Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc., Helicopters, 9309-9311 [2013-02582]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 27 / Friday, February 8, 2013 / Rules and Regulations informational impacts of this action on small businesses. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the order’s information collection requirements have been previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and assigned OMB No. 0581–0178 Vegetable and Specialty Crops. No changes in those requirements as a result of this action are necessary. Should any changes become necessary, they would be submitted to OMB for approval. This action imposes no additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements on either small or large Florida tomato handlers. As with all Federal marketing order programs, reports and forms are periodically reviewed to reduce information requirements and duplication by industry and public sector agencies. AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote the use of the Internet and other information technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information and services, and for other purposes. USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this rule. A small business guide on complying with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop marketing agreements and orders may be viewed at: www.ams.usda.gov/ MarketingOrdersSmallBusinessGuide. Any questions about the compliance guide should be sent to Laurel May at the previously-mentioned address in the wreier-aviles on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. After consideration of all relevant material presented, including the information and recommendation submitted by the Committee and other available information, it is hereby found that this rule, as hereinafter set forth, will tend to effectuate the declared policy of the Act. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, it is also found and determined upon good cause that it is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest to give preliminary notice prior to putting this rule into effect, and that good cause exists for not postponing the effective date of this rule until 30 days after publication in the Federal Register because: (1) The 2012–13 fiscal period began on August 1, 2012, and the marketing order requires that the rate of assessment for each fiscal period apply to all assessable Florida tomatoes handled during such fiscal period; (2) this action decreases the assessment rate for assessable Florida tomatoes beginning with the 2012–13 fiscal VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:10 Feb 07, 2013 Jkt 229001 period; (3) handlers are aware of this action which was unanimously recommended by the Committee at a public meeting and is similar to other assessment rate actions issued in past years; and (4) this interim rule provides a 60-day comment period, and all comments timely received will be considered prior to finalization of this rule. List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 966 Marketing agreements, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Tomatoes. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 966 is amended as follows: PART 966—TOMATOES GROWN IN FLORIDA 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 966 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674. 2. Section 966.234 is revised to read as follows: ■ § 966.234 Assessment rate. 9309 component record card for each T–T strap, and revising the airworthiness limitations section of the maintenance manual to reflect the changes to the retirement life. This AD was prompted by a report from the T–T strap manufacturer that, over a period of time, moisture may reduce the strength of a T–T strap. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a T–T strap, loss of directional control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD is effective March 15, 2013. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 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. You may review a copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth Texas 76137. AGENCY: 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 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800– 647–5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Cecil, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627– 5228; email john.cecil@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model 500N, 600N and MD900 helicopters to require determining the cure date for each NOTAR fan blade tension-torsion strap (T–T strap), establishing a calendar-time retirement life for certain T–T straps, reducing the retirement life of certain T–T straps, marking each T–T strap with the expiration date, creating a Discussion On July 19, 2012, at 77 FR 42459, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to MDHI Model 500N and 600N helicopters with a NOTAR fan blade T– T strap part number (P/N) 500N5311–5 and MDHI Model MD900 helicopters with a T–T strap, P/N 500N5311–5, P/ N 900R3442009–101, P/N 900R3442009–103, or P/N On and after August 1, 2012, an assessment rate of $0.024 per 25-pound carton is established for Florida tomatoes. Dated: February 4, 2013. David R. Shipman, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2013–02816 Filed 2–7–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0746; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–035–AD; Amendment 39–17337; AD 2013–03–03] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc., Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\08FER1.SGM 08FER1 9310 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 27 / Friday, February 8, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 900R6442009–103. That NPRM proposed to require determining the cure date for each T–T strap, establishing a calendar-time retirement life for certain T–T straps, reducing the retirement life of certain T–T straps, marking each T–T strap with the expiration date, creating a component record card for each T–T strap, and revising the airworthiness limitations section of the maintenance manual to reflect the changes to the retirement life. This AD was prompted by information from the T–T strap manufacturer indicating that, over time, the T–T straps can absorb moisture, which can weaken the T–T strap and cause it to fail. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of a T–T strap, loss of directional control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 42459, July 19, 2012). FAA’s Determination We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. wreier-aviles on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES Related Service Information We have reviewed one MDHI service bulletin, which contains two service bulletin numbers, SB500N–029R3, applicable to MDHI Model 500N helicopters; and SB600N–046R3, applicable to MDHI Model 600N helicopters, dated July 9, 2008. We have also reviewed MDHI SB900–107R1, dated March 14, 2008, applicable to MDHI Model MD900 helicopters. The service bulletins describe procedures for establishing a retirement life for each affected T–T strap by determining the manufacturer’s cure date and marking the T–T strap with an expiration date; creating a component record card for each affected T–T strap; replacing T–T straps that have been in service beyond their revised life limit; and recording compliance with the service information in the Rotorcraft Log Book. Differences Between This AD and the Service Information This AD differs from the previously described service bulletins as follows: • This AD contains requirements for T–T straps that are installed or will be VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:10 Feb 07, 2013 Jkt 229001 installed on the affected helicopters, but does not address a part that is in storage. • For a T–T strap with five or more calendar years from the manufacturer’s cure date, this AD requires, before further flight, replacing the T–T strap with an airworthy T–T strap. The service bulletins specify the T–T strap to be replaced within six, 12, or 24 months, depending on the manufacturing cure date. • The service bulletins specify sending removed parts to the manufacturer. This AD does not require such action. • This AD requires reducing the life limit for any T–T strap, P/N 500N5311– 5, to 2500 hours TIS if the T–T strap has been installed on a MDHI Model MD900 helicopter. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 111 helicopters of U.S. Registry, including 73 helicopters in the combined MDHI Model 500N and MDHI Model 600N fleet, and 38 MDHI Model MD900 helicopters. Determining the manufacturer’s cure date, the expiration date, marking an expiration date on the T–T strap, creating the component record card, revising the applicable airworthiness limitations section of the maintenance manual, and re-installing the T–T strap will take about 40 workhours per helicopter for Model 500N and Model 600N helicopters, and 32 work-hours per helicopter for Model MD900 helicopters, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $1,340 per T–T strap. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators will be about $543,180 for the entire fleet, assuming all T–T straps will be marked, and assuming 11 helicopters will need T–T straps replaced (13 T–T straps per helicopter). 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 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products 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 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 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. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 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): ■ 2013–03–03 MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI): Amendment 39–17337; Docket No. FAA–2012–0746; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–035–AD. (a) Applicability MDHI Model 500N and 600N helicopters, with a NOTAR fan blade tension-torsion strap (T–T strap), part number (P/N) 500N5311–5; and MDHI Model MD900 helicopters, with a T–T strap, P/N 500N5311–5, P/N 900R3442009–101, P/N 900R3442009–103, or P/N 900R6442009– 103; certificated in any category. E:\FR\FM\08FER1.SGM 08FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 27 / Friday, February 8, 2013 / Rules and Regulations (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a decrease, over time, in the strength of a T– T strap caused by moisture. This condition could result in failure of a T–T strap, loss of directional control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective March 15, 2013. wreier-aviles on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES (d) 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. (e) Required Actions (1) Within six months, determine the manufacturer’s cure date of each of the 13 T– T straps. (i) For a T–T strap with five or more calendar years from the manufacturer’s cure date, before further flight, replace the T–T strap with an airworthy T–T strap. (ii) For a T–T strap with less than five calendar years from the manufacturer’s cure date, mark the expiration date on the T–T strap face in permanent ink. (2) Thereafter, before installing a T–T strap, mark the expiration date on the T–T strap using permanent ink. The expiration date is five years from the date the T–T strap package was opened, or if that date was not recorded, five years from the manufacturer’s cure date. (3) On or before the date you comply with paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this AD, create a component record card for each T–T strap and record on the card the manufacturer’s cure date or the date that the T–T strap package was opened, if that date was recorded previously, and the T–T strap expiration date. (4) Revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual by establishing: (i) A calendar life limit for the T–T straps, P/N 500N5311–5, 900R3442009–101, 900R3442009–103, and 900R6442009–103 of five years from the date the T–T strap package was opened, or if that date was not recorded, five years from the manufacturer’s cure date. (ii) A 2,500 hour time-in-service (TIS) life limit for any T–T straps, P/N 500N5311–5, installed on a Model 500N or Model 600N helicopter that was previously installed on a Model MD900 helicopter. Note to paragraph (e) of this AD: For the MDHI Model MD900 helicopters, AD 2006– 18–01 (71 FR 51095, August 29, 2006) contains additional TIS life limits for T–T straps, P/N 900R3442009–103 and P/N 900R6442009–103 and additional inspection requirements for all four affected T–T straps, P/N 500N5311–5, P/N 900R3442009–101, P/ N 900R3442009–103, and P/N 900R6442009– 103. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: John Cecil, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:10 Feb 07, 2013 Jkt 229001 Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627–5228; email john.cecil@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR 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. (g) Additional Information MDHI has issued one service bulletin with two numbers, SB500N–029R3 for the Model 500N helicopters, and SB600N–046R3 for the Model 600N helicopters, dated July 9, 2008. MDHI has also issued SB900–107R1, dated March 14, 2008, for the Model MD900 helicopters. These service bulletins, which are not incorporated by reference, contain information related to the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact 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. You may review a copy of this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail rotor blades. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 29, 2013. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–02582 Filed 2–7–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Occupational Safety and Health Administration 29 CFR Parts 1910, 1915, and 1926 [Docket No. OSHA–H022K–2006–0062 (formerly Docket No. H022K)] RIN 1218–AC20 Hazard Communication; Corrections and Technical Amendment Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), DOL. ACTION: Final rule: correction and technical amendment. AGENCY: OSHA is correcting its regulations that were amended by the Hazard Communication Standard final rule, published in the Federal Register on March 26, 2012. The majority of the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 9311 corrections are to references inadvertently missed in the original publication of the final rule. Other corrections include correcting values or notations in tables, and updating references to terms. DATES: Effective: February 8, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Press inquiries: Frank Meilinger, Director, Office of Communications, OSHA, Room N–3647, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone (202) 693–1999. General and technical information: Dorothy Dougherty, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, OSHA, Room N–3718, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone (202) 693–1950. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background This notice corrects certain minor errors in the revisions to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, published at 77 FR 17574. The majority of these corrections change references in other OSHA standards made to ‘‘material safety data sheet’’ or ‘‘MSDS’’ to ‘‘safety data sheet’’ or ‘‘SDS,’’ which OSHA inadvertently missed in its original publication of the final rule. Other corrections include correcting values or notations in tables, and updating references to terms defined in the Hazard Communication Standard Final Rule, published on March 26, 2012. Correction of Publication The following corrections are made to the preamble to the final rule for the Hazard Communication Standard, published in the Federal Register on March 26, 2012 (77 FR 17574). 1. In the Preamble, on p. 17686, in the third column, the seventh paragraph Estimated Total Burden Hours: 11.3 million hours is revised to read Estimated Total Burden Hours: 10,689,248 hours. 2. In the Preamble, on p. 17755, in the third column, in the first paragraph the name ‘‘David Levine’’ is corrected to read ‘‘Daniel Levine’’. 3. In the Preamble, on p. 17712, Table XIII–1, the ‘‘>20%’’ value for Specific target organ toxicity Category 3 is corrected to read ‘‘≥20%’’ (both columns). 4. In the Preamble, on p. 17751, Table XIII–5, Health Effects Column for Standard No. 1910.1051. ‘‘Cancer; eye and respiratory tract irritation; center nervous system effects; and flammability’’ is corrected to read E:\FR\FM\08FER1.SGM 08FER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 27 (Friday, February 8, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9309-9311]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02582]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0746; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-035-AD; 
Amendment 39-17337; AD 2013-03-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc., Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD 
Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model 500N, 600N and MD900 helicopters to 
require determining the cure date for each NOTAR fan blade tension-
torsion strap (T-T strap), establishing a calendar-time retirement life 
for certain T-T straps, reducing the retirement life of certain T-T 
straps, marking each T-T strap with the expiration date, creating a 
component record card for each T-T strap, and revising the 
airworthiness limitations section of the maintenance manual to reflect 
the changes to the retirement life. This AD was prompted by a report 
from the T-T strap manufacturer that, over a period of time, moisture 
may reduce the strength of a T-T strap. The actions are intended to 
prevent failure of a T-T strap, loss of directional control and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective March 15, 2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 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. 
You may review a copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 
Room 663, Fort Worth Texas 76137.

