Airworthiness Directives; Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) Model K-1200 Helicopters, 79950-79952 [2010-31960]

Download as PDF 79950 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 244 / Tuesday, December 21, 2010 / Rules and Regulations than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. In addition, under 5 U.S.C. 804, this rule is not subject to congressional review under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, Public Law 104– 121. Finally, this action is not a rule as defined by 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and thus is exempt from the provisions of that Act. Authority delegations (Government agencies). Accordingly, 7 CFR part 2 is amended as follows: PART 2—DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY BY THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE AND GENERAL OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT 1. The authority for part 2 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6912(a)(1); 5 U.S.C. 301; Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953, 3 CFR 1949–1953 Comp., p. 1024. Subpart N—Delegations of Authority by the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs 2. Section 2.77 is revised to read as follows: ■ § 2.77 Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES Pursuant to § 2.22(a), subject to reservations in § 2.22(b), and subject to policy guidance and direction by the Under Secretary, the following delegation of authority is made by the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs to the Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, to be exercised only during the absence or unavailability of the Under Secretary: Perform all the duties and exercise all the powers which are now or which may hereafter be delegated to the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs: Provided, that this authority shall be exercised by the respective Deputy Under Secretary in the order in which he or she has taken office as a Deputy Under Secretary. Dated: December 2, 2010. Edward Avalos, Under Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs. VerDate Mar<15>2010 22:26 Dec 20, 2010 Jkt 223001 Federal Aviation Administration 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 street address for the Docket Office (telephone: 800–647– 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76137. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Faust, Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park; telephone: (781) 238–7763; fax: (781) 238–7170; e-mail: nicholas.faust@faa.gov. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–1253; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–084–AD; Amendment 39–16550; AD 2010–26–11] RIN 2120–AA64 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: ■ BILLING CODE 3410–90–P Examining the AD Docket Airworthiness Directives; Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) Model K–1200 Helicopters List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 2 [FR Doc. 2010–31942 Filed 12–20–10; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Kaman Model K–1200 helicopters. This AD requires revising the Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) by establishing a life limit of 8,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) for each main rotor blade (blade) set. Also, this AD requires removing each blade set from service if it has accumulated 8,000 or more hours timein-service (TIS). This AD also requires replacing certain blade sets with airworthy blade sets at specified intervals based on the blade set serial number (S/N). This AD was prompted by an accident and the subsequent discovery of cracks in multiple blade spars. We are issuing this AD to prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD is effective on January 5, 2011. We must receive comments on this AD by February 22, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this AD, contact Kaman Aerospace Corporation, K-max Product Support Center, Building 33, P.O. Box 2, 1332 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002, telephone (860) 242–4461. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We are adopting a new AD for the Kaman Model K–1200 helicopters that requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the ICA by establishing a life limit of 8,000 hours TIS for each blade set. Previously, these blades sets did not have an established retirement life but had specified overhaul intervals. This AD also requires removing each blade set with 8,000 or more hours TIS from service. Also, this AD requires replacing certain blade sets with airworthy blade sets at specified intervals based on the blade set S/N. This AD was prompted by an accident and the subsequent discovery of cracks in multiple blade spars. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a cracked spar, failure of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Relevant Service Information We reviewed Kaman Service Bulletin No. 131, Rotor Blade Service Life Reduction, dated August 11, 2010 (SB). The SB specifies establishing ‘‘a service life of K–1200 rotor blade spar bondment (K911004) to 8,000 hours time since new (TSN)’’ and removing all blade sets with over 8,000 hours TIS. FAA’s Determination We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other helicopters of this same type design. E:\FR\FM\21DER1.SGM 21DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 244 / Tuesday, December 21, 2010 / Rules and Regulations AD Requirements This AD requires, before further flight, revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the ICA by establishing a life limit of 8,000 hours TIS for each affected blade set. This AD requires replacing the specified blade sets with airworthy blade sets at various intervals depending on TIS. Based on the individualized data from those operators with the affected serialnumbered blade sets, those serial numbered blade sets with the highest hours TIS are required to be replaced sooner than those with less hours TIS. Differences Between the AD and the Service Information This AD requires, before further flight, revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the ICA to establish a life limit of 8,000 hours TIS for each blade set. Also, this AD requires replacing certain blade sets with airworthy blade sets at specified intervals based on the blade S/N. 79951 FAA’s Justification and Determination of the Effective Date An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. The FAA finds that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adopting this rule because cracks have been found in the blade spars during an investigation in response to an accident. Due to the number of hours TIS of the fleet, some of the blade sets may have exceeded 8,000 hours TIS and the blade sets may be required to be replaced before further flight. Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. section. Include the docket number FAA–2010–1253 and Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–084–AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because 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 we receive about this AD. Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES We estimate that this AD affects 14 helicopters of U.S. registry. The Kaman Model K–1200 helicopter is unique in that each helicopter has 2 sets of 2 blades, a total of 4 blades per helicopter. Some helicopters only require one set of blades to be replaced. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: Costs of Compliance ESTIMATED COSTS Action jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES Replace blade set (2 blades). 