Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 Helicopters, 69123-69125 [2011-28897]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 216 / Tuesday, November 8, 2011 / Rules and Regulations delay in effective date for these same reasons. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 431 Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports, Intragovernmental relations, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, and Small businesses. Accordingly, part 431 of chapter II, subchapter D, of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, is corrected by making the following correcting amendments: 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–27747; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–030–AD; Amendment 39–16782; AD 2009–10–09 R2] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; correction. AGENCY: The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that published in the Federal Register. That AD applies to certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 150F, 150G, 150H, 150J, 150K, 150L, 150M, A150K, A150L, A150M, F150F, F150G, F150H, ■ 1. The authority citation for part 431 F150J, F150K, F150L, F150M, FA150K, continues to read as follows: FA150L, FRA150L, FA150M, FRA150M, Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291–6317. 152, A152, F152, and FA152 airplanes. There is an error in the compliance ■ 2. Section 431.156 of subpart I is instructions. This document corrects revised to read as follows: that error. In all other respects, the § 431.156 Energy and water conservation original document remains the same. standards and effective dates. DATES: This final rule; correction, is effective November 8, 2011. The (a) Each commercial clothes washer effective date for AD 2009–10–09 R2 manufactured between January 1, 2007, remains September 12, 2011. and January 8, 2013, shall have— ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD (1) A modified energy factor of at least docket on the Internet at https:// 1.26; and www.regulations.gov; or in person at the (2) A water consumption factor of not Docket Management Facility between more than 9.5. 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD (b) Each commercial clothes washer docket contains this AD, the regulatory manufactured on or after January 8, evaluation, any comments received, and 2013, shall have a modified energy factor no less than and a water factor no other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: (800) 647–5527) greater than: is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Modified Water energy Operations, M–30, West Building factor, Equipment class factor, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 gal./cu. ft./ cu. ft./kWh/ cycle New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, cycle DC 20590. Top-Loading ...... 1.60 8.5 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann Front-Loading ... 2.00 5.5 Johnson, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, Issued in Washington, DC, on November 1, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946–4105; 2011. fax: (316) 946–4107; email: Kathleen B. Hogan, ann.johnson@faa.gov. SUMMARY: PART 431—ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2011–28920 Filed 11–7–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:08 Nov 07, 2011 Jkt 226001 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Airworthiness Directive 2009–10–09 R2, Amendment 39–16782 (76 FR 53308, August 26, 2011), currently requires either installing a placard prohibiting spins and other acrobatic maneuvers in the airplane or replacing the rudder stop, the rudder stop bumper, and the attachment hardware with a new rudder PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 69123 stop modification kit for certain Cessna Models 150F, 150G, 150H, 150J, 150K, 150L, 150M, A150K, A150L, A150M, F150F, F150G, F150H, F150J, F150K, F150L, F150M, FA150K, FA150L, FRA150L, FA150M, FRA150M, 152, A152, F152, and FA152 airplanes. As published, the text in the Procedures column of Table 2 in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD incorrectly states ‘‘* * * fabricate the placard required in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD * * *’’, and the text should refer to paragraph (g)(1)(ii). No other part of the preamble or regulatory information has been changed; therefore, only the changed portion of the final rule is being published in the Federal Register. The effective date of this AD remains September 12, 2011. Correction of Regulatory Text § 39.13 [Corrected] In the Federal Register of August 26, 2011, on page 53311, in the 3rd column, Procedures, paragraph (g)(1), Table 2— Actions, Compliance and Procedures, of AD 2009–10–09 R2 is corrected to read as follows: * * * * * A person authorized to perform maintenance as specified in 14 CFR 43.3 of the Federal Aviation Administration Regulations (14 CFR 43.3) is required to make the AFM and POH changes, fabricate the placard required in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, and make an entry into the aircraft logbook showing compliance with the portion of the AD per compliance with 14 CFR 43.9. * * * * * Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 2, 2011. John R. Colomy, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011–28861 Filed 11–7–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–1301; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–008–AD; Amendment 39–16851; AD 2011–22–08] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM 08NOR1 69124 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 216 / Tuesday, November 8, 2011 / Rules and Regulations This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model MD900 helicopters. That AD currently requires turning ON both Vertical Stabilizer Control System (VSCS) switches and turning OFF the autopilot (AP/SAS) switch; pulling certain AP/SAS circuit breakers; installing a placard near the AP/SAS master switch; installing an airspeed limitation placard on the instrument panel; and making changes to the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM). This amendment retains those requirements and provides an option of replacing each affected tube adapter with a newlydesigned tube adapter, which provides terminating action for the unsafe condition. This amendment is prompted by the manufacturer introducing an improved, newly-designed tube adapter. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of yaw control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: Effective December 13, 2011. 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, AZ 85215– 9734, telephone 1–(800) 388–3378, fax (480) 346–6813, or 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 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric D. Schrieber, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Aviation Safety Engineer, Airframe Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627–5348, fax (562) 627–5210. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: Discussion On December 28, 2010, we issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all MDHI Model MD900 helicopters with a VSCS tube adapter, part number 500N7218–1, installed. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on January 14, 2011 (76 FR 2607). The NPRM proposed to supersede AD 2008–22–53 (73 FR 73165, December 2, 2008), retain the current requirements, and require VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:12 Nov 07, 2011 Jkt 226001 continuing operations at a reduced speed until each tube adapter is replaced with an improved tube adapter. We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the public. We have determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. We estimate that this AD will affect 39 helicopters of U.S. registry. It will take about 5.5 hours to install the newly designed tube adapters and 0.5 hours for all other required modifications at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Required parts will cost about $244 for 2 tube adapters. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is $29,406, assuming both tube adapters are replaced on the entire fleet of helicopters. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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, under 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. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Amendment 39–15756 (73 FR 73165, December 2, 2008), and adding the following new AD: ■ 2011–22–08 MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 Helicopters: Amendment 39– 16851; Docket No. FAA–2010–1301; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–008–AD. Supersedes AD 2008–22–53, Amendment 39–15756 (73 FR 73165, December 2, 2008), Directorate ID 2008– SW–61–AD. Applicability Model MD900 helicopters with a Vertical Stabilizer Control System (VSCS) tube adapter, part number (P/N) 500N7218–1, installed, certificated in any category. Compliance Required before further flight, unless accomplished previously. To prevent loss of yaw control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following: (a) Turn ON both VSCS switches. (b) If installed, de-energize the autopilot (AP/SAS) as follows: (1) Determine if the AP/SAS trim actuators are centered. If the AP/SAS trim actuators are not centered, center them. (2) After the AP/SAS trim actuators are centered: (i) Turn the AP/SAS MSTR switch to the OFF position. (ii) Pull the following AP circuit breakers located on the A601 Essential Bus Circuit Breaker Panel, mounted in the cockpit console, and install a plastic cable tie on each circuit breaker to prevent accidental energizing of the circuit: (A) AP/SAS CMPTR (CB28), (B) AP/SAS DISC (CB29), and (C) AP/SAS ACCEL (CB30). E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM 08NOR1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 216 / Tuesday, November 8, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (3) Install a placard next to the AP Mode Select panel that contains the AP/SAS MSTR switch stating ‘‘AP/SAS DEACTIVATED.’’ (c) Install a placard on the instrument panel as close as practicable to the airspeed indicator that states: ‘‘AIRSPEED LIMIT 100 KIAS or VNE, WHICHEVER IS LESS. VFR FLIGHT ONLY, AUTOPILOT OFF.’’ (d) Make pen and ink changes or insert a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to revise the limitations as follows: ‘‘VNE is limited to 100 KIAS or less as determined by referring to the airspeed VNE placard already installed on the helicopter. VFR Flight Only, Autopilot OFF.’’ (e) Make pen and ink changes or insert a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the RFM to revise the emergency procedures as follows: ‘‘If you experience an anti-torque system malfunction, turn both VSCS switches to OFF during final approach for a run-on landing.’’ (f) Instead of complying with paragraphs (a) through (e) of this AD, you may replace both VSCS tube adapters, P/N 500N7218–1, with airworthy VSCS tube adapters, P/N 900C2010303–101. If you install VSCS tube adapters, P/N 900C2010303–101, and previously have complied with AD 2008–22– 53 (73 FR 73165, December 2, 2008), return the helicopter to its normal configuration by returning the switches and circuit breakers to their normal operating position, operationally testing the auto-pilot system, removing the two placards, and removing the revisions to the RFM pertaining to the airspeed limitation. Replacing both VSCS tube adapters, P/N 500N7218–1, with airworthy VSCS tube adapters, P/N 900C2010303–101, and returning the helicopter to its normal operating configuration constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. Note: MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB900–110R1, dated December 3, 2008, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. Copies of this service information may be obtained from MD Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, Arizona 85215–9734, telephone 1–(800) 388–3378, fax (480) 346–6813, or on the Web at https://www.mdhelicopters.com. This service information may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (g) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Attn: Eric D. Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Airframe Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627–5348, fax (562) 627–5210, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (h) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6720: Tail Rotor Control System. (i) This amendment becomes effective on December 13, 2011. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:12 Nov 07, 2011 Jkt 226001 Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 18, 2011. Lance T. Gant, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011–28897 Filed 11–7–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 73 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0693; Airspace Docket No. 11–ASO–29] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of Restricted Areas R– 2104A, B, C, D and E; Huntsville, AL Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action changes the using agency name for Restricted Area R–2104 A through E, Huntsville, AL to read ‘‘Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Redstone, Redstone Arsenal, AL.’’ There are no changes to the boundaries; designated altitudes; time of designation; or activities conducted within the affected restricted areas. DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, February 9, 2012. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace, Regulations and ATC Procedures Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Background The Base Realignment and Closure Commission directed the merger of the ‘‘Army Missile Command’’ and the ‘‘Aviation and Troop Command’’ to form the ‘‘Aviation and Missile Command.’’ As a result, the current using agency organizational name is no longer accurate. Therefore, the U.S. Army requested that the FAA change the name of the using agency for Restricted Areas R–2104A through E to ‘‘Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Redstone Arsenal, AL.’’ The Rule This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 73 by amending the using agency name for Restricted Areas R–2104A, B, C, D and E, in Huntsville, AL, from ‘‘Commanding General, U.S. Army Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 69125 AL’’ to ‘‘Commander, U.S. Army Garrison Redstone, Redstone Arsenal, AL.’’ This is an administrative change to update the title of the using agency. It does not affect the boundaries, designated altitudes, or activities conducted within the restricted area; therefore, notice and public procedures under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary. Section 73.21 of Title 14, CFR part 73 was republished in FAA Order 7400.8T, effective February 16, 2011. The FAA has determined that this action only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. Therefore, this regulation: (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); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this rule, when promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of the airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as amends the description of Restricted Areas R–2104A, B, C, D and E, Huntsville, AL. Environmental Review The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1E, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, paragraph 311d. This airspace action is an administrative change to the descriptions of the affected restricted area to update the using agency name. It does not alter the dimensions, altitudes, or times of designation of the airspace; therefore, it is not expected to cause any potentially significant E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM 08NOR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 216 (Tuesday, November 8, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69123-69125]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-28897]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1301; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-008-AD; 
Amendment 39-16851; AD 2011-22-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