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 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any incorporated-by-reference 
service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-
140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Cecil, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; 
telephone (562) 627-5228; email john.cecil@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On July 19, 2012, at 77 FR 42459, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to MDHI Model 500N and 
600N helicopters with a NOTAR fan blade T-T strap part number (P/N) 
500N5311-5 and MDHI Model MD900 helicopters with a T-T strap, P/N 
500N5311-5, P/N 900R3442009-101, P/N 900R3442009-103, or P/N

[[Page 9310]]

900R6442009-103. That NPRM proposed to require determining the cure 
date for each T-T strap, establishing a calendar-time retirement life 
for certain T-T straps, reducing the retirement life of certain T-T 
straps, marking each T-T strap with the expiration date, creating a 
component record card for each T-T strap, and revising the 
airworthiness limitations section of the maintenance manual to reflect 
the changes to the retirement life. This AD was prompted by information 
from the T-T strap manufacturer indicating that, over time, the T-T 
straps can absorb moisture, which can weaken the T-T strap and cause it 
to fail. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of 
a T-T strap, loss of directional control and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 42459, July 19, 
2012).

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of these same type designs and that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information

    We have reviewed one MDHI service bulletin, which contains two 
service bulletin numbers, SB500N-029R3, applicable to MDHI Model 500N 
helicopters; and SB600N-046R3, applicable to MDHI Model 600N 
helicopters, dated July 9, 2008. We have also reviewed MDHI SB900-
107R1, dated March 14, 2008, applicable to MDHI Model MD900 
helicopters. The service bulletins describe procedures for establishing 
a retirement life for each affected T-T strap by determining the 
manufacturer's cure date and marking the T-T strap with an expiration 
date; creating a component record card for each affected T-T strap; 
replacing T-T straps that have been in service beyond their revised 
life limit; and recording compliance with the service information in 
the Rotorcraft Log Book.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    This AD differs from the previously described service bulletins as 
follows:
     This AD contains requirements for T-T straps that are 
installed or will be installed on the affected helicopters, but does 
not address a part that is in storage.
     For a T-T strap with five or more calendar years from the 
manufacturer's cure date, this AD requires, before further flight, 
replacing the T-T strap with an airworthy T-T strap. The service 
bulletins specify the T-T strap to be replaced within six, 12, or 24 
months, depending on the manufacturing cure date.
     The service bulletins specify sending removed parts to the 
manufacturer. This AD does not require such action.
     This AD requires reducing the life limit for any T-T 
strap, P/N 500N5311-5, to 2500 hours TIS if the T-T strap has been 
installed on a MDHI Model MD900 helicopter.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 111 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry, including 73 helicopters in the combined MDHI Model 500N and 
MDHI Model 600N fleet, and 38 MDHI Model MD900 helicopters. Determining 
the manufacturer's cure date, the expiration date, marking an 
expiration date on the T-T strap, creating the component record card, 
revising the applicable airworthiness limitations section of the 
maintenance manual, and re-installing the T-T strap will take about 40 
work-hours per helicopter for Model 500N and Model 600N helicopters, 
and 32 work-hours per helicopter for Model MD900 helicopters, at an 
average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about 
$1,340 per T-T strap. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators will be about $543,180 for the entire fleet, 
assuming all T-T straps will be marked, and assuming 11 helicopters 
will need T-T straps replaced (13 T-T straps per helicopter).