4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 per blade set. 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 helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a VerDate Mar<15>2010 Parts cost Cost per helicopter Cost on U.S. operators $198,751 per blade set ..... $199,091 per blade set ..... $1,393,637, assuming 7 blade sets are replaced. Labor cost 22:26 Dec 20, 2010 Jkt 223001 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 this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ 2010–26–11 Kaman Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39–16550; Docket No. FAA–2010–1253; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–084–AD. Effective Date (a) This AD is effective on January 5, 2011. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. Other Affected ADs Adoption of the Amendment Applicability Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, (c) This AD applies to Model K–1200 helicopters. ■ PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (b) None. E:\FR\FM\21DER1.SGM 21DER1 79952 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 244 / Tuesday, December 21, 2010 / Rules and Regulations Unsafe Condition DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (d) This AD was prompted by an accident and the subsequent discovery of cracks in the main rotor blade (blade) spars. We are issuing this AD to prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Compliance (e) Before further flight, unless already done: (1) Revise the Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by establishing a life limit of 8,000 hours timein-service (TIS) for each blade set Remove each blade set with 8,000 or more hours TIS. (2) Replace each specified serial-numbered blade set with an airworthy blade set in accordance with the following table: Blade-set Serial No. 101, 403, 408, 409, 411, and 415. 417 and 419 .............. 405 ............................ Replace within 400 hours TIS. 700 hours TIS. 1000 hours TIS. (f) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code: 6210 Main Rotor Blades. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the ‘‘Additional Information’’ section of this AD. Note: Before using any approved AMOC, we request that you notify your principal inspector or if you have no principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. Additional Information (h) For more information about this AD, contact Nicholas Faust, Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park; telephone: 781–283–7763; fax: 781–238–7170; e-mail: nicholas.faust@faa.gov. jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with RULES Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 14, 2010. Bruce Cain, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 22:26 Dec 20, 2010 Jkt 223001 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2009–0864; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–202–AD; Amendment 39–16544; AD 2010–26–05] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; DASSAULT AVIATION Model Falcon 10 Airplanes; Model FAN JET FALCON, FAN JET FALCON SERIES C, D, E, F, and G Airplanes; Model MYSTERE-FALCON 200 Airplanes; Model MYSTEREFALCON 20–C5, 20–D5, 20–E5, and 20– F5 Airplanes; Model FALCON 2000 and FALCON 2000EX Airplanes; and Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 and MYSTEREFALCON 900 Airplanes, and FALCON 900EX Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: Subject [FR Doc. 2010–31960 Filed 12–20–10; 8:45 am] Federal Aviation Administration We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: SUMMARY: During maintenance on one aircraft, it was discovered that the overpressure capsules were broken on both pressurization valves. Failure of the pressurization control regulating valve (overpressure capsule) will affect the aircraft’s overpressure protection * * *. * * * * * The unsafe condition is overpressurization, which can result in injury to the occupants and possible structural failure leading to loss of control of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective January 25, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1137; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 27, 2010 (75 FR 43878). That supplemental NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: During maintenance on one aircraft, it was discovered that the overpressure capsules were broken on both pressurization valves. Failure of the pressurization control regulating valve (overpressure capsule) will affect the aircraft’s overpressure protection, possibly resulting in a structural failure in case of combination with another pressurization system failure. Consequently, Dassault Aviation has developed a repetitive check of this outflow valve capsule, which has already been introduced into the Maintenance of Components section (chapter 5–20) of the relevant Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMMs). For the reason described above, this EASA [European Aviation Safety Agency] Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires a repetitive check of the outflow valve overpressure capsule, as it will also be introduced into the Airworthiness Limitations section (chapter 5–40) of the respective AMMs. The unsafe condition is overpressurization, which can result in injury to the occupants and possible structural failure leading to loss of control of the airplane. Required actions include repetitive inspections for overpressure tightness on both regulating valves, and replacing the affected valve with a serviceable unit if necessary. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the comment received. Request for Certain Airplanes To Be Included in the Time Extension Dassault Aviation requested that we revise the supplemental NPRM to extend the time interval for Model Mystere-Falcon 50 airplanes, for the overpressure tightness check that was specified in the supplemental NPRM. The extension of the time interval specified in the supplemental NPRM was from 1,630 flight hours to 1,640 flight hours for other models. We agree to extend the time interval for Model Mystere-Falcon 50 airplanes E:\FR\FM\21DER1.SGM 21DER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 244 (Tuesday, December 21, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 79950-79952]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-31960]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1253; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-084-AD; 
Amendment 39-16550; AD 2010-26-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) 
Model K-1200 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
Kaman Model K-1200 helicopters. This AD requires revising the 
Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness 
(ICA) by establishing a life limit of 8,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) 
for each main rotor blade (blade) set. Also, this AD requires removing 
each blade set from service if it has accumulated 8,000 or more hours 
time-in-service (TIS). This AD also requires replacing certain blade 
sets with airworthy blade sets at specified intervals based on the 
blade set serial number (S/N). This AD was prompted by an accident and 
the subsequent discovery of cracks in multiple blade spars. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective on January 5, 2011.
    We must receive comments on this AD by February 22, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Kaman 
Aerospace Corporation, K-max Product Support Center, Building 33, P.O. 
Box 2, 1332 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002, telephone (860) 
242-4461.

