC, 20024, (202) 586–2945, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Please call Ms. Brenda Edwards at the above telephone number for additional information regarding visiting the Resource Room. Please note: DOE’s Freedom of Information Reading Room (Room 1E–190 at the Forrestal Building) no longer houses rulemaking materials. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Charles Llenza, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies, EE–2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585–0121, (202) 586– 2192. E-mail: Charles.Llenza@ee.doe.gov. Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of General Counsel, GC– 71, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121, (202) 586– 8145, Michael.Kido@hq.doe.gov; or Ms. Elizabeth Kohl, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of General Counsel, GC– 71, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121, (202) 586– 7796, Elizabeth.Kohl@hq.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 5, 2010, DOE published a NOPM in the Federal Register to announce the availability of the technical support document for walk-in coolers and freezers and a public meeting on May 14, 2010. 75 FR 17080. On April 14, 2010, DOE published a correction notice to change the date of the public meeting to May 19, 2010 and extend the deadline for the submission of VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:20 Jul 14, 2010 Jkt 220001 comments to May 28, 2010. 75 FR 19297. Comments were accepted through May 28, 2010 and were also accepted at the public meeting held on May 19, 2010. At the public meeting, DOE received a request to further extend the comment period to allow for the consideration of issues discussed at the public meeting. DOE has determined that an extension of the public comment period is appropriate as a result of this request and is hereby re-opening the comment period. DOE will consider any comments received between July 15, 2010 and July 30, 2010 and deems any comments received between publication of the NOPM on April 5, 2010 and July 30, 2010 to be timely submitted. Further Information on Submitting Comments Under Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 1004.11, any person submitting information that he or she believes to be confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit two copies: One copy of the document including all the information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document with the information believed to be confidential deleted. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential status of the information and treat it according to its determination. Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat submitted information as confidential include (1) A description of the items, (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as confidential within the industry, (3) whether the information is generally known by or available from other sources, (4) whether the information has previously been made available to others without obligation concerning its confidentiality, (5) an explanation of the competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from public disclosure, (6) when such information might lose its confidential character due to the passage of time, and (7) why disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest. Issued in Washington, DC, on July 8, 2010. Cathy Zoi, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2010–17214 Filed 7–14–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0711; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–25–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner Helicopters, and Model R44, and R44 II Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Robinson Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner helicopters, and Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. The AD would require visually inspecting each tail rotor (T/R) control pedal bearing block support (support) for a crack, measuring the thickness of each uncracked support, installing support safety tabs on certain supports, and replacing supports of a certain thickness during overhaul. This proposal is prompted by two reports of Model R22 helicopters experiencing broken supports during flight, which resulted in the T/R control pedals becoming jammed. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent the supports from breaking, which can bind the T/R control pedals, resulting in a reduction of yaw control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 13, 2010. 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 Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 E:\FR\FM\15JYP1.SGM 15JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 135 / Thursday, July 15, 2010 / Proposed Rules Airport Drive, Torrance, California 90505, telephone (310) 539–0508, fax (310) 539–5198. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric D. Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, telephone (562) 627–5348, fax (562) 627–5210, regarding Robinson Model R22 helicopters, or Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, telephone (562) 627–5232, fax (562) 627–5210, regarding Robinson Model R44 helicopters, at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Airframe Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with PROPOSALS 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–2010–0711, Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–25–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of 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). 