Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 20321-20324 [2012-8064]
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 65 / Wednesday, April 4, 2012 / Proposed Rules
Regulatory Findings
(c) Compliance
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. 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, I certify
this 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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction; 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.
We prepared an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket.
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless it has
already been accomplished prior to that time.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new Airworthiness
Directive (AD):
emcdonald on DSK29S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS
Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA–2012–
0354; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–
104–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France (EC)
Model SA–365N, SA–365N1, SA–366G1,
AS–365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and
EC155B1 helicopters with a mast nut, part
number (P/N) 360A31–1020–20, installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD describes the unsafe condition as
a cracked main rotor mast nut. This
condition could result in failure of the rotor
mast and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
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Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 26,
2012.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
(d) Required Actions
[FR Doc. 2012–8056 Filed 4–3–12; 8:45 am]
(1) For EC Models SA–365N, SA–365N1,
AS–365N2, and AS 365 N3, prior to
accumulating 1,650 hours time-in-service
(TIS) or within the next 50 hours TIS,
whichever occurs later, remove mast nut
P/N 360A31–1020–20 and replace with an
airworthy mast nut that has a P/N other than
P/N 360A31–1020–20.
(2) For EC Model SA–366G1, prior to
accumulating 990 hours TIS or within the
next 30 hours TIS, whichever occurs later,
remove mast nut P/N 360A31–1020–20 and
replace with an airworthy mast nut that has
a P/N other than P/N 360A31–1020–20.
(3) For EC Models EC 155B and EC155B1,
prior to accumulating 660 hours TIS or
within the next 50 hours TIS, whichever
occurs later, remove mast nut P/N 360A31–
1020–20 and replace with an airworthy mast
nut that has a P/N other than P/N 360A31–
1020–20.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Gary Roach,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and
Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
gary.b.roach@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a Part
119 operating certificate or under Part 91,
Subpart K, we suggest that you notify your
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office or certificate holding
district office before operating any aircraft
complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(f) Additional Information
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
20321
(1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
62.00.23, No. 62.12, and No. 62A014, which
are not incorporated by reference, contain
additional information about the subject of
this AD. All of the service bulletins are
Revision 1 and all are dated Oct 27, 2010. For
service information identified in this AD,
contact American Eurocopter Corporation,
2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052, telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800)
232–0323, fax (972) 641–3775, or at https://
www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may
review copies of the service information at
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
in European Aviation Safety Agency AD No.:
2006–0368R1, dated December 2, 2010, and
corrected December 8, 2010.
(g) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6300, main rotor drive system.
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0356; Directorate
Identifier 2011–SW–067–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We are proposing a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD)
MBB–BK 117 A–3, MBB–BK 117 A–4,
MBB–BK B–1, MBB–BK 117 B–2, and
MBB–BK C–1 helicopters equipped with
a certain external-hoist system (hoist
system) by requiring either deactivating
the entire hoist system or deactivating
the hoist system cable cutter function on
the hoist system operator control handle
(operator handle). This AD was
prompted by an uncommanded
activation of the hoist cable cutter
function on an MBB–BK117 C–1
helicopter. This AD is intended to
prevent uncommanded cutting of the
hoist cable and subsequent injury to
persons being lifted by the hoist.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by May 4, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
Examining The AD Docket: You may
examine the AD docket on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov or in
person at the Docket Operations Office
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 65 / Wednesday, April 4, 2012 / Proposed Rules
Comments Invited
We invite you to participate in this
rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also
invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or
federalism impacts that might result
from adopting the proposals in this
document. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
filed electronically, commenters should
submit only one time.
We will file in the docket all
comments that we receive, as well as a
report summarizing each substantive
public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking.
Before acting on this proposal, we will
consider all comments we receive on or
before the closing date for comments.
We will consider comments filed after
the comment period has closed if it is
possible to do so without incurring
expense or delay. We may change this
proposal in light of the comments we
receive.
for the Member States of the European
Union, reports that during a recent
incident involving an MBB–BK 117 C–
1 helicopter, the cable cut-off function
of the rescue hoist system was triggered
uncommanded, and the hoist cable was
cut. The subsequent investigation
revealed that this was caused by a
malfunction within the rescue hoist
system’s remote control handle
assembly while extending the hoist
boom. EASA advises that this condition,
if not corrected, ‘‘will lead to
detachment of an external load or
person from the helicopter hoist,
possibly resulting in personal injury, or
injury to persons on the ground.’’
