Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc., Helicopters, 65180-65183 [2013-24039]

Download as PDF 65180 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska 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): wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES ■ 2013–22–01 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Amendment 39–17633; Docket No. FAA–2013–0526; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–14–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model 206L–4 and 407 helicopters, with a freewheel aft bearing cap (cap), part number (P/N) 406–040–509–101, with a serial number with a prefix of ‘‘A-’’ VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Oct 30, 2013 Jkt 232001 and Nos. 1833 through 1912, installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as certain caps being manufactured without a lubrication channel to allow oil flow into the aft bearing support assembly, which could result in failure of the freewheel unit and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective December 5, 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 Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS): (1) Remove and disassemble each freewheel assembly. (2) Replace the sprag and retainer (item 7), the output shaft (item 10), and the aft seal (item 3), as depicted in Figure 2 of Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206L–04–129 for the Model 206L–4 and ASB No. 407–04–66 for the Model 407, both Revision A, and both dated December 1, 2004. (3) Visually inspect the remaining freewheel part details for a missing channel. (4) If the channel is missing, replace or rework the cap assembly by following the instructions depicted in Figure 3 of ASB 206L–04–129 or ASB 407 04–66, as applicable for your model helicopter. Using a vibrating stylus, mark the letter ‘‘R’’ at the end of the serial number on the cap assembly. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5110, email: eric.haight@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 The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD No. CF–2004–17R1, dated February 11, 2005. You may view the TCCA AD at https:// www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– 2013–0526. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6300: Main Rotor Drive System. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206L–04–129, Revision A, dated December 1, 2004. (ii) Bell ASB No. 407–04–66, Revision A, dated December 1, 2004. (3) For Bell service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 76101, telephone (817) 280–3391, fax (817) 280– 6466. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 1, 2013. Kim Smith, Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–25310 Filed 10–30–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0401; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–047–AD; Amendment 39–17606; AD 2013–19–24] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc., Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003–08– 51 for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 369F and 369FF helicopters with certain MDHI or Helicopter Technology Company (HTC) tail rotor blades installed. AD 2003–08– 51 required reducing the retirement life of each tail rotor blade (blade), performing a one-time visual inspection of each blade’s pitch horn (pitch horn) for a crack or corrosion, and replacing any cracked blade or any blade that has exceeded its retirement life with an SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\31OCR1.SGM 31OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES airworthy blade. AD 2003–08–51 also required reporting information to the FAA within 24 hours following the onetime inspection. Since we issued AD 2003–08–51, an accident in England prompted an investigation that showed corrosion on the blade’s pitch horn that had not been detected under the paint. This new AD retains some of the requirements of AD 2003–08–51 and also requires paint removal for all pitch horn inspections, inspecting for pitting and the shot peen surface’s condition in addition to cracks and corrosion, and adds certain part-numbered blades to the applicability. These actions are intended to prevent a pitch horn from cracking, leading to vibration, loss of tail rotor pitch control, and subsequent loss of tail rotor and helicopter control. DATES: This AD is effective December 5, 2013. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of December 5, 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, AZ 85215– 9734; telephone 1–800–388–3378; fax 480–346–6813; email serviceengineering@mdhelicopters.com; Web site https://www.mdhelicopters.com or contact Helicopter Technology Company, 12923 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90061; telephone 310– 523–2750; email gburdorf@ helicoptertech.com; Web site www.helicoptertech.com. 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: Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627– 5232; email fred.guerin@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Oct 30, 2013 Jkt 232001 Discussion On May 13, 2013, at 78 FR 27867, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by removing AD No. 2003–08–51 (68 FR 39449, July 2, 2003; corrected 68 FR 47447, August 11, 2003) and by adding an AD that would apply to MDHI Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 369F and 369FF helicopters with a tail rotor blade (blade) part number (P/N) 369D21640– 501, 369D21640–503, 369D21641–501, 369D21641–503, 369D21642–501, 369D21642–503, 369D21643–501, or 369D21643–503 installed, or with an HTC blade P/N 500P3100–101, 500P3100–301, 500P3300–501, or 500P3500–701 installed. AD No. 2003– 08–51 required reducing the retirement life of the blade, performing a one-time visual inspection of each pitch horn for a crack or corrosion, and replacing any cracked blade or any blade that has exceeded its retirement life. AD No. 2003–08–51 was prompted by two reports of cracked pitch horns that failed during flight. The cracks developed before the blades reached their retirement lives. Actions Since AD 2003–08–51 Was Issued Since we published AD No. 2003–08– 51, investigation of an accident in England found corrosion on the pitch horn that was not detected under the paint. The corrosion compromised the shot peen surface, which caused premature fatigue failure. As a result, the NPRM (78 FR 27867, May 13, 2013) proposed to require establishing a retirement life for new applicable blades of 400 hours time-inservice (TIS), replacing within 10 hours TIS any installed blades with 390 to 700 hours TIS, and replacing before further flight any blades with more than 700 hours TIS. Within 60 days and thereafter at intervals not to exceed one year, the NPRM proposed to inspect all other blades with a 10X or higher power magnifying glass for a crack, pitting, corrosion, and the condition of the dimpled shot peen surface. If there is a crack, pitting, corrosion, or a nonconforming shot peen surface, the NPRM proposed to require replacement of the blade with an airworthy blade. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent a pitch horn from cracking and separating from the blade, leading to an unbalanced condition, vibration, loss of tail rotor pitch control, and loss of directional control of the helicopter. PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 65181 Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (78 FR 27867, May 13, 2013). 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 reviewed MDHI Service Bulletins SB369D–210, SB369E–105, SB369F– 091, and SB369H–252, all dated November 21, 2011, and HTC Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 3100–5, dated August 25, 2011 (service bulletins). The service bulletins specify removing the paint from the pitch horn, performing an inspection of the blade using a 10x magnifying glass and a bright light, repainting the pitch horn area, and repeating the inspection annually. The service bulletins state that no corrosion, pitting, or cracking is acceptable. The MDHI service bulletins adds that a lack, removal, or blending of the shot peen surface is unacceptable. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 827 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs will average $85 a workhour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs: • The inspection will require 4.5 work hours, and parts will cost $20 for a total cost of about $403 per helicopter and $333,281 for the U.S. fleet. • Replacing a tail rotor blade, if needed, would require 1 work hour. Parts would cost $15,951, for a total cost of $16,036 per helicopter. • The cost is negligible to revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual to reflect a blade’s new retirement life. 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 E:\FR\FM\31OCR1.SGM 31OCR1 65182 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 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 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 Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003–08–51, Amendment 39–13215 (68 FR 39449, August 11, 2003; correction 68 FR 47447, August 11, 2003), and adding the following new (AD): wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES ■ 2013–19–24 MD Helicopters, Inc.: Amendment 39–17606; Docket No. FAA–2013–0401; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–047–AD. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Oct 30, 2013 Jkt 232001 (a) Applicability This AD applies to MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 369F and 369FF helicopters with a tail rotor blade (blade) part number (P/N) 369D21640–501, 369D21640– 503, 369D21641–501, 369D21641–503, 369D21642–501, 369D21642–503, 369D21643–501, or 369D21643–503 installed, or with a Helicopter Technology Company blade P/N 500P3100–101, 500P3100–301, 500P3300–501, or 500P3500– 701 installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as the tail rotor blade pitch horn (pitch horn) separating from the tail rotor blade, leading to an unbalanced condition, vibration, loss of tail rotor pitch control and loss of directional control of the helicopter. (c) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD No. 2003–08–51, Amendment 39–13215 (68 FR 39449, July 2, 2003; correction 68 FR 47447, August 11, 2003). (d) Effective Date This AD becomes effective December 5, 2013. (e) 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. (f) Required Actions (1) Before further flight, for each applicable blade, revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual to reflect that the blade has a retirement life of 400 hours time-in-service (TIS). (2) For helicopters with an applicable blade installed that has 390 through 700 hours TIS, within 10 hours TIS, replace the blade with an airworthy blade. (3) For all other applicable helicopters, within 60 days, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed one year, remove the paint from the blade pitch control arm in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 2.A.(1) through 2.A.(3), of MDHI Service Bulletins SB369D–210, SB369E–105, SB369F–091, and SB369H–252, all dated November 21, 2011, as applicable to your model helicopter. (i) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect all four sides and the pocket of the blade pitch control arm for a crack, pitting, or corrosion and for the condition of the dimpled shot peen surface by referring to Figure 1 of MDHI Service Bulletins SB369D– 210, SB369E–105, SB369F–091, and SB369H–252, as applicable to your model helicopter, and by reviewing the rotorcraft maintenance records to determine whether rework was done in this area. (ii) If there is pitting, corrosion, a crack, blending or removal of any of the dimpled shot peen surface, or any indication that the shot peen has not been done, replace the blade with an airworthy blade. (iii) If there is no pitting, corrosion, cracks, or blending or removal of any of the dimpled PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 shot peen surface, refinish the stripped pitch control arm in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 2.A.(6) through 2.A.(7), of MDHI Service Bulletins SB369D–210, SB369E–105, SB369F–091, and SB369H–252, as applicable to your model helicopter. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627–5232; email fred.guerin@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. (3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD No. 2003–08–51 (68 FR 39449, July 2, 2003; correction 68 FR 47447, August 11, 2003) are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding requirements in this AD. (h) Additional Information MD Helicopters, Inc., maintenance manuals CSP–HMI2, TR12–001, CHP–H–4, and TR12–001, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about 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, AZ 85215–9734; telephone 1–800–388–3378; fax 480–346– 6813; email serviceengineering@ mdhelicopters.com; Web site https:// www.mdhelicopters.com or contact Helicopter Technology Company, 12923 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90061; telephone 310–523–2750; email gburdorf@ helicoptertech.com; Web site www.helicoptertech.com. You may review a copy of this information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor Blades. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369D–210, dated November 21, 2011. (ii) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369E–105, dated November 21, 2011. (iii) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369F–091, dated November 21, 2011. E:\FR\FM\31OCR1.SGM 31OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations (iv) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369H–252, dated November 21, 2011. Note 1 to paragraph (j)(2): MD Helicopters Service Bulletins SB369D–210, SB369E–105, SB369F–091, and SB369H–252, all dated November 21, 2011, are co-published as one document. (3) For MD Helicopters service information identified in this AD, contact 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; email serviceengineering@mdhelicopters.com; Web site https://www.mdhelicopters.com. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may also view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 18, 2013. Kim Smith, Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–24039 Filed 10–30–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0624; Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–071–AD; Amendment 39–17632; AD 2013–21–08] Discussion RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; ATR—GIE ´ Avions de Transport Regional Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR—GIE Avions de Transport ´ Regional Model ATR72–101, –201, –102, –202, –211, –212, and –212A airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of airplane incidents and accidents that have occurred because of low-level fuel tank situations and fuel starvation that resulted in engine flameouts. This AD requires installing a fuel quantity indicator (FQI) equipped with a locking adaptor on the electrical connector. We are issuing this AD to wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Oct 30, 2013 Jkt 232001 prevent an engine flame-out, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. DATES: This AD becomes effective December 5, 2013. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 5, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0624 or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC. For service information identified in this AD, contact ATR—GIE Avions de ´ ´ Transport Regional, 1, Allee Pierre Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email continued.airworthiness@atr.fr; Internet https://www.aerochain.com. You may review this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1137; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to the specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 18, 2013 (78 FR 42898). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013–0047, dated March 4, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Large aeroplane incidents and accidents have occurred because of fuel tank low level situations, or because of fuel starvation, resulting in one or several engine(s) flameout. The results of the investigation into an ATR 72 accident in August 2005 have shown PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 65183 that overruling standard operational procedures and maintenance practices have led to this kind of occurrence. Consequently, additional actions to help avoid maintenance errors, like installation of a wrong gauge or wrong indicator, need to be taken. Although it is recognised that the fuel (indicating) system of the ATR 42/72 type design is compliant with the applicable requirements, the risk of other maintenance errors will be mitigated by making installation of an ATR 42 Fuel Quantity Indicator (FQI) on an ATR 72 aeroplane mechanically impossible through a specific design change on the ATR 72. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires modification of the ATR 72 FQI by installing a locking adaptor on the electrical connector. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. We are issuing this AD to prevent an engine flame-out, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov/ #!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-06240002. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 42898, July 18, 2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed—except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 42898, July 18, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 42898, July 18, 2013). Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD affects 25 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it takes 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $3,882 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of E:\FR\FM\31OCR1.SGM 31OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 211 (Thursday, October 31, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65180-65183]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-24039]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0401; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-047-AD;
Amendment 39-17606; AD 2013-19-24]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc., Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-08-51 for
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369H, 369HE,
369HM, 369HS, 369F and 369FF helicopters with certain MDHI or
Helicopter Technology Company (HTC) tail rotor blades installed. AD
2003-08-51 required reducing the retirement life of each tail rotor
blade (blade), performing a one-time visual inspection of each blade's
pitch horn (pitch horn) for a crack or corrosion, and replacing any
cracked blade or any blade that has exceeded its retirement life with
an