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 street address for 
the Docket Office (telephone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt. You may review copies of the referenced service information at 
the FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 
76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Faust, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 12 New England Executive 
Park; telephone: (781) 238-7763; fax: (781) 238-7170; e-mail: 
nicholas.faust@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We are adopting a new AD for the Kaman Model K-1200 helicopters 
that requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the ICA 
by establishing a life limit of 8,000 hours TIS for each blade set. 
Previously, these blades sets did not have an established retirement 
life but had specified overhaul intervals. This AD also requires 
removing each blade set with 8,000 or more hours TIS from service. 
Also, this AD requires replacing certain blade sets with airworthy 
blade sets at specified intervals based on the blade set S/N. This AD 
was prompted by an accident and the subsequent discovery of cracks in 
multiple blade spars. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
a cracked spar, failure of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Kaman Service Bulletin No. 131, Rotor Blade Service 
Life Reduction, dated August 11, 2010 (SB). The SB specifies 
establishing ``a service life of K-1200 rotor blade spar bondment 
(K911004) to 8,000 hours time since new (TSN)'' and removing all blade 
sets with over 8,000 hours TIS.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other helicopters of this same type 
design.

[[Page 79951]]

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, before further flight, revising the Airworthiness 
Limitations section of the ICA by establishing a life limit of 8,000 
hours TIS for each affected blade set. This AD requires replacing the 
specified blade sets with airworthy blade sets at various intervals 
depending on TIS. Based on the individualized data from those operators 
with the affected serial-numbered blade sets, those serial numbered 
blade sets with the highest hours TIS are required to be replaced 
sooner than those with less hours TIS.

Differences Between the AD and the Service Information

    This AD requires, before further flight, revising the Airworthiness 
Limitations section of the ICA to establish a life limit of 8,000 hours 
TIS for each blade set. Also, this AD requires replacing certain blade 
sets with airworthy blade sets at specified intervals based on the 
blade S/N.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA finds that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adopting this rule because cracks 
have been found in the blade spars during an investigation in response 
to an accident. Due to the number of hours TIS of the fleet, some of 
the blade sets may have exceeded 8,000 hours TIS and the blade sets may 
be required to be replaced before further flight. Therefore, we find 
that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable 
and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less 
than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2010-1253 and 
Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-084-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
AD because 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 we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 14 helicopters of U.S. registry. 
The Kaman Model K-1200 helicopter is unique in that each helicopter has 
2 sets of 2 blades, a total of 4 blades per helicopter. Some 
helicopters only require one set of blades to be replaced.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               Cost per          Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost          helicopter           operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace blade set (2 blades)....  4 work-hours x $85  $198,751 per blade  $199,091 per blade  $1,393,637,
                                   per hour = $340     set.                set.                assuming 7 blade
                                   per blade set.                                              sets are
                                                                                               replaced.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 helicopters identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2010-26-11 Kaman Aerospace Corporation: Amendment 39-16550; Docket 
No. FAA-2010-1253; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-084-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD is effective on January 5, 2011.

Other Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model K-1200 helicopters.

[[Page 79952]]

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by an accident and the subsequent 
discovery of cracks in the main rotor blade (blade) spars. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

Compliance

    (e) Before further flight, unless already done:
    (1) Revise the Limitations section of the Instructions for 
Continued Airworthiness by establishing a life limit of 8,000 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) for each blade set Remove each blade set with 
8,000 or more hours TIS.
    (2) Replace each specified serial-numbered blade set with an 
airworthy blade set in accordance with the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Blade-set Serial No.                    Replace within
------------------------------------------------------------------------
101, 403, 408, 409, 411, and 415..........  400 hours TIS.
417 and 419...............................  700 hours TIS.
405.......................................  1000 hours TIS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject

    (f) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport 
Association (ATA) of America Code: 6210 Main Rotor Blades.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested, using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in the ``Additional Information'' section of this 
AD.

    Note:  Before using any approved AMOC, we request that you 
notify your principal inspector or if you have no principal 
inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.

Additional Information

    (h) For more information about this AD, contact Nicholas Faust, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 12 
New England Executive Park; telephone: 781-283-7763; fax: 781-238-
7170; e-mail: nicholas.faust@faa.gov.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 14, 2010.
Bruce Cain,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-31960 Filed 12-20-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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