As a result, EASA issued EASA AD
No.: 2011–0126, dated July 1, 2011
(EASA AD 2011–0126), to correct this
unsafe condition in the ECD Model
MBB–BK117 A–1, MBB–BK117 A–3,
MBB–BK117 B–1, MBB–BK117 B–2,
and MBB–BK117 C–1 helicopters
equipped with a hoist system, Part
Number (P/N) 117–80403 or 117–
804061. EASA AD 2011–0126 requires
deactivation of the affected external
hoist system by pulling and securing the
related circuit breakers, or by removing
the hoist boom.
After EASA AD 2011–0126 was
issued, it was discovered that pulling
the circuit breaker WARN ANN II
degraded the annunciator system’s
redundant power supply, so that pilots
could not be warned of a second
helicopter system failure. Prompted by
these findings, EASA issued
superseding EASA AD No.: 2011–0131,
dated July 8, 2011 (EASA AD 2011–
0131), to require pulling only three
circuit breakers, (CABLE CUTTER,
WINCH CONT, and WINCH BOOM,)
while circuit breaker WARN ANN II
remains inserted.
EASA advises that since EASA AD
2011–0131 was issued ‘‘a corrective
action has been developed to establish
an adequate safety level, while a
terminating action is under
investigation but currently not
available.’’ EASA subsequently issued
the current EASA AD No.: 2011–0148,
dated August 5, 2011 (EASA AD 2011–
0148), which retains the requirements of
EASA AD 2011–0131 and requires
modification of the helicopter wiring
and operator handle P/N 76803, a
revision to the Rotorcraft Flight Manual
and Supplement, and repetitive
inspections of the operator handle.
EASA AD 2011–0148 also requires
implementing a 10-year time frame for
overhaul of the operator handle.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
FAA’s Determination
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all known relevant
emcdonald on DSK29S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this proposed
AD, the economic evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Operations Office (telephone
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after receipt.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact American
Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052,
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
0323, fax (972) 641–3775, or at https://
www.eurocopter.com/techpub.
You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth Texas
76137.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
George Schwab, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
george.schwab@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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information and determined that an
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other products of
these same type designs. The hoist cable
that extends from an MBB–BK 117 C–
1 helicopter, used typically to pick up
people or goods, often during
emergencies, was cut with no command
or push of the button from anyone
aboard the aircraft. The cause was a
malfunction in the cable hoist system.
This situation could harm anyone being
lifted in the rescue hoist.
Related Service Information
ECD has issued Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin MBB–BK117–80–166,
Revision 1, dated August 4, 2011 (ASB).
The ASB specifies the deactivation of
the cable cutter function on the operator
handle. After the cable cutter function
on the operator handle has been
deactivated, the rescue winch may be
used.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
either deactivation of the entire hoist
system or deactivation of the hoist
system cable cutter function on the
operator handle within 30 days or
before the system is used again,
whichever comes first. Deactivating the
entire hoist system would be
accomplished by either pulling and
securing three circuit breakers or by
removing the hoist boom from the
helicopter. Deactivating the external
hoist system cable cutter function on the
operator handle would be accomplished
by modifying the helicopter wiring and
the operator handle P/N 76803,
repetitively inspecting the operator
handle, and replacing the operator
handle if damaged. This AD also would
prohibit installation of the affected hoist
systems on any helicopter, unless the
installation complies with this AD’s
requirements, and would prohibit
installation of the operator handle on
any helicopter unless it has been
modified in accordance with this AD.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
This AD would also apply to the
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD)
Model MBB–BK 117 A–4 model. The
EASA AD makes no mention of this
model. The EASA AD also applies to the
MBB–BK 117 A–1 model. Eurocopter
informs us that the MBB–BK 117 A–1
model no longer exists, so we did not
include it in our proposed AD. The
EASA AD requires temporary revisions
to the Rotorcraft Flight Manual and its
supplements; this proposed AD does
not. The EASA AD requires overhaul of
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 65 / Wednesday, April 4, 2012 / Proposed Rules
the operator handle every ten years; this
proposed AD does not.