[[Page 65181]]

airworthy blade. AD 2003-08-51 also required reporting information to
the FAA within 24 hours following the one-time inspection. Since we
issued AD 2003-08-51, an accident in England prompted an investigation
that showed corrosion on the blade's pitch horn that had not been
detected under the paint. This new AD retains some of the requirements
of AD 2003-08-51 and also requires paint removal for all pitch horn
inspections, inspecting for pitting and the shot peen surface's
condition in addition to cracks and corrosion, and adds certain part-
numbered blades to the applicability. These actions are intended to
prevent a pitch horn from cracking, leading to vibration, loss of tail
rotor pitch control, and subsequent loss of tail rotor and helicopter
control.

DATES: This AD is effective December 5, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of December 5,
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, AZ 85215-9734; telephone 1-800-388-3378; fax
480-346-6813; email serviceengineering@mdhelicopters.com; Web site
https://www.mdhelicopters.com or contact Helicopter Technology Company,
12923 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90061; telephone 310-523-
2750; email gburdorf@helicoptertech.com; Web site
www.helicoptertech.com.

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: Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712;
telephone (562) 627-5232; email fred.guerin@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

On May 13, 2013, at 78 FR 27867, the Federal Register published our
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by removing AD No. 2003-08-51 (68 FR 39449, July 2, 2003;
corrected 68 FR 47447, August 11, 2003) and by adding an AD that would
apply to MDHI Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 369F
and 369FF helicopters with a tail rotor blade (blade) part number (P/N)
369D21640-501, 369D21640-503, 369D21641-501, 369D21641-503, 369D21642-
501, 369D21642-503, 369D21643-501, or 369D21643-503 installed, or with
an HTC blade P/N 500P3100-101, 500P3100-301, 500P3300-501, or 500P3500-
701 installed. AD No. 2003-08-51 required reducing the retirement life
of the blade, performing a one-time visual inspection of each pitch
horn for a crack or corrosion, and replacing any cracked blade or any
blade that has exceeded its retirement life. AD No. 2003-08-51 was
prompted by two reports of cracked pitch horns that failed during
flight. The cracks developed before the blades reached their retirement
lives.

Actions Since AD 2003-08-51 Was Issued

Since we published AD No. 2003-08-51, investigation of an accident
in England found corrosion on the pitch horn that was not detected
under the paint. The corrosion compromised the shot peen surface, which
caused premature fatigue failure.
As a result, the NPRM (78 FR 27867, May 13, 2013) proposed to
require establishing a retirement life for new applicable blades of 400
hours time-in-service (TIS), replacing within 10 hours TIS any
installed blades with 390 to 700 hours TIS, and replacing before
further flight any blades with more than 700 hours TIS. Within 60 days
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed one year, the NPRM proposed
to inspect all other blades with a 10X or higher power magnifying glass
for a crack, pitting, corrosion, and the condition of the dimpled shot
peen surface. If there is a crack, pitting, corrosion, or a
nonconforming shot peen surface, the NPRM proposed to require
replacement of the blade with an airworthy blade. The proposed
requirements were intended to prevent a pitch horn from cracking and
separating from the blade, leading to an unbalanced condition,
vibration, loss of tail rotor pitch control, and loss of directional
control of the helicopter.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (78 FR 27867,
May 13, 2013).

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 reviewed MDHI Service Bulletins SB369D-210, SB369E-105, SB369F-
091, and SB369H-252, all dated November 21, 2011, and HTC Mandatory
Service Bulletin No. 3100-5, dated August 25, 2011 (service bulletins).
The service bulletins specify removing the paint from the pitch horn,
performing an inspection of the blade using a 10x magnifying glass and
a bright light, repainting the pitch horn area, and repeating the
inspection annually. The service bulletins state that no corrosion,
pitting, or cracking is acceptable. The MDHI service bulletins adds
that a lack, removal, or blending of the shot peen surface is
unacceptable.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD will affect 827 helicopters of U.S.
Registry and that labor costs will average $85 a work-hour. Based on
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
The inspection will require 4.5 work hours, and parts will
cost $20 for a total cost of about $403 per helicopter and $333,281 for
the U.S. fleet.
Replacing a tail rotor blade, if needed, would require 1
work hour. Parts would cost $15,951, for a total cost of $16,036 per
helicopter.
The cost is negligible to revise the Airworthiness
Limitations section of the maintenance manual to reflect a blade's new
retirement life.