[[Page 69124]]

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model MD900 
helicopters. That AD currently requires turning ON both Vertical 
Stabilizer Control System (VSCS) switches and turning OFF the autopilot 
(AP/SAS) switch; pulling certain AP/SAS circuit breakers; installing a 
placard near the AP/SAS master switch; installing an airspeed 
limitation placard on the instrument panel; and making changes to the 
Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM). This amendment retains those 
requirements and provides an option of replacing each affected tube 
adapter with a newly-designed tube adapter, which provides terminating 
action for the unsafe condition. This amendment is prompted by the 
manufacturer introducing an improved, newly-designed tube adapter. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of yaw 
control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective December 13, 2011.

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, AZ 85215-9734, telephone 1-(800) 
388-3378, fax (480) 346-6813, or 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 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric D. Schrieber, FAA, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office, Aviation Safety Engineer, Airframe 
Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone 
(562) 627-5348, fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On December 28, 2010, we issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that 
would apply to all MDHI Model MD900 helicopters with a VSCS tube 
adapter, part number 500N7218-1, installed. This proposal was published 
in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on 
January 14, 2011 (76 FR 2607). The NPRM proposed to supersede AD 2008-
22-53 (73 FR 73165, December 2, 2008), retain the current requirements, 
and require continuing operations at a reduced speed until each tube 
adapter is replaced with an improved tube adapter.
    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the proposal or on the 
determination of the cost to the public. We have determined that air 
safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
    We estimate that this AD will affect 39 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. It will take about 5.5 hours to install the newly designed 
tube adapters and 0.5 hours for all other required modifications at an 
average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Required parts will cost about 
$244 for 2 tube adapters. Based on these figures, we estimate the total 
cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is $29,406, assuming both tube 
adapters are replaced on the entire fleet of helicopters.