Interim Action
We consider this proposed AD to be
an interim action. The design approval
holder is currently developing a
terminating action to address the unsafe
condition identified in this AD. Once
this terminating action is developed,
approved, and available, we might
consider additional rulemaking.
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.
Regulatory Findings
emcdonald on DSK29S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 12 helicopters of
U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this AD:
• Option 1: Pull and secure three
circuit breakers. We estimate that this
task would require about one half-hour
to complete. At $85 per work-hour, the
labor cost would total about $43. No
parts would be needed, so we estimate
the total cost per helicopter to be $43,
or $516 for the fleet.
• Option 2: Remove the hoist boom
from the helicopter. We estimate that
this task would require 1.5 hours to
complete at $85 per work-hour for a
total labor cost of about $128. No parts
would be needed, so we estimate the
total cost per helicopter to be $128, or
$1,536 for the fleet.
• Option 3: We estimate that
modifying the hoist operator handle
would require four work-hours at $85
per work-hour for a total labor cost of
$340 per helicopter. Parts would cost
about $92. Inspecting the hoist-operator
handle for damage would take about one
half-hour for a labor cost of about $43.
For 12 monthly inspections per year, the
annual cost would total $516. We
estimate that replacing the operator
handle with a new operator handle
would require 0.25 work hour at $85 an
hour for a labor cost of about $21 per
helicopter. Parts would cost about
$18,500 for a total cost of $18,521 per
helicopter. Total costs per helicopter
would vary, depending on whether
repairs are needed.
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. 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, I certify
this 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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction; 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.
We prepared an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket.
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
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
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List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
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):
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH helicopters:
Docket No. FAA–2012–0356; Directorate
Identifier 2011–SW–67–AD.
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20323
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model MBB–BK 117 A–
3, MBB–BK 117 A–4, MBB–BK B–1, MBB–
BK 117 B–2, and MBB–BK 117 C–1
helicopters with an external hoist system
(hoist system) Part Number (P/N) 117–80403
or P/N 117–804061 installed, certificated in
any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as an
uncommanded cutting of the hoist cable.
This condition could result in loss of the
helicopter hoist and load and subsequent
injury to persons being lifted by the hoist.
(c) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless it has
already been accomplished prior to that time.
(d) Required Actions
(1) Before the next hoist operation or
within 30 days, whichever comes first,
comply with either paragraph (1)(i), (1)(ii), or
(1)(iii):
(i) Deactivate the hoist system by pulling
the CABLE CUTTER, WINCH CONT, and
WINCH BOOM circuit breakers and securing
each circuit breaker with a cable tie; or
(ii) Deactivate the hoist system by
removing the hoist boom from the helicopter;
or
(iii) Deactivate the external hoist operator
handle cable-cutter function by
accomplishing the following:
(A) Modify the helicopter wiring and the
operator handle, P/N 76803, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions,
Paragraph 3.B.1 (b), of Eurocopter Emergency
Alert Service Bulletin MBB–BK117–80–166,
Revision 1, dated August 4, 2011 (ASB).
(B) Inspect the operator handle P/N 76803
and the coiled cable of the operator handle
for damage in accordance with Paragraph
3.B.1.(a)(2) of the ASB. Damage is also
defined as any condition that could prevent
the part’s ability to perform its intended
function.
(1) If the operator handle or the coiled
cable of the operator handle has damage,
replace the operator handle with an
airworthy operator handle P/N 76803, before
the next hoist operation.
(2) At intervals not to exceed 30 days,
repeat the inspection in Paragraph (1)(iii)(B)
of the Required Actions section of this AD.
(2) Before installing an affected hoist
system on any helicopter, comply with
Paragraph (1) of the Required Actions section
of this AD.
(3) Before installing an operator handle
P/N 76803 on any helicopter, comply with
Paragraph (1)(iii)(A) of the Required Actions
section of this AD.
(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
george.schwab@faa.gov.
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 65 / Wednesday, April 4, 2012 / Proposed Rules
(2) For operations conducted under a Part
119 operating certificate or under Part 91,
Subpart K, we suggest that you notify your
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office or certificate holding
district office before operating any aircraft
complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(f) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 2597, Equipment/furnishing system
wiring.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 26,
2012.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–8064 Filed 4–3–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Parts 100 and 165
RIN 1625–AA00; 1625–AA08
Special Local Regulation and Safety
Zones; Marine Events in Captain of the
Port Sector Long Island Sound Zone
Coast Guard, DHS.