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

[[Page 65182]]

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2003-08-51, Amendment 39-13215 (68 FR 39449, August 11, 2003;
correction 68 FR 47447, August 11, 2003), and adding the following new
(AD):

2013-19-24 MD Helicopters, Inc.: Amendment 39-17606; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0401; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-047-AD.

(a) Applicability

This AD applies to MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), Model 369A,
369D, 369E, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 369F and 369FF helicopters
with a tail rotor blade (blade) part number (P/N) 369D21640-501,
369D21640-503, 369D21641-501, 369D21641-503, 369D21642-501,
369D21642-503, 369D21643-501, or 369D21643-503 installed, or with a
Helicopter Technology Company blade P/N 500P3100-101, 500P3100-301,
500P3300-501, or 500P3500-701 installed, certificated in any
category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

This AD defines the unsafe condition as the tail rotor blade
pitch horn (pitch horn) separating from the tail rotor blade,
leading to an unbalanced condition, vibration, loss of tail rotor
pitch control and loss of directional control of the helicopter.

This AD supersedes AD No. 2003-08-51, Amendment 39-13215 (68 FR
39449, July 2, 2003; correction 68 FR 47447, August 11, 2003).

(d) Effective Date

This AD becomes effective December 5, 2013.

(e) 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.

(f) Required Actions

(1) Before further flight, for each applicable blade, revise the
Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual to
reflect that the blade has a retirement life of 400 hours time-in-
service (TIS).
(2) For helicopters with an applicable blade installed that has
390 through 700 hours TIS, within 10 hours TIS, replace the blade
with an airworthy blade.
(3) For all other applicable helicopters, within 60 days, and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed one year, remove the paint
from the blade pitch control arm in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, Section 2.A.(1) through 2.A.(3), of
MDHI Service Bulletins SB369D-210, SB369E-105, SB369F-091, and
SB369H-252, all dated November 21, 2011, as applicable to your model
helicopter.
(i) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspect all
four sides and the pocket of the blade pitch control arm for a
crack, pitting, or corrosion and for the condition of the dimpled
shot peen surface by referring to Figure 1 of MDHI Service Bulletins
SB369D-210, SB369E-105, SB369F-091, and SB369H-252, as applicable to
your model helicopter, and by reviewing the rotorcraft maintenance
records to determine whether rework was done in this area.
(ii) If there is pitting, corrosion, a crack, blending or
removal of any of the dimpled shot peen surface, or any indication
that the shot peen has not been done, replace the blade with an
airworthy blade.
(iii) If there is no pitting, corrosion, cracks, or blending or
removal of any of the dimpled shot peen surface, refinish the
stripped pitch control arm in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, Section 2.A.(6) through 2.A.(7), of MDHI Service
Bulletins SB369D-210, SB369E-105, SB369F-091, and SB369H-252, as
applicable to your model helicopter.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Fred Guerin,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood,
California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5232; email
fred.guerin@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.
(3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD No. 2003-08-
51 (68 FR 39449, July 2, 2003; correction 68 FR 47447, August 11,
2003) are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding requirements in
this AD.

(h) Additional Information

MD Helicopters, Inc., maintenance manuals CSP-HMI2, TR12-001,
CHP-H-4, and TR12-001, which are not incorporated by reference,
contain additional information about 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, AZ 85215-9734; telephone 1-800-388-3378; fax 480-
346-6813; email serviceengineering@mdhelicopters.com; Web site
https://www.mdhelicopters.com or contact Helicopter Technology
Company, 12923 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90061; telephone
310-523-2750; email gburdorf@helicoptertech.com; Web site
www.helicoptertech.com. You may review a copy of this information at
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

(i) Subject

Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor
Blades.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369D-210, dated November
21, 2011.
(ii) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369E-105, dated November
21, 2011.
(iii) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369F-091, dated November
21, 2011.

[[Page 65183]]

(iv) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin SB369H-252, dated November
21, 2011.
Note 1 to paragraph (j)(2): MD Helicopters Service Bulletins
SB369D-210, SB369E-105, SB369F-091, and SB369H-252, all dated
November 21, 2011, are co-published as one document.
(3) For MD Helicopters service information identified in this
AD, contact 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; email
serviceengineering@mdhelicopters.com; Web site https://www.mdhelicopters.com.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may also view this service information that is
incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 18, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-24039 Filed 10-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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