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

    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 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 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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    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):

2013-03-03 MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI): Amendment 39-17337; Docket 
No. FAA-2012-0746; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-035-AD.

(a) Applicability

    MDHI Model 500N and 600N helicopters, with a NOTAR fan blade 
tension-torsion strap (T-T strap), part number (P/N) 500N5311-5; and 
MDHI Model MD900 helicopters, with a T-T strap, P/N 500N5311-5, P/N 
900R3442009-101, P/N 900R3442009-103, or P/N 900R6442009-103; 
certificated in any category.

[[Page 9311]]

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a decrease, over time, 
in the strength of a T-T strap caused by moisture. This condition 
could result in failure of a T-T strap, loss of directional control, 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 15, 2013.

(d) 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.

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Within six months, determine the manufacturer's cure date of 
each of the 13 T-T straps.
    (i) For a T-T strap with five or more calendar years from the 
manufacturer's cure date, before further flight, replace the T-T 
strap with an airworthy T-T strap.
    (ii) For a T-T strap with less than five calendar years from the 
manufacturer's cure date, mark the expiration date on the T-T strap 
face in permanent ink.
    (2) Thereafter, before installing a T-T strap, mark the 
expiration date on the T-T strap using permanent ink. The expiration 
date is five years from the date the T-T strap package was opened, 
or if that date was not recorded, five years from the manufacturer's 
cure date.
    (3) On or before the date you comply with paragraph (e)(1) or 
(e)(2) of this AD, create a component record card for each T-T strap 
and record on the card the manufacturer's cure date or the date that 
the T-T strap package was opened, if that date was recorded 
previously, and the T-T strap expiration date.
    (4) Revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of the 
maintenance manual by establishing:
    (i) A calendar life limit for the T-T straps, P/N 500N5311-5, 
900R3442009-101, 900R3442009-103, and 900R6442009-103 of five years 
from the date the T-T strap package was opened, or if that date was 
not recorded, five years from the manufacturer's cure date.
    (ii) A 2,500 hour time-in-service (TIS) life limit for any T-T 
straps, P/N 500N5311-5, installed on a Model 500N or Model 600N 
helicopter that was previously installed on a Model MD900 
helicopter.

    Note to paragraph (e) of this AD: For the MDHI Model MD900 
helicopters, AD 2006-18-01 (71 FR 51095, August 29, 2006) contains 
additional TIS life limits for T-T straps, P/N 900R3442009-103 and 
P/N 900R6442009-103 and additional inspection requirements for all 
four affected T-T straps, P/N 500N5311-5, P/N 900R3442009-101, P/N 
900R3442009-103, and P/N 900R6442009-103.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: John Cecil, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, 
California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5228; email 
john.cecil@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR 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.

(g) Additional Information

    MDHI has issued one service bulletin with two numbers, SB500N-
029R3 for the Model 500N helicopters, and SB600N-046R3 for the Model 
600N helicopters, dated July 9, 2008. MDHI has also issued SB900-
107R1, dated March 14, 2008, for the Model MD900 helicopters. These 
service bulletins, which are not incorporated by reference, contain 
information related to the subject of this AD. For service 
information identified in this AD, contact 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. You may 
review a copy of this service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail rotor 
blades.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 29, 2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-02582 Filed 2-7-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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