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
The Coast Guard proposes to
establish temporary special local
regulations and safety zones for marine
events on the navigable waters within
the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector
Long Island Sound zone for regattas,
fireworks displays and swim events.
This action is necessary to provide for
the safety of life on navigable waters
during the events. Entering into,
transiting through, remaining, anchoring
or mooring within these regulated areas
would be prohibited unless authorized
by the COTP Sector Long Island Sound.
DATES: Comments and related material
must be received by the Coast Guard on
or before May 4, 2012.
Requests for public meetings must be
received by the Coast Guard on or before
April 25, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
identified by docket number USCG–
2012–0111 using any one of the
following methods:
(1) Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov.
(2) Fax: 202–493–2251.
(3) Mail: Docket Management Facility
(M–30), U.S. Department of
Transportation, West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
emcdonald on DSK29S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
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15:25 Apr 03, 2012
If
you have questions on this proposed
rule, call or email Petty Officer Joseph
Graun, Prevention Department, Coast
Guard Sector Long Island Sound, (203)
468–4544, Joseph.L.Graun@uscg.mil. If
you have questions on viewing or
submitting material to the docket, call
Renee V. Wright, Program Manager,
Docket Operations, telephone 202–366–
9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Public Participation and Request for
Comments
[Docket No. USCG–2012–0111]
ACTION:
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–
0001.
(4) Hand delivery: Same as mail
address above, between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The telephone number
is 202–366–9329.
To avoid duplication, please use only
one of these four methods. See the
‘‘Public Participation and Request for
Comments’’ portion of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section
below for instructions on submitting
comments.
Jkt 226001
We encourage you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting
comments and related materials. All
comments received will be posted
without change to https://
www.regulations.gov and will include
any personal information you have
provided.
Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please
include the docket number for this
rulemaking (USCG–2012–0111),
indicate the specific section of this
document to which each comment
applies, and provide a reason for each
suggestion or recommendation. You
may submit your comments and
material online (via https://
www.regulations.gov) or by fax, mail, or
hand delivery, but please use only one
of these means. If you submit a
comment online via
www.regulations.gov, it will be
considered received by the Coast Guard
when you successfully transmit the
comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or
mail your comment, it will be
considered as having been received by
the Coast Guard when it is received at
the Docket Management Facility. We
recommend that you include your name
and a mailing address, an email address,
or a telephone number in the body of
your document so that we can contact
you if we have questions regarding your
submission.
To submit your comment online, go to
https://www.regulations.gov, type the
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docket number USCG–2012–0111 in the
‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’
Click on ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ on the
line associated with this rulemaking. If
you submit your comments by mail or
hand delivery, submit them in an
unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by
11 inches, suitable for copying and
electronic filing. If you submit
comments by mail and would like to
know that they reached the Facility,
please enclose a stamped, self-addressed
postcard or envelope. We will consider
all comments and material received
during the comment period and may
change the rule based on your
comments.
Viewing Comments and Documents
To view comments, as well as
documents mentioned in this preamble
as being available in the docket, go to
https://www.regulations.gov, type the
docket number USCG–2012–0111 in the
‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’
Click on Open Docket Folder on the line
associated with this rulemaking. You
may also visit the Docket Management
Facility in Room W12–140 on the
ground floor of the Department of
Transportation West Building, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. We have an agreement with
the Department of Transportation to use
the Docket Management Facility.
Privacy Act
Anyone can search the electronic
form of comments received into any of
our dockets by the name of the
individual submitting the comment (or
signing the comment, if submitted on
behalf of an association, business, labor
union, etc.). You may review a Privacy
Act notice regarding our public dockets
in the January 17, 2008, issue of the
Federal Register (73 FR 3316).
Public Meeting
We do not now plan to hold a public
meeting. But you may submit a request
for one April 25, 2012 using one of the
four methods specified under
ADDRESSES. Please explain why you
believe a public meeting would be
beneficial. If we determine that one
would aid this rulemaking, we will hold
one at a time and place announced by
a later notice in the Federal Register.