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

    Accordingly, under 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-15756 (73 FR 
73165, December 2, 2008), and adding the following new AD:

2011-22-08 MD Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 Helicopters: Amendment 
39-16851; Docket No. FAA-2010-1301; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-
008-AD. Supersedes AD 2008-22-53, Amendment 39-15756 (73 FR 73165, 
December 2, 2008), Directorate ID 2008-SW-61-AD.

Applicability

    Model MD900 helicopters with a Vertical Stabilizer Control 
System (VSCS) tube adapter, part number (P/N) 500N7218-1, installed, 
certificated in any category.

 Compliance

    Required before further flight, unless accomplished previously.
    To prevent loss of yaw control and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter, do the following:
    (a) Turn ON both VSCS switches.
    (b) If installed, de-energize the autopilot (AP/SAS) as follows:
    (1) Determine if the AP/SAS trim actuators are centered. If the 
AP/SAS trim actuators are not centered, center them.
    (2) After the AP/SAS trim actuators are centered:
    (i) Turn the AP/SAS MSTR switch to the OFF position.
    (ii) Pull the following AP circuit breakers located on the A601 
Essential Bus Circuit Breaker Panel, mounted in the cockpit console, 
and install a plastic cable tie on each circuit breaker to prevent 
accidental energizing of the circuit:
    (A) AP/SAS CMPTR (CB28),
    (B) AP/SAS DISC (CB29), and
    (C) AP/SAS ACCEL (CB30).

[[Page 69125]]

    (3) Install a placard next to the AP Mode Select panel that 
contains the AP/SAS MSTR switch stating ``AP/SAS DEACTIVATED.''
    (c) Install a placard on the instrument panel as close as 
practicable to the airspeed indicator that states:
    ``AIRSPEED LIMIT 100 KIAS or VNE, WHICHEVER IS LESS. 
VFR FLIGHT ONLY, AUTOPILOT OFF.''
    (d) Make pen and ink changes or insert a copy of this AD into 
the Limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to 
revise the limitations as follows: ``VNE is limited to 
100 KIAS or less as determined by referring to the airspeed 
VNE placard already installed on the helicopter. VFR 
Flight Only, Autopilot OFF.''
    (e) Make pen and ink changes or insert a copy of this AD into 
the Limitations section of the RFM to revise the emergency 
procedures as follows: ``If you experience an anti-torque system 
malfunction, turn both VSCS switches to OFF during final approach 
for a run-on landing.''
    (f) Instead of complying with paragraphs (a) through (e) of this 
AD, you may replace both VSCS tube adapters, P/N 500N7218-1, with 
airworthy VSCS tube adapters, P/N 900C2010303-101. If you install 
VSCS tube adapters, P/N 900C2010303-101, and previously have 
complied with AD 2008-22-53 (73 FR 73165, December 2, 2008), return 
the helicopter to its normal configuration by returning the switches 
and circuit breakers to their normal operating position, 
operationally testing the auto-pilot system, removing the two 
placards, and removing the revisions to the RFM pertaining to the 
airspeed limitation. Replacing both VSCS tube adapters, P/N 
500N7218-1, with airworthy VSCS tube adapters, P/N 900C2010303-101, 
and returning the helicopter to its normal operating configuration 
constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.

    Note: MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB900-110R1, dated 
December 3, 2008, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 
additional information about the subject of this AD. Copies of this 
service information may be obtained from MD Helicopters, Inc., Attn: 
Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615, 
Mesa, Arizona 85215-9734, telephone 1-(800) 388-3378, fax (480) 346-
6813, or on the Web at https://www.mdhelicopters.com. This service 
information may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137.

    (g) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Contact the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
Attn: Eric D. Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Airframe Branch, 
3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 
627-5348, fax (562) 627-5210, for information about previously 
approved alternative methods of compliance.
    (h) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6720: 
Tail Rotor Control System.
    (i) This amendment becomes effective on December 13, 2011.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 18, 2011.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-28897 Filed 11-7-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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