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 This document proposes adopting a new AD for Robinson Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:20 Jul 14, 2010 Jkt 220001 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 0002 through 3325, that have more than 2,200 hours total time-in-service (TIS); and Model R44 and R44 II helicopters, S/N 0001 through 1200, that have more than 2,200 hours total TIS. The AD would require, within 100 hours TIS, visually inspecting both A359–1 and A359–2 supports for a crack and replacing any cracked or broken support before further flight, and if not cracked, measuring the thickness of both supports and if less than 0.050-inch thick, installing support safety tabs, and at the next 2,200 hour TIS overhaul, replacing any support that is less than 0.050-inch thick with a support that is at least 0.050-inch thick. This proposal is prompted by two reports of Model R22 helicopters with more than 7,000 hours TIS, with supports made from 0.040-inch thick sheet metal, experiencing broken supports during flight, which led to the T/R control pedals becoming jammed, resulting in hard landings and damage to the helicopters. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent the supports from breaking, which can bind the T/R control pedals, resulting in a reduction of yaw control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. We have reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin SB–63 and SB–97, both dated February 22, 2008, which describe procedures for inspecting both supports for a crack, and if no crack is found, measuring each support and installing safety tabs on supports that are less than 0.050-inch thick, and at the next 2,200 hour TIS overhaul, replacing certain supports. This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type design. The actions would be required to be accomplished by following specified portions of the service bulletins described previously. This proposed AD would affect 4,524 helicopters of U.S. registry, and proposed actions would take approximately 0.5 work hour to inspect and measure the supports. We estimate that 2,050 helicopters would require an additional 1 work hour to install both safety tabs; 6 work hours to replace both supports if cracked or broken or before overhaul, or 3 work hours to replace both supports as part of a 2,200 hours TIS overhaul, at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $20 per support if replacement is required. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators would be $1,101,830, assuming 1,538 (approximately 75% of the 2,050 helicopters) have both supports replaced during overhaul, and PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 41105 512 helicopters (approximately 25% of the 2,050 helicopters) have both supports replaced before the next 2,200 hours TIS overhaul. 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 AD docket 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, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part E:\FR\FM\15JYP1.SGM 15JYP1 41106 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 135 / Thursday, July 15, 2010 / Proposed Rules 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: Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 6, 2010. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–17283 Filed 7–14–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 DELAWARE RIVER BASIN COMMISSION [Amended] sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with PROPOSALS 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No. FAA–2010–0711; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–25–AD. Applicability: Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 0002 through 3325, that have more than 2,200 hours total time-in-service (TIS); and Model R44 and R44 II helicopters, S/N 0001 through 1200, that have more than 2,200 hours total TIS, certificated in any category. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent the tail rotor (T/R) control pedal bearing block support (support) from breaking, which can bind the T/R control pedals, resulting in a reduction of yaw control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 100 hours TIS, visually inspect each A359–1 (left) and A359–2 (right) pedal support for a crack by referring to the figure in Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Service Bulletin SB–97, dated February 22, 2008 (SB–97) for all Model R22 helicopters, and Robinson Service Bulletin SB–63, dated February 22, 2008 (SB–63) for all Model R44 helicopters. (1) If you find a crack in a support, before further flight, replace the cracked support with an airworthy support that is at least 0.050-inch thick. (2) For each uncracked support, measure the thickness of the support. If the support is less than 0.050-inch thick, before further flight, install a safety tab on the support in accordance with steps 4 and 5 of the Compliance Procedures section in SB–97 or SB–63, as appropriate for your model helicopter. (b) At the next 2,200 hours TIS overhaul, replace any support that is less than 0.050inch thick, with an airworthy support that is at least 0.050-inch thick. (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, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627–5348, fax (562) 627–5210 (regarding Model R22 helicopters); or ATTN: Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, telephone (562) 627–5232, fax (562) 627–5210 (regarding Model R44 helicopters) for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:18 Jul 14, 2010 Jkt 220001 18 CFR Part 410 Amendments to the Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan to Update Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants in the Delaware Estuary and Extend These Criteria to Delaware Bay AGENCY: Delaware River Basin Commission. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC or ‘‘Commission’’) will hold a public hearing to receive comments on proposed amendments to the Commission’s Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan to update many of the Commission’s stream quality objectives (also called water quality criteria) for human health and aquatic life for toxic pollutants in the Delaware Estuary (DRBC Water Quality Zones 2 through 5) and to extend application of the criteria to Delaware Bay (DRBC Water Quality Zone 6). The proposed changes will bring the Commission’s criteria for toxic pollutants into conformity with current guidance published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and provide a more consistent regulatory framework for managing the tidal portion of the main stem Delaware River. DATES: The public hearing will take place on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. and will continue on that day until all those who wish to testify are afforded an opportunity to do so. Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, October 1, 2010. ADDRESSES: The public hearing will take place in the Goddard Room at the Commission’s office building, located at 25 State Police Drive, West Trenton, New Jersey. Driving directions are available on the Commission’s Web site, https://www.drbc.net. Please do not rely on Internet mapping services as they may not provide accurate directions to this location. Written comments may be submitted by e-mail to regs@drbc.state.nj.us by fax to Regulations at 609–883–9522; by U.S. Mail to Regulations c/o Commission PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Secretary, DRBC, P.O. Box 7360, West Trenton, NJ 08628–0360; or by private mail carrier to Regulations c/o Commission Secretary, DRBC, 25 State Police Drive, West Trenton, NJ 08628– 0360. In all cases, please include the commenter’s name, address and affiliation if any in the comment and include ‘‘Water Quality Criteria’’ in the subject line. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The current rule and the full text of the proposed amendments are posted on the Commission’s Web site, https:// www.drbc.net, along with the report entitled ‘‘Water Quality Criteria for Toxic Pollutants for Zones 2–6 of the Delaware Estuary: Basis and Background Document’’ (DRBC, June 2010) and a set of PowerPoint slides presented to the Commission at the latter’s public meeting on December 9, 2009 by the chair of the Commission’s Toxics Advisory Committee. Hard copies of these materials may be obtained for the price of postage by contacting Ms. Paula Schmitt at 609– 883–9500, ext. 224. For questions about the technical basis for the rule, please contact Dr. Ronald MacGillivray at 609– 477–7252. For queries about the rulemaking process, please contact Pamela Bush at 609–477–7203. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background. At the request of the states of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which border the Delaware Estuary (hereinafter, ‘‘the Estuary States’’), the Commission in 1996 adopted water quality criteria for human health and aquatic life for Water Quality Zones 2 through 5 (Trenton, New Jersey to Delaware Bay) of the main stem Delaware River and the tidal portions of its tributaries for a set of pollutants that included the list of Priority Pollutants published by the EPA in accordance with section 307 of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA); other pollutants for which EPA had published national recommended criteria in accordance with section 304(a) of the CWA; and additional pollutants for which one or more of the Estuary States had adopted criteria. See 40 CFR 401.15 (consisting of a list of 65 toxic pollutants, including categories of pollutants, for which effluent limitations are required in accordance with section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1317(a)(1)); Appendix A of 40 CFR Part 423 (consisting of a list of 129 ‘‘Priority Pollutants,’’ individual chemicals and forms of chemicals for which EPA has established national criteria); and 33 U.S.C. 1314(a) (providing for criteria development and publication by EPA). E:\FR\FM\15JYP1.SGM 15JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 135 (Thursday, July 15, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41104-41106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-17283]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0711; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-25-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) 
Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner Helicopters, and Model 
R44, and R44 II Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) for Robinson Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner 
helicopters, and Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. The AD would require 
visually inspecting each tail rotor (T/R) control pedal bearing block 
support (support) for a crack, measuring the thickness of each 
uncracked support, installing support safety tabs on certain supports, 
and replacing supports of a certain thickness during overhaul. This 
proposal is prompted by two reports of Model R22 helicopters 
experiencing broken supports during flight, which resulted in the T/R 
control pedals becoming jammed. The actions specified by the proposed 
AD are intended to prevent the supports from breaking, which can bind 
the T/R control pedals, resulting in a reduction of yaw control and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 13, 2010.