Basis and Purpose
The legal basis for this temporary rule
is 33 U.S.C. 1226, 1231, 1233; 46 U.S.C.
Chapters 454, 701, 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C.
191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–1, 6.04–
6 and 160.5; Pub. L. 107–295, 116 Stat.
2064; Department of Homeland Security
E:\FR\FM\04APP1.SGM
04APP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 4, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20321-20324]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-8064]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0356; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-067-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We are proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-
BK B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK C-1 helicopters equipped with a
certain external-hoist system (hoist system) by requiring either
deactivating the entire hoist system or deactivating the hoist system
cable cutter function on the hoist system operator control handle
(operator handle). This AD was prompted by an uncommanded activation of
the hoist cable cutter function on an MBB-BK117 C-1 helicopter. This AD
is intended to prevent uncommanded cutting of the hoist cable and
subsequent injury to persons being lifted by the hoist.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 4, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining The AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket
Operations Office
[[Page 20322]]
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052, telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3775,
or at https://www.eurocopter.com/techpub.
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth Texas 76137.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Schwab, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
george.schwab@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay.
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, reports that during
a recent incident involving an MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopter, the cable
cut-off function of the rescue hoist system was triggered uncommanded,
and the hoist cable was cut. The subsequent investigation revealed that
this was caused by a malfunction within the rescue hoist system's
remote control handle assembly while extending the hoist boom. EASA
advises that this condition, if not corrected, ``will lead to
detachment of an external load or person from the helicopter hoist,
possibly resulting in personal injury, or injury to persons on the
ground.''
As a result, EASA issued EASA AD No.: 2011-0126, dated July 1, 2011
(EASA AD 2011-0126), to correct this unsafe condition in the ECD Model
MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 B-2, and MBB-
BK117 C-1 helicopters equipped with a hoist system, Part Number (P/N)
117-80403 or 117-804061. EASA AD 2011-0126 requires deactivation of the
affected external hoist system by pulling and securing the related
circuit breakers, or by removing the hoist boom.
After EASA AD 2011-0126 was issued, it was discovered that pulling
the circuit breaker WARN ANN II degraded the annunciator system's
redundant power supply, so that pilots could not be warned of a second
helicopter system failure. Prompted by these findings, EASA issued
superseding EASA AD No.: 2011-0131, dated July 8, 2011 (EASA AD 2011-
0131), to require pulling only three circuit breakers, (CABLE CUTTER,
WINCH CONT, and WINCH BOOM,) while circuit breaker WARN ANN II remains
inserted.
EASA advises that since EASA AD 2011-0131 was issued ``a corrective
action has been developed to establish an adequate safety level, while
a terminating action is under investigation but currently not
available.'' EASA subsequently issued the current EASA AD No.: 2011-
0148, dated August 5, 2011 (EASA AD 2011-0148), which retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2011-0131 and requires modification of the
helicopter wiring and operator handle P/N 76803, a revision to the
Rotorcraft Flight Manual and Supplement, and repetitive inspections of
the operator handle. EASA AD 2011-0148 also requires implementing a 10-
year time frame for overhaul of the operator handle.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type
designs. The hoist cable that extends from an MBB-BK 117 C-1
helicopter, used typically to pick up people or goods, often during
emergencies, was cut with no command or push of the button from anyone
aboard the aircraft. The cause was a malfunction in the cable hoist
system. This situation could harm anyone being lifted in the rescue
hoist.
Related Service Information
ECD has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117-80-166,
Revision 1, dated August 4, 2011 (ASB). The ASB specifies the
deactivation of the cable cutter function on the operator handle. After
the cable cutter function on the operator handle has been deactivated,
the rescue winch may be used.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require either deactivation of the entire
hoist system or deactivation of the hoist system cable cutter function
on the operator handle within 30 days or before the system is used
again, whichever comes first. Deactivating the entire hoist system
would be accomplished by either pulling and securing three circuit
breakers or by removing the hoist boom from the helicopter.
Deactivating the external hoist system cable cutter function on the
operator handle would be accomplished by modifying the helicopter
wiring and the operator handle P/N 76803, repetitively inspecting the
operator handle, and replacing the operator handle if damaged. This AD
also would prohibit installation of the affected hoist systems on any
helicopter, unless the installation complies with this AD's
requirements, and would prohibit installation of the operator handle on
any helicopter unless it has been modified in accordance with this AD.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
This AD would also apply to the Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD)
Model MBB-BK 117 A-4 model. The EASA AD makes no mention of this model.
The EASA AD also applies to the MBB-BK 117 A-1 model. Eurocopter
informs us that the MBB-BK 117 A-1 model no longer exists, so we did
not include it in our proposed AD. The EASA AD requires temporary
revisions to the Rotorcraft Flight Manual and its supplements; this
proposed AD does not. The EASA AD requires overhaul of
[[Page 20323]]
the operator handle every ten years; this proposed AD does not.
Interim Action
We consider this proposed AD to be an interim action. The design
approval holder is currently developing a terminating action to address
the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this terminating
action is developed, approved, and available, we might consider
additional rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 12 helicopters
of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Option 1: Pull and secure three circuit breakers. We
estimate that this task would require about one half-hour to complete.
At $85 per work-hour, the labor cost would total about $43. No parts
would be needed, so we estimate the total cost per helicopter to be
$43, or $516 for the fleet.
Option 2: Remove the hoist boom from the helicopter. We
estimate that this task would require 1.5 hours to complete at $85 per
work-hour for a total labor cost of about $128. No parts would be
needed, so we estimate the total cost per helicopter to be $128, or
$1,536 for the fleet.
Option 3: We estimate that modifying the hoist operator
handle would require four work-hours at $85 per work-hour for a total
labor cost of $340 per helicopter. Parts would cost about $92.
Inspecting the hoist-operator handle for damage would take about one
half-hour for a labor cost of about $43. For 12 monthly inspections per
year, the annual cost would total $516. We estimate that replacing the
operator handle with a new operator handle would require 0.25 work hour
at $85 an hour for a labor cost of about $21 per helicopter. Parts
would cost about $18,500 for a total cost of $18,521 per helicopter.
Total costs per helicopter would vary, depending on whether repairs are
needed.
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.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. 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, I certify this 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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; 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.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2012-0356;
Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-67-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK
B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters with an external
hoist system (hoist system) Part Number (P/N) 117-80403 or P/N 117-
804061 installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as an uncommanded cutting
of the hoist cable. This condition could result in loss of the
helicopter hoist and load and subsequent injury to persons being
lifted by the hoist.
(c) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(d) Required Actions
(1) Before the next hoist operation or within 30 days, whichever
comes first, comply with either paragraph (1)(i), (1)(ii), or
(1)(iii):
(i) Deactivate the hoist system by pulling the CABLE CUTTER,
WINCH CONT, and WINCH BOOM circuit breakers and securing each
circuit breaker with a cable tie; or
(ii) Deactivate the hoist system by removing the hoist boom from
the helicopter; or
(iii) Deactivate the external hoist operator handle cable-cutter
function by accomplishing the following:
(A) Modify the helicopter wiring and the operator handle, P/N
76803, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph
3.B.1 (b), of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117-
80-166, Revision 1, dated August 4, 2011 (ASB).
(B) Inspect the operator handle P/N 76803 and the coiled cable
of the operator handle for damage in accordance with Paragraph
3.B.1.(a)(2) of the ASB. Damage is also defined as any condition
that could prevent the part's ability to perform its intended
function.
(1) If the operator handle or the coiled cable of the operator
handle has damage, replace the operator handle with an airworthy
operator handle P/N 76803, before the next hoist operation.
(2) At intervals not to exceed 30 days, repeat the inspection in
Paragraph (1)(iii)(B) of the Required Actions section of this AD.
(2) Before installing an affected hoist system on any
helicopter, comply with Paragraph (1) of the Required Actions
section of this AD.
(3) Before installing an operator handle P/N 76803 on any
helicopter, comply with Paragraph (1)(iii)(A) of the Required
Actions section of this AD.
(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
george.schwab@faa.gov.
[[Page 20324]]
(2) For operations conducted under a Part 119 operating
certificate or under Part 91, Subpart K, we suggest that you notify
your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the
manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate
holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with
this AD through an AMOC.
(f) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2597, Equipment/
furnishing system wiring.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 26, 2012.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-8064 Filed 4-3-12; 8:45 am]
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