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 Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901

[[Page 41105]]

Airport Drive, Torrance, California 90505, telephone (310) 539-0508, 
fax (310) 539-5198.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric D. Schrieber, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, telephone (562) 627-5348, fax (562) 627-5210, regarding 
Robinson Model R22 helicopters, or Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, telephone (562) 627-5232, fax (562) 627-5210, regarding 
Robinson Model R44 helicopters, at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, Airframe Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, 
California 90712.

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-2010-0711, 
Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-25-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of 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).

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

    This document proposes adopting a new AD for Robinson Model R22, 
R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 
0002 through 3325, that have more than 2,200 hours total time-in-
service (TIS); and Model R44 and R44 II helicopters, S/N 0001 through 
1200, that have more than 2,200 hours total TIS. The AD would require, 
within 100 hours TIS, visually inspecting both A359-1 and A359-2 
supports for a crack and replacing any cracked or broken support before 
further flight, and if not cracked, measuring the thickness of both 
supports and if less than 0.050-inch thick, installing support safety 
tabs, and at the next 2,200 hour TIS overhaul, replacing any support 
that is less than 0.050-inch thick with a support that is at least 
0.050-inch thick. This proposal is prompted by two reports of Model R22 
helicopters with more than 7,000 hours TIS, with supports made from 
0.040-inch thick sheet metal, experiencing broken supports during 
flight, which led to the T/R control pedals becoming jammed, resulting 
in hard landings and damage to the helicopters. The actions specified 
by the proposed AD are intended to prevent the supports from breaking, 
which can bind the T/R control pedals, resulting in a reduction of yaw 
control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    We have reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin SB-63 
and SB-97, both dated February 22, 2008, which describe procedures for 
inspecting both supports for a crack, and if no crack is found, 
measuring each support and installing safety tabs on supports that are 
less than 0.050-inch thick, and at the next 2,200 hour TIS overhaul, 
replacing certain supports.
    This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other 
helicopters of the same type design. The actions would be required to 
be accomplished by following specified portions of the service 
bulletins described previously.
    This proposed AD would affect 4,524 helicopters of U.S. registry, 
and proposed actions would take approximately 0.5 work hour to inspect 
and measure the supports. We estimate that 2,050 helicopters would 
require an additional 1 work hour to install both safety tabs; 6 work 
hours to replace both supports if cracked or broken or before overhaul, 
or 3 work hours to replace both supports as part of a 2,200 hours TIS 
overhaul, at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Required parts 
would cost approximately $20 per support if replacement is required. 
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators would be $1,101,830, assuming 1,538 (approximately 75% 
of the 2,050 helicopters) have both supports replaced during overhaul, 
and 512 helicopters (approximately 25% of the 2,050 helicopters) have 
both supports replaced before the next 2,200 hours TIS overhaul.

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 AD docket 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part

[[Page 41106]]

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 adding a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:

Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No. FAA-2010-0711; Directorate 
Identifier 2008-SW-25-AD.
    Applicability: Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner 
helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 0002 through 3325, that have more 
than 2,200 hours total time-in-service (TIS); and Model R44 and R44 
II helicopters, S/N 0001 through 1200, that have more than 2,200 
hours total TIS, certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the tail rotor (T/R) control pedal bearing block 
support (support) from breaking, which can bind the T/R control 
pedals, resulting in a reduction of yaw control and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 100 hours TIS, visually inspect each A359-1 (left) 
and A359-2 (right) pedal support for a crack by referring to the 
figure in Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Service Bulletin 
SB-97, dated February 22, 2008 (SB-97) for all Model R22 
helicopters, and Robinson Service Bulletin SB-63, dated February 22, 
2008 (SB-63) for all Model R44 helicopters.
    (1) If you find a crack in a support, before further flight, 
replace the cracked support with an airworthy support that is at 
least 0.050-inch thick.
    (2) For each uncracked support, measure the thickness of the 
support. If the support is less than 0.050-inch thick, before 
further flight, install a safety tab on the support in accordance 
with steps 4 and 5 of the Compliance Procedures section in SB-97 or 
SB-63, as appropriate for your model helicopter.
    (b) At the next 2,200 hours TIS overhaul, replace any support 
that is less than 0.050-inch thick, with an airworthy support that 
is at least 0.050-inch thick.
    (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, 3960 Paramount 
Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627-5348, fax 
(562) 627-5210 (regarding Model R22 helicopters); or ATTN: Fred 
Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, telephone (562) 627-5232, fax 
(562) 627-5210 (regarding Model R44 helicopters) for information 
about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 6, 2010.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-17283 Filed 7-14-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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